PCR Camping Tips!

PCR is rounding the bend! We asked the folks in our camping group to help you make the most out of the event by sharing the tips and tricks for PCR and other pagan festival camping! From set up to altars to meal prep, check out their advice and add your own in the comments!

Be a Good Pagan Scout and Be Aware

Jennifer Morris shared the following from our friend and presenter Butterfly Moon!

Some of you may know Butterfly Moon. I had a wonderful chat with her last night and she and her partner are attending! Happy Dance! 
She reminded me that camping in April is very different from June. Here’s how to be a good Pagan Scout and Be Aware:

1. Days are mild, nights are cold. Dress accordingly and be fluid with your wardrobe. I bring my parka to every campout. 

2. Check the weather the week before and the day before for Hemet, not neighboring areas. Temecula is a totally different zone. B-fly compared it to Malibu vs. the San Fernando Valley. Very different.

3. I remembered camping at Firestone with the Scouts one year. We had frost and a leader who was sleeping in a tarp hammock. It was not a fun night for him. Always use your rain fly on your tent and have your rain gear ready. Rain is fast and furious in the desert, and well worth the beauty it brings. So not likely, just be prepared.

No Food In Tents

Nikki Wood shared a story about a time she camped at at Firestone. A raccoon slit a hole in her tent and stole all of her son’s Hot Cheetos!!! That is how she learned the rule, no food in tents. Mother nature taught her with an expertly cut slit in the tent and a racoon with heartburn.

Camping Neighbors are Nice

Kandy warns about the afternoon wind storms at EchoShire, well sort of. “Er, bring lots of gin and don’t worry about proper camping spikes because your awesome neighbor will hook you up when your pop up rolls like a tumbleweed in the afternoon maelstrom. Just kidding! I bought some proper tent spikes this year but I’ll still have plenty of gin.”

Important Supplies for Veteran Campers

Rich has loads of great advice about stuff you need at EcoShire. “A good flashlight as travel at night can be tricky with little potholes and critters that are hard to see. Random wind gusts can happen. Be sure to store and stake; last year, as I recall, we had some UFOs from random dust devils. It’s a great area to stargaze for those with a portable telescope. Portable drinking containers for water and portable chairs are highly recommended. A portable first aid kit is always a must when I camp. Most of all, High spirit as there are so many people and presentations and gatherings “drum circle, firepit area ect” to experience. “

Supplies for Activities

Karen reminded us that there are LOADS of amazing activities happening and some of them would be even better with our stuff from home. A pendulum for the dowsing class, a yoga mat for Harp yoga, your runes for bind runes, your swimsuit and water toys for the pool and chaos water ritual, and a drum or something for just hanging around the fire.

Getting around the Camp Ground

Down to Earth Ecoshire is a 35 Acre campground and although we aren’t spread a cross all 35 acres it’s possible to select some fairly distant spots to camp. If you think you might be interested in that having a bike or scooter to get around the place isn’t a terrible idea.

Bring Your Altar

It’s great to get outside and worship and we love to see everyone’s altars set up! Check out some of the outdoor altars from PCR past.

Worship the Sun (Cautiously)

Chelsea recommends bring good shoes and a form of sunblock whether it be a hat, an umbrella, sunglasses, or actual sunblock because you will need it. Also bring a swim suit because a dip in the pool might be all you need to stay  cool!

Keep a Tidy Tent

Joyce says you should always bring one of those small brushes and dust pan! It’s great for cleaning off your feet before going into the tent as well as sweeping up quick messes. On that note, a welcome mat in front of your tent is also a great way to keep from tracking things inside.