FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions: You ask, we answer.
If there is anything missing let us know webteam [at] omreunionproject.org
Q: How did the Om Reunion Project Solstice Festival begin?
A: Om Reunion Project began after the end of the OM Festival (1998-2004), an annual summer solstice gathering held in southern Ontario. Since our start in 2005 with only 400 members, Om Reunion Project has grown to a community larger than 1200. Our gathering runs for a week and features a kitchen that serves vegan meals, workshops, a Centre for Alternative Living Medicine (CALM), an art tent and three sound stages: Hive, Root and Spore!
Q: Where is the event held?
A: Location info is made available only to those who purchase a Solstice membership. This info will be sent out to members 72 hours in advance of the gathering. It is approximately 2hrs northwest of Toronto by car near Collingwood.
Q: Why are there memberships instead of tickets?
A: Our Solstice celebration event requires a commitment to volunteer and collaborate from each person attending as a co-participant in the creation, functioning and dismantling of the experience. Every attendee is a member of the community, who adheres to certain guidelines, fulfills a volunteer shift and provides a food donation for the kitchen. Together we build it, together we experience it.
Q: How do I buy my membership?
A: Memberships are available for purchase on our website from the yearly launch date of the season until the event is over. You must first log into the website, and then click on the membership tab and follow the instructions from there! Here is a step-by-step breakdown:
1. Log into website / register on website
2. Click "Membership" tab
3. Scroll to bottom of the page
4. Click on "buy membership online" tab
5. Enter Name and check boxes
6. Press “submit” which links you to paypal
7. Make payment
8. Return to Solstice website
9. Log back into user profile
10. Click on "Proof of membership" tab which now appears next to "membership" tab
11. Email page to yourself, print it, or access your profile on your smart device when you arrive at the gate so the gate crew can scan your QR code.
Q: What if I don’t have a credit card or PayPal?
A: We have several drop-in dates in Toronto at Archi-Textures, a weekly event hosted by ROUND Venue in Kensington Market. These are normally in the two months leading up to the event. We also have them at special occasions in advance of the gathering that are announced on a yearly basis. There are also local retailers in other municipalities that sometimes sell memberships for us, this are also announced on a yearly basis. For more information, you can check the Memberships section on our website or on our Facebook event page.
Q: What happens once I purchase my membership on the website through PayPal?
A: After you purchase your membership, you will receive a QR code. This is a square bar code that is found in the “proof of membership” tab which will appear beside the membership tab on the top right corner of our webpage when you are logged in. The QR code can be printed or saved on a smartphone or computer that can be shown at the gate upon entry. It is the QR code that is your ticket to entry, not the payment confirmation page. Once the payment is processed, it will appear in your user profile on the website next to the membership tab. If it does not appear, try reloading the page, or logging out and in again. If it still does not appear, please email Eva at orpevawhateva [at] gmail.com. Please note that this system is different for crew -- crew memberships are dealt with by individual areas and receive specific instructions on how to obtain their memberships.
Q: How do I get a Crew membership?
A: Crew memberships are available to dedicated folks who volunteer a sufficient number of additional hours at a specific area. These spots are allocated in advance of the gathering and applicants must contact team leaders and be approved. The duration of these shifts varies with each area. We also have a LONG CREW that helps us build and are on site for a week both before and after the gathering. For our most recent volunteer callout, visit the PARTICIPATING section of our website. If you have questions or would like to apply, email volunteer [at] omreunionproject.org.
Q: What are Low-income memberships?
A: We have a select number of low-income memberships available for community members who cannot afford the full price membership for various reasons, and are unable to volunteer as crew. These memberships must be applied for well in advance of the gathering. Contact lowincome [at] omreunionproject.org for details.
Q: Can I get a refund on my membership if it turns out I am unable to attend the gathering? (Or can I transfer it to another person?)
A: This may be possible within reasonable limitations or circumstances. Please email your request to Eva at orpevawhateva [at] gmail.com.
Q: Can I get a membership for just one day?
A: Membership is the same price for the entire week-long event as it is for the weekend or even just one night. We recognize that not everyone can take a full week from their work or other obligations, and encourage you to come and participate as much as you are able.
