ABWC is committed to the Reclaiming Principles of Unity and to our own co-created and ever-growing Principles and Values (below). This document works as our guiding tool to always strive to be in right-relation through our intentions and our actions. It is the basis of what forms our “Camp Culture”.

Camp Culture is the culture that we collectively participate in while at camp. When we cast our circle, the container which will hold us for the duration of camp, we say that we are “between the worlds”, and, “what happens between the worlds affects/changes all the worlds”. This is where we practice and build our skills and capacity for doing the necessary world-changing work we are committed to. What does a world look like free from racism, poverty, and capitalism? What does a world look like where each of us is safe and respected as we travel down the street or enter a bathroom? Camp is where we put our values into action and practice the world we want to live in. 

 

ABWC continues to be a "slow camp." That means that the program schedule includes time for rest, reflection and sleeping in. Lessons and ritual are spaced out in time so as to provide the opportunity to recharge in between sessions. We believe that this allows our participants to participate more fully, and allows for a deeper integration of the practice. 

 

Aurora Borealis WitchCamp Principles and Values (working document)

 

We wholly participate in the Principles of Unity and are committed to the following values: ­

 

Environmental Activism: We commit to the work of healing our relationship with the land ­

 

Social Activism: We see and feel the structures and effects of inequalities in our communities and work to diminish and heal the effects of structural oppression. We believe in the power of inclusivity and group intention, we also respect individual paths. ­ We understand Intersectionality as recognizing that some people face multiple forms of oppression. We respect the lived experiences of those in our community. ­

 

Anti­Oppression Framework: We see oppression as being linked and structural. We lend our magic to spells of liberation. ­ We celebrate all forms of gender identities and expressions. ­

 

Indigenous land and Treaty membership: WitchCamp takes place on indigenous land on Turtle Island. Land that was violently taken by settlers and colonizers which has directly benefitted the majority of us. We recognize this history of violence and commit to healing the relationship between colonizers and indigenous peoples. ABWC takes place in Treaty 6 Treaty 7 areas, and each person in attendance will, therefore, be a member of this treaty for the duration of their stay. ­ We commit to upholding conversations and taking appropriate action to negate the harm and occurrence of cultural appropriation. ­

 

Sustainable nourishment: Food anchors the Hearth of Aurora Borealis WitchCamp. Food is locally sourced and organic wherever possible. We recognize the regenerative power of Hearth magic and we engage with the politics of food. ­

 

Regarding Ableism: We acknowledge the multiple barriers and stigmatization many people face, including physical access to spaces, mental and emotional disorders, neuro­diversity, and others. We believe in working to change ableist behaviour and language. ­

 

Transparency: in our budget and organizational processes ­

 

Intergenerational community: is important to us and we recognize the barriers in our capacity to offer a truly intergenerational camp. Currently, ABWC is an 18+ camp.