Our site is a beautiful level meadow graced by Holy Brook which flows through the middle of the meadows on its way to the river Dart, and bordered by Hembury Woods, an ancient woodland with hillfort and home to buzzards, owls, deer and badger. The river with its swimming holes is ten minutes walk through the woods.
Our firewood is sourced from sustainable local woodland projects and our food is local and organic where possible. Find out more information about food arrangements on the camp. We use compost toilets, heat water on open fires, and try to minimise our impact on the land.
There is also a sauna by the stream which anyone can use. We have carpeted yurts and domes including a “snug” with wooden floor and woodstove. There are covered areas for eating and hanging out, a bathing pool in the stream, hot water in the kitchen and very simple low tech approaches such as solar lighting or hands free taps.
Children have their own dome and a team of people providing creative activities. They are also welcome to join the adult activities. The number of child places on the camp is limited in proportion to the number of adult bookings.
Find out more information about bringing children to the camp.
The shape of the day may look something like this:
Rise Up Singing. A pre-breakfast session of movement, chanting, Indian scale improvisations and simple songs.
Breakfast
Community Choir. A session for the whole camp learning a mixture of four part harmonies from a range of traditions and often including original material.
Pow-wow. Daily gathering to share information, discuss camp issues and sing a bit more.
Lunch
Free time in the early afternoon to snooze, jump in the river or yodel from the hilltop.
Early afternoon songwriting session
Late afternoon sessions. Choose from a variety of sessions which may include vocal improvisation, blues, jazz harmony, gospel, overtone and lots of funky stuff.
Supper
Evenings of song sharing, performance and poetry in the marquee or gathering round the central fire.
Childrens activities happen alongside the main singing sessions
During the camp everyone belongs to a “small group”. With these groups you will cook two or three meals for the whole camp and help with some basic work around the site. These groups are an essential part of how the camp functions at a practical level. They are also a way in which we make connection with others and both give and receive support during the camp. Each small group is facilitated by a member of the core team who are responsible for the overall holding of the camp.
We also offer a held space during the afternoon for anyone who wants to share how things are going, a place where we can deal with difficulties or celebrate what is going well. This is held by Ruth Jenni, a trained therapist, and is a safe space to share from the heart and has been an invaluable support to many people over the years.
Mid way through the camp we have a day off which offers an opportunity to walk on to the moors into some of the most magical landscape Dartmoor has to offer. We also have a market one afternoon to which anyone can bring their wares.
Take a look at our Facebook page to get more of a flavour of the camp.
