Frequently Asked Questions - Endless Poly Summer:

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When is camp?
Friday, August 19- Wednesday, August 24, 2016
Where is camp?
Our site is in the mountains of West Virginia, about 2.5 hours west of the DC area, 2.5 hours southeast of Pittsburgh, and about 70 miles west of Winchester, Virginia.
When can I arrive at camp?

You can arrive any time after noon on Friday August 19.  Note that the first meal served will be Friday dinner. By pre-arrangement, some people are welcome to come early to help set up camp; these people can arrive as early as Wednesday, August 17.

I only have time to come to part of camp. Is that OK?
It is OK to come to part of camp; you are free to come and go as you wish. However, you will get the best experience if you stay at camp as much of the time as possible.  On the first day that a camper arrives, they are required to attend the half-hour orientation and culture-creating workshop that begins each evening at 7:30.  This helps create the "safe container" that allows us to get to know people at a much deeper level.
Can I come earlier or stay later?

Yes! We have space for a limited number of people to help with camp set-up and/or take-down and with creating the camp "energy". Volunteers for set-up arrive as early as Wednesday, August 17. Volunteers for take-down will stay Wednesday night, August 24. Take-down volunteers may also stay Thursday night, when we will have connecting activities; then leaving no later than noon on Friday, August 26. Volunteers contribute $20 for either session toward meals.

Work & play with fellow polyfolk!  Please contact us at info@cfnc.us  or 703-755-0607 if you are interested.

PLEASE DON’T ARRIVE BEFORE NOON ON FRIDAY, August 19, UNLESS YOU HAVE MADE ARRANGEMENTS TO HELP OUT WITH SET-UP!

What will the weather be like?
The site is in an area that has an average daytime high temperature of 80 degrees and an average nightly low of 55 degrees; lows in the 40's are not unheard of.  The record high ever was 92, so we don't expect long stretches of uncomfortably warm weather.  In this region, on average it rains about every third or fourth day.
Where do we sleep?

Many people camp in their own tents; a tent site is included in the price.  There are 35 flat, shaded, forest floor campsites on the land, some right next to the stream.  We also have indoor private rooms ($300-$400/2 people) and dorm-style spaces ($60-$100) available for an extra charge. These include a lodge house, 2-br cottage, and several rustic cabins, furnished with twin-size upper and lower bunk beds, full-size futon beds, and queen-sized beds.  The cabins also have small lofts that each contain two mattresses side-by-side.

We also own a motel that is 3 miles west of the event site, less than a 5 minute drive.  All motel rooms have air conditioning, WiFi Internet, refrigerator, microwave, sattelite TV, phone, and private bath; most rooms have two queen beds.  Rates for 5 nights (Friday through Tuesday), up to 2 people, range from $270 to $320; extra persons staying in the same room are $50 each.

How many people will be at camp?

Since this event is still growing, we cannot say for sure. Enrollment is likely to be between 60 and 100 people.

Will it be a diverse group of people?  What sort of age ranges, backgrounds, etc.?
We expect that participants will be generally intelligent, open-hearted, thoughtful explorers of the expansive lovestyle that is polyamory.  We welcome people of all ages, genders, sexualities, race and ethnicities, and lifestyle choices.  
Will camp be "gender balanced"?
Many groups "gender balance" their events by requiring an equal number of men and women to participate.  One reason for this practice is to make sure that women do not feel overwhelmed by aggressive male energy; another reason is to have roughly equal numbers of potential partners for "both" genders.  We deliberately choose NOT to gender balance.  For one thing, many of our participants are not heterosexual, or do not identify with conventional gender labels-- with a mix of people who identify as straight, gay/lesbian, bi, gender queer and/or dozens of other possibilities, the calculus of who might be open to relationships with whom becomes too complex to control.  More crucially, though many people do find romantic connections at camp, that is not our main purpose. Our goal is to increase emotional intimacy and deep heart connection among people in all sorts of relationsihps: live-in lovers, married couples, triads, sexual partners, emotional relationships, romantic connections, open relationships and more.  We give extensive training in boundaries and respect; at other camps where men were in the majority, women reported not even noticing that they were "outnumbered".  Every mix of campers provides its own set of opportunities and challenges; we choose to work with the people who choose to show up.
What kind of bathrooms and showers are available?
We will be using port-a-potties for toilets.  There is a shower house with sinks and shower stalls for general use.  There is limited access to indoor bathrooms at the event site, which will be reserved for people with disabilities and other special needs.
What should I make sure to bring?

