Diversity & Consent Policy
Hexenfest is an opportunity to create a microcosm of the world we’d like to live in; a world of celebration and well-being for the Earth and all her inhabitants, in all our glorious manifestations! As such, Hexenfest welcomes people of all races, sexual orientations, genders, ages, physical abilities, and traditions. If you identify as witchy in any way, enjoy being with others who share a view of an interconnected, living world, and love music and the arts, Hexenfest welcomes you to attend.
In keeping with this vision, we do not tolerate racism, sexism, transphobia, elitism, ageism, ableism, or any activity based in bigotry and othering at Hexenfest. We bet you don’t either!
We acknowledge that, due to different lived experiences, we may do or say something that inadvertently hurts another. If someone gives you feedback that your actions or words were hurtful, stop for a moment and take that in, rather than becoming defensive. It is not an attack on you, it is simply feedback. Often, acknowledgement and apology are all that is needed. If a larger issue arises between attendees, we will discuss the issue with those involved, and seek to rectify the situation privately.
Any person intentionally engaging in acts of bigotry, bullying, hostility, or harassment will be asked to leave. Maintaining a safe space for our attendees is of utmost importance to us!
Hexenfest is a Consent Culture event. We require attendees to seek proactive, positive, and confirmed responses of “Yes” before touching anyone or their property, taking anyone’s picture, initiating sexual activity, or otherwise entering another person’s physical or energetic space.
Also, white supremacy is bullshit. We reject the idea of supremacy of any group over any other group. This damaging worldview has pitted us against one another for far too long, and has already caused a heartbreaking amount of hurt and divisiveness. No true culture of interconnection can flourish under the mantle of white supremacy. Let’s weed it out.
This co-created space is a work in progress. We welcome feedback to help us continue to grow a culture where all participants feel safe, heard, and valued. We invite your participation in making Hexenfest a weekend of magic-focused culture building - a culture that celebrates and values a rich diversity of people, arts, and culture. Let us respect each other, and look after one another!
General Policies and Rules:
1) NO CAMPSITE FIRES OF ANY KIND! California experiences EXTREME FIRE DANGER this time of year. Fires are restricted to specific locations, and only at the discretion of Saratoga Springs.
2) Smoking is only allowed in designated areas.
3) Alcohol is permitted with discretion and use of your own drinking vessel. All legal substances (including vape pens) are permitted in outdoor areas only, with the exception of the Pool area, which is substance-free.
4) COVID PROTOCOLS: For 2024 we are requiring all attendees to provide proof of 1 clear antigen test from the morning of your arrival date. You must bring proof to registration. Time stamped photos on your phone are acceptable. We are no longer requiring proof of vaccination. READ OUR FULL PROTOCOL HERE.
5) Cars will be permitted to unload at the registration booth. Carts are available to help move your gear/luggage to your camp site or cabin, then cars must park in a nearby designated parking lot. We will have a shuttle available to drive you back from the parking lot if needed.
6) Children must be supervised at all times.
7) There is no lifeguard on duty. All children in pool must be CLOSELY supervised by parents at all times!
8) Pool and hot tub are clothing optional.
9) Bathrooms are co-ed/gender neutral. We allow everyone to decide for themselves which bathroom they are most comfortable using.
10) Hexenfest encourages a zero-waste lifestyle! Please bring your own drinking vessel, and pack in a way that generates minimal trash. Also please pack out as much of your trash as you can. This includes cigarette butts. We will be charged $10 per butt left on the ground! Eep!
11) A meal plan is available for an additional fee, with “Omnivore”, “Vegetarian”, “Vegan”, “Omni Gluten-Free”, and “Veg/Gluten-Free as the options. The meal plan includes six meals and two continental breakfasts; Thursday dinner, Friday and Saturday; continental breakfast, brunch, and dinner, and Sunday brunch. Please contact us if you have specific concerns or allergies.
12) Saratoga Springs now has an onsite cafe, called The Rainbow Bar. They are open from 8:30am-2:30pm.
13) You may bring your own food, but no cooking is allowed at campsites. There will be a modest outdoor kitchen set up for those not on the meal plan, which includes a BBQ, hot water kettle, cutting boards/prep areas, and a dishwashing station. There is also a microwave int he dining hall that you are welcome to use.
14) We encourage carpooling as much as possible. Fill up your cars with other friendly Pagans! Ride-shares can be organized in the Facebook group.
15) Prepare for the possibility of poison oak. Nature is a harsh mistress.
16) Prepare for the possibility of rain.
17) You will be asked to sign a waiver of liability and a photo release upon arrival. Photo release is so that we may use “face in the crowd” photos for future Hexenfest promotions. No specific photos will be taken without express consent.
18) Consent must be asked for and granted before taking anyone’s photo.
19) You will be asked to acknowledge your understanding of our policy on Diversity and Consent as part of registration.
20) No weapons other than a basic pocket knife or utility tool for use with camping gear. Ritual athames will be accepted, but need to be checked at registration.
21) No pets are allowed at Saratoga Springs.