The Full Story
About Polywood
Polywood is a family friendly poly camping weekend of community building as we learn from each other via informal discussions, socializing, and fun. Come meet fellow like-minded poly people around the large communal bonfire; take part in various relationship building and strengthening discussions such as effective communication, metamour relationships, agreements, boundaries, and contracts; share your poly knowledge and experiences with others.
In the beginning...
In the beginning (aka 2013), Polywood’s founders began producing and delivering workshops on Polyamory and healthy relationships. From those initial few content stuff workshops, there came an idea - a weekend dedicated to learning, sharing, and community building in a space safe for people in, or curious about, ethically open relationships.
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In 2015, Polywood was launched to allow Polyamorus folks to come together for a weekend every year to meet and learn from each other in the comfort of the great outdoors. Ever since the inception of Polywood the event organizers have been dedicated to fostering the growth of a healthy Polyamorous community and look forward to continuing to do so for many more years.
What to expect from a Polywood Camping event
The Polywood Camping event is a weekend long event beginning Friday 5 pm EDT and ending around 3 pm EDT on the following Sunday.
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Polywood is comprised of a mix of workshops and events such as concerts and
nightly communal fires.
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There are a few standard recurring events that take place at every Polywood such as a Friday night potluck and a Saturday night Cuddle party (more details here). There is lots on the schedule but we encourage an overall laid back and relaxed atmosphere. You can do as much or as little as you want. Attendance to any and all workshops and events are optional.
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Polywood also endeavours to offer kids programming for attendees aged 5 and up. Activities include games, crafts, nature walks, etc.
What are the Workshops like?
The workshops offered at Polywood are a mix of educational, informal, and/or interactive experiences that are either 60, 90, or 120 minutes long. They can involve facilitator led discussions, open discussion, and/or physical activities such as dance and movement.
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They are usually held outdoors under event tents. There is no pre-sign up required, however we do ask you be on time for the workshops as some may not allow late entry. The workshops are non-smoking spaces.
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We want people to feel comfortable sharing. To facilitate that, we ask that you keep personal stories that are shared at Polywood between attendees and the trees.
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If you would like to see what workshops have previously been offered at Polywood, please see the previous events schedules page.
What kinds of tickets do I need for Polywood?
There are two ticket types for Polywood - Event tickets and Accommodation tickets.
Event Tickets will grant you entry to Polywood. Once event registration is open, you can buy a full weekend pass for access to everything Polywood is offering that year. Alternatively, if you can't join us for the entire weekend, individual day passes are also available. You can buy tickets for Friday night, Saturday all day, and/or Sunday all day.
Event ticket prices differ for adults (18 yrs old and above), Youth (ages 6 yrs to 17 yrs ), and Children (ages 5 and under).
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There is a discounted rate for the weekend pass if you will also be camping onsite during Polywood, for which Accommodation tickets are required. There are both camp sites and cabins available. See here for more details.
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What should I bring if I'm not camping overnight?
If you are visiting on a day pass, we recommend bringing the following:
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a camp chair or blanket
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a water bottle
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any food or snacks you would like
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sunscreen
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a notebook and writing utensil(s)
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a sweater or blanket if you will be staying to enjoy the fire after sunset
Does Polywood have a Code of Conduct?
Yes we do. Polywood is an inclusive event. We endeavour to create an open, welcoming, and safe place for people of all ethnicities, all backgrounds, and all gender expressions.
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We value and prioritize a safe and welcoming space. What does that look like in practice? It means that we do not tolerate any racism, sexism, transphobia, homophobia, or shaming. It means that we ask that you refer to people by the names and pronouns they ask you to.
The following Code of Conduct is printed on our event tickets and all attendees are asked to abide by it:
I understand that I am here as a guest of Polywood & Wesley Clover Park. (collectively referred to with its owners, partners, agents & representatives, as the hosts). I agree to take all precautions to protect my health & safety during my stay. I agree that I will not take legal action against the hosts for any harm that may occur to me or my property for any reason, incl. from theft, natural disaster, or acts of God. The hosts shall not be liable for any loss or damage to person or to property, whether directly or indirectly caused by performance or non-performance of obligations of the hosts. I hereby waive & release any rights of recovery against the hosts that it may have at law or in equity.
I understand that Polywood will not tolerate homophobic, transphobic, racist, sexist, or ableist remarks. I understand that aggressive and/or harassing behaviour towards attendees, staff, and hosts, including in relation to the enforcement of Covid-19 policies, will not be tolerated. I acknowledge that should I break this code of conduct, I may be asked to leave, at the discretion of the hosts, without refund.