Camp Culture

Safer Spaces Policy and Code of Conduct

CloudCatcher WitchCamp is grateful to the work of Spiralheart Reclaiming who created a Safer Space Policy in 2015.

During the first Dandelion in so-called Australia, January 2016, community members, organisers from both CloudCatcher and EarthSong WitchCamps reviewed the document and adopted it with the intention that it provide guidelines for creating Safer Spaces at all Australian Reclaiming events. Community feedback is welcomed.

At CloudCatcher please contact the organisers with any feedback.

 

As part of the Reclaiming tradition, CloudCatcher WitchCamp is a sober community, and requires that there be no drugs or alcohol at any of its events including CloudCatcher WitchCamp. Please respect this by adhering to our drug-free policy throughout camp. If you take prescription medicine, please continue to do so.

This safer spaces document is lengthy. Please take the time to read and understand it before camp, it refers to both in-person and online witchcamp events.

If you have limited time right now, begin with our Code of Conduct and Complaint Process, and return later to read the remainder.

 

Creating Safer Spaces at Camp

Our goal is to ensure everyone who attends our WitchCamps in person or online  is supported in the complex and, at times, intense work that witchcamp represents.

The Safer Space Policy also allows us to:

  • Maintain transparency around CloudCatcher processes.

  • Show participants that we take their well-being seriously.

  • Explicitly state what behaviour is, and is not, acceptable at all our events.

  • Maintain a written record of complaints.

  • Ensure decisions about people who exhibit problematic behaviour are made based on formal, documented, complaints and first-hand accounts (as opposed to gossip or rumour).

  • Establish a history of recurrent problematic behaviours and/or individuals.

 

It is called a Safer Space Policy (rather than a Safe Space Policy) because no group can promise complete safety, and because WitchCamp is supposed to be a container for taking risks more safely, not a place that's completely risk free. Our work is magical, and powerful, and we hope attendees will choose to push their growing edges, which can indeed feel risky. Our intent is to ensure that all are able to take those risks in a supportive and compassionate space; a safer space than what the outside world generally provides.

It is important to note that Australian Reclaiming has had relatively few problems occur at our events. This policy was not created in response to a particular incident, but has been created proactively, as a way to both ensure that we have provisions in place should a problematic situation arise, and to break the silence around issues such as Racism, Ableism, Sexism, Ageism, and all the other forms of oppression that can, and do, exist within the Pagan community. 

There is sometimes an assumption by Pagans that because we are much more open and accepting of difference than the patriarchal over-culture in which we live, oppression doesn't occur within our communities. This policy is Australian Reclaiming's way of acknowledging that it can and does. There is racism within the Pagan community. There is ableism within our community. We're doing good work to help overturn the legacy of fear and oppression that surrounds us in our day-to-day lives, and we're not perfect. We will not be complicit in the continuation of oppression by remaining silent.

This policy is our acknowledgment of all those who may still experience marginalisation in our very own community. This policy is our commitment to continuing the work of examining our privileges and prejudices, and creating a safer community for all of us both face to face and online.

It is powerful work. It is difficult work. It may be the work of a lifetime, or several, and Australian Reclaiming publicly commits to that work. It is our sincerest hope that, should you choose to attend one of our events in person or online, you will commit to stepping into this important work with us.

We ask everyone who attends our events to help keep our container strong by adhering to this policy. Thank you for your cooperation, and for taking the time to read this.

CloudCatcher Organisers (2020/2021)


CLOUDCATCHER WITCHCAMP 2021 SAFER SPACES POLICY

 

In this document, we will outline information and procedures relevant to maintaining your physical and emotional wellbeing, and resources for self-care, while at camp in person or online. We will also outline behaviours that are not welcome at this event, describe our complaint process, and define consequences of actions that violate our Code of Conduct.

MAINTAINING YOUR WELLBEING

CloudCatcher WitchCamp embraces the ideals of Personal Responsibility and Self-care. We also do everything we can to ensure a comfortable environment that is conducive to appropriate self-care. While at camp you are responsible for your own physical and emotional wellbeing (and for the wellbeing of any children in your care), we encourage you to do what you need to in order for each of you to stay healthy in body and mind. 