Q: I need a ride -- can you help me find one?
A: Once you have logged into this website, you will find a rideshare forum in FORUMS > SOLSTICE 2014. We also encourage you to check on Facebook through our event and group pages. An independent rideshare Facebook page has also been established at https://www.facebook.com/groups/654651847957017/ . Lots of people will be in similar situations to you, so post clearly about your needs and availability -- if you can drive, if you can split on a rental, and the dates/times/location of your proposed travel.
Q: What do I have to do for my volunteer shift?
A: It takes a great deal of effort to make the gathering happen, and many hands make for lighter work. We have many areas in regular need of volunteers, these include: kitchen, logistics, gate, centre camp, stages, workshops, art tent, safer spaces, CALM, tea tent, transportation, fire and water stewardship, and cleanup crews. Volunteering is one of the most fun and enjoyable things to do at Solstice. It can become an excellent opportunity to meet new friends, learn new skills, and take satisfaction in being a part of the labour that creates the experience for everyone.
Q: What does “LEAVE NO TRACE” mean?
A: Leave only footprints behind. Leave No Trace means that YOU must remove ALL of the garbage that YOU accumulate during your stay on the land. There are no trash bins or dumpsters provided, so please just never let it hit the ground. After the gathering, walk your campsite like a grid and pick up anything that does not belong in the forest. Twist ties, wires, string, plastic caps. It all needs to go with you. Leave no trace.
Q: What other rules should I know about attending?
- Respect yourself, respect others, respect the land, respect local laws and customs.
- Camping is allowed only in designated camping zones.
- Cars must be parked only in the parking lot, not anywhere else on site.
- No independent sound systems or generators.
- No independent fires -- camping stoves are OK though!
- No glass -- it shatters on the forest floor and is impossible to find.
- No dogs -- we love them but unfortunately cannot host dogs on our site.
- No vending -- we ask that you gift freely but enjoy a commodity free week
- No photos on the beach -- and ask before you shoot photos anywhere.
Q: What do I need to bring?
A: When you arrive at the gate you will need to bring your QR code that is a part of your receipt, either printed on a piece of paper or visible on a smartphone. While you are at the gathering you will need :
- a tent (or permanent warm spot in someone else's)
- sleeping mattress
- sleeping bag
- water bottle (not glass please)
- snacks
- warm & waterproof clothing!!!!
- sunscreen / sun block / hat
- rubber boots
- bug repellant
- headlamp / flashlight and extra batteries
- earplugs
- bowl, cutlery and your own mug
- costumes, decorations for your camp, gifts to share…
- something to sit on
- your kitchen donation
- garbage bags to pack out what you packed in
- any medications you need (prescriptions, antihistamines, etc)
- important personal items (condoms, Epi-pen, etc.)
- an open heart and mind
Q: Is there drinking water available on site?
A: Yes! We have super-clean delicious fresh spring water from our site that has been professionally filtered/treated to be safe for consumption. We test our water each year to ensure its safety.
Q: What is the food like? Can you accomodate my special diet?
A: Our food is the most amazing vegan cuisine you have ever had. Each dish is made with love! Our meals normally consist of salad, grains, vegetables and protein sources like lentils, chickpeas, quinoa, and miso (miso soup is available at every meal). We do not serve eggs, tofu, tempeh, dairy, meat or fish. If you have special dietary requests, such as gluten-free, please talk to kitchen staff upon your arrival and they will see what is possible to accomodate (or contact them in advance via email). Members are also welcome to supplement the meals provided with snacks and/or cooking meals at their campsite or community fire.
Q: Is Solstice a family friendly? Can I bring my children?
A: Yes! We have many families who attend on a yearly basis and a growing Family Camping Zone. Children under 10 years of age do not have to purchase a membership. However, their parent must sign a parental waiver agreeing that they will be supervised at all times. We adhere to the Durham County Children’s Aid Society supervision guidelines, available here: http://www.durhamcas.ca/index.php?section=supervision-guidelines
Q: Can I take photographs?
