Summer
A feast of yoga for you this summer:
Sixth marvellous year for the warmhearted yogacamp: August 20 – 28th 2011
Please note there are 250 places only for this camp.
Day tickets are also available, with and without camping options.
Please note first of all : Absolutely and clearly, Santosa yoga camp is completely alcohol and drug free. If you feel that you may want to use alcohol or drugs at all please do not book to come to these camps. Thank you.
UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE 19 AUGUST 2011
We’re writing this as the last of the crew families set off for our beautiful site in Somerset. To date there are still a few places left for the first weekend and some day tickets too, so if you want to come and join us you are welcome: please book online and we should by the magic of wireless broadband, if it works in the field, have all your details on the gate tent when you arrive. If you are wanting to come partway through the camp, for example anytime after Thursday, then it may be wise to drop us a txt (not a voicemail please if it can be avoided) and just check there is space for you: 07595322779.
The draft schedule and class listing are here for you to download – possibly our best schedule ever! Loads of amazing sessions, so here it is:
santosa summer 2011 class descrip[1]
Arrivals day is Saturday 20th August: for pitching and settling in
Departures day is Sunday 28th August: for packing up and leaving.
The full programme runs from dawn on Sunday 21st August until dusk on Saturday 27th August.
What’s on?
We are currently compiling a fabulous schedule, aiming to be even better than last year – which is remarkable really, because last year the timetable had over fifty yoga sessions, classes and workshops, plus three or four sessions of devotional sound daily – including kirtan, bhajan, mantra chanting and other voices from the heart for you to enjoy. There are also dance workshops and sessions, all offered by inspired and generous hearted yoga teachers from all over the country.
Last year we had over forty confirmed teachers and you can take a look at the 2010 schedule if you would like a flavour of what we have offered in the past. Please be aware that this year will be its own unique and perfect event, so we will not replicate last years’ schedule, but broadly speaking, this is the sort of thing that will be on offer: You can download the full santosa summer 2010 class descrip (or santosa summer 2010 class descrip)You can download the provisional Santosa Summer Schedule10 (or word doc Santosa Summer Schedule10
Here’s the CRUCIAL INFORMATIONSUMMER2011 which tells you what to expect this year. Even if you have come before, please take a moment to read this because there are some new developments this year. In particular, please be advised that we do not have a commercial caterer on site this year. Main meals will need to be largely self-catering, and we encourage you to connect with your neighbouring campers to increase your cooking joys by cooking together. Also we will have a super comfy Santosa Lounge offering soft social space for chat, snacks, and teas, coffees and chai for donations each day. Some raw and superfood healthy snacks will be being made during the soul food workshops, and then offered for donation in the Santosa Lounge. There will be a small crew kitchen catering for crew workers, and the option of a meal in exchange for a cooking rota for one or two karma yogis each day. Those who advise the night before to the crew cooking team of their desire for porridge in the morning can also have a bowl of porridge for donation.
There are two maps and very excellent directions up on the Healing Field site: directions to the site, and there are further Directions (as a word doc Directions).
Preceding camp 10 – 14th August
Please note, if you enjoy this kind of camp and are keen to experience more time in this beautiful meadow, that the Mother-camp (the original inspiration for Santosa!) is happening on the same site from 10-14th August: it is the Healing Field Gathering, and you are welcome if you are attending the Healing Field Gathering to remain on site and help set up for Santosa. Please contact the Healing Field Camp site directly for information and tickets for this lovely gathering, which directly precedes Santosa.
Tickets on sale from March 1st 2011. Prices TBC
I’ve already booked – what now?
If you have booked via payal, then your paypal receipt is your ticket and your name/s will be on the list at the welcome tent when you arrive. If you have questions about the gathering, please be so kind as to scroll down to all the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) at the bottom of this page, to retrieve the directions and other information you need to come and find us.
This is truly a shoestring operation, and we really do need to keep admin to an absolute minimum, so there are no postal tickets and we try to make the website give you everything you need so that you don’t need to call me up! There are lots of frequently asked questions at the bottom of this page.
I will be checking emails up until 18th August, so that might be the best way to contact me if you have a query. If it is truly urgent and you are lost en route or some other catastrophe or deep confusion has arisen, then you can text the camp hotline: 07595322779.
I want to come!
If you have not yet booked your place, please read on, and find the online booking buttons at the bottom of this page. If you plan to come please book online, before you come, even if you are booking after the camp start date, since this minimises the cash on site, and keeps clear records of who has paid. Thank you for your interest in our small but perfect yoga camp!
This is a gathering for everyone who loves yoga and/or kirtan, and wants to practice in a beautiful Somerset meadow, overlooking Glastonbury Tor, mid-way between Shepton Mallet and Pilton. (Directions are below).
