FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Mad Camp?
Who is Mad Camp for?
I want to come to Mad Camp! Where can I buy my ticket???
How does the ticketing work – tell us about the finances.
Where is the ticket application link?
Where is the Gofundme Scholarship fundraiser link?
Where is the Facebook page?
It’s a summer camp, for kids?
Can kids come to Mad Camp?
How do I get there? Any parking issues? Are there rideshare and public transit options?
What time should I plan to arrive and leave if I am flying in to an airport?
I don’t know what I’m doing after I come to Mad Camp is that ok?
There is no lunch on thursday but I am arriving before lunchtime what should I do?
Should I plan a longer trip since I have a bit more time and flexibility?
Is there cell coverage and wifi at the retreat?
How remote is this exactly?
Tell me about the retreat center venue?
What are the Four Spring retreat policies?
Can the food handle my diet needs?
Can I bring my own food?
Gosh I was at Mad Camp and the food was INCREDIBLE! How do I leave a review for the caterer!
What should I bring with me to Mad Camp? Is there a packing list / wish list?
I’ve got specific needs around disabilities. Can I be part of Mad Camp?
Is the site accessible for wheelchairs and mobility?
Will there be asl or captioning support for people with hearing differences?
Are you prohibiting scents, flashing lights, loud noises at night, and dealing with other disability / different ability concerns?
Can I bring my emotional support animal? Can I bring my dog? My ferret? My tamagotchi?
I want to join but I’m afraid I’m too old/young and won’t fit in because of my age.
I’m taking psychiatric meds, can I be part of Mad Camp?
I’m not taking psychiatric meds, can I be part of Mad Camp?
I’m thinking of taking meds in the future, can I be part of Mad Camp?
I’m thinking of coming off meds in the future, can I be part of Mad Camp?
Can I come off my meds at Mad Camp?
Can I ask my agency to support me to be at Mad Camp? They support training and conferences for peers and workers in agencies, and I might be able to get some funding support.
Wait isn’t this exclusionary?
Wait, I’m still not quite sure – can I be part of Mad Camp?
I think I sort of identify as Mad as I certainly suffered some serious mental spaces, but I’m not diagnosed with bipolar or schizophrenia or psychosis and didn’t really lose my mind like that, or I did lose my mind but I managed to stay away from hospitals and doctors, or I never got diagnosed… can I be part of Mad Camp?
I identify as neurodivergent and have an autism or other diagnosis along those lines – can I be part of Mad Camp?
Is this an LGBTQI+ friendly space?
I love the mad movement and… I am pretty conservative socially and or religiously and or politically. Can I be part of Mad Camp?
Why call it “Mad Camp,” isn’t that a negative term?
What are the community agreements?
Is Mad Camp a safe space?
Oh wait – what about covid policies??
Can I get a t-shirt that says Mad Camp if I am there?
Is the retreat center religious?
I am a family member and don’t identify myself as a mad person. My loved one wants to come to Mad Camp but can only be there if I am with them as their supporter; Can we be both come and be part of Mad Camp?
I’m an ally to the mad movement with shared goals, can I be part of Mad Camp?
I’m a journalist and want to write about Mad Camp can I come?
Can I make a tax-deductible contribution?
What are MUSKEG and Bridges?
Is Mad Camp all volunteer and are the finances transparent?
How do the scholarships work?
How do deposits work?
I’ve never heard of the mad movement or psychiatric survivor movement before, can I be part of Mad Camp?
Can I smoke or vape at Mad Camp?
Is there alcohol at Mad Camp?
Can I get high on substances at Mad Camp?
Can I smoke weed or take cannabis or eat edibles etc etc at Mad Camp?
I am totally nervous being around other people should I still come?
Will there be public nudity at Mad Camp?
What happens if I get romantically interested in someone at Mad Camp?
Is Mad Camp a support group?
Is Mad Camp a madness sanctuary, hospital alternative, refuge, or respite?
Is Mad Camp a conference?
Is Mad Camp a support group?
Will there be classes workshops trainings and groups?
I have something to offer in a small group can I bring it???
I do massage/reiki/baking/I wrote a book and want to sell my product is that ok?
Is this some pagan hippy tree hugging thing?
So there is going to be ceremony?
Wait, this is Northern California, what about wildfires and smoke!?!
What is the Mad Camp cancellation policy?
What should I wear?
Is it going to be hot?
Are there mosquitos or ticks?
Is there poison oak?
Are there rattlesnakes?
Is Mad Camp confidential?
Is there photography at Mad Camp?
Can I take part virtually, on the internet?
How about after Mad Camp? Do people stay in touch? Isn’t there a Discord server?
I’m a family member, but don’t identify with madness, can I be part of Mad Camp?
I’m an ally to the mad movement and have shared goals, can I be part of Mad Camp?
I’m a mental health professional of some kind, can I come to Mad Camp?
Who came up with this idea? How is the planning done?
Hey what about Mad Camps in other countries I heard about? What’s the connection?
Hmm this seems like you just aren’t doing this the right way.
Mad Camp? that sounds familiar…
Thank you so much for doing this for us!
OK I get it – I’m so excited about this! I want to come – and also help volunteer beforehand! How can I help?
What is Mad Camp?
Mad Camp is a 5 day summer camp for mad people in the mountains of Northern California! Details at www.madcamp.net. (Also check out www.madcampeurope.net which an allied Mad Camp run independently and held in, well, Europe.)
Who is Mad Camp for?
Mad Camp is for people who identify as mad — or are open to identifying as mad — based on being a psychiatric survivor, former patient living with extreme altered and visionary states, ex inmates, escaped lunatics, avoiders, exiles, never-been-caught… people surviving and thriving outside against and beyond the psychiatric system, whether we take meds or not.
I want to come to Mad Camp! Where can I buy my ticket???
Stay tuned for 2025.
Sign up on our mailing list and we will alert everyone for latest details! (And on the off chance there are one or two tickets that open up way last minute…)
How does the ticketing work – tell us about the finances.
We aim to break even with no profit or loss (all work is volunteer; volunteers don’t get discount pricing; everyone is paying the same just like everybody else – this is a collaboration not a commodity!). The budget is a little complicated because of the lodging situation. (Contact us if you are interested in viewing the financials, it’s all transparent.)