Online

We understand that long periods of time in front of the screen can be challenging, we encourage you to take necessary breaks, move your body, have access to water and snacks. To feel free to move away from your camera, or turn it off if you require, dim your screen, whatever feels right to you.

Also being online can feel isolating especially when the session ends. We encourage you to reach out to your local community if possible, contact an organiser, and participate in social online spaces as needed.

Guidelines will be available as to how to reach out for support if needed. While we understand we are our own spiritual authority we strongly encourage you to reach out within the online context. 

In-person

There is no doctor on premises at witchcamp. In the unlikely event that you suffer a serious injury or illness you will most likely need to go off site for treatment. Those instances are rare, however, and most needs can be met with on-site support.

As part of that support we appoint a First Aid Witch each year. You will meet them at the All-Camp Meeting at the start of camp. The First Aid Witch is a volunteer. Throughout Camp they keep track of our First Aid kit and make sure it's stocked; they disseminate relevant safety information, and they act as the go-to person for any minor injuries that may occur on site. They can also act as the go-to person for those who may find themselves dealing with emotional upset as a result of the Camp's work. They may lend an ear to listen, or enlist further support from the Organisers or Teaching team. The First Aid Witch is the person to see if you feel in need of physical or emotional support during Camp. Remember that seeking out the support of others can be an act of strength as well as effective self-care.

 

CARING FOR YOUR BODY

In-person

First Aid Kit

The First Aid kit is located in the cupboard in the common dining area. This kit is stocked with basic supplies for the treatment of various injuries and/or illnesses. These supplies are available to anyone who needs them. All we ask is that the kit itself remains in the First Aid box so that the whole camp has access to it: Please do not take it back to your tent or bunk or else it will be inaccessible to the next person who may need it. If you take an item from the kit, please return it once you are finished. If you notice that the kit is running low on a particular item (like Bandaids or Panadol) please let the First Aid Witch know.

The Elements

Sunburn: In the past the weather at camp has run the gamut from scorching to pouring rain. While we can't predict what each year will be like, there will probably be at least one very sunny day. We encourage you to take care of your skin by wearing clothing that covers your skin (widebrimmed hat, long sleeves) or applying sunscreen. It is also helpful to carry a sarong or parasol with you to provide shade.

Dehydration: Camp is an intense experience. Path and evening ritual can be draining, to say nothing of all the other awesome activities we get up to during Camp. Even if you don't feel thirsty, your body probably is. Especially if the weather has been hot. Carry a water bottle with you at all times to stay hydrated, and re-fill it at every meal.

Heat Stroke: Along with drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated, being sun smart and wearing sunblock, be aware of how much time you are spending in the sun. Heatstroke is a possibility. If you start to feel light-headed, dizzy, faint, or nauseous, find shade immediately and sit down. Drink water and let someone know how you feel. If you are especially overheated, a cooling (not cold) shower may help.

Inclement Weather: For those who are camping, use a ground cloth, and stake your tent down well. This will help keep you dry in a downpour, and keep high winds from taking your home on a journey downwind in a storm. If your tent is flooded or collapses in inclement weather, grab your necessities and take shelter in the ritual hall. Let the Organiser-of-the-day know about your situation.

Plant, Insect and Animal Life

When wandering around the camp, into the forest, down to the creek, or up the hills, if there is a path, keep to it.

Ticks, leeches and mosquitoes: If you head off into the forest and especially to the creek, it is good practice to check for ticks and leeches daily to avoid complications.

  • Ticks need to removed carefully. Please see the First Aid Witch if you don't know how to do this.

  • Leeches can be pulled off.

  • If Mosquitoes bother you it can be helpful to wear insect repellent. Please keep in mind that some people are sensitive to chemicals and/or smells. Be polite and apply repellent at least 3 metres from other people, and avoid aerosols if possible.

