Question 1

Health & Illness Guidelines

Accepted Answer

We ask that all campers refrain from attending if you are experiencing symptoms of illness, have tested positive for a communicable disease, or have had a fever in the past 24 hours. If you are experiencing symptoms of any contagious illness, please refrain from attending camp.

Question 2

May I bring my family/kids?

Accepted Answer

Camp Spiritfire is open to all who identify as a person in A.A. recovery and are at least 18 years of age.

Question 3

Accessibility & Mobility

Accepted Answer

Although we hope that everyone who cares to is able to join us, the camp does not have accessibility for wheelchairs or similar mobility-assistance devices. By registering, you understand that there will be some walking involved throughout the weekend - such as to attend meals in the dining hall across camp and to participate in activities that may be located in different areas throughout the camp.

Question 4

Cabin Placement & Overflow

Accepted Answer

Cabins are assigned by our Camp Spiritfire registration team by gender on a first-come, first-served basis. Cabins sleep 12 campers - you may let us know during registration or by email if you have friends who are attending that you would like to room with.
 
Our registration team works really hard to ensure that all campers are placed together thoughtfully and with multiple points of possible connection. If you do come alone, you will be SURE to find fast friends - we guarantee it.

Question 5

Tent Camping

Accepted Answer

Campers who are not yet comfortable with shared cabin sleeping may register as a tent camper. Choose this option during online registration or note this along with your check/money order. Tent camping is the same cost as staying in a cabin - this is because tent camping is not a regular option from the venue and offered only to accommodate those uncomfortable sleeping in a cabin with others.

Tent camping is extremely limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. If tent camping registration fills and you're unsure of your options, please email us at campspiritfire@gmail.com.
 
Tent campers should understand the following: 
They are responsible for locating and clearing their own tent site.
Counselors will not be able to assist tent campers in clearing their site or pitching their tents; assistance will be limited to bringing the camper and their belongings to the tent area.
They will have access to showers and bathrooms in one of our meeting areas in camp.
Their registration fee will be the same as registering for a cabin.

Question 6

May I bring my pet/ESA/Service Dog?

Accepted Answer

Service dogs who have been trained to perform tasks related to a camper's ADA-qualifying disabilty are permitted at camp.
 
Unfortunately, due to liability issues, pets and emotional support animals are not permitted at camp.

Question 7

I'm leaving at 5 p.m. after work on Friday - that should be fine, right?"

Accepted Answer

Travel to Julian from Los Angeles usually takes about 2 hours without traffic. However, leaving at 5:00 pm will add 2 or even 3 hours to your travel time. We recommend leaving by 12 p.m. so you can arrive early and without stress.
Registration begins at 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. and the Welcome Festival, with food, music, fun, and fellowship takes place during that time. Arrive early - you're worth taking time off work!

Question 8

Late Arrivals

Accepted Answer

As we've said before, we strongly discourage late arrivals. The retreat center is located in the mountains and is very difficult to locate in the dark. This, and our limited ability to assist anyone with arrivals or check-in after registration ends at 6 p.m. since all counselors will be participating in the programming under way at that time is the reason we have registration scheduled from 4-6 p.m. 
 
If you absolutely must arrive after check-in, email campspiritfire@gmail.com to coordinate.

Question 9

What about Early Arrivals?

Accepted Answer

If you’d like to arrive early, no problem – just email us so we can coordinate your arrival to keep us from incurring a cost for early arrivals.

Question 10

What to Bring / Packing List

Accepted Answer

YOU WILL WANT TO BRING:
Refillable water bottle & coffee mug
Flashlight
Sheets, blankets, and/or sleeping bag
Pillow
Towel
Shower shoes
Toiletries
Sunscreen
Bug repellent
Refillable water bottle & coffee mug
Camping chair for field games and campfire meetings
Your favorite snacks
Bathing suit
Closed-toed shoes
Casual active-wear for field-games (dodgeball, relay races, etc.)
Earplugs (especially if you're a light sleeper)
Warm clothing for the evening as temperatures get cooler
Money for archery or climbing wall
Refillable water bottle & coffee mug
REFILLABLE WATER BOTTLE & COFFEE MUG!

OPTIONAL:
Team spirit in your team color (this will be emailed closer to event) - e.g. socks, hat, tutu, costume, etc.
A cotton t-shirt (or socks, bandana, boxer briefs) to tie dye
Yoga mat
A.A. books if you'd like, and journal and pen
Outfit for the dance Friday night
Costumes & props for the talent/no talent show
Musical instrument

Question 11

Weekend Activity Schedule

Accepted Answer

In development - check back soon!

Question 12

Will you have A.A. or GSR-type workshops or trainings, like on being a treasurer, intensive step studies, or sponsorship?"