Where is the ticket application link?
check back soon!
Where is the Gofundme Scholarship fundraiser link?
Where is the Facebook page?
It’s a summer camp, for kids?
No, it’s for grown-ups. If you want to bring your kids, contact us.
Can kids come to Mad Camp?
We are not sure! We can look into this – please get in touch directly and we will sort it out. We are not saying no, but it’s complicated and we have to look at the details.
How do I get there? Any parking issues? Are there rideshare and public transit options?
Mad Camp will be held at Four Springs Retreat, 14598 Sheveland Road Middletown, CA 95461. Sheveland Road is near Twin Pine Casino and central Middletown (and also near Harbin Hot Springs!). Google Maps and other GPS seem to find it just fine
There is plenty of parking on site fo those who drive – you are welcome to drive all the way up the hill past the parking lot to unload your luggage, then drive back down to the large parking lot.
Most people who flew in came to SFO – we highly recommend this airport to make the rideshare situation easier.
We are not providing transport, and we try to help facilitate ridesharing but we you will have to self-organize if you want to try to share a shuttle or rental car or uber etc.
There is public transit and some creative options involving rentals and Uber (4 hours public transit, 2 hours with rentals/Uber). Public transit is from the BART train line in the SF Bay, accessible through SF and Oakland airport. Lower Lake CA seems to be closest place for one-way car rental drop off, then Uber to Four Springs. Possible also from Santa Rosa? Check out the transit document we created here: TRANSIT DOCUMENT and make sure to note your needs in your application, we have a Telegram channel where we discuss ridesharing, please make sure to join it if you need or can offer a ride.
What time should I plan to arrive and leave if I am flying in to an airport?
Please fly in to San Francisco Airport – this will help rideshare and transportation. Optimal time to arrive at SFO is by 10am Thursday to make the rideshares work (SFO will be a staging area for rideshares). Please plan to arrive at Four Springs on Thursday as early as possible. Definitely by 1pm. To pull this off if you are traveling a distance, you probably want to arrive in the SF Bay Area on Wednesday. There is a hostel at Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco that is affordable and quite good HI San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf Hostel . You can also try to network for a place to stay (including on our rideshare Telegram channel). We wish we could help people with lodging outside of Mad Camp but we have our hands full with the camp logistics!!!
What time should I get to Four Springs venue and what time should I leave?
Please plan to arrive at Four Springs on Thursday as early as possible. Definitely by 1pm. We need help setting up so if you can be there at 10am that is fantastic because there is a lot to do!
For leaving, people start leaving on Monday after breakdown and cleanup around 3pm – Monday we have breakfast and lunch provided.
Our first day’s first included meal is dinner on thursday, and our last day’s last meal is lunch on monday.
No lunch provided arrival day (Hardesters in Middletown has a great deli). Dinner is at 6 every day except the first day we we have dinner early at 5. On the last day there is no dinner. Lunch monday is last meal. Cleanup and check out monday last day is from 3pm to no later than 6pm (lunch but no dinner monday; probably leftovers). Our first official gathering event as a group will be after dinner on thurs so 6pm.
First day before dinner we might have low key informal drop in activities for arriving such as a nap space or site tour!
I don’t know what I’m doing after I come to Mad Camp is that ok?
No. While it’s ok to be flexible and change plans and do something different than what you planned, and many mad campers do meet and then make plans with other campers for decompression activities and adventures, a requirement of Mad Camp is that you have a place to go after Mad Camp. We’re totally traveler-positive, pro-Kerouacian meandering, nomad-affirming, and in favor of following your bliss and delighting in drifting with the tides as the whims of the mysterious Tao inspire you, but you have to have a place to go after Mad Camp.
There is no lunch on thursday but I am arriving before lunchtime what should I do?
Good point, bring some snacks to share or a light lunch. You can also quickly make friends by ordering vegan gluten free pizza for everyone if you want from Stone Fire Pizza which is 12 min drive away.
Should I plan a longer trip since I have a bit more time and flexibility?
Northern California is awesome to visit (well, unless there are fire/smoke issues, or earthquakes, or surprising wildcard scenarios, cross fingers!). The retreat is within reachable distance of some of the most amazing nature spots on Earth, as well as incredible culture centers – the San Francisco Bay Area continues to be a wild diverse launchpad of global visionary and revolutionary change (as well as a very harsh hypercapitalist dystopia with some of the worst inequality on the planet). There are many many festivals events and goings-on, places to visit, camp, communities and scenes to explore… and redwoods! We are also right next to Harbin Hot Springs, which is an amazing place with relatively affordable cabins and camping rates that include yoga and other classes. Also there is the Twin Pine casino hotel right nearby Four Springs. In 2023 and 2024 some Mad Campers put travel plans on a share board for meeting up and traveling together after the camp. And if you arrive early or plan to leave late let us know as we can often use help with leadup pre-camp organizing, setup day of, and breakdown on last day for Mad Camp.
Is there cell coverage and wifi at the retreat?
Please keep your phone surfing out of the lodge it is kinda annoying! We’re trying to create a screen-free space.
There is wifi in one building but it is slow and so don’t expect to rely on it much. Some cell carriers seem to have reception, some don’t – everyone seemed to have reception when we were there. Come expecting to be unplugged except for necessary online use such as checking in briefly with family, communicating with your support network in a time of need, etc.
We have “no screens” as part of our community guidelines but you can do your matrix uploading discretely in your tent, banished to the woods or whatever you can manage. If you are at Mad Camp and need to be on your phone OK we we are not going to judge you but please sneak around out of the lodge and community spaces, hide under the stairs or under a blanket or something ok? And if you have to get online for some real need but face connection difficulty please let us know and we will sort it out.
How remote is this exactly?
The Mad Camp venue is in a rural community with no big cities nearby, but still quite close to civilization – about 8 minute drive or an hour walk to Hardester’s market – a grocery / hardware store with a pretty good selection of stuff – and a small rural downtown with a photocopy place laundromat pizza place etc. Harbin Hot Springs is a big tourism destination and 5 min drive away. We are about an hour drive from Santa Rosa which has a Costco if you really need some high intensity consumerism action for whatever reason (no judgment).
Tell me about the retreat center venue?