Animals: We share the land with various creatures and we want to make sure we do not adversely affect them with our presence. Snakes, spiders, wallabies, lyrebirds and so many other animals can be found at Camp. Keep in mind that most spiders are harmless, and snakes would generally rather disappear than engage with you. Let the Organiser-of-the-day know if and where you encounter a snake or spider. If you are lucky enough to encounter a wallaby, wombat or any of the amazing birdlife at Camp - enjoy.

Hygiene

Gastro and Flu: Gastro and Flu are highly contagious and can spread very easily at a large group gathering like this one. Good hygiene is the single most effective way to prevent infection. Please help us keep everyone healthy by washing your hands often - more so if you find yourself feeling unwell.

The Land

Making Offerings and Altars: The landscape is delicate. Please do not strip the plants of their flowers and seed pods. Where possible use fallen leaves, bark and flowers - parts the plants have finished with. Please limit picking flowers, seeds and leaves from living plants for your offerings.

Swimming in the pond: No provisions for your safety have been taken. When you enter the pond, you do so at your own risk and it is your responsibility to supervise children in your care who are doing so too. You may wish to wear water shoes or sandals to protect against slippery and/or sharp rocks. The water is shallow, do not dive in. Be aware that there are creatures (fish, eels, crayfish) in the pond, and that some of them might be looking to make friends with your toes and the mole on your lower back.

Falls/Uneven Terrain: Few of the pathways are paved and in many areas there aren’t paths going into the bush. Be mindful of your step when moving around camp, and be sure to wear shoes with good ankle support. If walking around presents a challenge for you, or if you have mobility issues, please speak with an Organiser. Take particular care in wet weather, where the entry to buildings can become particularly treacherous and slippery.

CARING FOR YOUR SPIRIT

Online and in-person

The camp experience is designed to push growing edges and to challenge campers to discover new strengths and new insights. CloudCatcher acknowledges that sometimes great things start out scary, and every opportunity for growth comes with the risk of emotional distress and difficulty. We encourage you to be gentle with yourself during Camp. If you find yourself experiencing any of the following indications of stress, consider seeking out a buddy or someone from your affinity group for support. The First Aid Witch is also available to help identify resources for emotional support.

Emotional Stress, including:

  • excessive fatigue, more than you would expect given the hectic and busy nature of camp.

  • increased irritability, more than usual

  • difficulty sleeping or sleeping more than usual

  • the urge to withdraw and isolate emotionally

  • difficulty concentrating or making decisions

  • forgetting more than usual

  • worsening of chronic medical conditions

  • increased frequency of minor physical symptoms, such as headaches or stomach aches (please see First Aid Witch if these persist)

Tips for dealing with emotional stress

  • Be sure to get the rest that you need (you may need to skip that juicy optional offering to take care of yourself instead).

  • Journal and explore your feelings.

  • Describe what you're feeling using images and sounds.

  • Ask yourself how your feelings now may be connected to other times in your life.

  • Congratulate yourself on how much you've grown and changed.

  • Talk with a friend.

  • Check-in with friends and family and communicate ways that you can support each other. 

  • Talk with your path teacher.

  • Eat well.

  • Go for walks outdoors.

  • Ask for help processing your thoughts and feelings.

  • Meditate.

  • Maintain your normal spiritual practice (or start a new practice!).

  • Sing.

  • Dance.

  • Make (consensual) love (by yourself or with someone else).

When attending WitchCamp online, we encourage you to let your loved ones and housemates know about your participation in the online camp, and reach out to your local community if possible. 

Many of the tips for dealing with emotional stress above are still applicable for the emotional stress that may arise from attending the online camp. We encourage you to do what you need to ensure that you get the most out of the camp experience (regardless of whether it is online or in person), while feeling safe and secure. 

We strive to make CloudCatcher WitchCamp a loving, supportive environment. If you feel that conditions are causing undue emotional stress, please talk with one of the Organisers or the First Aid Witch. Remember that we're all here to learn and grow, and to help each other through that process. Let us know how we can help, and applaud yourself for taking on this life-changing work!

PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY

We foster community spirit in many ways: through the process of setting up camp, getting to know each other, creating sacred space, and remaining in that space for the duration of Camp. Building a safe and secure magical container to hold our work is essential. And the best way to build a secure container is to use strong materials. Therefore we ask you to help fill this sacred space we create with the strongest materials we have - materials like compassion, patience, understanding, love, and truth. 

CloudCatcher attracts, embraces and celebrates diversity.  You are sure to meet people whose spiritual tradition, national origin, race, age, sexual orientation, ability, gender identity, economic situation, and lifestyle differ greatly from your own. We challenge you to think well of others and to think well of yourself.

By attending CloudCatcher WitchCamp you agree to abide by the Code of Conduct detailed in the following section of the Safer Spaces Policy. Australian Reclaiming reserves the right to eject, and/or ban from future events, any individual found to be in violation of this code.

If, at any point during Camp a group, an individual, or a situation, makes you feel uncomfortable, please speak up. Talk with an Organiser, Teacher or First Aid Witch. We cannot address an issue unless we know it exists. Please, reach out! Likewise, CloudCatcher Organisers encourage you to speak out in defence of others if you ever witness unacceptable behaviour. Let's all set healthy boundaries, think well of others, take care of ourselves, and hold each other in compassion. If you feel the need to file a formal complaint, please follow the complaint process outlined in this document.

As part of Australian Reclaiming, CloudCatcher WitchCamp is a sober community, and requires that there be no drugs or alcohol at any of its events including CloudCatcher WitchCamp. Please respect this by adhering to our drug-free policy throughout camp.  This includes attending online events. If you are found to be attending online camp while intoxicated by alcohol and/or illicit drugs, you will be removed from Camp. For the avoidance of doubt if you take prescription medicine, please continue to do so throughout Camp.

WitchCamp is intense, provocative, confrontational, life-altering... and FUN. We use art, music, mythology, trance states, meditation, and ritual to push the edges of our consensual reality. Our goals are to make room for the transformation of our personal lives and bring about effective cultural change. If you have previously experienced major challenges to your mental health that significantly disrupted your ability to perform the activities of daily life or if you currently take medications prescribed to prevent those mental health disruptions, we believe that WitchCamp may not be a stabilising environment to support your health and wellbeing. There may be risks associated with participating in WitchCamp for people in poor health or with pre-existing physical or mental health conditions. Because these risks exist, you should not participate in such activities if you are in poor health or have a pre-existing mental or physical condition that is not currently stabilised for an extended period of time. Any medication prescribed by a physician should be continued before, during, and after WitchCamp. If you choose to participate in these risks, you do so of your own free will and accord, knowingly and voluntarily, assuming all risks associated with such activities. Please consult your physician, mental health professional, or therapist to determine if WitchCamp would be an appropriate environment to support your continued health. WitchCamp is never a substitute for therapy, medication, or medical attention. We reserve the right to refuse attendance to anyone.

While online events may facilitate accessibility for some they may also exacerbate potential mental health concerns in other situations. We encourage you to consider your personal circumstances before attending WitchCamp online.

CODE OF CONDUCT

We acknowledge that we live in a culture steeped in ambient racism, sexism, trans/homophobia, ageism and myriad other forms of oppression. We acknowledge that all forms of oppression are interlinked and that we have all been deeply affected by our society's social programming. Behaviour is learned, and we recognise how difficult the work of shifting learned behaviour can be. As we take on the difficult work of shedding our prejudices and our personal privilege, there will be times when we mess up. We will relapse into old habits and familiar responses. CloudCatcher does not expect you to be perfect, only that you commit to continuing the process in all its complexity and with all its challenges. We ask that you commit to examining your responses, to having difficult conversations, and to engaging our cultural shadows with the knowledge that this work is how social justice starts.

If someone finds something you do or say offensive and communicates that to you, please consider the validity of that person's lived experience. Take the time to look within and consider whether you may be struggling to recognise or overcome a learned behaviour or social programming.

If someone says or does something that you find triggering or offensive, or is related to this culture's legacy of fear and oppression, we encourage you to speak up. 

Our intent is that we are empowered to take whatever action is appropriate for us on this, our collective journey toward personal accountability and social revolution; and that we do so in a way that allows for the complex journeys of those who travel alongside us.

