FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Below we have tried to answer the questions we hear most often. If you need more information about something that isn’t listed on the web site, please write info@darkodyssey.com and we will do our best to get right back to you.
Q: How do I get to SummerFest?
A: SummerFest 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 SummerFest, the closest airport is BWI in Maryland.
Q: What is the Meal Plan like? Will there be vegetarian meals?
A: The food on the Meal Plan 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 a 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. New this year – Most dinners will be prepared by a “Guest Chef” from a nearby restaurant. Guest Chefs will be preparing themed meals like Indian, Italian, etc. Each theme night will also have a regular meal option like chicken. We test piloted Indian at Fusion and it was delicious.
Q: Will there be food vendors?
A: Back for its third year is the Infusion Cafe. Our cafe is open all weekend long and serves up gourmet sandwiches, salads, espresso drinks and more. Located next to the pool, its a great space to hang out and share a coffee with friends. Please make sure to check it out!
Q: What’s this Midnight Snack I heard about?
A: Often considered the “Best Meal of the Day”, Midnight Snack happens each night at 12:30. It’s a great time to recharge your batteries, grab a snack and find your late night play date. The snack is prepared by Diva and her crew and they are always amazing! Midnight snack is open to everyone even if you opt out of the meal plan.
Q: What are the beds like?
A: All cabins have brand new twin sized TempurPedic Mattresses and new metal bed frames with space to store your suitcase underneath. 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). You no longer need to put an air mattress across the beds … the new beds are really comfortable. You do need to bring your own linens and blankets, or you can rent them from us for an additional $35.
Q: I’m going to tent! What should i expect?
A: Most people set up along the tree lines around camp. There are several nice fields where you can build your own small city. You will have unlimited access to the three large public bath houses at camp. There are also bathrooms located next to the pool. Of course, if you make friends with one of the cabin groups you may ask to use their bathrooms, but don’t assume that because you pitched a tent next to a cabin you can use their facilities. Please respect people’s privacy.
Q: I have an awesome RV … can I bring it.
A: 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 shouldn’t 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.
Q: I’ve heard that there are participating group discounts. How do I get one?
A: Participating Group discounts are available to members of 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.
Q: What if it rains?
A: You’ll dry off! We have plenty of indoor playspaces. The camp also 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.
Q: Can I bring the kids?
A: If they’re over 19, sure!
Q: What’s the deal with camp chores?
A: 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 $40. Most people do not take this option, but it is available to you.
Q: What should I pack?
A: Below is a list of items you might want to bring with you to Summer Camp: 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
- 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.
Q: Will there be a way to hook up my notebook computer to the internet?
A: 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.
Q: Once I register, how do I create a cabin for all my friends, or find a cabin I can join to make new ones?
A: 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. In order to create a cabin group you need to have your idea approved. Send an email to Greg@darkodyssey.com and let him know what you are planning and how many people you think you will attract. We will do our best to accommodate you if possible.
Q:I have more questions… I need more answers?
A: Then send us an email to info@darkodyssey.com and we will do our best to get you an answer as soon as possible. If you have a burning question that can’t wait for email… or you type really poorly… call Greg at 510-206-0875.
Q: I can’t bring my camera!?
A: Unfortunately, to ensure everyone’s security and comfort, we do not allow attendees to carry photographic equipment. We will have FIVE professional photographers attending SummerFest 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 be 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.
Q: What if I opt out of the meal plan?
A: The camp is not an ideal place to prepare your own meals. There arent any dedicated cooking facilites or dish washing facilities. You will have to bring in your own food, portable grill, coolers, etc. There is ice available for sale on site. Cooking your own meals can actually be quite fun if you join up with several other campers and split up the work. Just remember that all BBQ’s need to be placed safely away from the wooden cabins and your food needs to sealed up tight in coolers in order to keep the little wild creatures from raiding your supplies.
Q: Do I need a date?
A: No! There are lots of singles who come to SummerFest. 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. Some nights we light a huge bonfire and 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. We’ll have ice breakers, dance parties, and the ever popular “scene auctions” where you can offer up your services as either a bottom or a top.
Q: What are the cabins like?
A: 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.
Q: What’s the dress code?
A: 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.
Q: What if I have to cancel?
A: There is a $50 cancellation fee, per person, if you cancel prior to August 17th. 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 no later than August 22nd if you want to transfer your ticket to someone else. Please be aware that all gift registrations become the property of the named registrant and may only be cancelled or transferred by the named registrant. If you are uncomfortable with this, please register by yourself.