There’s info about Four Springs retreat on their charming funky old school website here and info about the organization that runs Four Springs, the Guild for Psychological Studies, here. Basically – this is kind of unbelievable but it’s true – several patients of Carl Jung (!) who lived in the SF Bay Area and visited Europe regularly for sessions (!!) set up the retreat as a psychological meditation center exploring Christianity from a, well, ok books for example like Christ Consciousness, Jung, and Astrology. Very contemplative and mystical, not institutional religion at all. VERY California yayy! Since then Four Springs evolved into a funky and rustic curated spiritually minded venue for all kinds of events from all kinds of faiths and also many non-spiritual events. We are deeply grateful to Four Springs for the incredible hospitality and support!
What are the Four Spring retreat policies?
You can read the Four Springs retreat policies here. These are in addition to our community guidelines and you agree to them as part of Mad Camp.
Can the food handle my diet needs?
Yes! Our caterers are awesome! They will accommodate meat eaters, dairy eaters, gluten free, mixedatarians, vegans, keto, paleo, breatharians, fasting, flexitarians, super eaters, intermittent fasters, omnivores, Nordic, Mediterranean, Atkins, McDougall, Jain, Halal, Kosher, casein-free, low fat, high fat, moderate fat, no fat, overeating, undereating, not eating, forgetting to eat, emotional eating, carb cycling, wild eating, mindful eating, intuitive eating, the munchies, anti-inflammatory, 80/20, pegan (yes this is a thing), alkaline, raw, blood type, zone, cryptotarians, fruitarians, xenomorphs (ok maybe not xenomorphs)… bring it, we’ve got you covered. Everyone has been really happy with the food. Please tell us your special super diet needs in advance on your application – and advise us of any questions at camp!
Can I bring my own food?
You can, but you really probably won’t need to! We are going to have awesome food, but also — bring snacks if you like, especially to share. There is one shared fridge in the library… for the entire camp (beyond what the kitchen prep crew will be using). So you do have access to a fridge but don’t rely on a ton of refrigeration space, maybe bring our own plug in camp cooler or something. If you really need your own food please contact us as we may have some ideas. Early discussion helps because the food preparers are very aware of specific needs. And there are bears so no peanut butter in your tent ok?
In 2025 we asked people to bring their own snacks to share, and also we have access to the kitchen after 8pm and before 7:30am so you are welcome to bring ingredients and do some mad baking.
Gosh I was at Mad Camp and the food was INCREDIBLE! How do I leave a review for the caterer!
Yes we totally agree – the food is amazing (and we already calculated a 20% tip and added it into the fees for the tickets — because Christine and her team totally deserve it, but you are welcome to also tip personally). If you want to leave a review on Google Maps for Christine and her business, the Henny Penny Catering Company, you can click here for their facebook page and also here for their google maps page.
What should I bring with me to Mad Camp? Is there a packing list / wish list?
Check out the Packing List / Wish List – for stuff we recommend you bring and also things we really need/hope someone brings: https://bit.ly/3HRZva0. Basically bring as much stuff as you can carry for yourself and to share with a bunch of people for a 5 day summer camp.
I’ve got specific needs around disabilities. Can I be part of Mad Camp?
We have disabilities too! We hope we can make it work! Make sure you put your needs in the application, and we will get in touch.
Is the site accessible for wheelchairs and mobility?
Not very, this is a wooded retreat area with unpaved paths. The main lodge has floors and is relatively accessible (we drive up a paved driveway to drop off our bags then drive down the hill to an unpaved parking area). The founder used a wheelchair and visited – but with assistance, as the access is challenging. We really want to be totally inclusive and accessible but it just isn’t realistic to pull it off but we are trying. Get in touch with us and we can discuss your needs.
Will there be asl or captioning support for people with hearing differences?
Please organize this with us! If there is a need and volunteer capacity to make it happen it will happen.
Are you prohibiting scents, flashing lights, loud noises at night, and dealing with other disability / different ability concerns?
Quiet hours, no scents, no flashing lights, no smoke, maybe incense/smudging but only with people giving ok. Let us know other concerns. We want to be as inclusive as possible.
Can I bring my emotional support animal? Can I bring my dog? My ferret? My tamagotchi?
The retreat center does not allow dogs, including emotional support animals. Certified service dogs are ok. Note that any dogs are a real hazard in Northern California in areas with poison oak – they can get the poison oak resin on them and spread it. We love dogs though, please bring dog photos. If you have a service dog get in touch with us. Other animals probly not but we would be amused to hear your proposals.
I usually travel with a legal self defense device or weapon is this ok?
Four Springs Retreat prohibits weapons on the property. The only weapons at Mad Camp are brave hearts and courageous spirits. If you usually carry something for personal protection such as pepperspray or mace or something we understand, especially as a woman (and of course in the USA there are lots of guns, sadly, this is part of life). Please put this in your application and contact us.
I want to join but I’m afraid I’m too old/young and won’t fit in because of my age.
Our youngest camper in 2023 was 21 and our oldest was 84 – and we had all ages in between (same range in 2024 – the same people returned!). Age isn’t an issue in the Mad Camp community! This is an intergenerational gathering and everyone is welcome.
I’m taking psychiatric meds, can I be part of Mad Camp?
Absolutely! And there’s always a lot to talk about with people who share your experience.
I’m not taking psychiatric meds, can I be part of Mad Camp?
Absolutely! And there’s always a lot to talk about with people who share your experience.
I’m thinking of taking meds in the future, can I be part of Mad Camp?
Absolutely! And there’s always a lot to talk about with people who share your experience.
I’m thinking of coming off meds in the future, can I be part of Mad Camp?
Absolutely! And there’s always a lot to talk about with people who share your experience.
Can I come off my meds at Mad Camp?
We are asking people to not interrupt any regular pattern with substances of any kind, including psychiatric drugs. So if you drink coffee, don’t use Mad Camp as a time to come off coffee. Don’t use Mad Camp to come off cigarettes. Don’t use Mad Camp to come off your psych meds. Timing is important, and you’d likely be adding too much additional unpredictability into the equation of joining a group gathering with new people. Mad Camp isn’t a madness sanctuary. Mad Camp isn’t a support group. Mad Camp is a summer camp! Mad Camp is only partly a retreat – it is also going to be exciting and there are going to be many people here with a lot of energies going around. (If you are already in a process of psych meds reduction tapering etc that’s fine, we’re talking about initiating a withdrawal process.)
