Friday Sept. 27 – Wednesday Oct. 2, 2024

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 Sept. 27. Note that the first meal served will be Friday dinner.

I only have time to come to part of camp. Is that OK?

In order to create the safety necessary for deep emotional work and transformation, we hold camp as a “closed container.”  We ask all campers to be on-site and present in time for the orientation and culture-creating workshops that begin on Friday at 7:30pm; drop-ins and latecomers are not allowed.  If you only have time to stay for part of camp, that is fine, as long as you start camp with the whole group and are present for the opening sessions.

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 Tuesday evening, Sept. 24, so that we are all ready to work first thing on Wednesday. Volunteers for take-down will stay Wednesday night, Oct. 2, and we’ll be ready to work first thing on Thursday, Oct. 3. Volunteers can contribute $20 for either session toward meals.

PLEASE DON’T ARRIVE BEFORE NOON ON FRIDAY, SEPT. 27, 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 mid to high 60’s, and an average nightly low in the mid to low 40’s. In this region, on average it rains about every third or fourth day.

Where do we sleep?

Our indoor accommodations consist of private rooms and cabins ($395-$850) and dorm-style spaces ($95-$195).  These include a lodge house and 11 rustic cabins, heated and 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.  Tenting is also available and free of charge.  There are 35 flat, shaded, forest floor campsites on the land, some right next to the stream.

We also own a motel that is 3 miles west of the Camp site, less than a 5 minute drive. All motel rooms have air conditioning/heating, WiFi Internet, refrigerator, microwave, satellite TV, phone, and private bath; most rooms have two queen beds.  See the motel website for pricing.

What precautions are we taking against COVID-19?

Please click here for detailed information about our overall health protocol, including COVID-19 precautions.

Our protocol includes a combination of reducing exposure before the event, testing for COVID-19 before and at the event, and procedures to contain illnesses at the event.

How many people will be at camp?

We expect 30-40 attendees. Enrollment will be capped at 45 people if necessary.

Will it be a diverse group of people? What sort of age ranges, backgrounds, etc.?

New Culture participants tend to come from a wide variety of backgrounds, generally intelligent, thoughtful truth-seekers interested in finding and creating better ways of living and relating that work for all beings. We are actively doing the work to welcome people of color and folx who are trans/gender diverse, queer, neurodivergent, non-monogamous, disabled, or otherwise systemically oppressed.

AGE: We range in age from 5 to 85, with most people in their 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, and 60s.

RACE: The majority of campers are white, with a growing contingent of people of the global majority (people of color) as well. In 2022, about 20% of New Culture attendees were POC. We are actively working to dismantle white supremacy and be more welcoming of all people. In our 2023 events, we have had multiple workshops centered around racial justice, asking the important questions that will help us unwind any ingrained oppressive mindsets or patterns that we still hold around race—individually and collectively.  

GENDER: Most campers are cisgender, but a growing number are trans/gender diverse. In 2019, about a quarter of attendees were trans or gender diverse. We strive to use gender-neutral, queer-normative, and poly-normative language. We don’t have gendered bathrooms, activities, or rules. We invite everyone to share their preferred pronouns. We encourage people to get consent before asking about someone’s identities. You don’t ever have to identify with a gender to be welcome here. 

RELATIONSHIP STYLES: Many campers are polyamorous or practicing ethical non-monogamy; all consensual relationship choices are honored. We span the spectrum of relationship styles and sexual orientations. 

What kind of bathrooms and showers will be available?

We use port-a-potties for toilets, and you’re welcome to pee outside. There is an all-gender shower house with sinks and shower stalls, and private outdoor showers available as well. There is limited access to indoor bathrooms, mostly reserved for people with disabilities and other special needs. 

What should I make sure to bring?

For tent campers: tent, warm sleeping bag or *two* lighter weight sleeping bags (one inside the other), and pad/air mattress. Sheets inside a sleeping bag add to the warmth as well. If you are using an air mattress, an extra layer of insulation between you and the mattress is highly recommended– a comforter or foam pad will help a lot.

For campers staying in cabins: sheets, blankets or a sleeping bag, pillows, pillowcases, towels.

For lodge and motel residents: we provide sheets, blankets, pillows, and towels.

For everyone:

Flashlights, extra blankets, towels, yoga mat if desired, easy-to-carry water bottle, toiletries, biodegradable soap, shampoo, and conditioner, safe sex supplies if desired, rain gear, a watch or other timepiece, earplugs.

Warm clothes for cool weather, boots or hiking shoes for walking through possible mud.