For tent campers: tent, sleeping bag, and pad/air mattress

For campers staying in rustic cabins w/electric: blankets, sheets, pillows, pillowcases, towels.

For campers staying in non-electric rustic cabins: lanterns, blankets, sheets, pillows, pillowcases, towels.

For lodge and cottage residents: linens are provided.

For everyone:

Flashlights, extra blankets for cool nights, towels, easy-to-carry water bottle, toiletries, biodegradable soap, shampoo, and conditioner, safe sex supplies, poison ivy remedy, biodegradable insect repellent, rain gear, unscented sunscreen, sunglasses, hat for sun protection, water shoes for stream walking, a watch or other timepiece, earplugs

Summer clothes or sarongs for hot days, warm clothes for possible cool weather

Personal backjack or chair.

Personal snacks or food items to prepare for yourself in the Personal Foods Kitchen if you have special food needs.

Your sense of humor and willingness to co-create an incredible experience.

What else might I want to bring?
Acoustic musical instruments, face paints, your favorite dance music, fun and outrageous clothing or costumes for festive dance parties, a personal journal and pens/pencils, books to share in our lending library, flyers about related events.
What should I leave at home?
Alcohol or recreational drugs, valuables of any sort, non-biodegradable soap, shampoo, or conditioner, scented products or perfumes, pets of any size. Some campers are allergic to scents so please do not wear any scented products at camp, including essential oils or other "natural" scented products.
Is there a program for children and/or teenagers?

Yes!  This event is open to young people.  If there is enough demand, we will organize a cooperative children’s program with assistance from the parents and other campers.  The program is designed around the needs of the particular children at each camp, so please get in touch and get involved ASAP if you are interested!  Contact us at info@cfnc.us

Are service animals allowed at camp?
Certified service animals are allowed at camp.  Please get in touch with us if you would like to bring a service animal to camp.  No pets, please.
Are chemical, natural, and aromatic enhancement allowed?
Coffee and tea, both caffeinated and decaf, are available.  Please leave alcohol and recreational drugs at home. (Learning to relate well to people requires all the unaffected faculties we can muster!)  There is a designated smoking area.  Please leave perfumes and other scents, including "natural" scents, at home to accommodate for allergies.
Is there phone and internet service at camp?

Yes, though we suggest that you spend as little time as possible on the phone or internet, in order to be present with the community-building, learning opportunities, and personal connections at camp. Verizon, AT&T, Sprint (roaming), and US Cellular phones have spotty reception at and near Abrams Creek; text messages will usually get through eventually, and voice calls are possible in certain spots. T-mobile and most smaller cell company phones will not have service at all. We will have some landline availability onsite, with free US long distance. WiFi Internet will be available in the environs of the lodge.

We will have an indoor hospitality area at the Mountaineer Motel (3 miles west of the Summer Camp site; 5 minute drive) that will have phone lines that can be used for longer calls, with free long distance in the US.  There is also WiFi Internet.  Cell reception is also better there; US Cellular is the main carrier, but Sprint and Verizon roam onto US Cellular.  Some other services may also be able to roam onto US Cellular.

