Welcome to our camp, on a bio-dynamic farm in South Devon
The first camp was held to mark the total eclipse of the sun and to strengthen people's connections with the farm; hands-on experience of the animals and an introduction to the bio-dynamic methods we have used for 30 years continue to be a feature of the camp.
As you will read elsewhere in this website, we provide basic camping facilities, and invite people to camp together as families in small village groups around a well stocked communal camp fire. We also provide hot and cold running water - and 'lovely', environment-friendly compost toilets.
(Our low-impact policy ensures that a few days after the end of each camp the fields are healthy and safe for the return of the farm animals.)
The main marquee is the focal point of the camp and is the base for the café and information point; it is also the venue for some activities. All on-site activities and entertainments we provide are optional and are included in the price of your ticket. For off-site activities we make a charge to cover costs.
We will soon be sending out a bulletin letter by post to existing and past campers with details about what will be happening at the camp this year; this will also be published on this page. Meanwhile below is an indication of how things are looking for the Sharpham Barton Family Camp for 2008 ...
Children's activities
Freedom to roam in safety with friends old and new and to make their own entertainment is something children love about the camp. We offer supervised play in the kindergarten (with Waldorf-trained teachers) and a parent-run group for under 4s. Back this year is an ongoing 'making things' marquee for the older children, with skilled instructors and a rota of volunteer parent helpers... along with bushcraft, woodwork, story blankets, indigo-dyeing, and lots besides, plus more active pursuits - both on and off site.Teenagers
Teens have their own dedicated space in the Mongolian ger or yurt together with their own camp fire. Our mix of workshops include some specifically for teens as well as the opportunity to join in some of the activities for adults or children as appropriate; they also have the opportunity to act as crew, making a valued contribution to the camp and in return 'earning' a barbecue and late-night canoe trip on the river Dart.For the Adults
Local teachers and home-grown contributors bring the usual eclectic mix of workshops. There will be old favourites like willow sculpture, leatherwork, voicework, dancing, drama etc. - there'll be child-free space to focus, as well as breadmaking, construction projects and other workshops open to all .The daily morning talks develop a theme based on the insights of Rudolph Steiner. Artistic group-work sessions will deepen our personal experience of this theme. Spontaneous conversations around the camp fire, in the café or while 'doing the chores', are valued experiences at the camp.
Therapies
Spoil yourself! Soothe those aching muscles and relax. We have a qualified and experienced masseur, Miguel Valentini, onsite offering individual treatment and free training sessions in healing massage. Many campers are also qualified in various healing arts and therapies and are happy to make individual arrangements with others on site, but these are private arrangements, and we are unable to offer facilities for these or take responsibility for any aspect of the arrangement.Evening entertainment
The family barn dance on Sunday night gets us in the holiday mood. During the week there'll be storytelling and singing around the fire. Bring your own instruments, songs and stories to share. The popular Chai area will be here again, offering a space for relaxation and adult conversation. And the campers' cabarets, for children and adults, showcasing our home-grown talents come at the end of the week.Activities
On-site and active - an adventure walk exploring the local area, as well as archery and tree-climbing are always popular.Off-site: The more you want the more we'll provide, if you give us plenty of notice. Stake your place early in 2008 via the booking form and pay 50% in advance.
Kayaking - Work towards your 1* certificate and have fun on the river in kayaks and Canadian canoesClimbing - Climb one of the tors of Dartmoor
Caving - Explore the Caves of Buckfastleigh - see the Cheese Press and Bishop's Castle
10-person canoe trips - Phil will be back with his ever-popular 10-person canoe trips on the beautiful River Dart. Suitable for ALL the family.
NOTE: All items subject to change - please check back for updates.
We always welcome comments from you, together with any ideas and suggestions!