FAQ | Shield and Bow

Is the campground open for regular camping?

No it is not. The entire space will be for our event.

Who runs the festival?

The festival is completely run by volunteers. All staff, workshop hosts, security etc. are volunteers associated with the S and B community.

How much is the festival?

The festival has a tiered pricing system. You can find the information under Pricing here on the website in April 2025.

I have a question not answered here. Who do I contact?

Please send us an email to shieldandbow@gmail.com and someone within 72hrs will get back to you.

I'm atheist, new to Paganism etc. Am I welcome?

Yes. This event is welcome to all 16+ who identify with womanhood and is not based on your spirituality.

Is there indoor space?

Yes, OMG yes! The new location has many indoor locations. Many will be included in your festival fee and some will be available to rent ( such as cottages with bathrooms, electricity and heat). Details regarding indoor space will be released April 2025.

Do you allow discrimination against other gender identities?

No. We encourage an environment where we do not build ourselves up by tearing others down. This type of behaviour will be kindly discouraged.

What is the age range at Shield and Bow?

Each year, we get a range of attendees from 16-60+.

Is anything on the program mandatory?

No, nothing for the event is mandatory. This is your festival experience, you may participate in as little or as much as you like.

I'm not a regular camper, what should I bring?

Here is a list to get you started: Shelter (tent, trailer, etc) A sleeping pad/mattress/foam etc. WARM sleeping blankets. It can get surprisingly cold at night in June. Clean sleepwear Clothes for rain or shine. Layers are key depending on the year. Cotton soaks up water so keep that in mind when packing. Boots and/or closed toe shoes. Bathing suit Towels Food Something to cook food on Toiletries. Small first aid kit that includes band-aids. Any medication you take. Flashlight Chair Bug spray A bag/cart to transport your belongings between event/workshop locations.

What is included in the festival rates?

Festival fees (excluding day pass holders) cover a camping or an extremely limited trailer spot and access to everything listed on the program. Some workshops have a small fee attached to help the hosts with costs (such as a felting workshop). This is rare and will be clearly defined in the program.

Can we have a personal fire?

During Shield and Bow, no personal fires are allowed. We have communal sacred fires. Please do not throw anything into our fires without the express permission of our dedicated fire keepers.

When is the festival?

The festival will be held June 6-9, 2024.

Will male identifying people be on site?

Starting in 2025, we will have exclusive use of the space and it is extremely unlikely (but not impossible) that male identifying folks will be on-site.

What is Sisters Helping Sisters?

Sisters helping Sisters is a program that helps with entry fees. The program was born in year one when another attendee donated two free entries. Since then, we have offered free entrances through this fund. In May, we will make a post on our social accounts stating that the fund is open to applications. To apply, please send an email to shieldandbow@gmail.com with your name. No explanation for your need is necessary and the fund runs on the honour system. You will receive a reply email with a number. When the application time period closes, we run a live video with a random online generator on our socials and send an email to everyone who has applied. For 2024, the fund is open May 4th-May 12th at 12:00am.

Is there an ATM on site?

There is no ATM on site. Please bring cash.

Is there Hydro?

There are no hydro sites at CLK for trailers. We will have charging stations, bunks and cottages with electricity. Details will be released April 2025.

When does Preregistration open?

Preregistration opens June 20th @ 11am EDT.

Are trans women welcome at Shield and Bow?

Absolutely. No matter where you are in your transition, you are welcome. If the statement that trans women are welcome bothers you, this event is not for you.

Do you have a rideshare program?

On our Facebook account in mid May, we start a ride share thread within the current year's event page. If you get a ride, please be on time and negotiate gas $.

Where is the festival?

The festival is held at Christie Lake Kids Campground just outside of Perth. Their address is 1264 Althorpe Road, Westport ON, K0G 1X0

Are children allowed at Shield and Bow?

Shield and Bow is a 16+ event. Children bring a lot of magic and joy into spaces, but this event is for us as individuals to relax and connect with other adults. They or partners cannot be on-site for Shield and Bow 2025.

Are there fridges, coffee makers or stoves to use?

No there are not.

I have mobility issues. What is the terrain like?

Christie Lake Kids has a diverse landscape. There are sections with hills, rock outcroppings and mobility barriers. We are working with the site to install ramps and the feast hall, workshop spaces and fires are in fully accessible locations. We are also working on having golf carts available to help with shuttles.

Is food sold on site?

No, there is no food sold on site.

What does the insurance need to cover?

Insurance must cover your goods/services and any people who are selling for you.

I have a question not answered here, who can I contact?

Please send us an email to shieldandbow@gmail.com and someone within 72hrs will get back to you.

Who has to be covered under my insurance?

Everyone who is assisting you or working in your booth.

Can I pay for Shield and Bow at the end of the weekend after I have vended?

Sorry, no.

How much is vending?

For 2025, vending is free but you must be a paying attendee under the full festival rate or the weekend rate. You cannot vend under a day pass.

Do I need to provide a copy of my policy?

Yes you do. Your insurance carrier and policy number must be provided during pre registration or at the time of your set up.

Do I need to preregister to vend?

Yes, you need to preregister to vend. Pre registration opens March 1st for vendors and is open until June 1st.

Can I vend without insurance?

No you cannot.

I require hydro and I'm familiar with the site. Can't I just plug in?

No, you cannot. We will not be providing hydro or having hydro for vendors this year.

Where will the vending area be?

Vendors will be set up near the feast hall but we reserve the right to change that location based on the needs of the festival and vendors. The location will be finalized the week of the festival.