The Frolic Follies (2023)

Member quotes from the 2023 Frolic

"There is an undeniable magic that happens when this community gets together in the woods. This was my second year and once again, those who arrived as strangers become friends and lovers. Together we held a safe space for each of us to express who we are and experiment with who we could become. I left feeling seen and welcomed." —Freebird

"I didn't know I needed waffles until there were waffles!" —anonymous

"Today I got all emotional doing laundry remembering all the fun I had in various outfits, particularly the onesie. I tried to find a better laundry setting because 'normal' did not seem to fit, and 'kinky' was not an option." —Anthropic 

"Someone wrote on the pick-up play board for a stunt bottom to practice techniques from the Digital Orgasm class. Can I just write, 'me too!' under it?" —heard three times from three different people.

"So lovely seeing everyone share their experiences. There was so much going on, I wish I could have experienced it all. For me, one of the highlights was meeting so many people with different kinds of families, friendships, and relationships. You really made me feel seen and welcomed! You are all wonderful people." —Allen

"Why is everyone telling me about consent? Is it because I'm the consent person?"

"Um…no. It's because it's a Kinky Kindness Bingo square!" —Seq and Turtle

"I experienced an unparalleled level of spontaneous community, body positivity, and acceptance that still have me glowing. I've never received, nor been so able to take in, the sort of positive attention and compliments I got in spades at The Frolic, and I am doing my best to hold onto all the highlights as reminders of my self-worth and sexiness. Inspired by everyone who worked hard to make it happen and so looking forward to future kinky camping opportunities." —betwixt

"I'll never be able to look a pony girl in the face again after that story [by 7]!" —overheard anonymously in the dark

"As a socially awkward kid new to the CSPC, I was really nervous to go to Frolic alone. I'm really glad that I pushed myself to do it though: by meeting people at Frolic I now feel a lot safer attending other CSPC events by myself, because I'll definitely know people there. Thanks everyone for being so welcoming!" —GB (GoodBoy)

"Power Bottom." [nuff said] —the entire audience

"I hope he didn't get any pubic hairs caught in the guitar strings." —overheard in the dark

CSPC Pride 2024 - Call for Volunteers!

Where’s Your Flair? Pride Volunteers Needed! 

It’s May 2 today, and Pride is June 30. Wow! Two short months to work on our 25th Anniversary theme, source decorations, recruit marchers, build a float, and show up to share in the ecstasy of energy that is Seattle Pride. We are looking for a few people to help with the prep work and the day of execution. This includes the Tabling Organizers for Saturday and Sunday, Tabling Representatives, Float Lead, Float Decorations Lead, and Parade Marchers Lead. Email Pride@thecspc.org to express interest or ask questions.

Consent Corner 24.07

By Emma Atkinson 

Hello, sassy and sexy readers! Here’s hoping you’re enjoying all of the many gifts that springtime brings. 

We’ve talked before now about the importance of honoring your feelings. Those feelings are there for a reason, and it’s wise to examine them closely. 

If you hear someone tell you that you’re being too sensitive, or other words to that effect, it’s a good time to stop and get more information. Chances are good that you’re being gaslighted — that’s when someone is trying to manipulate you for their own purposes. This manipulation can take the form of leading you to question and eventually distrust your feelings, to their own advantage. 

We’re all entitled to our feelings, and please be very careful when your feelings are minimized or negated. I’m a big fan of Gavin de Becker’s book The Gift of Fear. He notes that the sense of discomfort, of something not being quite right, is a gift that can help keep you safe. Maybe everything is okay and maybe it isn’t. Stop and get more information to help you figure out what’s going on. Bring in supportive friends if you want help untangling a complex situation. 

If you’ve been giving your consent to something and you’re experiencing some uncomfortable feelings, it’s a perfect time to get more information. In fact, most times are the perfect time to get more information — but maybe that’s just me. 

Homework: check out the book The Gift of Fear and other of Gavin deBecker’s writing. Then, please share your thoughts at: info@thecspc.org. You’ll be glad you did.

