CAMP was an immersive adult playground designed to awaken your inner child and embrace the joys of play, learning, connection and creativity.
The day combined skill-share workshops, a very talented Talent Show and a lovely relaxed “campfire” bar.
Photographs by Vaschakra Photography
Workshops & performers
Talent Show: FemCee Kids
FEMCEE
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FemCee Kids infuses the charm of Mary Poppins with a hip-hop groove, blending nursery rhymes with grime beats for a lively storytime experience. Her rap tunes entertain and educate, inspiring kids (and adults) to embrace their potential with catchy, positive lyrics covering literacy to emotional intelligence. Energetic rhythms promote health, kindness, and empathy. Whether shining on stages, in schools, or at parties, she brings a dynamic and engaging presence.
To find out more about FemCee visit:
Website: https://bio.site/FemCee
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/femcee_kids
Playshop: Unmasked Relating
ERICA MCGINNISKIN
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Authentic and unmasked relating requires brave communication. It entails embracing vulnerability instead of retreating. It's about embracing honesty and openness, even when it feels daunting. It may involve sharing secrets or revealing aspects of yourself that you've kept hidden behind masks.
It's speaking from the heart without ulterior motives, seeking to be genuinely seen and heard for who you are. Authentic Relating promotes healing and has the power to create heartfelt connections.
In Erica's experience, the most profound friendships and relationships are with those who can authentically engage with her. As someone who values both playfulness and deep, vulnerable conversations, she feels most connected when others are raw and genuine, shedding societal expectations and simply being present in the moment to listen or share.
In this workshop, we'll explore what it truly means to authentically relate to others and the rewards it brings in terms of connection and relationships. We'll engage in partnered exercises and games, drawing questions from Esther Perel's "Where Should We Begin" card game.
Erica (she/her) is one of the organisers behind Giddy Garden. She is dedicated to growing inclusive spaces where people can freely express their true selves in all their vibrant hues. Her passion lies in understanding the intricacies of individuals, unraveling their quirks and passions. She finds joy in human interactions where she observes them discussing the topics that light up their faces.
Initially drawn to a career in helping others, Erica spent a decade practicing Osteopathy before embarking on a journey to explore her artistic side. Driven by a love for self-discovery and personal growth, Erica has attended a plethora of health, wellbeing, and s3x-positive workshops and festivals. She co-organises “S3xplorers”, a smaller s3x-positive weekender event, and aims to continue creating workshop festivals with exceptional facilitators to guide individuals on their journey of self-discovery.
Playshop: Flirtology
HELEN EVANS
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Are you ready to unleash your inner charm and captivate those around you? Join us for an 45-minute workshop on the art of flirting!
You'll discover the secrets of body language, flirtatious conversation and learn how to effortlessly go from flirty banter to artful seduction leaving a lasting impression.
Whether you're a novice or a seasoned flirt, this workshop offers something for everyone. Come ignite your confidence, connect with others in this playful workshop. Don't miss out on this opportunity to spark meaningful connections and have a blast while doing it!
Helen is a certified life coach with a passion for helping people communicate better with themselves and each other. With a background in drama and team building facilitation, she loves to mix play and creativity to integrate deeper meaning.
Having facilitated ‘Authentic Connection’ workshops across four continents, she is now focused on helping people build deeper connections with themselves to find love.
For more tips and tidbits about dating follow Helen at:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dating.deliberately
Playshop:
Parkour Playtime
AMY HAN & AARON SOANS
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Join us on the playground and let your inner child shine! This workshop is an introduction to parkour and art du déplacement, disciplines that originated on the streets of Paris and have gained a reputation around the world for being associated with daredevil stunts on rooftops. The truth is, parkour is for everyone: every body, every age. It’s about finding your own way to navigate obstacles, physically and metaphorically, throughout life.
In this workshop, we’ll learn some basic movements, challenge ourselves safely, and play a game to bring it all together!