What kind of food will there be?
All of the meals are vegetarian and vegan compatible, with a lot of variety.  We also offer a meat or fish dish at each dinner. Please let us know if you have a food allergy; we will do our best to accommodate you.  Snacks, leftovers, fruit, coffee and tea are available at all times.  We also have a Personal Foods Kitchen for those with special food needs to store and prepare their own foods.  Note that we take special pride in the quality of the foods that we prepare; most campers, even those who regularly eat meat, find that they need little or nothing to supplement the vegetarian camp fare.  Dishes, cups, and silverware will be provided; you are welcome to bring your own if you prefer.  The first meal served will be Friday dinner at 7 PM.
Will I need to do community service at camp?
We ask all campers to help co-create the experience with about 1 hour of community service per day during their stay - kitchen duty, clean-up after meals, keeping our meeting spaces orderly, etc.  All service contributions at camp will take into account any physical or other limitations you may have.
Why is everyone expected to do community service work?
Most importantly, working together builds community.  Doing something real together such as helping prepare a meal allows us to experience people in a different kind of setting, and to practice the relationship skills that we will be learning.  If you have a handicap or illness that would make it difficult for you to contribute, please check in with us before camp.
Do people play music and sing at camp?
All music-making is greatly appreciated. Bring your instruments and talents. Be part of the live music celebration and share your music during the afternoons or during the Open Sessions, usually held on the last afternoon of the event..
What should I do with my car during camp?
There is ample parking close to or in the campground. If you have a special need that requires your car to be near you, let us know. Please plan to use your car as little as possible during camp, to reduce fumes and preserve our connections to each other and nature. Please do not park on the grass or in the parking area next to the Lodge House unless specifically directed to do so by the staff.
Can I bring an RV to camp?
Our site can accommodate only a very few small RVs and campers, 22' maximum.  Please get permission in advance if you plan to bring an RV.
What airport should I use if I am flying to camp?
The closest airports are Dulles International Airport (IAD), Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI), Reagan National (DCA), and Pittsburgh (PIT). Camp is about two and a half hours from Dulles, and a little less than three hours drive from the last three airports, so plan either to rent a car or we can help arrange a carpool or group ride from there to camp. We have an e-list to assist in helping campers find rides with each other. There is also an Amtrak station in Cumberland, MD; we can arrange to pick you up from there.
I don’t want to drive to camp. Can I get there on public transportation?
We encourage as many people as possible to carpool to camp. Once you have registered, we will add you to an online group where you can network with other campers and arrange carpools. We do offer one pickup each evening from the Amtrak station in Cumberland, MD. The organizers will help out with carpools as much as possible.
I can’t afford the full amount of camp fees.  Is there scholarship or work exchange available?

Yes. We have a limited scholarship and work-trade available; we are also willing to consider barter arrangements. If you want to be there, we want you to be there! 

Click here to submit a work-trade/scholarship request.

