what is camp yampire?
Camp Yampire was born from the "Pause" Order NYC was put under on March 22nd, 2020. Your camp counselor, Yam, has an events company, and wanted to use her skills to spread some joy and love around the nation when so many were isolated and suffering. Camp Yampire was created in direct response to countering the negative effects of self-isolation, to bring a little joy to pals on zoom that encouraged interaction rather than just another stream or webinar, and the fun continues on past 2020 for those still indoors. The inaugural Camp Yampire was from March 20th-22nd, 2020, and included family and friends in many fun remote activities. It is, as it sounds - summer camp for adults! Attendees joined on Zoom and Google Hangouts to play remote games, share meals, cheer at happy hours, dance, laugh, and be a kid again, if only for a weekend. Camp Yampire 2.0 (and beyond!) opened to the public in April 2020, to share happiness, joy, and light during a very dark time. Some people seem to have trouble comprehending how high quality events can "just be given away for free," but your camp counselors, Yam & Pie,  believe wholeheartedly that the world could use a little more kindness, empathy, and fun, and that cost should never be a barrier to those. This whole endeavor is a labor of love from both of them to the world - we are not a business, nor a non profit, nor do we have a team - we're just two New Yorkers who want to spread some joy in a virtual space. 
 
HOW DO I STAY IN TOUCH WITH y'all?
Camp Yampire will continue in a strictly virtual space through September 2021, as our world is still in the vaccination process of beating this pandemic. Our events & camp weekend registration links are released in batches every month. The best way to stay in touch with us is by joining our "STANDING RSVP LIST." You will receive emailed event reminders, registration links, and all updates directly from Yam & Pie, no more than once a week at most. We do not spam or sell your info, and you can unsubscribe at any time, If email is not your jam, feel free to follow us on these social media channels for day-of event reminders: Facebook (@CampYampire) Twitter (@CampYampire) & Instagram (@CampYampire). You can also refer to our CALENDAR tab to see our current and upcoming events! If you ever have any questions or just want to say hello, send us an email in the CONNECT tab and either Yam or Pie will get back to you as soon as they are able. 

what's up with the name?
It is the combined names of your fellow founders of Camp Yampire and co-camp counselors, Yam & Pie! These are not our real names, but we kind of wish they were. We both work diligently to create a fun (and free!) camp experience for you, and prefer to go by our camp nicknames in a nod to nostalgia & creating whimsy in a virtual space. 

Is Camp Yampire Free?
Absolutely! We know things are tough right now and we don't want cost to ever be a barrier to entry. At the end of many events (especially ones hosted by guest camp counselors) you will have the option to buy our GCC's a "cup of coffee" via paypal, cashapp, and venmo to help support either them and their trade/talent, or a charity that is meaningful to them. E-Birthdays, however, do have a cost, as they are personalized to you and handled outside of Camp Yampire. Those who are feeling generous can even donate E-birthday funds to to throw e-parties for those who can't afford it right now. 

Is this family friendly?
Most events are family friendly and anyone can attend anything, but some are definitely geared towards adults. For example, our night streams of our online games, movie streams, happy hours, and some dance parties with explicit lyrics will be designated "adults only recommended." Please log into Camp Yampire with that disclaimer known if little eyes will be watching, or join us after their bedtime. 

I want to be a guest camp counselor!
Nice! We'd love to have you on the team. Reach out to us in the CONNECT tab to express your interest, and Yam will reach out to you as soon as possible. We have a fair amount of programming in place already, but if you have a stellar talent that must exist at Camp Yampire, we will do our best to make it happen! You can see more info in our GCC FAQ tab. There will be a donate option for all guest camp counselors at the end of their performance/class, so if you are out of work (here's looking at you, hospitality and entertainment industry peeps), make sure to let us know so we can set up the donate option for you. 
 
HOW DO I PLAN FOR CAMP YAMPIRE? 
These are subject to change, of course, but to plan for Camp Yampire, you should have a working knowledge of Zoom (especially how to use breakout rooms and the chat box). We require registration for all of our events, and then Zoom will send you a custom login code, which is valid for up to three devices. Also, if you aren't online, Charter Comms. will offer free Spectrum broadband and Wi-Fi access for 60 days to households with K-12 and/or college students who do not already have a Spectrum broadband subscription and at any service level up to 100 Mbps. To enroll call 1-844-488-8395. Installation fees will be waived for new student households. We are also highly considering switching to TOPIA.io for our camp weekends in 2021. In order to successfully use TOPIA, campers will need to join from a mac, pc, or phone in "desktop mode," have at least 3MPS internet speed, and log into TOPIA with the Google Chrome Web Browser. Mics and cameras will still be optional, but TOPIA will require access to these, just like Zoom. 

I feel isolated & sad right now... 
We feel ya. Even with the pandemic ending, life is a big mess of uncertainty and fear right now. This was our main motivation for Camp Yampire - to do something to fight back against the sadness and loneliness rampant in NYC and beyond - and we hope we can bring you a smile soon. If, however, you are struggling with your mental health, just know there are many apps out there to help, who will lend you an ear, or direct you to the nearest remote health care professional. IOS & Android: notOK, What's Up, Mindshift, Happify, Headspace, and Talkspace. If you are having a pressing mental health crisis, please text the free and confidential Crisis Text Line at 741741 for support. And of course, if you're feeling lonely while indoors or otherwise, please stop by Camp Yampire! You will find yourself in an open, welcoming, and non-judgmental space that encourages education, empathy, and creativity for all who attend. We've got your back and hope to see you soon.