It’s camping in a meadow doing yoga all day – clear pure space – alcohol and drug free – family friendly – no cliques – just friendly yogis from all traditions teaching in yurts and big bender and in the open air.
The full day programme funs from dawn til dusk and includes asana, pranayama, meditation, kirtan, yoga nidra, chanting and camp fires.
Teachers from all lineages including Ashtanga, Iyengar, Satyananda, Vini and Kundalini yoga; also Tibetan yoga, Kashmir yoga, Acro-yoga, partner yoga, Yin Yoga, kirtan, bhajans, dance ceremony, Shakti dance and more. Kids crafts, yoga, fun and games
Complementary therapists and healers working for donation (including Thai Yoga Massage, Reflexology, Reiki, Shiatsu, head massage and lots more).
There are classes for grown ups, classes for children, and classes for humans of all ages to enjoy practicing yoga together in tents and in the open air.
Yoga bazaar for books, CDs, musical instruments, clothes, mats, and other yoga stuff.
Sorry no dogs, but your small pets are very welcome (in previous years we have welcomed a number of pet rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, mice and gerbils). If they come back this year we’ll have a pet appreciation show!
Teachers
If you are interested in teaching at this year’s gathering please mail Donna Southwell santosayoga@googlemail.com. Donna is creating the teaching schedule for the gathering this year.
Healers
If you are a healer/therapist and would like to come and offer treatments at the gathering, please mail yoga@sitaram.org. There is a flat fee for the week of £27 for attending as a healer, and no pitch fee, so all healers/therapists are asked to make a donation of 15 per cent of their takings at the camp before they leave.
Booking from 14 February
We operate these gathering on a shoestring budget, and trust you will pay the highest rate you can afford.
If you are booking for a family or a group please use the family/group rate only, and send an email to confirm the numbers and ages of children you are bringing.
2011 rates tbc
Healer/Therapist/Teachers (and partners) flat rate, full gathering registration fee, per person: £27
Book Tickets
(Only available for those who are already officially registered as CREW/TEACHERS/THERAPISTS. Please also, if CREW/TEACHERS/THERAPISTS are bringing children, please register the kids with the £1.08 kids registration button (below), so we know how many children are coming.
FAQs
Q: How many people come?
The most people we have had at Santosa in Somerset was 250. This includes around 40 yoga teachers, our crew and usually about 10 healers and therapists. It is a friendly camp, and everyone gets to know most people. We cannot easily accommodate many more on the site, and we love the Healing Field Meadow so much that we want to keep our camp small and perfect, so we all fit in the single meadow. the maximum number the site can comfortably accommodate is 300.
Q: Are there concessionary rates?
A: Yes, please do not let price be a barrier to attendance. If you are in receipt of benefits, or an a state pension, or a single parent or a student, then please email for details of concessionary rates and also energy-exchange options.
Q: Where is the site and how do I get there?
A: The healing field meadow is between Shepton Mallet and Pilton. Full directions are here for you to download: Directions
Q: Where’s the nearest train station?
A: The nearest train station is Castle Cary, about a 15 minute cab ride from the site. Most of the cab drivers there seem to know how to find the healing field but it could be a good idea to print out the directions and bring them with you to give to the cabbie. In the past quite a few people have cycled over from Castle Cary on their bikes.
Q: How do I find out more about what happens on site?
A: Please download this CCRUCIAL INFORMATIONSUMMER2011to get a feel for what happens on site.
Q: What about food?
A: We have no commercial caterer on site. PLease plan to self-cater main meals: we encourage you to cook together with your camping neighbours for more fun and delight. There is a lounge serving teas and coffees and super delicious snacks throughout the day, and a small on-site shop in the gate tent selling basic provisions like pasta, baked beans, soya milk, and hopefully an order of fresh organic veggies.There are also a limited number of optiions for karma yogis who want to join the crew cooking rota to swap their time and energy in cooking on the rota for a free meal each day. Please come to the morning meeting if you would like to help with this.
Q: What about fires?
A: We have a single community camp fire for focus. It will be minded by our fire keepers who will help us keep it safe and sacred. Please join us around this fire and respect the fire keeper’s guidance. There are also
fires under the water to keep it hot for showers. But we ask for no other fires on site.
Q: What about water?
A: There are stand pipes around the field providing mains cold water for drinking, washing, cooking. Hot tubs and hot water for showers are up under the trees at the far end of the field.
Q: Can I park on site?
A: Yes, there is a special part of the site for cars to park in. Please do not park next to your tent. To give everyone space we ask for you to park your car in the car parking places on the right as you enter the field. We can help you with your unloading to carry your stuff to your chosen pitch.
Q: Can I bring my campervan/caravan/bus?
A: Yes campervans and caravans and live-in buses are welcome. Please be guided by the gate tent yogis to a suitable space for your vehicle – and be aware this is likely to be close to the edges of the field near the entrance.
