Check out the 2025 Awakenus Festival Guide for inspiration.
What is a theme camp?
(crediting AI for the writeup)
A "theme camp" is a group of people at a festival or event who collectively create a unique, interactive space with a specific theme, providing activities, art, or experiences to the wider community without expecting anything in return, essentially "gifting" their themed environment to others; it's a dedicated area with a visual presence, often including costumes and themed activities, designed to engage and entertain participants through a shared experience.
Interactive nature:
Theme camps are not just static spaces, they actively engage participants through activities, workshops, performances, or other interactive elements.
Community focus:
The core concept is to contribute to the overall experience of the event by offering a unique and welcoming space for everyone to enjoy.
(Usually) no exchange of money:
Typically, theme camps operate on a "gifting" basis, meaning they provide their experiences without expecting payment. However, vending art and merch is acceptable at Awakenus.
Theme-based creativity:
Each camp has a distinct theme which is reflected in their decor, costumes, activities, and overall aesthetic.
Examples of theme camp activities could include:
🌟"Disco Roller Rink" where people can roller skate to disco music
🌟A "Mad Hatter Tea Party" with themed food and whimsical activities
🌟A "Speakeasy Bar" with live jazz music and themed cocktails
🌟A "Cosmic Meditation Dome" offering guided relaxation sessions
🌟A "Creative Craft Workshop" where participants can make their own themed items
Tips for organizing a theme camp:
Choose a theme.
Consider what your camp members enjoy, what they're good at, or what they like to do. You can also choose a theme based on what you'd like as a participant.
Find a group.
Look for a group of people you're comfortable with, who share your vision, and who you can rely on.
Plan early.
Start planning your theme camp area as early as possible.
Gather and build.
Prepare and build your theme camp structures before the festival.
Consider the layout.
Create a layout that's visually stimulating and inviting. You can also consider making small courtyards to increase the density of tents and create a sense of privacy.
Communicate.
Establish a communication loop with the rest of your camp. Use email, social media, or collaboration applications to share important information and announcements.
Be considerate.
If you bring a generator, make sure it's quiet, small, and placed far from other camps. Cover it with a sound shield or baffle, and don't run it late at night or early in the morning.
Be resourceful.
Consider using reclaimed materials, or sourcing materials from friends and farms. You can also look for free or cheap stuff at garage sales, thrift shops, and the side of the road.
2025 Awakenus Theme camp applications received:
Heathen Life [Sound Camp]
Heathen Life serves as a space to celebrate the unbridled human spirit. Dance to the music from our stage, enjoy thirst-quenching libations, participate in our games and shenanigans, hang out in our lounge, and let yourself feel free from the day to day stress, reconnecting with the primal nature of self. Sound system by Black Mountain Sound. Contact Patrick (blackmountainsoundsystem@gmail.com) if you want to play music at Heathen Life.
B.A.S.S. Camp [Serenity Camp]
Organized by Birmingham Alliance for Safer Spaces, B.A.S.S. Camp will feature a sensory / cozy area. They plan to host educational sessions that cover different harm reduction and general safety education topics. ADA camping will be available at B.A.S.S. camp. Please contact bass.bham@gmail.com if you're interested in ADA camping - and/or - volunteering at B.A.S.S. Camp. B.A.S.S. Camp also invites all Awakenus participants to fill out this survey to help improve the organization.
abracaDABra [Lounge Camp]
Operated by The Vape Loft, abracaDABra will be bringing circus/carnival vibes and a social consumption bar (ages 21+ up only). They'll be hosting Knick Knack Black Jack and other carnival games along with live performances that fit the theme. Contact Clayton (birmingham@thevapeloft.com) if you are interested in performing (burlesque, circus arts, freak show, etc.).
Space Camp [Sound Camp]
Prepare for liftoff at Space Camp with sightings of UFOs, aliens, and more. We'll be hosting a braided elements workshop, rave braids class, and possibly a craft hour. Don't miss Wook Games on Friday night and our Hooligan HoeDown (Space Cowboy Edition) on Saturday night to celebrate Margo's birthday. We'll have a Rane One controller, 4 JBL 15s and at least one 4200 watt subwoofer. Contact Jason (djreehab@gmail.com) if you want to play music at Space Camp.
So Dry For You! [Hospitality Camp]
Welcome to So Dry for You! It is a cozy oasis where strangers become friends and every moment is steeped in connection. Start your day with a fresh cup of coffee (BYO cup—because legends like you are always prepared!). Then, join us each day at 2 PM for our signature camp event, Tea with Strangers—where the tea is hot, the humor is dry, and the conversations are anything but ordinary. As evening rolls in, gather around the fire to soak up good vibes, share stories, and laugh until your sides ache under the stars. This camp is not accepting new members.
Dabs@LabCity [Sound & Art Camp]
Music, visuals and dab bar. (5) 18 “ subs (2) 15” 3- way loud speaker (2) 12” loud speakers several projectors and screens. This camp will provide DJ spots for festival volunteers only. Contact Oliver (oliendless@gmail.com) if you want to play music at Dabs@LabCity.
Polaroid Paparazzi Camp [Art Camp]
We are a troupe of instant film photographers that share Polaroid photos. We’ll be activating a photo booth where people can get free Polaroid pictures and will host a daily activity. This camp is not accepting new members.
The Shire [Fantasy Realm] The Shire is a camping zone that includes Sunset Larpenshire, Shirlandia and Conscious Creation. The area is for those who wish to embrace the magical and whimsical elements of high fantasy adventure! All residents are encouraged to put their own creative spin on this concept; however, we do have two requirements: 1) Residents are encouraged to create a house name and coat of arms to be displayed on their tents and 2) Residents are encouraged to dress to theme adding ears, horns, wings, scales or any other means of identifying yourself as non-human.
Sunset Larpenshire [LARP Camp]
A high-fantasy realm where fairies, knights of the realm and dragons all dance to the beats of the forest! We’ll host a Battle Royale where contestants can try their skill with foam weapons and a mini game scavenger hunt attendees can choose to solve over the weekend for a prize. Contact Hayley (heyastralyogi@gmail.com) if you want to be involved.
Shirlandia [Jam Camp]
Shirlandia will have public use instruments, tarot readings and a photo booth. We envision a free form open jam and a ton of silliness.
Conscious Creation [Sound Camp]
Conscious Creation is where creatives can feel at home. Whether you are gifted musically or artistically, come interact and be a functioning part of this experience. The idea musically is that we aren’t necessarily placing ourselves in a box to allow more variety. With a foundation in organic jam roots we would allow other electronic artists to plug in as well perhaps allowing enough space each day for open jams/decks. We welcome interactivity with art as well in the form of art vendors, installations, and a full creation station. This space will feel like a full blown celebration of curious creativity. Our camp will have a full PA sound system (up to 10000 watts potential at the moment but open to adding more if necessary), guitars (electric and acoustic), a DJ controller, lasers, and projector. Contact Frazer (Stein4au87@gmail.com) if you want to be play music or express your creativity in another way at Conscious Creation.