Dorm life: connection, comfort, and personal boundaries

At Crazy Camps, sharing a dorm provides an opportunity to encourage trust and openness among participants who value respect and agency. Here’s what you can expect:

A lottery as expression of care

To keep things fair and low-pressure, we draw lots on the first evening for sleeping spots. This is with the intention that everyone, including the quietest voices, has an equal place. If you have any specific needs around sleep, space, sensory sensitivities, or emotional comfort, please let me know when you apply or anytime before the Lab. We’ll do our best to support you with care and without judgement.

A small, welcoming group

You’ll be sharing the dorm(s) with the other participants. The group size of Crazy Camps is rarely smaller than 6 and rarely bigger than 14 people. This group size is chosen to encourage genuine connections, while also allowing each person the space they need to feel comfortable. The dorms often are spacious; in that case, there are extra beds between participants, giving everyone a bit more room to relax.

A relaxed and comfortable setting, or a mess?

While the dorms usually don’t have partitions or curtains, the open layout provides a relaxed, informal atmosphere. Once everyone has settled in, the place might look messy at times. The relaxation and comfort come from the feeling of community and togetherness once you’re settled in your personal section. But realistically, the first night will probably not be your best night ever.

Bringing your own comfort items

You’re warmly encouraged to bring whatever helps you feel at ease in a shared space. A weighted blanket or a heavy stuffed animal can be grounding and soothing, especially in a new setting. A sleep mask or blindfold helps if you’re sensitive to light, and earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones make a real difference if you’re a light sleeper or simply want to create your own pocket of quiet. There’s no such thing as needing “too much” to be comfortable! Just bring what works for you.

Changing and wardrobe

Some of the Crazy Camp accommodations are spacious and offer plenty of room for storage, separate corners or spaces for changing, and rarely even a small extra space with one or two beds. At other accommodations, you might be living out of your backpack that is on a shelf, and change in the bathroom. Others choose to simply change in the dorm. And it’s also completely normal to ask the group to give you a moment alone in the dorm, so that you can change.

Quiet time & reflection

During non-sleeping hours, the dorm is often a peaceful space for those who need some personal time. Whether you want to write, meditate, or simply unwind, you’ll find it a good spot for quiet reflection. If you prefer more privacy, sometimes additional spaces are available where you can retreat for some alone time.

Respecting boundaries

We know that everyone’s comfort levels vary. Right from the start, we set clear guidelines about respecting personal boundaries and creating a supportive environment where judgement is not invited. Open conversations around topics like consent and body positivity help nurture an atmosphere of mutual respect and understanding.

A gender-neutral and inclusive space

Our dorms and facilities are gender-neutral, with the intention to facilitate everyone, regardless of gender identity, to feel welcome and included. We aim to create an environment where you feel encouraged to express yourself and to feel comfortable in your surroundings.

We recognise that each person’s experience at the retreat will be unique, and we do our best to provide a space where you can integrate at your own pace, while feeling respected and supported.