Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need to pre-register?

A: Yes! Space is limited to 330 participants.

Q: How rustic is it? Do I need to bring camping gear?

A: If you are staying in one of the cabins, all you need to bring is a pillow and a sleeping bag or a few blankets. The beds are wrapped in vinyl so bring a comfy under layer. There are about 60 of these spots, all twin mattresses. Or bring your own tent to camp in, which will give you the most privacy and the option of sleeping farther away from the center of camp. The sliding scale, pay-as-you’re-able fees are the same, wherever you sleep.

Q: Do I have to register online?

A: No. If you need an alternate way of registering, call Stephanie at 320 - 33 nine -107 zero.

Q: Are there work trade positions available?

A: Yes, there are a limited number of work trade positions available! These jobs include managing the mealtime bustle of dishes and volunteer workers; maintaining our camp infrastructure like the bathrooms and main shelter area; and coordinating kitchen cleaning volunteers. Being a work trader will require missing some of the camp events, as we ask for around 4 hours of work per day, but will also leave you ample time to enjoy camp. If you are interested in a work trade position (in exchange for the full camp registration fee) please complete this form. Caleb, our work trade coordinator, will be in touch to see if one of the positions is a match. We also encourage you to complete the regular registration form in case work trade doesn't line up for you this year.

Q: Can I pay by check?

A: Yes! That's our favorite form of payment! Village Fire incurs a processing fee for PayPal/credit/debit transactions. It's great when we can put your entire contribution toward creating the beauty of Village Fire, though we understand that electronic payment is a better option for some folks.

Q: Do I have to be a "real singer?"

A: Pshaw. Everyone is a real singer. Even if you've never even sung, you have a voice and your voice matters. Our voices are meant to twine. This is not about performance or perfection--it's about community and inter-being.

Q: Can I come for just part of the time? And what is the cost for that?

A: We hope you can come for the whole time, but if this simply doesn’t fit your schedule, come when you can. By-the-day rates are listed on the Registration page.

Q: Will there be chances for me to lead songs?

A: Yes! We dearly hope that you will be inspired to share the group songs that you know. Some especially good places to make that happen are at the evening campfires, where we take turns leading or suggesting group songs, and throughout the days during meals and in-between other song circles. If during a daytime song circle you are inspired to offer a song, check in with the host(s) of that circle. Also this year, we will be holding more daytime circles that are themed and hosted but inviting anyone to share a song. Let us know what you bring!

Q: Can I bring my dog?

A: Only service animals and pets with specific permission are allowed. If you arrive at the gate with your trusty canine and we weren't expecting them, we'll ask you to figure out a different plan for the animal before you can enter camp.

Q: Alcohol and drugs?

A: No thanks. We thrive on clear relations among a swirling group of new and old friends, and this is a family event.

Q: Do I need to bring anything?

A: You need to bring bedding and some rain gear. Check out the "To Bring" page for a list of other things you might like to bring.

Q: What if I lose something at camp?

A: It can be hard to keep track of your things at Village Fire. We want to help! We'll have a well-marked Lost and Found area. Be sure to check there before you depart. In past years we've dealt with a large quantity of left-behind items, spending days packing and mailing them to their owners. To help diminish this post-camp work, we're now asking $20 plus the cost of shipping to return items to you after camp. We recommend you bring things which, if accidentally left behind, you wouldn't care about. If you do lose something, here's a form you can fill out. It