We returned to Worth Matravars for our Celtic New Year and had an excellent time with friends new and old.

The weather was kind to us and after a good walk, we all enjoyed nachos before going outside for our ceremony, fireworks and hot cider.

Then it was back indoors for Debbie’s Chilli con Carne!

This camp was a direct fruit of the previous year, and as clear a demonstration as any, of the magical transformative power of Oak Dragon camps at their best.

The intent of the camp was to create a safe environment in which everyone could express what needed to emerge, in order to allow individual gifts to flourish in the world.

The process involved a first day of “circles we belong to” – settling into an awareness of ‘something bigger than ourselves’ – (universe, earth, nature, community), followed by a day each focussing on “Body”, “Voice”, “Who I Am” ; then “Completion” culminating in ”Celebration”!

The spirit of this camp is best epitomised by the substantial involvement and enthusiasm of the teenagers and young adults: Not only did they spontaneously choose to attend Pow-wow sessions – because they enjoyed them and wanted to learn from them – but also in their enthusiasm and delight at the whole process.

Their involvement in games, rituals and workshops, together with their genuine and infectious joy at simply being ‘in community’, was inspiring.

A few choice moments:

• The construction of two giant ‘water balloon catapults’ by the youngsters – along with a team of adults. Then their ‘live’ use, in trying to extinguish the other team’s small fire. It was a joy both to observe and – especially – to be part of.
• Everyone being allocated an animal card and then adopting and representing that creature in a celebratory pageant, with everyone dressed accordingly. Empowering, entertaining, instructive – and great fun!
• The construction of a huge ‘Oak Dragon’ from wood and brush, then its ritual celebration and dramatic burning as a culmination of our experience together. I doubt that any of us will forget entering the large loop of the dragon’s burning tail and feeling a sense of all consuming awe and magic. It summed up the ‘all inclusive and authentic’, essence of camp. A privilege and a delight.