What should I bring?

Thinks you might consider bringing:

• biodegradable soap

• swimsuit (not required)

• earplugs

• sun protection and mosquito repellent

• lightweight long sleeved clothes (useful for mosquitos, sun, and rolling on the ground!).

• warm clothes in case it gets cold at night

• comfortable clothes for dancing/moving and silly/sexy costumes!

• shoes to be in the forest. Shoes that can be taken on and off 20 times a day:)

• towel

• water bottle

• personal food/snacks (we will have plenty but just in case!)

• headlamp (highly recommended)

• cash (ATM in the are can often run out of money)

• a book, a note book, handcrafted objects you made, musical instruments, kinky toys, anything else that would add to the group

• Planning to go to the mountains (you have to go through them to arrive to Oaxaca)? Bring warmer clothes. Consider geting ginger or motion sickness pills.

Arrival time

ARRIVAL TIME: 15 of march between 15:00 and 18:00.

DEPARTURE TIME: 20 ofmarch at 15:00

What are your Covid protocols?

If you are feeling symptomatic in the days leading up to the event, please take a rapid Covid test and communicate with us. Please be aware of your exposure to any (not just Covid) contagious illnesses and try to keep each other safe and healthy, knowing that germs inevitably spread when humans gather. Immune boosting supplements and plenty of rest prior to the event is recommended, to decrease the risk of falling sick. Vaccinations and masks will be optional during the event.

Will the event be in English, Spanish, or both?

The event will be mainly facilitated in English. We plan to incorporate Spanish translation for those who may need that. We will also have a few pieces primarily facilitated in Spanish, with English translation.

I’m considering coming to the festival from a different country, and feel mixed about the ethics of global travel. Can you speak to that?

Global tourism is complex! We recognize the beauty of international hubs like Oaxaca - cultural centers for exploration in spirituality, eroticism and embodiment. We value the diversity of seekers from around the world, all coming to appreciate the magic of this culture & land.

We also recognize the harms that have been caused by tourism development in the Global South, from locals being displaced and excluded to land being disrespected. We would like to be thoughtful/heartful as we navigate this tricky terrain, and invite you in to that reflection process as well.

Here are some things we have thought to do, to maximize positive impact and lower potential harm. We welcome your thoughts & ideas too!

• Forming deep personal connections with this place - learning the language, the political landscape, and the physical region. Two out of three of our core organizers call this country home:)

• Attempting to make our event more financially accessible for Mexicans, who make a vastly different income than American or European participants and often are not able to afford ticket prices in their home regions.

• Incorporating Spanish facilitation & language translation for more local inclusion.

• Supporting local economy! All of our food supplies and workshop materials are purchased from local markets and nonprofits.

• Prioritizing Mexican applicants for staff and worktrade positions, and paying them fairly.

• Paying carbon offset for international travelers.

• Partnering with a venue that we know to have sustainable building & operational practices.

• Orienting to the land & land spirits with reverent appreciation, humility, and respect.

This is my first time - I want to know if there will be any support for me?

Welcome! We try to offer a range of structured support systems, beyond our aim to build a culture of mutual support. A few examples are:

• Soothe&Care team – a guided group of individuals who undergo a special training in supporting others to feel more grounded. These volunteers make themselves available during the event, creating a network of support.

• Sharing Groups – during the opening circle we’ll have a moment to create pods, aka sharing groups, a buddy-system group who will meet, according to their needs (we have allotted 30min/day in schedule), throughout the event.

• Emergency Support Team – in case of an emergency!

• Couples’ Support
  

  What’s the Soothe&Care team?

  The Soothe& Care team is an informal group of voluntary people that offers presence when someones need some extra support.

  The S&C team is a way to visibilize the informal net of support that we are weaving all the time between our containers as we are showing up for each other.

  In order to create a safer container we invite volunteers to form part of the Sooth&Care team. This means contributing a little of your time supporting participants in processing their experiences by (e.g. co-regulation, deep listening, being present, finding a container for emotional release). As part of the Sooth & Care team you will need to attend a short pre-festival briefing onsite by the Soothe & Care Team Lead(s) on the 15th of march at 16h. During the festival you will meet another time as a team to share your observations and experience of the group. The commitment to the role doesn’t require much times and it is flexible so it aligns with your own needs and boundaries. Within the team you’re mutually supporting and each other and it’s a lovely way to bring your contribution.

Do I need to know how to dance Contact Improvisation?

Although it is not necessary, we highly encourage any newcomers to Contact to take classes and go to jams before the festival to prepare yourself in understanding the essential physics and social dynamics of the form since this festival has its roots in the form. At the event we also offer a limited number of basic and more advanced CI workshops to ensure its continuity as one of our core practices.

Can I come late or leave early?

We ask that everyone arrive at the beginning and participate in the first two mandatory group sessions. Leaving early is highly discouraged and will not be reimbursed. If you do end up needing to leave early for some reason, we would ask that you communicate with the organizers and let us know why and what the issue is.

What’s the refund policy?

Here you can find all the legal policies (privacy policy, cookies, refund, image, liability release).

What’s the easiest way to get to CAMP? What other logistics do I need to know?

We will send detailed emails with preparatory/logistical information, in the weeks leading up to the event. For now, this document provided by CAMP has helpful information, including around travel: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-tVaQsjxkK3jnMOiR_moWaIhxnbW-_n_b1o3if4vyl4/edit

Is this a sex festival?

No, this event is not about sex or even sexuality. Expressions of sexuality, when consensual, are welcome as one of many authentic ways we have of connecting with ourselves, others and nature. If what you’re looking for is sex with no strings attached this is likely not your event. If you’re open to exploring intimacy with others in community and are open for this to include expressions of sexuality you’re likely to find a warm home with us.

