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 of a nuance that is not covered please feel free to write us at info@darkodyssey.com.

How do I get to Dark Odyssey?

After you register, you will receive an email with all travel options, directions, etc. If you are flying to Dark Odyssey, the best airport is Baltimore/Washington International aka BWI. From the airport the most economical way to get to camp is simply to rent a car as a taxi or shuttle will cost you $150+ per person each way. Plus with your own car you can make "emergency runs to the store". The camp is just off of Rt 95 about 30 minutes north of Baltimore. The directions are easy to follow.

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

All meals will be served during the course of the weekend in the retreat's dining hall. Adult cusine will be served along with iced tea, juice, tea and coffee. There will be no pizza squares. A full salad bar and vegetarian entrees will be available at each meal. The first meal served at Dark Odyssey will be dinner Wednesday night. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be served Thursday through Sunday. Brunch will be the only meal served on Monday. To help you play until late in the evening we even provide an awesome "midnight snack" usually served at 12:30am where people reconnect to recap the days happenings or find that late night play date. During the day, water, soda and juices will be available at different sites around camp (if you have special beverage requipments or want to drink alcohol, please bring it with you). You are welcome to bring your own food and snacks, however there are no refrigerators or cooking facilities available to attendees. You may bring a cooler and ice will be available for purchase.

What is the headquarters area?

The headquarters area stays open 24 hours a day. Here you will find a public phone, a refreshment center , message boards, the camp store and even a pool.

Do I need a date?

No! Plenty of singles, swinging couples, and other non-monogamous/polyamorous people will come to Dark Odyssey. Throughout the weekend we will have special events including mixers and parties so you can get to know others who may be looking for that special someone.

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, full bathrooms, including multiple showers, toilets which flush, 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 for linens or $10 if you only need a pillow and pillowcase.

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, ceiling fans, and plenty of electrical outlets. There are no private cabins, although if you require privacy, we may be able to accommodate you depending on your needs. Email registrar@darkodyssey.com.

What are the beds like?

All cabins have single beds (twin size if your buying sheets), 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 early fall the nights can get chilly). Others go all out, and put a single air mattress on top of a bed or a king sized air mattress on top of two beds. We encourage creativity.

What if I don't want to stay in a cabin, but I want to bring a tent?

You can bring a tent. When you arrive at camp we will show some of the choice areas to pitch it. There will be bathroom and shower facilities available for you to use.

I have an awesome RV, can I bring it?

We have room for about 15 RVs, but 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 by emailing registrar@darkodyssey.com.

Is Dark Odyssey handicapped accessible?

There is one cabin which has a handicapped accessible bathroom. The primary way to get around camp, however, is walking. If you have severe mobility problems, and are interested in attending Dark Odyssey, please email registrar@darkodyssey.com to discuss your particular needs and options.

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 clothing to dress up at night for the social events. You can never tell what the weather is going to be like, so make sure you pack both hot and cold weather clothes.

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

Group membership discounts are available to members of participating groups. Visit our Participating Groups page for more information.

What if it rains?

All the dungeons, play spaces, and workshops 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. There will be no refunds due to inclement weather.

What's the deal with community service/camp chores?

We ask that all attendees sign up for 4 hours of community service through the attendees area a few weeks before camp begins. You'll be helping with many important functions that keep the gathering running smoothly. The jobs that you'll be doing vary and we won't ask you to do something that you physically can't. Examples of chores include: gate duty, working the registration desk, driving a golf cart,tiki torch refilling, replenishing supplies, and decorating and set up for special events. Many attendees use the opportunity of community service to meet other attendees, but if you prefer, a "resort option" is available that allows you to opt out of the 4 hours of chores for $75. Most people do not take this option, but it is available to you.

What if I have to cancel after I register?

All cancellations are subject to a $50 handling fee per registrant. The last day to cancel registration and recieve a refund (minus the $50 handling fee) is August 16th. Due to our obligation to the retreat facilities, no refunds will be allowed after that date. Registrations are transferrable; however, if you wish to transfer your registration to another person, we require that you inform us in writing before the start of Summer Camp.

Can I bring the kids?

If they're over 19, sure!

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

Yes, the retreat now has wifi service at the pool/dining hall. You should note that cell phone service is pretty sparse at camp, so please keep that in mind.

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 attendees as well as any private ones. You can also create your own invitation and choose to open your cabin to anyone or to only those you wish to invite (like members of your organization or group, for example).

Q: What should I pack?

Below is a list of items you might want to bring with you to Dark Odyssey:

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

Pool Side:

• 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 cannot 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 several professional photographers attending Dark Odyssey this year who will be happy to take your picture. Model releases are mandatory and details are available when you register; you may also choose to not be photographed.