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  • 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 May 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 can be found on our accommodations page and here in the FAQ under accommodations.
  • 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: An extra sleeping pad/mattress/foam etc. that can fit on top of a twin in case you don't like the mattress. WARM sleeping blankets. It can get surprisingly cold at night in September. 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 Musical Instruments 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.
  • Is smoking allowed on-site?
    Yes! Smoking is allowed on-site BUT it will be limited to smoking sections. This will apply to smoking of any kind and vaping. But don't worry, it's smokers setting up the locations and they will be numerous.
  • What is included in the festival rates?
    Festival fees (excluding day pass holders) cover a bed in a bunkie, shower facilities 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 September 11-14th, 2025.
  • 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 2018 when another attendee donated two free entries. Since then, we have offered free entrances through this fund. Applications open June 20th and close July 1st at 11:00am. 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 2025, the fund is open June 20- July 1st at 11:00am.
  • Is there an ATM on site?
    There is no ATM on site. Please bring cash.
  • Is there Hydro?
    There are no hydro sites at CLC for trailers. We will have charging stations, bunks and cottages with electricity.
  • 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 June, 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 or non attendees 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. Children or non attendees cannot be on-site for Shield and Bow 2025.
  • Are pets allowed on-site?
    Pets are not allowed on-site. The only exception is licensed guide and therapy animals. You must contact us if you will bringing a service animal to S and B because of the sleeping accommodations. Service animals that are aggressive, unsafe or disruptive (lunging, snapping, excessive barking etc.) and their owners will be asked to leave without refund. Any damages caused by service animals will be charged directly to their owners. Service animals cannot be left unattended for any reason at any time while on site. Service animals that are left unattended and their owners will be asked to leave without refund.
  • Is food sold on site?
    No, there is no food sold on site.
  • Why is there no weekend rate?
    We are not doing weekend rates this year because a bed will be reserved for you and that space will be yours whether you arrive Thursday or Friday.
  • How do I rent a private cottage?
    Private cottages will be rented on a first come, first served basis. Cottage rentals open June 20th at 11:00am EST. Please send an email to shieldandbow@gmail.com to secure a space.
  • What is included in my ticket?
    Festival fees (excluding day pass holders) cover a bed in a bunkie, shower facilities 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.
  • Are workshop hosts guaranteed bed space?
    Yes! Workshop hosts are guaranteed a bed space and tickets have been put aside for these sisters. Thank you for volunteering your time, energy and knowledge.
  • I've purchased a day pass, when can I be there?
    Day pass holders can be on-site from 9am-9pm. Please check in with reg once it opens.
  • Are ticket sales limited this year?
    Yes they are! The site can accommodate slightly over 200 indoors but that is if every bunk is filled top and bottom and if every cottage is rented. S and B will not be placing attendees on the top bunks but groups can request to have up to 7 in each bunkie and they can fill the top bunks in the cottages. Because we don't know how many may choose those options or how many private rentals will happen, we have a range for ticket sales. We also will not be filling the camp to capacity. We need time to learn the site and we want to preserve the atmosphere that is Shield and Bow. Therefore, we will be capping tickets somewhere in the range of 90-120. Tickets will be sold on a first come first served basis and go on sale June 20th at 11:00am EST.
  • How much are tickets?
    Tickets range in price. Please see our Festival Fees 2025 page.
  • Are accommodations included in my festival rate?
    Yes! One bed space (standard size twin) will be reserved for you in one of the 20 bunkies on site as part of your festival pass. For more information, please visit our accommodations page and/or the accommodations FAQ.
  • How are the cabins and bunkmates being assigned?
    During registration, you will be asked a series of questions to help find you the right bunkmates. The questions will be designed to pair you with folks who may have the same needs as you (such as a location closer to the washroom or a dedicated scent free cabin). Alternatively, there will be a section in the registration where you can indicate who you would like to bunk with. Bunkies can accommodate 7 but we recommend and will only be booking the bottom bunks unless requested.
  • Will there be tent and trailer spots for 2025?
    For 2025, we have made the decision to not have tents or trailers on-site with the exception of one workshop host. Christie Lake Camp does not have trailer hook-ups. We do feel that there could be space for trailers and tents in the future but given that this is our first year on-site, we are concerned about selling those spaces and not being able to deliver what our sisters paid for. We hope that you understand and will still join us.
  • What are you doing about folks with allergy/scent needs?
    We will be grouping scent sensitive folks together and promoting a scent free/ no food environment within all the bunkies. With that said, we can not guarantee other attendees behaviour and we recommend having anti-histamines and your epi-pen with you. If you have serious, life threatening allergies please contact us.
  • Can I smoke/eat/vape/light incense etc in the bunkies?