Can I ask my agency to support me to be at Mad Camp? They support training and conferences for peers and workers in agencies, and I might be able to get some funding support.
Yes! Mad Camp ia a networking learning event of the best kind – a social community building experience in summer camp form that will absolutely nourish and train and support and network people who are peers and advocates and part of agencies and services. If you need some kind of letter or something to get funding from some group or agency get in touch. We can totally create something with you that is convincing to bureaucrats and grant proposal evaluators (e.g. we will leave out the part about the inflatable unicorn).
Wait isn’t this exclusionary?
We don’t see any way to be perfectly inclusive to everyone, it’s just not possible because the world we live in isn’t inclusive… and at the same time if you yourself have a vision or idea how we can be more inclusive – please join us as a volunteer! We need your ideas and energy! Or create your own Mad Camp and we’ll help get the word out and learn from your ideas (talk to us first eh). We’re doing the best we can as volunteers to make this happen.
Wait, I’m still not quite sure – can I be part of Mad Camp?
We are inviting survivors /evaders/ outsiders/ escapees/ rabblerousers/ changemakers of psychiatry living with altered/visionary and extreme states of consciousness to join us! If you identify as mad and want to see psychiatry changed, join us. If you identify as mad and are ok with people who are angry – some of us very angry – at psychiatry, join us! If you are against forced psych treatment join us!
Look we get it, not everyone in the system feels harmed. We know this. But if any time you hear people who survived psychiatric violence tell stories against the system you then feel like you have to speak up on the side of psychiatrists and the system, then no, Mad Camp probably definitely is not for you. If you get inspired imagining a space for psychiatric survivors who want to end forced treatment and want alternatives and community – please join us at Mad Camp!
I think I sort of identify as Mad as I certainly suffered some serious mental spaces, but I’m not diagnosed with bipolar or schizophrenia or psychosis and didn’t really lose my mind like that, or I did lose my mind but I managed to stay away from hospitals and doctors, or I never got diagnosed… can I be part of Mad Camp?
Lots of things can drive you mad without being something like bipolar or psychosis or schizophrenia. If you identify with the mad movement, lost your mind more or less, and share our urgent need to change psychiatry and want an end to forced treatment, then why not join us? If you feel too much like you aren’t comfortable with mad people because we are mad people… then no probably Mad Camp isn’t the place for you. The mad movement as far as we can tell includes mad people who evaded capture! If you are not sure please get in touch with us.
I identify as neurodivergent and have an autism or other diagnosis along those lines – can I be part of Mad Camp?
Neurodiversity is a great way to identify, and has so many parallels with the mad movement! The autism and neurodiversity movement are natural allies to the mad movement and have done so so much to advance social change. So sure why not – we’d love to have you! If you also identify with the mad movement as a mad person alongside living with neurodiversity, and you’ve read the rest of this FAQ and it feels like a good fit, and you want to come, then yes, please join us! If your identity is specific to neurodivergence and you can’t really identify as a mad person / aren’t really down to overthrow psychiatry etc then maybe not. And please do share your unique experiences with us, we love the bridges between neurodiversity and the mad movement and we are not so into the boxes and categories anyway. Stimming and other ways of being are totally welcome.
I’m pretty open to identifying as “mad” for being part of this, though it’s not something I already call myself, if that makes sense. Or maybe it’s new to me and something I’m interested in, but not sure about – can I still come to Mad Camp?
Yes! We are inviting survivors /evaders/ outsiders/ escapees/ rabblerousers/ changemakers of psychiatry living with altered/visionary and extreme states of consciousness to join us even if the language is a bit in flux at this moment.
Is this an LGBTQI+ friendly space?
You’re damn right it is.
I love the mad movement and… I am pretty conservative socially and or religiously and or politically. Can I be part of Mad Camp?
Abso-freaking-lutley yes. The Mad Movement is about diversity and acceptance, so if you are ok with different points of view and beliefs and you bring the love for all and you agree with the vision here, you are part of this and totally welcome. Lots of people at Mad Camp have different views and we disagree on lots of things – that’s called being human.
Why call it “Mad Camp,” isn’t that a negative term?
ike “queer” and “crip” there is a long tradition of using “mad” in a positive way to reclaim ourselves against shame and silencing and oppression… as well as welcome our rage against the psychiatric machine. “Mad Camp” gets the message across and connects us with our ancestors and with movement history in a vivid way. And… we recognize that language is complex, especially for people who have had labels and terminology etc used against us as slurs. So if you have a better idea of what to call the gathering, an idea that identifies us in both our oppression as well as our gifts, language that helps us find each other, please get involved with organizing because we are open to ideas!
What are the community agreements?
We trust each other with common sense caring, acceptance of differences, solidarity, and regard – keys to make this a respectful and mutual experience. Mad Camp is not a support group but of course by coming you agree to no oppressive behavior and we may have to ask you to chill out or come back later if things get out of hand. Everyone who participates in Mad Camp affirms our community agreements and release of liability.
Is Mad Camp a safe space?
We all work hard to create freedom at Mad Camp while also staying safe. Creating a safe space for mad people is the whole idea of Mad Camp. Over the years participants have said that they feel more safety and less judgment at Mad Camp than other places, and we rely on each other to make this happen, as we share responsibility to take care of each other and follow our Community Guidelines. At the same time we know that in the world nothing is completely safe, and any community can minimize but not eliminate risks. If something happens we help each other address it including asking the person to leave if they can’t follow our Guidelines: we have definitely asked people to leave. The community also takes action to hold people accountable if there is a severe boundary violation. (If you want more information please feel free to contact us).
Oh wait – what about covid policies??
Mad Camp has a choose-your-own pandemic Covid policy, and everyone understands it is up to each of us to decide what we want to do personally when it comes to socially distancing, masking, vaxxing, boosting, double masking, PPE, contact tracing, personal hand sanitizing, lockdowns, passports, etc. We all agree that if anyone has signs of any illness, zoonotic or GMO, flu superflu or whatever, that might be contagious (or even might not be but you are unsure), they will reach out asap to discuss, by text, phone, or email, or at the camp (from 6’+ away).