Accepted Answer

No - the focus of CSF is on how each individual relates themselves to our three legacies (unity, service, and recovery) and how we can bring these into every area of our lives in a way that inspires and invigorates us.
We might look at how we deal with critics and personalities (ourselves and others : ), how we model service & recovery to those in our lives, what holds us back, how our connection to ourselves impacts our perspective on what's possible in our lives, and the impact of intentions to create change and more fully live all three legacies.

Question 13

"Color Olympics?" Isn't that competitive?

Accepted Answer

Color Olympics brings camp playfulness into lighthearted competition and team games. We value passion and cheerleading in the support of our fellows - and Color Olympics is an opportunity to learn how to not take yourself so seriously. 
 
The tournament also invites campers to dive deeper than the competition to experiment with what it means to connect with others whether they're "on your side" or not.

Question 14

Do people come alone?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! Many folks might be afraid to attend an event like this without knowing anyone, but we assure you that you will make a ton of friends while you're here. In fact, everyone will participate in get-to-know-you games and even "speed fellowship" to break the ice.

Question 15

T-Shirts

Accepted Answer

We're excited to announce that we are now using Bonfire for t-shirts and merch to offer more options and make ordering easier!

Important

Since we're now using Bonfire, we will no longer be ordering your items on your behalf and bringing them to camp. Now,

Your t-shirts and merch will be shipped directly to you. That means,
YOU MUST ORDER by August 15th if you want to have your items delivered to your residence in time to bring them to camp. (For instance, if you want to use our tie dye station! And you’ll want to order tees in white for that, by the way.)

Question 16

Refunds

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, we are unable to provide refunds, unless camp is cancelled by the retreat center or Camp Spiritfire. However, transfers are permissable.
 
If you have registered and found you are unable to attend, you may facilitate a transfer of your registration to someone else by having them pay you directly. Please notify us if you intend to do this as we will need to secure their information and send them an information packet & forms prior to camp.

If you have questions about this, please email us at campspiritfire@gmail.com and one of us will reach out to discuss more.

Question 17

Scholarships

Accepted Answer

NEED A SCHOLARSHIP? We want everyone to join us for this incredible weekend. That might not be possible, but we hope finances won't be the barrier. If you would like to attend but require financial assistance, scholarship funds may be available. Applying is easy, and takes about 3-5 minutes - go to our "Experience > Scholarships" page, or CLICK HERE to apply now.  Please note that all scholarship recipients are asked to contribute a minimum of $50 towards their camp registration.
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GIVE A SCHOLARSHIP! If you are able to contribute to the scholarship fund, you may do so either by check/money order or via online registration - any amount helps!

Question 18

Transportation & Carpooling

Accepted Answer

We encourage carpooling and ridesharing! To assist anyone wanting to carpool, campers are encouraged to connect with other campers on RickyRides after registering to coordinate shared rides with other campers.

Question 19

Terms & Conditions

Accepted Answer

1. Registration Cost & Tent Camping
Although you have the option of bringing your own tent, you understand that:
Tent camping spaces are reserved for those who are not yet comfortable with shared cabin arrangements;
As such, tent camping registration cost is the same as regular registration since these spaces are offered as an accommodation to those not yet comfortable with staying in a cabin with others;
Tent camping spots are rustic and you will be responsible for clearing your site and setting up your tent;
If you change your mind at any point after registering or upon check in on Friday, there may not be a cabin bunk available - please email us (campspiritfire@gmail.com) as soon as you know you have changed your mind so we can see if re-assignment is possible.
2. Refunds
There are no refunds. Registration transfers are permissible and you will be responsible for facilitating them if you are unable to attend for any reason.
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3. Health, Safety & Conduct
Camper & counselor health & safety are our number one priority. You understand that our protocols and guidelines related to Illness, communicable, or contagious disease may be adjusted according to CDC guidelines or best practices. We ask that all participants use good judgement and refrain from attending if they are experiencing symptoms of illness or may be contagious.
Please read our safety & conduct guidelines and other health-related guidelines.
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4. CAMP
The camp retreat center is in the mountains and has rustic areas both surrounding it and found within it. There will be bugs, weather, uneven trails, etc. While we will do our best to make it comfortable for you, please come prepared for a summer camp-style experience.
 
5. RULES
Adults only
No drugs or alcohol
No pets
Respectfulness toward others 
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6. ANONYMITY
Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our traditions. We ask that you always be considerate when taking photographs around camp or events. Take care that you do not capture images of friends and A.A. members who did not give permission and may not wish to appear in your pictures. 
Read our full Anonymity Guidelines.
 
7. CSF Policies
You will be required complete and sign a liability waiver and a medical history form. These will be emailed to you prior to camp. Although hard copies will be available onsite at check-in, we request you complete them electronically to save time and reduce handling during the check-in process. Attendees will not be allowed to participate if these documents are not completed.
Sexual Harassment: CSF events are a safe place and we have a zero-tolerance policy for sexual harassment.
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If you are ready to register, click the "REGISTER NOW" button at the top of your screen and you will be redirected to our RegFox page to complete the registration process.

FAQs