A: You are welcome to take photographs and we encourage all pro photographers to get accredited at our Centre Camp upon arrival. ORP has a new photography policy in effect, and we ask that photographers obtain consent prior to taking any individual’s picture. We also ask that photographers do not sell images captured at the our Solstice gathering. Lastly, we ask that you do not take photos at our beach area out of respect to others.
Q: What is ORP's policy regarding community safety issues, such as harassment or assault?
A: Every member is expected to conduct themselves with honour, respect, compassion and in a responsible manner while at the Solstice gathering, following the principles of PLURR -- peace, love, unity, respect, and responsibility. We are here to have fun, but let that not be at the cost of someone else's enjoyment. Any kind of violence or abuse (physical, sexual, verbal or emotional) will not be tolerated, and members will be asked to leave if their actions are deemed inappropriate by the event organizers. We all want to have fun and if you are not having fun because of another member, please bring it to the attention of a coordinator (someone with a walkie talkie), find a response person or go to Health and Safety. Please party responsibly and take care of yourselves and your campmates.
Q: What do I do in case of an Emergency?
A: There are walkie talkies at various community locations, including all of the stages, the kitchen, and Centre Camp. Look for the lit up booths and just turn it on and press down, then speak. This will put you in contact a coordinator or response shift worker immediately.
Q: How do I lead a workshop?
A: Contact workshops [at] omreunionproject.org in advance to be added to the official workshop schedule. Or just show up at the workshop tent and start one!
Q: How do performers get booked?
A: We usually send out a yearly call in February or March that lasts 3-4 weeks where artists can submit their materials, such as DJ or live sets, video mixes, and art installation proposals. The final schedule is usually completed by the end of May. All performers are members and also do a volunteer shift.
Q: I heard there is a radio station! Can I DJ on OM Radio?
A: OM Radio plays live from the forest. We are happy to have DJs broadcasting on our own homegrown radio station set up at Centre Camp. Have an idea for a show? We are looking for interested members to host talk, music, radio plays, found sound shows, well, you get it. Everyone is welcome to bring some tunes and sign up for a shift, however we ask that your choices suit the mood of the space and time of day! Email radio [at] omreunionproject.org to participate, and tell your friends to bring their radios to tune in!
Q: How do i contribute to the Gathering Guide zine?
A: The Gathering Guide zine takes submissions from all community members. The deadline is June 1st. We cannot guarantee that we will be able to include everything but we always try our best! Send your articles, stories, poems, drawings, et cetera to zine [at] omreunionproject.org
Q: Why does everyone still call it OM?
A: Hmmm… good question. The OM Festival hasn’t been around since 2004, and our gathering has been called “Solstice” since 2012... the names we previously used changed every year (re:union, in:tent, re:treat, in:sight, re:leaf, in:fuse, re:generate), so people got confused... Maybe it’s because we still have an om circle to celebrate the solstice!
Q: Why can’t I play my own music at my camp? (Why No Personal Sound Systems?)
A: We all love our own music, but does everyone else? While the stages are going there will be music throughout the whole forest, so during the off-hours, lets reflect in the silence of the forest and the laugher of our friends. If you have a small radio for Om Radio that is ok as long as the volume is moderate in the campground.
Q: Can I charge my phone?
A: Maybe... We often have a solar powered charger set up at Centre Camp. There might also be other power wizards in the woods -- find them and tell us where!
Q: I can’t figure out something on the ORP Solstice website, can you help me?
A: We are currently redesigning our website to make it more accessible. Please send your feedback to webteam [at] omreunionproject.org!
Q: How do I get in touch with someone to answer my question that still isn’t answered after reading this entire FAQ?
A: Email someone from the following list and ask!
art [at] omreunionproject.org
calm [at] omreunionproject.org
entertainment [at] omreunionproject.org
family [at] omreunionproject.org
info [at] omreunionproject.org
kitchen [at] omreunionproject.org
longcrew [at] omreunionproject.org
themecamps [at] omreunionproject.org
volunteer [at] omreunionproject.org
workshops [at] omreunionproject.org
zine [at] omreunionproject.org