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 soaps, shampoos, or conditioners, pets of any size. Weapons of any kind are not allowed. Some campers are highly 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?

Not for this event.  If you are interested in bringing your kids to future events, please let us know!

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 and essential oils, 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. Most cell phones do not work at our site, though some will work about a mile up the road. We have landlines available onsite, with free US long distance. WiFi Internet will be available in and near the lodge.

We will have an indoor hospitality area at the Mountaineer Motel (3 miles west of the event 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. Please let us know if you have a food allergy or special diet; 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.

Will I need to do community service at camp?

We ask all campers to help co-create the experience with about 1 hour for each night you are at camp – 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.

Do people play music and sing at camp?

All music-making is greatly appreciated. Bring your instruments and talents. You can share your music during the free time.

What should I do with my car during camp?

There is ample parking close to or in the campground, and most campsites have parking spaces. 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.

Can I bring an RV to camp?

Our site can accommodate only a very few small RVs and campers, and we do not have hookups for RVs. 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), and Reagan National (DCA). Without traffic delays, camp is about 2:15 hours from Dulles, 2:45 hours from Reagan National, and a little less than three hours drive from BWI, so you can either rent a car or we can help arrange a carpool or group ride from there to camp. The Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) is also a possibility. It is about 2:45 hours away, but there is hardly ever any traffic to cope with, so that time is very consistently real. 

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 email list where you can network with other campers and arrange carpools. We can offer one pickup on Friday evening from the Amtrak station in Cumberland, MD; this must be arranged in advance. The organizers will help out with carpools as much as possible.

I see that there is a sliding scale for camp. What should I pay?

We encourage you to pay as much for camp as you feel comfortable paying. Even the high end of the sliding scale is an excellent price for 5 days of meals and high-quality workshops. All of the organizers donate their services. Every bit of the money received goes toward making camp and other New Culture events happen, including providing scholarships for campers with financial need. Bottom line, we want you to feel good about the amount you contribute. We do have worksheets available to help think about this issue, if you would like!

I would like to contribute additional money to camp. Is it tax-deductible?

Yes. Camp is run by the Center for a New Culture, a non-profit corporation with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. If you would like to contribute to CFNC, please get in touch with us. You can also contribute items to our fundraiser auction, held at Summer Camp every year.

I can’t afford the full amount of camp fees. Is there work exchange or scholarship available?

Click here to submit a request for Scholarship or Work Trade
Don’t forget to register too!

Please submit your financial aid application by Sept. 13 at 11pm Eastern time.

Who is CFNC? Is it a business or what?

The Center for a New Culture(CFNC), a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation with tax-exempt status, is the fiscal sponsor for this event. It is a partnership of professional organizers who have been involved with social change and personal growth work for many decades.  Find more info here and here.

Can I help organize camp?

Yes! We have opportunities for volunteers. Please get in touch at info@cfnc.us if there is some aspect of camp that you would like to help out with.

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 at info@cfnc.us to see if your needs can be accommodated.

Can I smoke, light fires, or use candles at camp?

Candles and any other open flames may not be used anywhere except in the fire rings provided at each tent site or cabin; they must never be used inside a tent or cabin. You may build campfires in the fire pits; please pay the site $5 per 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, nor in any of the indoor accommodations.

I would like to donate items to camp. What do you need?

If you would like to donate any of these items, please contact us at info@cfnc.us or 703-755-0607. We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and donations are tax-deductible.

• Restaurant equipment, cookware, and serving utensils
• Corelle dinnerware: plates, bowls
• Wall hangings and artwork for the common areas
• Back jacks or other low chairs
• Sleeping bags and pads, pillows, blankets
• Large pillows
• Lingerie and dress-up clothes, especially large sizes for men
• Computer projector
• Sound equipment

Frequently Asked Questions – Tantra

 What is traditional or classical Tantra?  Is it all about sex?

Frequently Asked Questions – Cultural Details

What are the core values of New Culture?

New Culture seeks to build a sustainable, violence-free culture through exploring intimacy, personal growth, transparency, radical honesty, equality, compassion, sexual freedom, and the power of community.

See this link for more information.

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. Being at choice is about personal autonomy and consent, in every moment. 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.

Please explain transparency and radical honesty. Do we have to tell everyone everything?

Transparency and radically honest communication means being open to verbalize anything that is in your heart, including the parts that you are most reluctant to verbalize. Of course, you are always at choice as to whether you want to be a little honest, radically honest, or not honest at all; at the same time, we suggest you be aware that radical honesty is one of our core values.

