OBOD International Camp 2012

Just back from the international camp of OBOD in Holland. As always with OBOD events, there was that wonderfully comfortable but always fresh feeling of openness and warmth amongst all the participants. Before the camp I, along with ZZ Birmingham and Touchstone editor Penny Billington, were hosted by members who took us to a fascinating exhibition on the Vikings at the Drents Museum. While waiting for our guide, who later appeared dressed as a Viking and proved invaluable with her knowledge and excellent English, I took this snap of some of us waiting in the museum. I’ve photoshopped it in an attempt to mimic a Vermeer…

The camp itself was blessed with both sun and rain – enough of each to get us in touch with the elements, to get our boots muddy, and for us to bask in the sunshine when it arrived. From the moment we came to the Welcoming gateway, with its ‘Druid Lounge’ tent, I knew we were home. With about 100 adults and 40 kids the three and a bit days were action-packed, with beautifully choreographed ceremonies, loads of workshops running parallel to offer plenty of choice, and a stunning Eisteddfod on the Saturday night.

Watching the way the children were enjoying themselves, and the amount of care taken in providing for them, was really moving. Congratulations to everyone who helped to make the camp such a great success. On the first evening the organisers announced that next year they would be taking a sabbatical and that there would be no camp. On the last morning, a group from Belgium announced that they were taking up the baton and would be organising an international camp for 2013. Hurrah!

Flags and lamps decorated by the children at the Dryade International OBOD Camp 2012