PopHorror Let's Get Scared
Sometimes, things happen that are very unfortunate and cut through your plans. This was the case for me and Camp Punksylvania. For reasons beyond my control, I was not able to attend the full weekend. However, what I did experience is the true punk rock spirit that I thought died years ago. I first found punk rock when I was 11 years old, and from that point on, I was loyal to the music and the lifestyle. It sucked me right in, and although I am a dad now, my stance is still the same. To put it simply, punk rock saved my life.
Camp Punksylvania is more than a punk rock festival; it’s a getaway for many people. The festival is not about beer and mohawks, it’s something beyond that. Camp Punksylvania is like a family, and this is their reunion. Everyone is welcome at the festival. In fact, there are more families at the event than people looking to be edgy. There are no fights, there aren’t any unwelcome visitors, and the festival fights to keep its attendees safe. It is an experience that allows anyone to find something to do for the day. If you aren’t into the music, you don’t have to feel unwelcome. Even the circle pits are kid-friendly.
The Punk Rock Woodstock
The day I spent there opened me up and welcomed me right back into what the punk rock scene means. We were always rowdy, always getting shows shut down because we wanted to fight people. I have to admit, I enjoy the “safe” punk rock. I’m over 40 years old, and I don’t have time for skirmishes between people just trying to live their lives. At Camp Punksylvaina, we don’t have this worry. There are no skinheads or nazis, which we know both are notorious for violence. The festival doesn’t put up with that nonsense because we aren’t teenagers anymore. Most of us have families of our own and want to get them involved in the scene. The biggest seller? It’s not the biggest crowd, and everyone works together.
The bands at Camp Punksylvania all get a chance. There are three stages, and they all take turns performing; even the local unknown bands have a place to play. It isn’t about the big acts. Sure, the big acts are all fun, but to be honest, the main stage was peanuts compared to the liveliness of bands that were there for their scene. It was a close-knit group of people who remembered the energy. We all gravitated towards the more intimate setting. Camp Punksylvania is an entire mood. The festival went above and beyond for its attendees, dealing with the heat. One way they combated this was by finding a venue with tons of shade everywhere. There were people there who sprayed you down with water if you requested it. The food was a bit pricy, but I have to factor in that most campers supplied their own food at their tent site.
Weirdos Are People Too
Camp Punskylvania tuned in on the heat and kept water at 2 dollars a bottle, or even a free watering station if you had a water bottle. This is what makes punk rock what it is. Energetic bands, activities for everyone, and keeping the DIY attitude. From vendors that were selling everything from beef jerky to tattoos, and even tattoos, just like a good festival for “weirdos” does. This is what punk rock is to me. You can keep the Mohawk and spikey jacket lifestyle. I was brought up getting ready for fights at punk shows. This is what the scene should be to me: unity, respect, activism, and fun.
In The End
I cannot wait for next year. I have already worked out my entire weekend in anticipation. Camp Punksylvania is a beacon in the night for those of us who are old and have kids. I want to thank Camp Punksylvania for all their awesome support. I want to thank the bands, the vendors, and especially Punk Rock Saves Lives, a foundation I have worked with for years. Don’t sleep on Camp Punksylvania, it’s a 10/10 event.
