DID Survival Guide
The caretakers of Spirithaven Farm make every effort to ensure that your stay is comfortable, fulfilling, and safe. That said, here are some important things to prepare for during your stay.
Wildlife:
- Spirithaven exists inside of the natural wildlife of Southwestern Virginia.
- We strive to clear the camping areas of potential threats, but be aware that should you or your children venture outside of those areas, could encounter copperhead snakes, black widow spiders, etc. If you leave them alone, they will leave you alone.
- The area around the periphery of the grounds still contains a significant quantity of poison oak, poison ivy, and briars. While the main participatory areas have been cleared, be mindful and explore at your own risk.
- Yellow jackets and wasps can be found on the grounds. If you are allergic, an epi-pen is always a good thing to have along with you.
- Consider bug repellent if you are sensitive to mosquitoes and other biting insects
- Ticks and chiggers are ever present. Check yourself for ticks daily.
First Time Arrival:
- There are no gate hours for DID. If you’re a first-time attendee, it is easier to arrive in daylight to get your bearings and get familiar with the drive in. Due to the rural nature of the site, there are no streetlights and the area is naturally very dark.
- The driveway onto the site is one way. It is long, winding dirt-and-gravel road that travels steep hillsides. Please drive cautiously and maintain the speed limit.
- You may pull your car near to your camping spot to unpack & set up. Please be mindful of muddy areas and stop before you get stuck. Once setup, please move your car to the parking lot. Stop in the main pavilion to check-in or to get camping recommendations. Come say hi and someone will be sure to point you to the right person.
Camping & Personal COmfort
- Bring warm clothing and extra blankets for possible cold nights.
- Remember to wear sunscreen and stay hydrated on hot days.
- Bring wet weather gear, and always try to camp in well drained areas. Rain boots or waterproof shoes are recommended.
- There are no shower facilities available.
- Consider yourself off the grid. You will get little to no cell service. Limited charging stations are available in the pavilion.
- RVs are welcome. Please contact us for details.
- While we try to enable communal mealtimes, you are ultimately responsible for feeding yourself. Campsite stoves are permitted. Pack snacks. Sharing with your neighbors is encouraged and a good way to make friends.
- Port-a-johns and handwashing stations are available on site. Keep a flashlight on you at night.
- Peacocks, drummers, and other farm animals can sometimes be noisy late into the night or early in the morning. Consider earplugs if you’re a light sleeper.
Community Considerations
- DID remains kid-friendly. We ask that parents keep close tabs on their children, remembering that children are parents’ responsibility, first and foremost.
- Coffee and hot tea are available in the pavilion
- Community lunches and potluck dinners are hosted on a volunteer basis. We will do our best to be mindful of allergies but please exercise caution if your diet is restricted.
- If you use communal dishes, please make sure to return them to the pavilion and wash them.
- DID is a not-for-profit, volunteer-run event. “Darbukastani Time” is a real part of the experience. Classes and performances may start late, be substituted at the last minute, and everything will work itself out. Bring the energy you want to take part in.
Spirithaven is a working farm. Onsite rules:
- No dogs or other pets are allowed.
- Farm animals are onsite. Please give them the respect and kindness you would use for any Citizen.
- No campfires. There is a large fire pit available for community use. Fires should not be left unattended.
- Fire arts are allowed in designated areas but must have a knowledgeable, consenting, and sober fire safety person throughout. Please be mindful of the weather conditions, wind direction, spectators, and fire hazards.
- Entering or use of the lake is prohibited.
- Fireworks and other explosives are prohibited.
- Smoking is not allowed in and immediately around the Pavilion. Please be mindful of smoking downwind of your fellow citizens and make sure to dispose of cigarette butts properly.
- Virginia considers shower outflow to be greywater. Therefore, pop-up showers are not permitted.
- Alcohol is permitted for legal adults. Please use responsibly.
- Leave no trace- please pick up and dispose of any garbage, debris, or litter in your camping area and lend a hand in communal spaces if possible.
- Consent is key. Please treat every Citizen with kindness, respect, and a generosity of spirit.
- The landowners reserve the right to remove any attendee that endangers themselves or others through bad decisions or breaking site rules.
Join Us!
– June 6-9, 2024 –
Regular Registration: $75 adults – $25 Children 12 and under