CloudCatcher WitchCamp COVID-19 Policy*

“We strive to make our public rituals and events accessible and safe.”

Principles of Unity

WitchCamps around the world are an important connection within the Reclaiming community. They can help provide friendships, training, magic, healing work and inclusion. As one of several Reclaiming camps in Australia, CloudCatcher has been running since 2012 and it is hoped that it will continue for many years to come.

In the last few years, COVID-19 has had a massive impact on society and how events are organised. While at the time of writing, we find ourselves at a time where the virus seems to be abating, there is no doubt that the virus’s effects will continue to be felt for a long time. 2023 was the first physical CloudCatcher WitchCamp since 2019 but coming to camp does not come without risk.

Camp organisers have been planning and working towards how to lower the risk of Covid-19 spread during camp using practical and health official recommended strategies. A 100% covid free camp cannot be guaranteed so please be aware of your health risks and how to work together with the community for the comfort and safety of all camp attendees.

When attending camp, it is asked that you follow Camp guidelines as well as working with the government recommendations of the day, noting that these may change over time. CloudCatcher will be following a CovidSafety action plan to minimise risk of illness for all staff, teachers, organisers, bower priestesses, caterers, crew and campers. The Camp venue has also taken steps to minimise the risk of COVID. 

While respecting our community’s diverse views, the Orgs of course highly recommend that all attendees to Camp be vaccinated against COVID-19, noting that the virus could have severe effects on immunocompromised and disabled members of our community.

Please be aware that if you become ill with Covid-19 symptoms during camp, the Orgs will work with you to ensure yours and the rest of the Camp attendees’ safety and health. This may include asking you to return home or asking you to quarantine in a designated place in the venue as soon as possible.

We are an evolving, dynamic tradition and proudly call ourselves witches….

In the spirit of these words from our Principles of Unity, we ask you community to be dynamic with us as we all work together as best we can to look after each other.

Responsibilities and Recommendations

So how can you support your health and the health of others during Camp?

Before

  • Testing - Using a  PCR or RAT test in the 24 to 48hrs before coming to camp 

  • Be fully vaccinated if possible

  • Avoid coming to Camp if symptomatic 

  • Stay home if ill or required to isolate

  • Check state travelling rules (such as wearing masks) and have a backup plan if you become sick during Camp and need a place or time to quarantine. It is advised to not travel on a plane or public transport if you are ill/positive with Covid-19 

  • Bring personal supplies such as RAT kits for self-testing, hand sanitiser, masks or anything else that you feel will help support you. The Camp will also have these supplies for use but they may be limited

  • Have some Emergency contacts and a place to stay if you become ill and need to isolate.

During

  • Maintain personal hygiene with regular hand washing, covering any sneezes or coughs and using hand sanitisers. You can wear a mask if you wish to do so

  • Give each other space, reduce contact greetings and avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth

  • Respect people’s boundaries and your own boundaries too

  • Avoid sharing items such as ritual masks, card decks or vessels

  • Individual Funk trunk items to be worn by one person and then placed in a hamper after use

  • Encourage time outdoors when gathering in groups, if the weather permits

  • Eat well, drink plenty of water and get plenty of sleep to support your immune system.

After

  • If you become ill/positive with Covid-19 in the week you return home from Camp, please let the organisers know

  • If you can, give yourself some space/time between events or visiting others after Camp just in case.

Covid-19 is the disease caused by the coronavirus, SARS-Cov-2. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause respiratory infections. These can range from the common cold to more serious diseases.  Infection spreads from person to person, usually by close contact, spreading droplets from coughing and sneezing and by touching objects or surfaces that have been in contact with infected droplets and then by touching your mouth or eyes. Covid-19 is a new disease, so there is limited natural immunity in our community. This means that COVID-19 can spread quickly.


*(the CloudCatcher Orgs would like to thank the EarthSong Organisers for their work in preparing their COVID policy, which has been the basis on which the CloudCatcher Orgs built theirs for this camp).