Q: What other facilities are on site?
A: Please be aware this is low impact, minimal camping. We have composting drop toilets (sitting and squatting varieties) at the car park end of the field. Our toilet fairies work hard to keep them lovely for everyone, and we find that most people much prefer these to stinky chemical plastic boxes!
Q: What about rubbish?
A: This is a clean, green site. Please take your recycling and rubbish away with you. We provide biodegradable black sacks for you to keep everything sorted and tidy. You can compost your veggie scraps in the hedges.
Q: What do I need to bring?
A: Yourself, all your camping equipment, your cooking gear if you want to self cater, your yoga mat and any other yoga stuff you want to use, musical instruments if you want to play. Flip flops are handy for the outdoor showers, swimming costumes for the hot tubs are a good idea if you are planning to soak in the tub. Bring clothes for all weathers – in the last years we have had blazing sun, (bring hats, sunblock and sunglasses); pouring rain (full waterproofs, umbrellas and wellies are a must), and the nights get a bit chilly, even if you are round the campfire (warm sweaters and rugs/blankets to sit on). Typical English summer gear.
Q: Where’s the schedule and what to I get for my money?
A: Once you arrive on site all classes and workshops are free. All you need to pay for are any treatments you arrange with the therapists, and any food you buy at the cafes. We have over fifty yoga teachers registered to teach this year, in five different structures, and there are always last minute changes to the schedule.
Download the 2009 schedule here (in PDF format, or in Word format).
Q: Can I bring my dog?
A: Not really. This is a single meadow site. There is a great sense of space and openness because the meadow is high, with fabulous views over to the Tor at Glastonbury. But it is just one field, and so it can be very hard to manage dogs and people all together. Our lovely site owner Jacob Jones generally prefers to discourage most people from bringing their dogs to the camps on this site, and we support his wishes. Previously we have also insisted that all campers leave their dogs behind, but usually, despite the dog-ban there have been one or two canine campers present on site each year. This year, as we did at the Spring Santosa, as an experiment in canine co-operation, we are happy to welcome one or two well trained dogs only provided that their owners commit absolutely to pick up every single poo which their dog does. Dogs should be on leads at all times on site, both in the camping and main circle areas. No dogs are to run free on the site, day or night. If dog owners wish for their dogs to be off lead, they need to take them away from the camping and yoga tent areas and go for a walk up the lane and down the tracks around the site, mindful of the cattle and sheep grazing nearby. Be aware also that some families bring small mammals such as rabbits and guineas pigs with them, and dogs should be prevented both from frightening these creatures and from causing alarm to small humans.
This change of plan, and experimental approach to the controlled presence of dogs on site is, we are happy to confess, prompted by the newly arrived presence in our family of a Collie puppy called Fanore, who recently adopted us in Ireland and now lives with us in Stroud. He will be on site some of the time, under the watchful eyes of Abhisheka, Tejomaya and Nirlipta.
One Person’s Appreciation of Santosa 2006 – our first year!
from: John
Despite the dire forecast, we were lucky and had good weather with only 2 hours of rain , plus one nights rain (which doesn’t really count in my book,as its just so soothing to fall to sleep to)!
There were five large geodesic domes in the field for the classes and events, plus the two cafe’s , so in reality bad weather wouldn’t have been a problem.
There were two small cafes serving veggie food , these were in atmospheric tents with wall hangings, mellow music, carpets, cushions and low tables,
The hot tubs and showers were a real hit ! lovely, hot, and suitably basic. The water for both being heated by wood burning stoves along side. From a distance it was a scene from a ‘carry on film’ with the white missionaries being boiled in a big black steaming pots !
We ended up frequenting the tubs around midnight most nights … Wonderful memories of being up to my neck in hot water in great company with just the stars overhead for light !.
The composting loos were a new system to me, (coming from so sensible Surrey) ! Very alternative, private – A shock at first, however once the continental squatting technique had been re-mastered, they were fine and vastly superior to the usual festival ‘tardis’ variety, and what’s more, they didn’t even smell !
The full , varied and regularly changing program was well attended , going on from 8am till 11 pm
Of the variety of things I went to, the Tantrik Shamanic dancing session was the most remarkable (almost like being on drugs)! .
Nice surprise to find such a variety of complementary healing people (all in interesting yurts or domes), offering treatments at low prices….. I had a full massage day one, reflexology day two and a Shiatsu massage day three…..all wonderful !
Many children running around, and young babies on site, which was really nice, with one big tent for the kids with daily activities. A couple of my ’neighbours’ were Astanga teachers [big thanks to Joey and Donna - much appreciated classes! Ed.] and had their 7 month with them while teaching.
Tents of all shapes and sizes. a few camper vans and couple of caravans. Probably 120 people in all I guess, with more women than men,
Recommended !
take care
John.