In engaging with this Code of Conduct we work to create the kind of community we'd all love to be a part of. Thank you.

Note: This safer spaces policy including its complaint process is intended to support our Camp as a safe environment and addresses unwelcome behaviour that falls outside of regular Camp activities. Under no circumstances will unwelcome behaviour be tolerated at Camp. Anyone found to be engaging in unwelcome behaviour during Camp will be removed from Camp. Illegal behaviour such as assault (including intimidating or threatening with violence or causing physical harm), harassment and stalking, rape and sexual assault will be referred to the police, which may lead to potential criminal investigations, in accordance with Australian State and Federal laws. Conducting criminal investigations and legal processes are beyond the abilities of camp organisers. To that end our WitchCamp fully supports complainants to involve police if they believe a crime has occurred, and may gather witness statements if there is a serious incident.

 

Definitions of Unwelcome Behaviour

The following behaviours are considered inappropriate and unacceptable at CloudCatcher WitchCamp.

  • Sexual Misconduct

Unwelcome or unwanted: harassment, lewd comments, sharing or taking of photographs of a sexual/private nature, physical contact/groping, invasion of personal space, and any ongoing sexual pursuit or harassing flirtation. Sexual assault and rape, stalking, violation of restraining orders, drugging victims with the intent of taking advantage of their incapacitation.

Sexual misconduct online is inappropriate, unacceptable and unwelcomed at CloudCatcher WitchCamp. Harassing other people through private chats or sending lewd comments, unwanted sexual pursuits or harassing flirtation. It is illegal under the current laws of ‘Australia’ to keep, record, and/or share intimate images of other people without their consent. Campers that are found to be engaging in this type of behaviour will be removed from Camp and their actions referred to the appropriate authorities.

Australian Reclaiming does not tolerate any form of sexual misbehaviour and will take action to either educate or bar violators from its events.

We strongly believe in the principles of enthusiastic consent.

"No" means no,
"Ummm" means no,
"Not right now" means no,
"I'm not sure" means no,
"I'm uncomfortable" means no.
"Yes!" and "Ohmygods yes!" means yes.

Our goal is to create a culture in which everyone can freely engage in expression of their bodies and sexuality; a culture in which everyone is confident in expressing their boundaries and speaking up when uncomfortable; and a culture in which everyone is respectful of the boundaries expressed by others. If you are ever unsure whether your behaviour is welcome, ask.

  • Physical, Mental Emotional Abuse

Physical assault, threats of bodily injury, non-consensual rough play, forcing a person into any physical situation against their will through use of force or threats.

Mental/Emotional intimidation whether it be in person or online, harassment, bullying, personal insults specifically designed to make the target feel ill at ease, angry, or sad; the express exclusion of certain people based on gender or sex, sexual orientation, race, belief system, age, disability, or political affiliation from participating in any camp activity (optional offerings, affinity groups, rituals, etc.). We honour and support the work of marginalised groups to reclaim words and symbols that have been used against them. Inappropriate use by others of such words and symbols that are, or have been, used for hate speech or to promote violence against particular groups of people is unacceptable.

COMPLAINT PROCESS

CloudCatcher is committed to maintaining camp as a safer space, and responding proactively to all complaints is a part of that. If someone is violating the Code of Conduct, or making you feel uncomfortable in some way, a member of the Organiser Team needs to know so that we can take action, even if that action is just to listen. These are the folks to speak with if a behavioural issue comes up during camp. If an incident does occur, and either you or the individual to whom you report the issue, feel that it is problematic enough, they will record a formal complaint.

Filing a Complaint

All formal complaints will be recorded in an area away from others in order to provide privacy and maintain confidentiality. A member of the Organiser Team will record your complaint including the following details:

  • Name of person against whom complaint is being filed

  • Complete description of inappropriate behaviour with full situational context

  • Location, date and time of incident

  • Names of anyone who may have witnessed the incident

  • Any physical evidence of incidence on complainant

If the complaint involves inappropriate sexual behaviour, the Organiser will ask whether the aggressor was asked to stop the behaviour and whether they sought and respected enthusiastic consent. This does not reflect on the credibility of the complainant; we will not engage in victim blaming. Our intent in asking this is to discern whether the aggressor was told that their behaviour was unwanted and unwelcome, so that we know whether further education is required.