Do you use radical or affirmative consent? How can I stay safe?

Consent comes in different shapes and sizes and different cultures approach the subject differently. We at Touch&Play all agree that this is a super important subject and that without it we cannot safely connect with others. We do not however claim to have the perfect solution as to what way of expressing or requesting consent works best for everyone. Rather than radical and affirmative consent’s attempt at risk reduction, our focus is on the cultivation of individual and collective resilience. We believe there is fertile ground between “Hell Yes” and “Fuck No” and that attempt to divide the world into black and white risk missing the 49 shades of grey that lay between them. Our team as well as all other participants are there to help support your journey. At the same time we ask you to be responsible for your own well being and comfort. We do this knowing that this, according to identity and culture, will be easier for some than for others. To make sure that everyone is familiar with and has a chance to practice the more embodied approach to consent that we cultivate, the first two mandatory group sessions are geared towards this. If after reading this you feel you would like more clarity to be sure that you would feel safe with us please feel free to reach out!

What if I have a history of sexual or physical trauma? Can I come and will there be support?

We will all learn about “safe words,” which provide an easy way to communicate if someone is experiencing discomfort and if they want to slow down or stop. Safe words give us an opportunity to move at the pace of presence, or the speed of trust.

• You can always opt out of an experience you don’t want to be in. You can witness in a workshop if participating isn’t what you want to do.

• If you’re looking for a place to heal with a focus on past experiences this event is not designed for that. You will likely thrive in a different container.

• If you are interested in being around people who are exploring intimacy and practicing the following skills, you will likely love it here!

  • Identifying what you want (specifically around touch and intention) and asking for it

  • Noticing early stages of discomfort, fight, flight, or freeze and speaking up

  • Hearing and receiving challenging feedback without taking it personally

  • Recognizing when you want to be right and shifting your attention anyway to what you can learn in this situation

• On the first day we all learn and practice these 8 Steps to Creating the Intimate Explorations You Love. These include “Are you clear and present to make aligned choices in this moment?” and “What would you like for integration?” The culture of the festival supports people to ask themselves these questions and to practice speaking the answers before initiating intimate connections.

• If you come and you find yourself in a fight, flight, or freeze response. We have a Soothe&Care team – a guided group of individuals who make themselves available creating a network of support during the event.
  

What If I’m not interested in having sex with any one at the event?

There is absolutely no expectation or pressure to be sexual at all. This festival is oriented around somatic practices and communication techniques that can enhance intimacy and at the core consent is always paramount. This means you have agency at all times and get to choose how are you share space and time with others. This may include sexuality but there are so many other ways to share ourselves and discover connections.

I’m carrying an active STD can I still participate in the event?

First, to reiterate, there is no need or expectation to be sexual at this festival. If you do choose to be sexual we advocate clear honest communication about your sexual health. We do encourage participants to get tested before coming to the festival so that you have accurate information about your body if and when you choose to be sexually intimate. There are a few optional nude group activities such as “Liquid Love” which, if you do have an STD, we advise keeping underpants, swimsuit or other layer on for the safety of the group.

What happens if someone steps over my boundaries?

During our lifetime others will hurt us and we will undoubtedly hurt others. Most of the times this happens by accident and without ill will.  Depending on the severity and intentional/non-intentional nature of the situation each case is handled differently. We train a Soothe&Care team who can be called upon for support who will be identifiable by bracelets worn throughout the event. We also have a team of varied health professionals who volunteer their services in cases of emergencies. In rare extreme cases we would call upon outside help and/or ask anyone who compromises safety in an egregious way to leave the event.  

What if I’m in a monogamous relationship and my partner doesn’t want to come?

There is a diversity of relationship styles represented at the festival including monogamy. People come with or without their partners. Either way it’s important to have clear communication with your partner and clear agreements about physical, emotional and sexual boundaries during the event (and always 🙂)

How do I create agreements with my partner(s)?

Here’s a guide that could be helpful: Clarifying Agreements.

I identify as neuro-divergent and want to know if there will be any support for me?

We have had several participants and teachers who have neurological differences such as but not limited to autism, dyslexia, or ADHD. Given the level of non verbal communication in the contact improv community and intentional communication in the kink scene we have noticed that many people who are neuro-divergent gravitate to our festival. There is a lot of permission and respect for connecting outside the “norm.” The better you know what will support you and can specifically make requests, the more likely we will all have a successful experience together. Please email us to let us know if you have further questions.

I have physical limits. May I attend? What kind of support might be available for me?

We would love to support you in being here and partnering with your body’s wisdom and limits. Please email to let us know what might make it possible for you to join us. We are happy to support you with looking at logistic possibilities. We can also support you in clarifying what you’d love others to know about your body and abilities.

What are the sleeping arrangements like?

Participants will mainly be in bunk beds in shared dorm spaces. There are a few larger beds available, and will be offered on a first-come-first-serve basis, initially available to to teachers & staff. If you prefer a more spacious bedroom or have trouble sleeping around others, the commuter option may work well for you.

Do you have any suggestions for commuter options?

Shambhala Visión and Lo Cósmico are both very close by, in Zipolite. Good options to look into!

Can you help me figure out transportation to the event?

Once your register you have access to a rideshare spreadsheet. Please use it to self organize.

I have special dietary needs, what’s the food like and will I be able to get these met?

We offer a vegetarian, as local and organic as possible, diverse buffet-style meals – and we aim to cater to everyone’s needs, so let us know what you need and we’ll check in with our Chef and we’ll get back to you – we’re confident you can feel supported with your food needs.