HARVEST GATHERING POLICIES
Each individual is responsible for their own actions. Violent, disruptive, dangerous, illegal or inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated.
ILLEGAL SUBSTANCES
If anyone is caught using or distributing illegal substances, the police will be called immediately. Your admission to Harvest Gathering will be revoked without refund.
ALCOHOL AND CANNABIS
We ask those who are of legal consumption age to behave responsibly.
Connecticut State Law prohibits the following activities:
- Consumption or possession of alcoholic beverages or cannabis by any person below the age of 21
- The distribution of alcohol or cannabis to anyone below the age of 21.
- Anyone in violation of CT State Law will be asked to leave immediately and admission to Harvest Gathering will be revoked without refund.
SMOKING
Smoking is allowed in the designated smoking area behind the dining hall only.
MEDIA AND PHOTOGRAPHY
Harvest Gathering is a private event on private property. Media coverage is not permitted unless there is prior authorization from CWPN. Photography is permitted only with the permission of all those being photographed. If photographs are being uploaded to social media and/or internet, please ask permission of those photographed.
CHILDREN
Children are the responsibility of their parents/guardians. Children under 13 must be supervised at all times. Special workshops will be available for families to attend together but they are not intended to provide childcare.
REFUND POLICY
- If you must cancel your registration, Harvest Gathering will refund the cost of the event minus $30.00 filing fee up to June 30, 2024. After June 30, 2024, no refund will be issued.
- Payment Plans are not refundable.
- CWPN reserves the right to revoke your admission to Harvest Gathering without a refund.
FIRE
No open flame should be left unattended. No tiki torches should be used at campsites or cabins. No camp fires are allowed on camp property outside of the fires planned by the event coordinators. Cooking fires are allowed at the stone barbecues (provide by the camp) and camp stoves.
FIRE CIRCLE ETIQUETTE
The Fire Circle is open to everyone attending the festival. The fire circle is sacred space and must be treated in that manner. When attending a working fire circle, there are a few things to keep in mind. For the safety and comfort of all those attending we ask that you take into consideration the following rules of etiquette.
If you would like to help with the building or tending of the nightly bonfire, please speak to our Fire Coordinators and tell them you would like to help. Working a fire can be strenuous and possibly dangerous. When volunteering, please take this into consideration.
Things to consider if you are tending the fire
- DON’T START THE FIRE ON YOUR OWN
- If you arrive at the circle and the fire has not been lit, please speak to a staff member and find out what time the fire will be started.
APPROPRIATE CLOTHING
Wear something to cover yourself in a material that won’t catch fire very easily. Avoid wearing flowing skirts and pants.
WOODPILE AREA
Help to keep the woodpile area free of people and obstructions.
FIRE HAZARDS
For the safety of all attendants, the following is recommended:
DO NOT TOSS ANYTHING INTO THE FIRE
If you see burning ash fragments land on the ground, please extinguish them before someone steps on them with bare feet.
If you see burning fragments land in someone’s hair, please put them out.
If you notice a rock, cigarette butt, bottle cap, or other hazardous item lying on the ground, please pick it up and properly dispose of it.
If you have spare time in the evening before the bonfire gets started, it’s nice to walk around and check the dance area for hazardous small objects, and to help fill up water jugs.
DRUMMING
Drummers of all skill levels are welcome to participate. If you are a beginner please be mindful not to disrupt the other drummers.
PLEASE DO NOT STAND IN FRONT OF THE DRUMMERS
The drummers need the heat to keep themselves and their drums warm. They also use the fire as an energy source. To stand directly in front of them is to cut them from their source.
TRY NOT TO STAND AROUND THE FIRE
The fire circle is for dancing and fun. Please try not to stand around the fire because dancers may not be aware of you, which could lead to a dangerous situation. If you identify someone who you feel might be unsafe near the fire, please see a staff person immediately.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
DO NOT SMOKE NEAR THE FIRE
If you want to smoke, please do so only in the designated smoking area.
PLEASE KEEP AN EYE ON YOUR CHILDREN
Little ones are more then welcome to join in the festivities, but we ask that you take full responsibility for the well being of all children in your care. It’s for their own safety.
How To Help Yourself Make The Most Of The Fire Circle
There will be water available every night at the fire. Be sure to drink lots of water. Alcohol and caffeinated beverages will dehydrate you. If you begin to feel dizzy, nauseous, or light-headed, sit down, rest and drink some water. If you feel the need to ground and center, please do so. Please use good judgment. Items to bring to the fire circle include blankets and coats (both to sit on, and to keep you warm when you are not dancing), a flashlight to assist you in finding the way back to your cabin or tent, and extra food and water jugs if you have them. If you see what seems to you to be careless or unsafe fire play, please do not hesitate to bring it to the attention of festival staff.