Amy Han is a former coach with the Australian Parkour Association and Melbourne Parkour, where she worked with all ages for close to a decade. She has trained with the founders of parkour/ADD in Paris, and with several parkour communities around the world. As someone who didn’t grow up ‘sporty’, parkour helped her to connect with her body, her physical abilities, and her courage. It also taught her important lessons about how to navigate challenges all areas of life. She continues to train and move in a variety of ways, and plans to continue doing so all her life. Outside of parkour, Amy is a writer and the founder of the creative writing studio, Words of a Feather. Her latest novel, The Yard Sale at Story House, was published in January 2024.
Aaron Soans is an explorer of movement as a spiritual practice, drawing from a rich tapestry of perspectives including conscious dance, contact improvisation, parkour, and more. His journey is not just about the physical act of movement but about finding a deeper connection to the self and the universe through the fluidity and grace of bodily expression. Aaron believes that every step, leap, and roll is an opportunity to break barriers, both physically and spiritually, allowing individuals to transcend their limitations and experience the world in a more vibrant, interconnected manner.
See more of what Amy is up to here:
Website: http://amyhan.com.au
Instagram: @amyvhan
Talent Show:
Rae
RAE
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Rae, a master of emotive melodies, will take center stage at the talent show! If you were lucky enough to catch Rae's performance at the Syncity Cabaret during the Underland festival 2023, then you know that you're in for a treat.
Rae reimagines covers of tunes, that she loves for their gentle storytelling and their longing and hope. It is an invitation to pause, and feel, and be human.
Whether Rae is strumming away on the ukulele or delicately weaving melodies on the piano there is a sense of sweetness and poignancy that resonates deeply with the audience.
Playshop:
Hitching Your Load
NATHAN POWER
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In this workshop, Nathan will equip you with invaluable knot-tying skills, applicable to a myriad of daily tasks, with a special focus on securing trailer loads. You'll learn robust knots designed to be ultra-secure, yet effortlessly released when it's time to unload.
Beyond trailer loads, these knots have versatile applications, from setting up clotheslines or hammocks, to rigging up tarps and fastening drybags for rafting or kayaking adventures.
This hands-on session offers both a theoretical component and practical hands-on knot tying. Take these newfound techniques home, practice, and unlock their endless utility in your daily life. Once you master these knots, it's a life hack you'll have forever.
Nathan (he/him) is an open-minded, authentic, kind-hearted individual with a passion for curating memorable experiences that foster community, creativity, play, and meaningful connections.
Known among friends as Swiss Army knife (or Leatherman), Nathan fearlessly dives into diverse projects, showcasing his versatility as a builder, artist, tech whiz, and creative mind. Whether immersed in spreadsheets, construction or organising, he wears many hats with ease.
Nathan's expertise in rope tying is rooted in a diverse background. From years spent in scouting to his experiences in traditional rock climbing and crafting festival spaces, to rope rigger in shibari, he has honed his skills and proficiency in rope work.
Playshop: Roleplaying in our modern dystopia
DR PHILL KRINS
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Have you spent many hours learning how to embody your authentic self? Great! Now it's time for a reality check! While it really is powerful to live a truly authentic life, the cold hard social world we live in sometimes gets in the way
In this session Dr Phill Krins will help you explore who you are at your core, how you change from one context to another, how to fake it until you make it and how to have fun and play with the stretchiness that is you.
We will examine this topic through deep questioning of ourselves, playful exercises including roleplay and discussions around how to apply concepts of identity, social norms and fun to our daily lives.
The session will leave you with a deeper understanding of the complexities of human identity, how these shift and change, and how this is based on solid psychological research.
You will hopefully come away from this session feeling slightly existentially challenged, but with an appreciation of how we can have fun being ourselves, stretching and adapting to social different situations.
Talent show:
Michael Konrad
MICHAEL KONRAD
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Introducing Michael, your funny-song guy! With his seamless blend of haha’s and lala’s, Michael crafts a one-of-a-kind musical journey of humour and melody.
If you caught his act at the Cobweb Cabaret or on stage at Confest, you witnessed him command the stage, guitar in hand, effortlessly captivating the audience. His clever lyrics are guaranteed to have you chuckling from the very first chord.
Michael's knack for witty songs and impeccable timing is genius. His improvised humour in between songs adds an unexpected twist that hits just the right note.
While some of his songs may toe the line of "is that too much?", Michael always maintains a playful demeanor, making you feel at ease even as you find yourself squirming just the right amount.