Can I get a t-shirt that says Mad Camp if I am there?
We hope so, if someone steps up to organize it! It happened in 2023 and 2024! Bring your own shirt tote bag etc…
Is the retreat center religious?
There is a Christian – Jung thing going on with the people who run the center, but there have been many, many different types of groups hosted there, including Jewish Kabbala groups and ayahuasca groups and therapy groups etc etc. There are no crosses on the walls that we spotted, no religious icons of any kind, no pictures of baby jesus everywhere as far as we could tell (not that those are bad things, just that some people don’t feel welcome with that kind of vibe going on). Everyone who has been at Mad Camp absolutely loved this space.
I am a family member and don’t identify myself as a mad person. My loved one wants to come to Mad Camp but can only be there if I am with them as their supporter; Can we be both come and be part of Mad Camp?
Probably not. We’re not going to just say flat out no but this is a tricky question. Some people need accommodation and support for access, including a family member taking them around to travel and go to things, we get that. We will work with that person. But this isn’t for family members. It’s for mad people who ourselves want to be there, not people who somebody thinks it’s best for us, or for family members who are excited about the mad movement on behalf of someone else. So we’d say if you are unsure, get in touch with us and discuss, we’ll take it case by case, but no, don’t assume that it is ok to come as a family member supporting a mad person. Every year we have had family members who are in distress and need community and need a place to go and get excited about Mad Camp want to come to Mad Camp for their own interests – but Mad Camp is for mad people interested in joining Mad Camp, not for family members interested in joining Mad Camp who also are supporting a mad person. We ask for you to be an ally by understanding this can be a difficult dilemma and we are doing the best we can. Mad people need mad spaces. We definitely 100% see the need for family members to get support and have community! We would love for people to create these spaces, but that’s not Mad Camp. Mad Camp is a summer camp for mad people.
I’m an ally to the mad movement and have shared goals, can I be part of Mad Camp?
No, Mad Camp is not for allies. We’re glad you are an ally and grateful for your work – and real allies understand why mad people need mad spaces.
I’m a journalist and want to write about Mad Camp can I come?
Basically no. Mad Camp is for mad people who want to come to a summer camp for mad people. If you want to come as a journalist to write about Mad Camp this is not for you. Having said that, we know some mad people also happen to be journalists – some of the people who’ve come to Mad Camp in the past are also journalists for sure. So if you are a mad person who wants to come to a summer camp for mad people and you are also a journalist that’s fine. And we’ve had people come to mad camp and then write about it later of course, that’s great also (following confidentiality guidelines). If this isn’t clear contact us, but yeah basically no this is not a space for observers journalists media or people who want to come because they are journalists etc etc.
Can I make a tax-deductible contribution?
Yes! We are tax deductible (Tax ID # 99-1653070). All ticket payments, donations, deposits, etc. If you need some kind of proof of our non profit status just contact us! Check out our Donation page! You can write checks to Mad Camp – MUSKEG Wellness and send to MAD CAMP / MUSKEG WELLNESS 54908 Tipi Village Loop Kasilof, AK 99610 (yup that’s Alaska, our fiscal sponsor is based there). And HUGE thanks to Jason Renaud and the Mental Health Association of Portland for being our previous fiscal sponsor as we were getting off the ground – giant help to us Mad Camp thanks Jason!
What are MUSKEG / Bridges?
MUSKEG and Bridges are community mental health development non-profit 501(c)3’s in Alaska that our friend Eliza Eller is part of. Bridges was our past fiscal sponsor – basically a bank account pass through that handles our bank account and allows us to file as a tax-exempt charity for donation and taxes purposes. Eliza created her own organization nonprofit MUSKEG Wellness, so we switched to MUSKEG, which stands for “Mutuality, Understanding, Support Kindness, Empowerment, Growth” (nice huh!) When you donate or do a ticket or deposit payment to Mad Camp it might show up as MUSKEG on the transaction. You can read more about MUSKEG here and more about our past sponsor Bridges here. Thanks so much Eliza for your great work and your collaborative support with Mad Camp!
Is Mad Camp all volunteer and are the finances transparent?
We are 100% volunteer. Our finances are transparent, email us for details. 100% of all donations, minus finance charges from Stripe and Gofundme and our fiscal sponsor, go directly to scholarships for tickets. Everyone is volunteer, there is nobody getting paid a salary or stipend or anything. (We pay our caterer and the 4 Springs venue and other event costs.) Volunteers don’t get any compensation, priority on scholarships, first dibs on lodging, or anything. Everyone – all of us – are paying the same ticket prices as everyone else, have the same deadlines, same deposit policy… we are all doing this together!
How do the scholarships work?
Scholarships are for people with financial need to pay for ticket price. There are no full scholarships and there are no scholarships for travel or other expenses – just scholarships for the tickets. In your application we ask if you need a scholarship and how much, based on your lodging preference. In 2023 and 2024 we raised enough money to cover all the scholarship requests – through our donation fundraising drive! Awesome! And in 2025 we raised enough to cover all the scholarships for people who applied before the deadline. If we have more scholarship requests than we raised money for, we will do a lottery. We don’t ask for any proof of need and we don’t trade scholarships for volunteering. We keep scholarship requests and awards confidential with the application process. We are grateful to all our amazing Mad Camp donors for making the scholarship program work.
How do deposits work?
Deposits help us get a better count of participants, lodging availability, and scholarship needs, and hold your space. If it turns out we can’t cover all your scholarship request and as a result you can’t make it, your deposit will be refunded. Deposits go towards the ticket price you pay. We usually ask that every person who applies commit to make a deposit right away when accepted – we will let you know in the application you apply. We have a different policy every year as we fine tune the finances process.
I’ve never heard of the mad movement or psychiatric survivor movement before, can I be part of Mad Camp?
Yes! Yes yes yes! This is for people who have been subjected to psychiatric abuse or live at risk, and who are living outside the system or trying to live outside the system with our different states of consciousness. If the ideas resonate with you, if this speaks to you, if you feel connected, if you have been through the states, if you identify as a mad person – then you are already part of the mad movement and are welcome at Mad Camp. Read the FAQ and website to get a sense of how it all feels to you. If you want to learn about the psychiatric survivor and mad movement, check out Mad In America, Mindfreedom International, Madness Radio, www.abolishforcedpsychiatry.org, also the decarcerating care and abolition movements… We love to read through the archives of the Madness Network News to connect with our roots and feel the heart of our vision.
