Frequently Asked Questions

Below are a collection of answers to most of the questions we get asked on a regular basis. If you have a different question or a nuance that is not covered please feel free to write us at info@darkodyssey.com.

How do I get to Leather Retreat?

Leather Retreat is located just above Baltimore in Northern Maryland right off of I-95. It's 2 hours north of DC and 4 hours south of New York City. After you register, you will receive an email with all travel options, directions, things to bring, etc. If you are flying to Leather Retreat, the closest airport is BWI in Maryland.

What will the menu be like? Will there be vegetarian meals?

The food is really quite good. All meals will be served in the dining hall along with iced tea, juices, teas and coffee. This is an adult camp with adult cuisine... there will be no pizza squares or PB&J. A full salad bar and vegetarian entree will be available at each meal. The first meal will be dinner Wednesday night followed by a midnight snack. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and midnight snacks will be served each day afterwards. Brunch will be the only meal served on Monday.

During the day, water and soda will be available at different sites around camp (if you want anything besides water and soda to drink, bring it with you). You are welcome to bring your own food and snacks, however there are no refrigerators or cooking facilities available. You may bring a portable BBQ just be sure to set it up safely away from the wooden cabins. Many people bring a cooler, we'll have ice for sale.

Do I need a date?

No! There are lots of singles who come to Leather Retreat. Each evening we hold a theme event giving you plenty of opportunities to find others who are looking for a play date or perhaps even that special someone. Later, by the lake, we light a huge bonfire where you can rediscover the lost art of making S'mores (a grahm cracker sandwhich of hershey's chocholate and toasted marshmellows), dance naked around the flames or just hang out and have a beer. Friday Night is the official "Meet and Greet" followed by an ice breaker event and the ever popular "Slave Auction" where you can offer up your services as either a bottom or a top.

Do I have to bring a tent? A sleeping bag?

This is not roughing it. All sleeping accomodations are in cabins with real beds and mattresses, two full bathrooms, including multiple showers, toilets, and electrical outlets. Some people bring inflatable air mattresses for extra comfort, but they aren’t a necessity. You do need to bring your own linens and blankets, or you can rent them from us for an additional $35.

But I really want to bring a tent!

Ok ... you can bring a tent. But you have to let us know ahead of time and we will assign you an area where you may pitch it. There will be bathroom and shower facilities available for you to use.

I have an awesome RV ... can I bring it.

Sure, you can bring your RV. We have room for about 15 RVs. Here is the bad news ... there are no hook-ups available so you will have to be completely self contained. You will be able to use the bathroom and shower facilities so this shouldnt be too much of a problem. There are only 15 slots available so you MUST reserve a space with the registrar@darkodyssey.com in order to bring your RV.

What are the cabins like?

There are different types of cabins throughout camp, and they house anywhere from 7-13 people. Each cabin has one or more bathrooms which are shared by all cabinmates. Each bathroom has several toilets in private stalls and several showers also in private stalls. All cabins and all bathrooms are all-gender all the time, (unless, of course, you create a single-gender cabin through the community system). Some cabins share a roof, others share a common entrance or bathroom between them. There is flourescent lighting and plenty of electrical outlets.

While there aren't any private cabins, we do have a few private rooms in what used to be the camp infirmary. This building has a series of small rooms that sleep 2. If you require privacy, we may be able to accommodate you. There is limited availability and a $50 charge for these rooms. Email registrar@darkodyssey.com for more information.

What are the beds like?

All cabins have single beds (mattress and boxspring), although lots of couples like to push two beds together and use a king sized sheet to create one large bed (try flannel sheets; even in summer the nights can get chilly). Others go all out, and put a king sized air mattress across two beds (makes things 'seamless'). We encourage creativity! Personally we move out the beds altogether and use a double decker aerobed, but the camp beds are just fine.

What's the dress code?

