Welcome to all! This is a self-care event. Please read on so you can come prepared.
Contact us at 8thfirema@gmail.com if you have any questions or are able to volunteer before, during and after the gathering.
Camp Collier is a no-frills 1940’s era camp on the shores of beautiful Lake Wampanoag with loons and Canada geese, in the middle of 500 acres of conservation land. Attendees will be most comfortable if they prepare in advance for the special circumstances of the camp.
In general, this is a self-care event, with attendees expected to bring what they need in terms of food, clothing, bedding and shelter. Camp stoves for cooking are suggested rather than campfires as it can be dry and windy, leading to fire hazards. Please bring your own water bottle, plate/bowl, and utensils. (We prefer NO plastic.)
Children are most welcome, but we do NOT offer childcare. Childcare is your own responsibility.
Cell phone service at the camp is variable, depending on the provider.
Camping and Lodging
There are many sites for tent camping in the woods and along the shores of the lake. Many people feel that the experience of sleeping on the earth and listening to the wind and the birds, with no electricity, telephones, TV, WiFi, etc. is an important part of the gathering.
The camp does NOT have RV camper hook-ups. There is room for a few small, self-contained campers. You may sleep in your car as well. The “bunk house” has many bunk beds and camp mattresses, as well as a wood stove for heat. Bring your own bedding! .There are a few beds (camp mattresses with no bedding) available in simple cabins (electrified, but no heat) which we would like to reserve for elders, people, with special needs and families who do not have camping gear. Please email us at 8thfirema@gmail.com if you are interested in one of these. There are some local motels and RV campgrounds if these suit your needs better.
- Lamb City Campground, 85 Royalston Road Phillipston, MA 01331 1-800-292-5262
- Otter River State Forest, 86 Winchendon Rd. Baldwinville, MA 01436 978-939-8962 (RVsites but no hook-ups)
~ Some local lodging includes:
- Wachusett Village Inn, 9 Village Inn Road Westminster, MA 800-342-1905
- Rodeway Inn, 183 Main Street Westminster, MA 978-874-5951
- Colonial Hotel, 625 Betty Springs Road Gardner, MA 978-630-2500
- South Gardner Hotel, 8 East Broadway Gardner, MA 978-630-1322
Water and Food
There is good drinking water on site (bring your own refillable drinking container) and cold-water facilities for men and women. We provide coffee and tea and a few snacks in the snack bar near the fire circle. Contributions to the snack bar are always most welcome! Camp stoves for cooking are suggested, rather than campfires, as they can be dry and windy, leading to fire hazards. We will have a pot-luck feast Saturday evening – please bring a dish to share and your own cutlery.
Give Away Ceremony
There will be a Give Away Ceremony, late morning on the final day. Please bring something to give away!
CARRY IN CARRY OUT!
Help keep the camp clean by taking care of your own recycling and trash.`
Weather and Clothing
The weather can range from 35-75 degrees, rainy to bright sun, calm to windy. Be prepared for all kinds of weather. Rain gear, winter coat, warm socks, boots, hat and gloves are often needed.
Suggestions of What to Bring
- stories, songs, prayers, smiles!
- a chair to sit on
- sunscreen, bug dope, hat
- mug or jug for water, coffee, tea
- modest clothing for all kinds of weather
- some women prefer to wear skirts to ceremony (encouraged but not required)
- towel and modest clothing for sweat lodge
- tent and bedding
- food, water bottle, cooking gear, plates and cutlery
- something for Saturday night’s Pot Luck supper
- something for the give-away blanket
- flashlight
Please DO NOT bring:
- dogs or other pets, except for service dogs
- drugs or alcohol
- weapons of any kind
- merchandise to sell
We are all looking forward to Gathering and Sharing with all of you!
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