Can I smoke or vape at Mad Camp?
If you regularly use nicotine vaping or smoking there is a place to do it at Mad Camp, sure.
Is there alcohol at Mad Camp?
No, alcohol isn’t what this is about – do not bring or consume alcohol.
Can I get high on substances at Mad Camp?
No, this is a no getting high space. Don’t worry, we will still do our best to get each other high on positive vibes, dancing, and hugs.
Can I smoke weed or take cannabis or eat edibles etc etc at Mad Camp?
Not to get high no, but if you do for medical necessity then we want you to follow your medical needs, just you must let us know beforehand so we know what to expect, and keep it respectful e.g. no medical bong hits by the pool please.
I am totally nervous being around other people should I still come?
We want everyone to decide for themselves about coming to Mad Camp. For some of us being around new people is super stressful. Travel, new food, new sleeping arrangements – all this is challenging for a lot of us. So maybe Mad Camp sounds like good idea, but you want to try some smaller steps first, like a shorter trip or go to a local group with new people, test the waters instead of making a giant leap to a 5 day event? And keep in mind we are hoping Mad Camp will also happen in the future so if it doesn’t quite feel right to come this year maybe think about next time. On the other hand, we can imagine no better group of people to be nervous around – we can relate! We want this to be a space for people who don’t have other spaces to be. So maybe this is a good place to jump into even if you usually are isolated! We trust you to make your decision. If you come to Mad Camp and start to get nervous around other people that is really ok, you may find people to connect with even while you are nervous, and of course it is ok to be in your cabin or tent or take a walk into the woods or read a book or leave early or whatever. We are gathering to have fun and socialize, but we also respect people who might have a hard time – we expect all of us to have our hard times, and we all can relate to that, that is what the mad movement is about!
Will there be public nudity at Mad Camp?
This is summer and there’s a pool so some of us are going to be in bathing suits. And – you are totally welcome to be in regular clothes all the time and not be in a bathing suit, not everyone will be in bathing suits so don’t worry, we are really trying to be inclusive and sensitive to all. People who are gender nonconforming are welcome to follow their preferred gender in terms of going with no shirt — the double standard on gender around this is not something we agree with. We’re also doing personal preference on shared bathrooms etc. So please bring your acceptance of gender diversity. While Northern California has a proud let your freak flag fly tradition, and Mad Camp is also a 5 min drive from Harbin Hot Springs, we are having a no public nudity policy at Mad Camp to be sensitive to the most vulnerable of us who might not want to see naked bodies.
What happens if I get romantically interested in someone at Mad Camp?
Romantic interests are great! And please understand – Mad Camp can be sort of a high vibe bubble where we all get really connected and can lower our guard and protections. We are encouraging people to please wait until after Mad Camp if you want to initiate a romantic relationship. This gives some space for perspective and to really feel into your level of comfort and consent about relating (rather than getting swept up in the moment).
Is Mad Camp a support group?
Mad Camp is a summer camp. Mad Camp is focused on fun and socializing and relaxing and making community connections! Mad Camp does not offer ongoing support or peer listening etc. We are asking everyone who comes to already have a support network in place in your life outside Mad Camp. Because it is always a good idea to have a support network! People you can call or text to talk with and support you. A 12 step sponsor, trusted friends, a partner or family who understands and can talk to you. Traveling and new situations can stir up feelings so you want to have some supports in place whenever you do a big adventure. With texting and video calls and emails etc it is relatively easy to stay in touch with supporters. Let them know you are traveling and make sure they can be available for a call.
Is Mad Camp a madness sanctuary, hospital alternative, refuge, or respite?
No, Mad Camp is a summer camp. We’d love to see more sanctuaries and alternatives but this is a social gathering for fun and relaxation; that’s why we are coming together. It’s a summer camp.
Is Mad Camp a conference?
No, Mad Camp is a summer camp.
Is Mad Camp a support group?
No, Mad Camp is a summer camp. You asked this already remember?
Will there be classes workshops trainings and groups?
Not really like a conference. It’s a summer camp, so we’re going to have activities – we create a daily schedule together with multiple gathering options. There will be offerings but participants self-organize what you will offer. There will be a lot to do if you want, yes like workshops and classes and activity groups and things – and if you want to do something you can create it.
I have something to offer in a small group can I bring it???
Great!!! YES! Bring offerings – teach something, lead something, gather something. Let us know beforehand or make it up on the spot. At camp there will be a bulletin board people can put offerings and sign up for. There should be some cabin spaces people can use for their offerings as well as the lodge and library etc. We want people to self-organize and offer resources and learning and fun activities to each other. Dream up some offerings and bring them!!!
I do massage/reiki/baking/I wrote a book and want to sell my product is that ok?
We are limiting it to free sessions and no selling stuff – but you can advertise and share. There will be a bulletin board you can put your business card etc on, and you can share your promo material brochures etc at a table, there will be a library for you to put your book on. But we won’t be selling or buying things at Mad Camp.
Is this some pagan hippy tree hugging thing?
We aim to be totally inclusive. At the same time you are invited to Northern California and our culture is pretty hippie-tree-hugger-friendly. The Mad Campers are keeping it low key at Mad Camp, but we plan to have a couple of very simple ceremonies – a welcoming and closing, and a remembrance ceremony for people we’ve lost. These will be totally inclusive and welcoming of all religious and non religious / atheist / existentialist / undecided points of view, and everything at Mad Camp is completely optional to attend. If you are totally against even being around people nearby who want to do a moment of silence, or light candles, or burn sage, or have an altar of photos of people who have died, other really limited spiritual kinds of stuff, even when you are free to not participate… then maybe Mad Camp isn’t for you. But if you can at least accept that this is something others want to do, then we promise to keep it low key and inviting. Participants at Mad Camp are welcome and encouraged to bring any ceremony or practice you want, or non, and to offer others to join, or not, but must be respectful of those not interested, and don’t impose anything.
So there is going to be ceremony?
