Camp Paths
Paths are workshops or classes we take during camp. You choose/attend a Path during camp. Paths are taken (mostly) every day and start after breakfast and go until just before lunch. It is recommended that you participate in a Path as it will help you to connect with other campers and give you a chance to work with an experienced practitioner. That said, you are not required to join a Path. If you choose you may use your time at camp for self-reflection, solo-practice or simply to enjoy time in nature.
However, as a courtesy to your path-mates and teacher, we ask that once you have committed to being part of a Path you stick with it.
On day one of camp, Path Teachers will give you an overview of each Path and you will choose based on what speaks to you most. You do not need to decide ahead of time.
Elements of Magic – Prerequisite For All Other Paths
‘Elements of Magic Path’ is the first-level, core Reclaiming course or basic magic class/workshop and a prerequisite for all other Paths. This must be completed either before you come or during your first year at camp. You will take this Path instead of any other Path. Elements of magic will cover the basics of magical practice – although individual teachers will teach this slightly differently, the path is intended to introduce you to the 5 sacred elements of life (earth, water, air, fire, and spirit).
The Elements of Magic class will always be offered at Camp – but if you wish, you may take it prior to camp. Elements of Magic is offered elsewhere including as an online course. Once you have taken Elements of Magic you are then welcome to take any other path.
As well, you may also take Elements of Magic if you wish to reacquaint yourself with magic or would like a refresher – it is not only limited to newcomers.
2023 Path Descriptions
Elements of Liberation: Where Flame Calls Us Forth with Irisanya & Sharon Pink
“I will lead you home, I will guide you back, My waters will carry thee, My flame will guide thee.” —“Sea Song from Brid,” Gemma McGowan
The potential to re-imagine ourselves, communities, and relationships is emerging.
We make room for the new and for remembering. We remember our part, that the Earth’s cycles are our own – by breath, spark, blood, and bone. In the spirit of reciprocation, we can be held and hold each other. This is the wisdom of the land.
You are invited to a rekindling of a deeper relationship with the sacredness of life.
We widen our vision and focus our will, empowering ourselves to act in the world. In this path, we begin and deepen the practice of Magic, Witchcraft, and Reclaiming by working with the elements of Magic: Earth, Air, Fire, Water, and Spirit. We will encounter and practice visualization, creating magical space, sensing and projecting energy, trance, spellcraft, and structuring rituals.
This path will strive to embody a foundation of anti-white supremacy magick. We will work with the elements as guides to explore how we can better align ourselves with our integrity/anti-racist values and be active agents of change in our communities.
Recommendation: We ask that you read/review the first six chapters of “The Spiral Dance” by Starhawk. Also, it can help to look at “Reclaiming Witchcraft” by Irisanya Moon.
(This path is an Elements of Magic course and fulfills that prerequisite for future camps.)
Brigid’s Healing Well: Rituals of Resilience and Deep Listening with Bridgid and Alessandra
“Our task is to make trouble, to stir up potent response to devastating events, as well as to settle troubled waters and rebuild quiet places.” – Donna Haraway, Staying with the Trouble
Each day, we will journey through collective, emergent rituals to peer into the Mystery of Brigid’s Well, bond with the unknown, and cultivate shared resilience. Working with deep self and deep time – the speed of stone and still waters – this path will draw on song and poetry, somatic practice and small-group trance, light-aspecting and divination, as well as the wisdom and tools of participants, with space for leadership by elders and crones.
If you think you might want to take this path, we invite you to bring a vessel of water from your home as well as a chalice, a journal, something for scrying and other divination tools such as tarot or runes. Sacred waters and waters of the world are also very welcome.
Pre-requisite: Elements of Magic
Brigid’s Forge: Weaving the Green Mantle with Willow and Hilary
Enter Brigid’s Forge, the place of mystery where the inner and outer worlds meet, where water and fire make magic together to create art, strength, beauty, and purpose. Enter the forge of transformation as we navigate together our inner landscapes in service to the outer landscape: the magic of camp. We will dive deep into our devotion, our shadows, our love, our inspiration, and our service as we enhance our ritual artistry and offer our depths to the soul of Witchcamp, tempered at Brigid’s forge.
This is smithcraft at the crossroads of ritual creation. This is a path of inner development and outer service: water and fire. In this path, we will offer transformative tools to work inwardly so that our outward service to the community through supporting evening rituals is rich, vibrant, and meaningful magic. We will find the places of truth and experience, learning to give words to the ineffable mystery as best we humans can. We will treasure our open, tender hearts and minds in service to this magical working of sovereignty of this land, of all land, of our home with the Greenbloods.
Pre-requisite: Elements of Magic