Kootenay Dance Camp (“KOO-teh-nee”)
Camp Write-Up: Camp Koolaree is a small, rustic, older scout camp, with the capacity for 60 campers. Everyone is welcome, whether you’re an experienced traveler or if this camp is your first step, come take your place in the circle. Be prepared for joyous days filled with music and blessings washing over you while singing sacred phrases and mantras from many spiritual traditions.
Contact: Contact the registrar, Deborah, email
Website: https://campkoolaree.ca/ (Camp facility website only; no contacts for DUP Events)
Location: Camp Koolaree, Kootenay Lake, Nelson BC, Canada
Nearest Airport: Spokane (Nelson is a 3 hour trip to the retreat site – unfortunately carpooling services are unavailable).
Time of Year: Summer
Weather: Hot summer days with cool mornings and evenings is typical for the Labour Day weekend. However, campers should come prepared for early autumn cool weather and possible rain.
Who Attends: The Nelson community and surrounding areas including Spokane and neighbouring states and provinces.
Accommodations: Onsite tent camping, rustic cabins.
Cabins: They are rustic, with no screens or glass on the windows and you will need to bring your own mattress. The fees are the same for either camping or for a cabin.
Tenting: Pitch your tent in the location of your choice, along the sandy shores of the Kootenay Lake, in the meadow, or in the woods.
Meals: We will be provided with delicious and nutritious meals, commencing with supper on Thursday evening and ending with lunch on Monday. Due to the rustic nature of the kitchen facilities, the meal choice selection is limited to the choice of either vegan or vegetarian. If you have a specialty diet, fridge space may be available if you wish to bring your own provisions.
Special Considerations: Located on the shores of the beautiful Kootenay Lake at Camp Koolaree (Nelson, B.C.) on the traditional territory of the Ktuanxa, the Syilx, and the Sinixt peoples. This camp is not accessible by road.It is a unique experience as one motorboat takes the passengers across the lake and a second boat brings over the gear. There is no electricity for charging cell phones or other devices. If these are a necessity, it is advisable to bring a solar charger.