Talent show:
Semi Divine
SEMI DIVINE
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Semi Divine, the unconventional drag performer, is set to dazzle the audience with a show that combines live singing, lip-syncing, and a touch of the unexpected.
Known for captivating crowds at Scratch and Blanke Pop events, Semi Divine's style is anything but conventional. With a mix of jazzy gospel tunes and surprising elements, Semi Divine keeps audiences on their toes.
Picture Semi Divine, adorned in shiny costume, spinning flags while belting out soul-stirring melodies. But don't let his demure demeanour fool you; Semi isn't afraid to get a little filthy and spice things up when the moment calls for it.
Get set to experience the divine chaos that is Semi Divine!
Talent show:
Milbags Magee
MILBAGS MAGEE
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Introducing Milbags Magee, a seasoned vocalist who has lent her talents to Dane Blacklock & the Preacher’s Daughters for the past eight years. With a voice that resonates with raw honesty and sincerity, she is a soulful singer-songwriter.
Armed with her saxophone, guitar and a loop pedal, she is celebrated for her unconventional yet delightfully versatile musical style. She enjoys combining elements of silly country and heartfelt ballads.
When she's not on stage, she spends her time teaching music at a special needs school one day a week. Her love for spontaneous musical expression extends to her camping adventures, where she's renowned for improvising tunes with friends around the campground, making her an ideal addition for the CAMP talent show.
You may have been lucky enough to see Milbags Magee at the Costume Courtesan Cabaret where she crafted a playful original song about the Lorax. She plans to create a special song tailored to the CAMP theme, perhaps inspired by school camp or nostalgic school days. We can’t wait to hear what she comes up with!
Talent show:
Pronk Puppets
PRONK PUPPETS
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Prepare to be transported into a realm of imagination as Pronk Puppets takes the stage at the talent show!
Using recycled and repurposed materials, they craft mesmerising puppets that breathe life into otherworldly beings. You will get to meet wild beasts uncaged from the beyond such as wormhole travelers, radioactive renegades, and paradisiacal creatures.
Audiences will encounter a menagerie of alien entities that resonate eerily with our own humanity. Experience the magic of these puppets, born anew from the remnants of our world's discarded treasures.
Talent show:
Tan Mel
TAN MEL
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Meet TanMel, a dance performance artist and a self proclaimed Energizer Bunny. Mel's passion for movement knows no bounds, and she thrives on pushing herself outside her comfort zone to explore new realms of dance expression and seeks to share the euphoria she feels when dancing with others.
As a fervent advocate for the power of movement, she channels her love for dance into teaching choreography, floor work, and movement classes that defy convention. Whether she's leading a class or captivating audiences on stage, TanMel’s performances are a celebration of the human body in motion.
But her artistic repertoire doesn't end with traditional dance forms. As a seasoned burlesque dancer, and spin artist, she adds a touch of sensuality and allure to her performances, captivating audiences with her stage presence. From the festival circuit to events like the Coco Poco Loco CyberPink Party, TanMel’s dynamic performances leave a lasting impression wherever she goes. With upcoming appearances at Esoteric Festival and recent performances at Mona Foma, TanMel is poised to continue entertaining audiences with her breathtaking dance artistry.
The Campfire Bar
When the workshop sessions wind down and you're in need of a little pick-me-up, make your way to TᕼE ᑕᗩᗰᑭᖴIᖇE ᗷᗩᖇ!
It's where connections are made, laughter fills the air, and unforgettable memories are created.
Here, amidst the social ambience of CAMP, mingle with fellow adventurers and find an array of delightful drinks to suit every palate and preference (including non-alcoholic).
Sip on your drink while swapping stories, making new friends, or simply soaking in the vibrant energy of CAMP.
Look out for a delicious TOᗩSTEᗪ S'ᗰOᖇES ᗰᗩTIᑎI!
Hot drinks available from The Peddling Bean
Arrive a little earlier to treat yourself to a delightful cup of coffee from The Peddling Bean!
The Peddling Bean is a quirky one-of-a-kind mobile experience. Sure to make heads turn and a great conversation starter. The Peddling Bean's ethos aims to be as sustainable as possible to ensure reducing it's environmental footprint.