We plan on doing a dedication opening and closing that will be super simple, with burning sage and making a simple well-wishing prayer for our time together. The main ceremonies we plan are a breathwork practice which involves trance drumming and not part of any specific religious tradition. It is optional and open to a limited number, and run by Dina. We are also doing a remembrance altar and ceremony for people who we’ve lost. We will ask people to bring photos and items of memory for people who have passed, and we will make an altar we can visit during the camp, and then we will gather in a circle to honor their memories. Simple and brief and optional. Participants at Mad Camp are also welcome and encouraged to bring any ceremony or practice you want, and to offer others to join. Again, we will always make space that people who don’t want to join don’t have to, free of judgment or any sense of exclusion. Mad Camp is 100% voluntary.
Wait, this is Northern California, what about wildfires and smoke!?!
Yeah we know, we know. There is a non-zero chance Mad Camp will be canceled because the retreat center burns down. Seriously, things are bad here sometimes. And also a non-zero chance that smoke is so bad we have to cancel. Please read our cancellation policy about tickets. The good news is that the fire situation is usually less severe in the early part of the summer, crossing fingers.
What is the Mad Camp cancellation policy?
Mad Camp doesn’t have cancellation insurance. If we cancel, we will do our best for full refunds, but we can’t guarantee. It’s a risk we all take together.
What should I wear?
We’re sending a What To Bring packing / wish list soon. Basically whatever you’d bring to a summer camp incl bathing suit. Costumes, formal wear, and weirdness are encouraged.
Is it going to be hot?
We hope so! It’s summer camp people! There is a lodge with excellent working ac to keep it cool, but most cabins don’t have a/c or fans. If you are very, very sensitive to heat this might not be for you. But at the same time there is a pool! And there is very little humidity in the area so shade is very relieving. We love the summers here. And… 2023 was an historic heatwave of 105*, and though we were worried, It was fine – the lodge has great air conditioning and was at a comfortable temperature all the time, nobody really complained about the heat. 2024 was in the 90s and we managed. The nights are cool. The pool is awesome. Low humidity. Great a/c in the lodge. It’s awesome.
Are there mosquitos or ticks?
There are some mosquitos in this part of Northern California, but not as much as other parts of the US bc the humidity is very low. The climate is dry hot Mediterranean – this is wine country basically. So very little mosquitoes. Ticks, yes, there are some ticks. Tim of Four Springs advises stay on paths and do tick checks and try not to be in the brush with exposed skin. You probably do want to do a tick check, and sure, bring some mosquito repellant.
Is there poison oak?
Yes, yes, yes, yes. There is poison oak on the property. A lot of freaking poison oak. WATCH OUT FOR POISON MOFO OAK! Seriously people. We will help everyone with poison oak identification at the very start of the gathering. Basically stay away from touching plants with bare skin unless you can look at the plant and say Oh that’s not poison oak. Even on clothing poison oak can be a problem – so watch out for tramping around on plants that might be poison oak because the plant poison can get on clothes and linger for a long time and then infect you. Poison oak is no fun. Look here to learn what poison oak looks like. If you think you are exposed to poison oak get help immediatlely, you can quarantine your clothing and use special poison oak soap (Technu) to scrub your skin.
Are there rattlesnakes?
Ok yes, after 2 years of denial we finally admit Yes there are rattlesnakes up there. On the property. Spotted. Two of them at least – we spotted TWO of those dudes in 2024. Including a deceptively cute adorable little baby mofo rattler that will f*cking bite you. Here is the deal: rattlesnakes are not aggressive. If you see one you are not in danger. They will leave you alone. Keep your distance away, alert people but don’t freak out. The main thing is you don’t want to step on one. The baby rattlers are especially bad if you step on them, apparently they do freak out and will attack and they inject all their poison because they are babies and don’t really know how to do things properly. Yeah, now you know why we were in denial for 2 years about all this. So in sum, Yes rattlesnakes, No, don’t worry, and Yes rattlesnakes, worry, like, don’t step on one, especially if it’s a baby one, ok?
Is Mad Camp confidential?
Yes please be sensitive and don’t repeat identities or personal information outside Mad Camp without permission. Some of us are super out in the community with our mad identities, others are not. Stigma is real and we respect everyone is where they are at with the outside normie world. So please be cautious and don’t assume people are open about participating, or anything that is discussed or happens. People are free to make up names / aliases / animal noises to use instead of the legal names if they want.
Is there photography at Mad Camp?
Selfies and group photos and photo shoots are part of life and are welcome at Mad Camp but don’t go overboard and please make sure to always ask for a firm and clear Yes permission first. We also ask anyone who takes photos to ask before social media posting and agree to remove the photo immediately from social media no questions asked if someone wants them to remove the photo at any time even far in the future. We don’t put any photos of participants on the website etc.
Can I take part virtually, on the internet?
In 2023 we were planning on having a few hours of live broadcast with chatting to connect globally, but, well, it just wasn’t really that inspiring. People talked about it for 2024 and again no it didn’t happen. In 2025 there was no energy for it. We just get up there and we chill and float around and are so not interested in the internet. Maybe someone wants to try again organize this for the future however? Sure you could try it. Mad Camp is really a face to face event.
How about after Mad Camp? Do people stay in touch? Isn’t there a Discord server?
We have two email situations. First is the signup email list that everyone and anyone is encouraged to join — that’s our substack mailing list. From this list you will get one-way email blasts with latest info about Mad Camp logistics, fundraising, tickets, etc broadcast to the whole world – and that’s it.
The second list of addresses is a self-created, opt-out email address sharing equally among participants: if you don’t want your email address / contact info shared, let us know. We send out an email to all Mad Camp participants with those email addresses. Once you have hose emails, everyone has the ability to email to everyone however they want. There is no official moderation or monitoring – it’s the same as a a group of friends who decide to give each other their email addresses and start a group email thread. Like everything at Mad Camp this is self-created, you can do anything you want with these addresses just like you can do anything you want with email addresses of your friends. People can for example invite each other to a telegram / whatsapp / discord group – whatever. You just have to follow the guidelines and repect confidentiality, don’t add names without permission. But feel free to stay in touch with each other.