Some people may be unaware of social cues for a variety of reasons (e.g. neurological illness, etc.) or believe 'anything goes'; at a Pagan event. Therefore we encourage you to communicate when someone is crossing your boundaries, when you are able to do so. CloudCatcher supports a policy of enthusiastic consent, expecting that clear consent is actively sought and confirmed before sexual behaviour with another person, and that consent can be withdrawn at any point and this will be honoured. Particularly, if the aggressor was aware, or was told, that their behaviour was unwanted and unwelcome, or consent was not sought, then it is sexual misconduct (as described above) and should be filed in a formal complaint.

Both the Organiser Team member and the complainant will sign the complaint. The person against whom the complaint is filed has a right to know what is in the complaint. Complaints will be kept confidential. Confidentiality means that relevant information will only be disclosed to those involved in the investigation and decision-making process.

Both complainants and respondents have the right to ask that a member of the community be appointed to act as an advocate on their behalf. An advocate's responsibility is to safeguard the interests of the person who has requested their assistance. An advocate can be empowered to speak on that person's behalf and may provide emotional support.

Complaints of online abuse in any form need to be communicated by contacting teachers and designated organisers.  Contact details for Organisers will be provided prior to the commencement of camp. The process to file a complaint of online abuse will follow a similar process as set out above, however will occur either through a private online meeting between the complainant and the designated Organiser/Teacher or through another means of communication. 

Consequences of Formal Complaints

Our goal in establishing a formal complaint process is to ensure Reclaiming in Australia can remove persons of concern from our events. It is not our place to judge anyone or declare them innocent or guilty. But whether we continue to trust a person after reported instances of misconduct and allow them access to our events, putting our participant's safety in jeopardy, is another matter. It bears repeating that we will not take any action based on rumour or gossip, but only on actual first-hand reports of misbehaviour. After a formal complaint has been filed, it will be processed in the following manner:

  • The Organisers are empowered to assess all complaints. They will determine whether it is the first complaint made against this individual, or whether there have been previous related complaints.

  • They will assess the level of risk to determine if the individual should be immediately ejected from camp, or whether the complaint is able to be resolved to the satisfaction of all parties at that time. Any witnesses to the incident named by the complainant will be sought out for input.

  • If the incident is determined to be a minor infraction, the Organisers are empowered to speak with the individual against whom a complaint has been filed (in complete confidentiality). The Organisers will ask for their side of the story, whether their behaviour was deemed inappropriate or unwelcome, and assess whether the person can learn from the situation. They may be asked to read the definitions of unwelcome behaviour as detailed in our Code of Conduct above. The Organisers will inform the person that their behaviour will be monitored and that further violations may lead to ejection from the camp and/or being barred from future events.

  • In cases where ejection from camp is a possibility (the behaviour is determined to be a clear violation of our Code of Conduct, represented serious threat of physical/mental harm, has recurred in several independent complaints, is confirmed by witnesses, admitted by the perpetrator, etc.) the Organisers and representatives of the Teaching Team will gather and will then use consensus process to make that decision.

If it is decided to eject an individual from camp, they will be asked to leave immediately. This decision will be recorded in our records.

Following the event the Organisers will discuss whether the individual will be welcome at future events. Other Witch Camps in Australia may be notified.

 

AVAILABILITY AND FUTURE UPDATES

This Safer Spaces Policy will be available year-round on our website.  It will be reviewed yearly in June and December by CloudCatcher, EarthSong and WildKin Organisers, and updated as needed. A summary of the outcomes of any complaints filed during the year (excluding identifying information) will be reported at that time as well. 

Contribution from the Australian Reclaiming Community is welcomed in developing this document. If there is something you'd like to contribute to this Policy, let us know! If you have comments, questions and/or feedback about this document during the week at camp, please see the organisers.