There is no dress code! The camp is isolated and there will be a guard at the gate, so you can wear your favorite cat suit or just a layer of SPF 45 sunblock. (Genitals must be covered at mealtimes.) Most people do bring some fancy fetish clothing to dress up at night. We also have a few "dress-up" events during the course of the event that let you show off your wardrobe. We'll let you know what all the theme nights are before camp. Most people drive in ... and pack almost everything they own.

I've heard that there are group discounts. How do I get one?

Group membership discounts are available to eligible sex positive and BDSM educational organizations. Visit our Participating Groups page for more information. If your group is not listed, but you think it qualifies, please contact info@darkodyssey.com

What if it rains?

All the playspaces are indoors. The camp has many covered areas in which to hold all of our special activities. While we would prefer the sun to shine through the weekend, we still have a great time if it rains. Sorry, but there will be no refunds due to inclement weather.

What if I have to cancel?

There is a $50 cancellation fee, per person, if you cancel prior to June 1st. Due to our obligation to the Retreat facilities, no refunds will be allowed after that date. Registrations are transferrable, however, we require that you inform us in writing before the start of Leather Retreat.

Can I bring the kids?

If they're over 19, sure!

Once I register, how do I create a cabin for all my friends, or find a cabin I can join to make new ones?

Log onto the Community System, and click on Invites, then Cabins. There, you will see public invitations to join cabins posted by other campers as well as any private ones. You can also create your own invitation and open your virtual cabin group to anyone or to only those you wish to invite (like members of your organization or group, for example).

What’s the deal with camp chores?

We ask that everyone sign up for 4 hours of community service (2 - two hour chores). We have all sorts of jobs so we won't ask you to do anything that you physically can't. Examples of chores include: gate duty, working the registration desk, driving a golf cart, dungeon monitoring, tiki torch refilling, replenishing supplies, and decorating for special events. Most people enjoy doing chores because it lets them meet new people. If you prefer, a "resort option" is available that allows you to opt out of chores for $60. Most people do not take this option, but it is available to you.

What should I pack?

Below is a list of items you might want to bring with you to Leather Retreat:

Cabin Stuff:

• Linens: Sheets, Pillow, Pillow Case, Blanket
• Towels, Washcloths<
• Extra Blankets
• christmas lights [for mood lighting]
• small cooler
• coffee maker, coffee supplies
• Cabin Decorations
• Extension Cords
• Fan
• Flashlight (one for each person)
• portable lawn chairs
• heating pad
• snacks, airtight tupperwear containers
• air mattress
• alarm clock
• radio

Poolside:

• Beach towel (for the pool)
• Bathing suit (optional!)
• Sunscreen
• Bug repellent spray
• Sunglasses

Personal:

• driver’s license or other ID
• cash [there will be vending!]
• hair dryer
• sleeping mask and earplugs
• toiletries
• contact lens stuff
• prescription medications
• allergy medication
• Tylenol/aspirin/advil
• Pepto-Bismol or equivalent
• tissues

General Clothing:

• raincoats and umbrellas
• jean, sweaters, warm clothes
• slippers, sandals, robe
• baseball hat or other hat
• fetishwear
• Sneakers or other comfortable shoes
• walking boots

Toys and Stuff:

• toy bag
• sex toys
• lube
• gloves
• condoms
• Kites, Frisbees, Balls, Games

Here are some examples of things you can NOT bring: cameras (see next question), refrigerators, air conditioners, and hotplates.

I can’t bring my camera?

Unfortunately, to ensure everyone's security and comfort, we do not allow attendees to carry photographic equipment. We will have two professional photographers attending Leather Retreat who will be happy to take your picture. Model releases are mandatory and details are available when you register. Of course you can choose not to photographed - you'll receive a special colored wrist band so the photographers know. We take our photographic policy seriously. Please help keep everyone comfortable by not bringing your camera.

Will there be a way to hook up my notebook computer to the internet?

You should stay home.

Actually, we now have wireless internet service available in the dining hall. There is no charge for internet access ... so if you have to do email or "work" while at camp, you can.