We also realize people often want to stay in touch and keep the vibe going. So people are contacting each other and creating ways to connect which is great. But we are also aware of a pattern where virtual / zoom / online / at a distance just isn’t the same as in-person, and people end up dropping away and losing contact. That’s expected and ok – and a good reason to come back to Mad Camp, or organize another in-person gathering!
One of the things that mad campers created is a Discord server. It’s self-facilitated and again is not official Mad Camp its community run. After you come to Mad Camp and Mad Camp Europe you’re invited to join. It’s not an official announcement channel – you don’t have to read all the messages to not miss out on official Mad Camp business, don’t worry we will email people directly with that. But it is a place to connect. It’s not official but it does try to follow the Guidelines of Mad Camp We named it the It’s Not Mad Camp Discord Server to remind everyone that it’s a server and a screen. If you are a Mad Camper and want to join just email us for an invite link if you didn’t already get one.
I’m a family member, but don’t identify with madness, can I be part of Mad Camp?
Basically… no. Family members definitely deserve support and retreats and community! But Mad Camp is really to fill an unmet need – a place for mad people to gather and be with each other as equals based on a shared experience. We support family members making their own gatherings, but Mad Camp is for mad people, not for family members. Also please don’t try to sneak around this policy by overplaying your experience. Almost everyone in the society has some encounter with counselors therapists etc these days, but no. When you are a mad person you know it ok?
I’m a mental health professional of some kind, can I come to Mad Camp?
If you are a professional and you do not also identify as a mad person (or in a process of exploring being open to this identity), then basically… no. Mad Camp is for mad people. Professionals who support the mad movement definitely need places to gather and we encourage you to connect with the ISPS and Mad in America. But we’re meeting an unmet need – a place for mad people to gather and be with each based on a shared experience. Mad spaces for mad people. We really love allies: professionals who are true allies will understand our need to be in our own spaces sometimes.
And remember – some of us mad people also do work as professionals! In the sense of being paid as Peer Specialists, being counselors, even some therapists and doctors. Professionals who are also mad people – please come! But leave your professional identity at home and join us as equals in the mad community. And Mad Camp is not a field study or training for professionals to observe and learn about madness. Mad Camp is for mad people, not for professionals.
(If you are a mandated reporter of any kind you cannot be in that role at Mad Camp – Mad Camp is 100% confidential. Everyone signs a legal disclaimer that includes upholding confidentiality no exceptions. And if you are a professional who has worked in the system involved in coercive practices, you need to disclose this in your application so we can discuss, and you agree that if at any time you cannot stay out of your professional role you will be asked to leave Mad Camp, without refund. Please contact us if you have any questions about this. )
Who came up with this idea? How is the planning done?
This idea has been around for quite a while in mad movement circles. The early days of the psych survivor movement were built around face-to-face gatherings, including camp outs and happenings in parks and nature. Dina Tyler and Will Hall first put the idea into motion, then Monica Cassani and several others started to get involved. We operate by chaos consensus, intuition, and conversation. Dina and Will are basically the vision holders with input and involvement from all, and have veto power over decisions. If you have ideas to offer we ask you to join us!
Hey what about Mad Camps in other countries I heard about? What’s the connection?
After we created Mad Camp am awesome survivor advocate in Germany heard about it and got inspired to create Mad Festival at a lake outside of Berlin! Fantastic! Please check them out and support their work. They are completely independent from Mad Camp California and Mad Camp Europe and they include professionals and family members at their gathering — we are getting to know them and hope to have some of the Mad Campers join their event as it looks really awesome. We are all lifting mad people up together and this kind of creative synergy and growth is super inspiring and why we created Mad Camp! Greetings and solidarity to our Mad Festival kindred spirits!
There is also Mad Camp Europe which was started by a California Mad Camper (Mad Camp Europe is separate from Mad Camp California and is organized independently, with some overlap, and yes you could even go to both, wow). Want to start a Mad Camp where you are, big or small? Awesome! Get in touch with us!
Hmm this seems like you just aren’t doing this the right way.
We’re sure we are going to make mistakes. We’re sure we won’t meet everyone’s needs. We can’t please everyone. But we decided to go ahead anyway and just do the best we can. 2023 and 2024 were a smash success! And… if you have ideas how we can do it better, join the volunteer organizing crew! If you don’t like us or feel excluded – create your own gathering – and we’ll help you get the word out!
Mad Camp? that sounds familiar…
Yes! Apparently the name has been used before! Our comrades in Denmark recently told us that there was Mad Camp Denmark for many years, but is no longer happening. We also recently learned that eco-activists and mad persons Mango and Marin created a Mad Camp at national Earth First! environmental movement gathering – in 2014!!! Wow! So cool! We had no idea! We honor our mad friends in Earth First! for creating this — and hope to see you at Mad Camp California! You can read about it here: Not Alone in the Struggle: Supporting Mental Health in the Movement | It’s Going Down There might be even more “mad camps” that have happened, let us know what you learn!
Thank you so much for doing this for us!
Mad Camp is not organized by us for you. Mad Camp is organized by all of us with all of us – all of us for ourselves. We are all volunteers all paying for tickets etc. It’s more like a giant camping trip organized among friends than an “event” that you pay for as a spectator/consumer. The people doing a lot of prep work as volunteers are just as much doing this for fun, friendship, and community as everyone else is. If something is going to happen, people need to step up. Everyone contributes in some way – volunteer time, tasks, positive energy, forgiveness, kindness, support, graciousness, an offering, mutual aid support, donating, more kindness, networking, outreach, listening, noticing, being connected, generosity, energy, magic, being a Mad Camp diplomat, spreading the word, envisioning, making ceremony, sending good wishes – everyone contributes in SOME way. So go forthand make Mad Camp awesome – by ourselves for ourselves!
OK I get it – I’m so excited about this! I want to come – and also help volunteer beforehand! How can I help?
For prep and planning we love your energy: join our volunteer crew through the website form / on your application. We also need you to share our promo website and fundraising page right now – right now! – so we can get enough funds for the scholarships. And friends family and community members to donate and contribute! Also when you join us at the camp we are welcoming people to make offerings of classes workshops facilitating groups teaching sharing something (43 offerings at Mad Camp 2023! WOW! 43!!!) – you can sign up at the camp, and get started now thinking about what you want to bring!
Mad Camp Summer California 