WOOF CAMP!Frequently Asked Questions |
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about the Woof Camp 2011 pup event held at
International Mr Leather [IMRL]:
When and where is Woof Camp being held?
Saturday, May 28, 2011 from 9pm-Midnight at the Hyatt Regency Chicago in Chicago, IL in the West Tower on the Gold Level in Regency Ballroom A which is located next to the Ballroom Registration Desk.
Directions: From the main hotel lobby, go one level down to the Bronze Level. Walk down the hallway and to your left to the escalators, take the escalators down one more level to the Gold Level. Directly in front of the escalators is the Ballroom Registration Desk where Regency Ballroom B is located. To the left is Regency Ballroom A where an easel with the event poster will be next to the door entrance and the leather dog pride flag hanging on the wall.
Does it cost anything to attend the Woof Camp?
No, as always the Woof Camp event is free thanks to our sponsor, SquarePeg Toys. From its beginnings in hotel lobbies and side spaces at various leather events, the annual pup party has grown, with the help of many dedicated volunteer pups and Handlers, to become one of the most attended events at IMRL. The purpose of the pup party has always been about having a place for people to get to know about the pup scene and for a place to let pups romp and be themselves. To that end, the party has always welcomed everyone who wants to attend, free of charge. That is the case this year, as it has been in the past. The generosity of our past sponsors, and of this year’s continuing sponsor, SquarePeg Toys, allows us to rent one of the ballrooms at IMRL so that we can comfortably, and safely, let pups be pups. We encourage everyone to support our sponsor SquarePeg Toys during IMRL and throughout the year – support their business as they support our community!
I see that there are two sessions, what can I expect to occur at Sessions A and B?
Session A
9:00pm – 10:00pm: Pups/Dogs and Handlers/Trainers Only
This session will be closed to the general public, to provide a safe, less intimidating space for those new to the scene and those already in it to meet other like minded individuals to play, learn, train, socialize and meet new pups/dogs or Handlers/Trainers.
For attending Handlers/Trainers, it will offer an opportunity to meet some pups/dogs or spend time with their own to focus on training, such as leash training, fetch and behavioral techniques (sit, stand, stay, rollover, etc.).
We anticipate more pups/dogs than Handlers/Trainers and there will be two overflow areas for these pups/dogs: An Active Area for those pups/dogs wanting to play and a more subdued Quiet Area for pups/dogs who are new to the scene, for those who might be intimated by the larger and more aggressive pup/dog play area or for those who just want to rest, take a nap or nuzzle with each other or their Handler/Trainer.
Pet portraits! We will have a designated themed space set up where participants can come and have their picture taken by Andrew and William of Firehawk Photo Inc. against a professional backdrop. They will have on hand a camera and laptop to email the finished pictures after IMRL or attendees may use their own picture taking device.
Session B
10:00pm – Midnight: Open To The General Public
This session will be open to the general public. This is the session that is generally heavily attended by observers.
There will be background music, two designated areas for fun monitored by volunteer staff. There will be an Active Area for those who want to romp around, interact with other pups/dogs and Handlers/Trainers and have some general fun and a Quiet Area for pups/dogs who may be intimated by the larger and more aggressive Active Area and want a way to test the waters first. It is also the area for those who just want to rest, take a nap, nuzzle with each other or hang out with their Handler/Trainer.
A Pinata will once again be offered for the pups/dogs to tear into.
The Group Photo will be held at Midnight at the end of the pup party.
Can I take pictures or record the pup antics?
Photography and videography will be allowed during both sessions. Please note that anyone wearing a red bandana around their neck during the Private Session A is indicating that they do not want their picture taken or posted on the internet. We hope that those taking pictures and video will honor their wishes.
What if I don't have a Handler/Trainer, can I still attend Woof Camp?
Absolutely! Pups without Handlers are encouraged to attend as Woof Camp is all about the pup community itself, and pups without Handlers are still pups! Depending on the number of Handler volunteers, pups can still learn, socialize and train with other pups in the the Active or Quiet areas. Also, you never know when you might just catch a Handler’s eye for training, grooming, etc.
I heard there will be commemorative pins given out?
Those participants attending Session A from 9pm-10pm will receive a free Woof Camp 2011 commemorative pin while supplies last.
I also heard there will be a group photo?
We are once again taking a group photo to document those who attended Woof Camp. The group photo will be at taken Midnight.
Is there anything I need to bring with me to participate?
Yes, there is several things to bring, the most important your desire to participate and have fun exploring your pupdom or Handler side. In addition to this, pups and Handlers will want to bring some specific items:
For pups: to help protect your knees, knee pads are highly recommended. If possible some form of hand/knuckle protection. Some form of bowl [metal, plastic, collapsible, etc] to hold water/liquid in as you will get dehydrated very quickly from exertion. A towel to wipe off sweaty bodies, wet mouths or use to lie on or cover yourself when resting. A collar [leather, metal chain, etc] so you can be leashed or to help put you into your pup head space.
For Handlers: A leash [leather, metal chain, rope, etc] to assist with Behavioral Training, walks, etc. A collar [leather, metal chain, etc] to temporarily use on new pups to help with pup activities. Some form of bowl [metal, plastic, collapsible, etc] to hold water/liquid in for the pups/Dogs as they will get dehydrated very quickly from exertion. A towel to wipe off the sweaty bodies, wet mouths or to have the pups/Dogs lie on or cover them when resting. A bag of treats will certainly bring pups running to you.
A water station will be provided to help rehydrate the pups and will be located in the Quiet Area.
If I have questions or need assistance at the event, how can I identify a staff person?
Volunteer staff will be wearing red Woof Camp shirts and will be able to assist or answer questions you may have. You may also head to the podium where a staff member will be at all times or any of the staff members overseeing the two designated areas.
Will female pups be at the event?
Yes, but this is International MISTER Leather and as such Woof Camp is designed as a male energy event. We would ask both pups and Handlers of both sexes to respect the others' preferences and signals (a growl is usually a good sign to ease off).
Will there be any other pup parties during IMRL?
Officially, no. But there will be plenty of private ones occurring either in hotel rooms or possibly in the vendor or lobby areas. Introduce yourself to others, meet people, ask around! Also be aware that a lot of pup activities can happen simultaneously in various places – IMRL is famous for impromptu pup romps in lobbies, hallways, bars, etc.
Is nudity allowed?
Full nudity will not be tolerated, and anyone that does not comply with this will be asked by our volunteer staff to leave the event. Even though Woof Camp is held in a private banquet room and is a safe place to be yourself, the event is still subject to the laws of the State of Illinois and the City of Chicago. Pups and Handlers are asked to use common sense, and to help keep this event fun for everyone.
Most pups at the party are in some form of rubber or leather gear though there are many in jeans, shorts, singlets or jockstraps. Pup tail butt plugs, like the ones SquarePeg Toys sells, are acceptable [see past Woof Camp pictures on the website to get an idea of what others wore]. Remember no total nudity will be allowed. As a side note, it gets very warm when playing in the Active Area, and dehydration can be a very real concern, so choose your attire wisely.
More questions? Please email WoofCamp2011@yahoo.com.