Questions & Answers

When does the event start and end?

Camp runs July 9–12, 2026. We recommend taking the full day off Thursday (July 9th) and expect most carpools to leave Seattle between 10am and 1pm. If you've driven I-5 north on a summer weekday, you already know to plan for traffic.

Early arrivals can come Wednesday, July 8th for an extra night in nature.

The event formally wraps up at noon on Sunday, July 12th. You're welcome to spend the rest of the day on-site afterwards if you want more time on the land before heading home.

I can only attend part of the event — should I still come?

We strongly recommend the full Thursday evening to Sunday, but understand that people have life and commitments. We will send out a guide for the activities that people will miss by arriving late Friday or Saturday that will include details for the structured activities we are doing collectively on Friday.

What's the camping and lodging situation?

Most people will camp. River Farm has several camping areas: right on Turtle Island near all the action, in a quieter field a short walk away, or deeper in the woods for those who want a more secluded experience. You can pull your car up to unload gear, then park in one of the designated areas.

We have limited yurt and cabin space (one of each) that we prioritize for people with health considerations that make sleeping on the ground difficult. If you need to borrow a tent or other gear, let us know and we can help arrange it.

A detailed logistics guide with maps and specifics will go out closer to the event.

Can I get a carpool? Will there be parking?

We were able to arrange carpools for most people last year, and we'll do the same this year. We work to balance around timing, space, and personal preference. If you need a ride or have room to offer one, we'll coordinate that as we get closer.

There will be a large field with multiple rows of parking, so space is not an issue.

What about food? Do I need to bring my own?

We will be cooking breakfast, lunch, and dinner for the group, with snacks available between meals. All meals are vegetarian with vegan options. You'll be able to let us know about dietary needs when you RSVP.

If there's a particular food or snack you like to have around, feel free to bring it, but we will not be able to provide fridge space. Think shelf-stable things you'd want in your tent.

Everyone takes at least one food or logistics shift during the weekend: cooking, dishes, hauling water, or keeping shared spaces running. You'll sign up when you arrive.

What's the bathroom situation?

We'll have multiple port-a-potties on Turtle Island near the main camping and activity area. There are also bathrooms on-site for the yurt and additional WWOOF room. Last year we also had a composting toilet in the yurts and a backcountry-style outhouse for people camping in the woods.

Can I invite someone?

Yes. If you have a partner, friend, or colleague who should be here, send this their way. If there is a larger organization or group you think should be here, please reach out and let us know.

Can I bring children?

We generally ask that people leave children at home. That said, if coming as a family would make it possible for you to attend, reach out and we'll talk it through. We've had families with kids in the past. Note that we won't be able to provide childcare for liability and logistics reasons, so you'd need to plan for supervising your kids throughout the weekend.

Can I bring my dog?

We're asking people to leave dogs at home to minimize impact on River Farm, its residents, and the experience for everyone. If this would change your ability to attend, please let us know and we'll figure it out.

What will we actually do all day?

The weekend is roughly split into thirds: facilitated sessions and group work, unstructured time to rest or go deeper on conversations, and time in nature (hiking, swimming, river time, stargazing). A day might look like morning stretches and breakfast, a whole-group futures exercise mid-morning, open sessions and outdoor activities in the afternoon, then shared dinner and campfire in the evening.

We use facilitation formats from Liberating Structures and draw on futures thinking tools from Jane McGonigal's Imaginable. We'll also run focused sessions on Cascadia-specific issues where you can map the intersections between different types of climate and change work.

Do I need to prepare anything before coming?

Nothing is required. It helps to think about what you might want to host or explore during unstructured time, whether that's a conversation topic, a hike, an art activity, or something else entirely. Part of the design is that people bring what they're interested in and we build the schedule together.

What should I bring?

We'll send a detailed packing list closer to the event. The basics: camping gear, layers for cool mornings and warm afternoons, a headlamp, a notebook, a reusable plate and utensils (we'll have extras but it helps), swimming gear, and whatever you'd want for a long weekend outdoors. Bug spray and sunscreen are worth remembering.

If you have art supplies, games, instruments, books, or anything you'd want to share, bring those too.

Should I bring alcohol or substances?

We are a bring-your-own-drink event, and ask people to enjoy respectfully in nature and with their fellow attendees.

What about cell service and staying connected?

River Farm has limited cell service. This is mostly a feature. We'll share specifics on connectivity and how we're handling on-site communication in the logistics guide.

Is this accessible?

The main activity area on Turtle Island is a flat clearing, and the primary campsite is within a short walk of all structured activities, meals, and group meetups. We'll have seating available. Some activities during unstructured time (hikes, river visits) involve more movement and uneven terrain.

River Farm is in unincorporated Whatcom County served by the Volunteer Fire District, so expect 30–45 minute emergency medical response times. Hospitals are about a 30-minute drive. We'll have first aid supplies on-site.

If you have specific accessibility needs, reach out and we'll work with you.

What if I want to help organize?

We have a coordination team and several roles we're still filling. If you're interested in taking a larger role, note it when you sign up through Luma or reach out to us directly.

Will there be gatherings before the event?

Yes. We'll host smaller meetups between now and July so people can meet faces, ask questions, and arrive already knowing some folks. Details to come.