Rainbow Mamas
Hey There,
I have been going to Gatherings for many years, only a few with my kids. I went with my eldest son, but held off in recent years after I became pregnant with twins. My twin boys are now 3 and we are giving it a try again.
HIKING IN
First off, it's not impossible, but I highly recommend bringing a partner or a helper if you have more than one child. One cannot usually get all your stuff in on one trip, especially if you have a kid on your back. So, having someone to sit in-camp with the kids while the other goes out for more things is VERY helpful. But people are VERY good with helping to carry your stuff in if you have kids and you ask on the path. An all-terrain wheeled vehicle (stroller, wagon, etc) is a plus but not necessary. A regular stroller won't do well. If you get to a stream, people are always happy to help one cross it if you have a vehicle.
KIDDIE VILLAGE:
Secondly, YES, Kiddie Village is an awesome place to live while there. You just show up, no need to make arrangements. Just arrive and ask folks to direct you there. (Once you get there you might want to tell someone in the kitchen you are a first timer and ask for any advice or info).
There is always something for the kids to eat at Kiddie Village (peanut butter sandwiches on request) , three good meals a day and always clean water. They build a playground for the kids, and there is a big communal area to hang out. No smoking is allowed in most areas there. They also usually have a real sit-down potty for kids whereas most camps have trenches you have to squat over that are often too wide for kids. People also tend to respect quiet hours in the camp after dark.
DIAPERS:
I don't know if the Kiddie Village provides them, but I have often seen parents washing out cloth diapers in five gallon buckets there. If you bring disposable diapers, I advise bringing a double-thick garbage bag to toss your dirties into with a clasp that can easily be opened and closed to toss a new one into. Keep in mind you will have to keep it in your tent (or just outside) and the smell of urine can become a bit much. It is your responsibility to carry your bag of dirty diapers out. For me, for one child that was like carrying a dead body out! lol
DINNER CIRCLE:
At dinner circle in Main Circle each evening, Mamas with kids, pregnant Mamas, and nursing Mamas are invited into the center of the circle to fill their plates before the buckets move out to serve the circle.
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I plug in at the Info Booth every year and camp there, so I am happy to answer any questions I can, although, honestly I have never camped at Kiddie Village, I know a decent amount about it.
MommyBear, I have three sons coming with me, too!
-Karen-
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We are going to try to be at the gathering in the Ozarks though so we still get some Rainbow time.
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