Who is Allegheny Crest Tribe?  Is it a business or what?
Allegheny Crest Tribe (A.C.T.) is a group of long-term social change and personal growth activists who have formed a partnership to organize events that serve these goals. We have worked both in non-profit and for-profit organizations; we are organized as a social enterprise.
Can I help organize camp?
Yes!  We have opportunities for volunteers.  Please get in touch if there is some aspect of camp that you would like to help out with.
Can I smoke, light fires, or use candles at camp?
We ask you not to use candles and any other open flames in your tent or cabin.  You may build campfires in the fire pits; please pay the site $5 per 2 buckets of load of firewood, and be sure that any fire is extinguished before you leave it or go to sleep.  There are dedicated smoking areas at camp; please do not smoke in or near any of the other public spaces at camp.
I have a disability. Will camp be accessible for me?
The site will be accessible for most people with some types of disabilities, but may be challenging for others.  If you have questions about disability access, or have any special food, medical, or other needs, please get in touch with us to see if your needs can be accommodated.
I keep hearing this phrase, "at choice". What does it mean?
It means that you get to choose, minute by minute, what you will do or not do.  There are only a few rules at camp, and these help make a safe container for us (e.g., no drugs or alcohol, no violence); beyond those rules, everyone is empowered to choose their own course.  We encourage people to check in with themselves and how they are feeling at the present moment.  Sometimes people make plans or try activities that don’t turn out as they expected. Follow your joy and excitement, rather than a sense of obligation.
I’m feeling left out; a lot of people here seem to know each other.  What should I do?
Since so many of us have experienced rejection and carry wounds from those experiences, you are unlikely to be the only one with these feelings.  Luckily, you have many options.  You can sit with your feeling and see what you might learn from it.  You can ask for support from fellow campers or from our trained staff.  You can offer to help with the work of camp; the cooks and the organizers are always happy for more help, and it’s a great way to meet people. You can decide that you are welcome and include yourself in conversations or ask for hugs.  You can be transparent and tell people you are feeling left out and want to connect.
Why aren’t alcohol and recreational drugs allowed at camp?
We will be learning about and practicing deep connections with others during the five days at camp.  In order to ensure that people are able to be truly present and available for themselves and each other, we ask everyone to maintain clear minds and bodies by abstaining from drinking alcohol and taking recreational drugs during camp.  Also, the site has strict rules against recreational drugs that we wish to respect.
Do I have to hug or touch people at camp?
Absolutely not.  While hugging and touch are very much a part of most polyfolk, everyone is always completely “at choice” about whether to participate.  We encourage you to take responsibility for your experience by clearly communicating your preferences about touch to the people around you.
Do I have to ask permission every time I want to hug or touch someone?
Yes, unless you have a prior agreement with this person that touch is always welcome; and even then, it can be a good idea to check in frequently.  After all, the most enjoyable kind of touch is that which is welcomed by all participants.
Is there support available for campers who are having emotional issues or physical problems?
Yes.  There are camper volunteers and trained staff who support campers with empathy & peer counseling, first aid & emergency medical attention, and mediation & facilitation.  You will have an opportunity to volunteer at camp.
Can we make trips to visit friends or nearby attractions during camp?  Or can our friends come and visit us at camp?
Our clear intention and mission is to create a safe, heartful, intimate community together and a fertile ground for connecting with others in a loving way.  One aspect of doing this is to participate in the workshops and assorted group processes which are designed and intended to build intimacy and connection.  Because of this, we suggest that you keep any trips away from camp to an minimum.  Of course, you are always at choice, and if taking a break, or attending to important matters is what you need to do, we respect that.
I’ve heard that camp can be a real emotional roller coaster.  Why would I want to take the ride?
Besides being a wonderful escape from some of the larger society’s regimentation and numbness, Endless Poly Summer (EPS) can be an intense personal and interpersonal experience.  As such, it offers opportunities and challenges to face our own inconsistencies, insecurities and instabilities, and to encounter and respond to those of others.  Not every situation at EPS may be to your liking; please keep in mind that you are always at choice to participate or not. Having said that, one of the best parts of EPS is taking experiences that would be challenging in the larger society, and learning to turn them into gifts!
I may wish to participate in sexual encounters. Are there any rules?

We do not make rules about sexual encounters, but we highly recommend conscious, informed decision-making.  To make this possible, appropriate conversation before engaging would include sharing relevant sexual and relationship histories, any health concerns, guidelines for use of safer sex supplies, and any boundaries to be honored. Consent is sexy!

We also ask people to be mindful about where they are being sexual, so that those who don't wish to observe can also remain "at choice".

Does everyone at camp engage in polyamory and open relationships?
There will be a mix of relationship patterns at camp, possibly including monogamous partners of polyamorous people, or people who are curious but have not yet made a clear choice for themselves. EPS is a place where all relationship choices are honored and represented.  You are at choice to live and love in the way that pleases you best.
The schedule looks really packed.  Is it OK to miss events or show up late to them?
You are entirely at choice.  We hold a group intention of honoring the presenters by starting events on time.  Unless the presenter has requested that no one join after the presentation has started, however, latecomers will be welcome to step into events.  At the same time, it is respectful not to expect others to summarize for you what you have missed or to jump in on a discussion that you have heard little of.
What Exactly is the Sensual Temple anyway?
It is a small and entirely voluntary part of the overall program, and is in a separate part of the grounds, so anyone who doesn't have an interest in it won't have to deal with it in any way, and won't be missing anything important. It is a place for structured exploration of erotic, trance, and other healing and ecstatic experiences that may or may not also be explicitly sexual.
We have found that this carefully contained space can be valuable for many people, and can be especially healing for those with sexual trauma or repression. Also, it is a unique context for dropping pretense, and being honest about our needs, desires, challenges, and gifts that we have to offer--without expecting anyone else to feel obliged to meet them. Nothing is compulsory--our most important value is that each person is completely at choice about however they want to participate or not. Enthusiastic consent is essential; we sometimes say that anything that's not a "Hell, YES!" is really a "No" in disguise. Whenever the Sensual Dome is not scheduled, individuals are free to use the space however they wish; however, that is not part of the official program.