    Please don't do that. There is absolutely no smoking/vaping/eating or saining allowed in the bunkies or around them. We will have dedicated places to smoke (don't worry, it's smokers setting this up and we got you). For eating, folks are welcome to bring their dinners to the feast hall and use the tables/chairs there to eat.
  • What do you mean by bunkie?
    Christie Lake Camp has 20 cabins (bunkies) made from concrete blocks on-site. The bunkies are clean, have a door, proper steel roofs, windows with screens and 3 bunkbeds and one bed in each. Each bunkie sleeps up to 7 (although we recommend 4 to accommodate for gear and will only be putting 7 into a cabin if requested). They do not have electricity.
  • Are accommodations included with my festival pass?
    Yes! One standard size twin bed in a bunkie will be reserved for you.
  • I'm not getting along with my bunkmates. What do I do?
    We got you. We are reserving bedspace aside for this very purpose. If you must change, we will switch you to that cabin. Please though do try to speak with your bunkmates and resolve the issue on your own before moving Please note that S and B staff will not get involved in any interpersonal conflict that arises.
  • Where are the bunkies on the property?
    The bunkies are grouped together with approximately half off the main road and half off of a foot path. Some bunkies are close to the washroom, some are closer to the main feast hall and some are along the lake (with some stunning views).
  • Are there upgraded cottages to rent?
    Yes! There are a limited amount of private cottages to rent on-site. Cottages will be rented first come, first served and will be processed by time and date on the emails sent. Some cottages have kitchens, bathrooms, electricity and private rooms. Some have private room but no electricity. Please see our accommodations page for more details.
  • How many does each bunkie sleep?
    Each bunkie sleeps up to 7 on three bunkbeds and one bed. We will not be assigning anyone the top bunks and will only do so if a group requests it because they want to be together.
  • I have a Cpap but the bunkies don't have electricity....
    Good news! We have a CPAP cabin booked just for you! Space in this cabin costs an extra $25 for the weekend and will give you access to one outlet. The CPAP cabin is close to the main feast hall and washrooms located in that building.
  • Are there accessible bunkies?
    There are bunkies along the main road that can be driven directly to and have minimal barriers. Most bunkies have an approx. 1 inch step up into the space. There is no parking at the bunkies except during loading and unloading of your gear. No vehicles will be permitted to drive the site Friday and Saturday.
  • Will you have shuttles?
    Yes! Starting this year, we will have a dedicated golf cart acting as a shuttle. The shuttle will run during the day and run from the parking lot to the Cpap cabin and then down to the lake. Please note that while we will do our best to help with shuttles, it is not a guaranteed service.
  • I am a full-time wheelchair user. Is the site accessible for me?
    We're very sorry but given the location at a camp, there will be barriers present such as steps, hills, rocks and small lips into buildings.
  • Is there a place to store temperature sensitive medication?
    Yes there is! Please advise registration when you arrive and they will put you in touch with the right folks.
  • 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 keeping accessibility in mind and workshop spaces and fires are in fully accessible locations. We will also have golf carts available to help with shuttles.
  • Are there showers?
    Yes and they are free. There are 12 showers divided into two sections. The shower building is beside the main washroom building but separate.
  • What about wifi and cell reception?
    There is no public wifi available at the camp and cell phone reception is intermittent throughout the camp. The best cell reception is up by the road. We invite everyone to be in the moment for the weekend.
  • Are there flushable washrooms on-site?
    Yes there are. There are washrooms in the Feast Hall, multiple cottages (private rentals) and a main building off the main road. There are 20 stalls divided into two sections in this building.
  • What happens if it rains?
    We dance! But indoors, dry and warm. Christie Lake Camp has a main feast hall that we have rented which can accommodate up to 200 with break out space in the basement. We have also rented the Craft Hut which is a large indoor space with tables, chairs and electricity. The bunkies are also absolutely water tight and are not a concern.
  • What am I doing about food?
    Food service has not been a part of Shield and Bow to date. We encourage attendees to bring their kitchen set up and cook outdoors (there is space). Alternatively, we know some attendees who only bring precooked food for the weekend.
  • Will ice be on-site?
    No it won't be but the beautiful city of Perth is 15 minutes down the road.
  • Will there be a food plan for 2025?
    No, we will not be doing a food plan for this year but we are looking into options for 2026.
  • Is the water potable?
    Yes it is. The main refill station will be in the feast hall. We have been advised by Christie Lake Camp that the water does contain a higher saline level (still potable though and tested regularly). Those with hypertension etc should bring drinking water. We will also be setting up some water stations.
  • Are there fridges, coffee makers or stoves to use?
    No there are not.
  • 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. 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 pre register to vend?
    Yes, you need to pre register to vend. Pre registration is June 20th-August 1st.
  • Can I vend without insurance?
    No you cannot.
  • Is there Hydro available?
    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.

© 2025 by Shield and Bow
 

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