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 the volunteers on Empathy Team. 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 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. For medicinal substances, see the next question.

What about medicinal substances?

We want you to stay healthy while you’re at camp. Please continue taking any medications that you take regularly and that are medically necessary for you to function at your best. However, please do so discreetly and in a way that doesn’t impact other campers. We have campers in recovery from substance abuse and others who don’t feel comfortable around visible substance use. Smoking or vaping of any substance is only permitted in designated areas. Consider using a smokeless alternative. If your use of medications might impair your ability to think clearly, act responsibly, or feel your emotions, and it’s possible for you to reduce or eliminate your use while you’re at camp without a negative impact on your physical and mental health, please consider doing so.

Do I have to hug or touch people at camp?

Absolutely not. While hugging and touch are very much a part of most attendees’ lives, 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.

Do I have to take my clothes off at camp?

No. Most areas are clothing-optional, but you are always at choice about what you wear or don’t wear. You may see naked people at camp. Typically, depending on the weather, some people will be fully clothed; others will be shirtless or semi-clothed; and a few will be wearing nothing at all. We do ask that people put a sarong or towel between their bare bottoms and the chairs or cushions. Skinny dipping in the creek is always welcome!

Is there support available for campers who are having emotional issues?

Yes. There are camper volunteers who support campers with empathy and peer counseling, first aid, and mediation and conflict resolution – some of these people are highly trained. You will have an opportunity to volunteer at camp if you have the appropriate skills, experience, and/or credentials, and wish to share them.

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. To get the most out of the camp experience, it is important to participate in the workshops and assorted group processes which are designed and intended to build intimacy and connection. Because of this, we request that you keep any trips away from camp to a minimum. If you plan to leave camp and return, please let the organizers know so that we can work out a suitable COVID protocol for you. 

In order to support deep connection among campers, our policy is not to allow visitors as they tend to pull attendees away from the energy of the camp.

Does everyone at camp engage in polyamory and open relationships?

No. There will be a mix of relationship patterns at camp.  This event 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.

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.

Sexual activity is limited to private spaces and the Sensual Temple, so that those who don’t wish to observe can also remain “at choice”.

What is the ‘Sensual Temple’?

The Sensual Temple is a warm and inviting space to explore the themes of the day by engaging all of the senses. This Temple is a meditative community space where solo and partner practices involving sensual and sexual pleasure are welcome. It is fine to simply observe, with respect. You must have attended the basic consent workshop and the Sensual Temple orientation before entering. Once the Sensual Temple is officially opened, campers are free to use the space at any time until the end of camp. There will be sensual workshops offered in the Sensual Temple from time to time as well, including evening programs to guide people in meditative sensuality and set the tone for further exploration.

Do I have to have sex, or watch people have sex?

Absolutely not. The Sensual Temple is a small and entirely optional 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 integral to the overall program. 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. We want you to say no to things that don’t feel right for you—and we’ll celebrate when you do! 

What attitudes toward sexual activity are recommended at this event?

If you choose to engage in sexual activity at this event, either partnered or solo, we strongly suggest the following attitudes: 

First, make sure that you have ongoing, enthusiastic consent for any partnered activity.

Second, have a clear intention to treat the sexual engagement as a meditative practice.

Third, engage in ways that increase rather than deplete your energy – we recommend against quick “peak and drop” experiences.

Fourth, stay fully grounded in reality and connection with self and partner(s) – we recommend against fantasizing.

Maybe, if you and anyone else involved want to. We teach consent and build a culture of sex normativity—that is, we aim to treat sex like a normal part of life, something to be shared and talked about, rather than something to keep secret or be ashamed of. Some people come to camp looking for sexual encounters or new romantic connections, and some people find them. Others aren’t interested in that kind of connection at all. Enthusiastic consent is paramount. We promote an “ask” culture—where it’s usually okay to ask for what you want, and it’s always okay to say no. 

What about kink? 

At most New Culture events, we welcome consensual kink or BDSM activities in our open sensuality spaces.  For this event, we are holding the Sensual Temple as a space for slow, meditative, self-connected exploration of sensation.  Kink or BDSM activities are welcome if they are done with this intention, and if they do not create loud impact or pain sounds that might interfere with other people’s explorations.

For the safety of everyone, a few activities are not allowed at all during any of our events: play that involves blood, excrement, fire, and/or breath restriction.

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, 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.

Why is everyone expected to do community service work?

Working together builds community. Doing something together that has a tangible benefit, 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 disability or illness that might impact the sort of service work you can do, please get in touch at info@cfnc.us so that we can identify together tasks that are accessible.