“Be excellent to each other.” —Bill and Ted

“Be sexcellent to each other.” —Emma

Broaden Your Mind

Other Community Events to Enjoy!

The CSPC throws amazing parties and hosts many important discussions on various topics. But luckily, we live in a place where there are many more options to dive into sex- and body-positive culture. The list below is just a sampling of some great events coming up in the next month.

We include non-CSPC events in the first issue each month. If you have an event suggestion, please email Marissa at newsletter@thecspc.org and it might make it into our next issue!

May 4

Kremwerk: SIN Dark Dance Fetish Night ($tbd | in person)

May The Dark Side of the 4th Be With You! (Star Wars cosplay encouraged) Spinning the best and newest in EBM and Industrial Music. Only one of a handful of nights in the U.S. playing only NEW industrial music, this is not your parent’s Goth night!

May 5

Sex Positive World: SLUT RISING: Impact of The Ethical Slut w/ Janet W. Hardy ($0–$25 | online)

Join literary icon & co-Author of The Ethical Slut, Janet W. Hardy, in discussing the impact on consensually non-monogamous frameworks & mainstream representations since the book's publication!

May 8

Papaya Project: Sex Trivia ($10–$20 | in person)

This monthly event is the best way to learn about and celebrate pleasure, queerness, and the science of sex! A portion of each ticket will be donated to Hopes For Children, a community kitchen that provides free meals to children in Gaza. 

May 10–12

Northwest Film Forum: Terminal USA ($14 | in person)

A candy-colored hellscape that feels like an episode of Strangers with Candy that was filmed by Dario Argento during a three-day acid bender, Jon Moritsugu’s Terminal USA is a crucial piece of 1990s alternative cinema—smart, shocking, and one of the most deranged films to ever be funded by American taxpayers. This is the film Heathers wished it could be.

May 12

Consent Academy: Consent, Neurodiversity, & Kink ($20–$40 | online)

A lot of neurodivergent people enjoy kink. Even if you are neurotypical, you probably know many neurodivergent people. This discussion-focused workshop is designed to help folks of all neurotypes better understand and communicate with their neurodivergent partners and play partners.

May 19–29

Beacon Cinema: Belle de Jour and Lolita ($12.50 | in person)

The Beacon declares fidelity to a cinema utopia in which our struggle for collective liberation is bound up with all the unrealized possible futures woven through the forgotten histories of film. Together we explore our dreams so that we might some day possess them in reality.

Frolic Presenter Bios!

Welcome Back Presenter Ms. J!

Classes she will be teaching:

Fireplay 101: C’mon Baby, Light My Fire 

Do you want to learn fireplay instead of just watching it? Ms. J will take you safely from nervous fire novice to enthusiastic pyromaniac. In this class you will watch, learn, and (with time permitting) try a tiny bit of hands-on fireplay yourself.
Ms. J begins with an explanation of general preparation and fire safety for you, your bottom, and your venue. Then construction and fire kit contents. Learn to warm up your fire bottom by starting small and increasing the amount of flame to get your bottom’s endorphins flowing. Tips for bottoms will include communicating with your top, a breathing technique to process the sensations, and aftercare for the bottom.  
Come on, try it, become one of Ms. J’s baby fire-dragons!

Fireplay 301: The Firestorm 

So, you learned basic fireplay, and now you want to learn those bigger, better, badder fire techniques. Ms. J will teach you how to use the fire glove, play with mousse, use flash cotton, play with butane bubbles, and throw a fireball. Each of these topics will include their own specific safety tips and techniques. As time permits, a hands-on portion will be included. 

It is not required that you attend the Intro to Fire class, but if you are new to any type of fireplay, it is highly suggested that you attend it, as safety tips in the advanced class build upon safety learned in the Intro class. 

Sensual Savagery

A delicate brush of the hand up the breast...slowly traversing up the neck...pausing slightly to caress the ear...then a formidable fist full of hair...the hushed whisper “I’ma fuck you up…while your partner just watches and does nothing!” The slow retreat of the hand as though this interaction was a sensual and intimate exchange between you two.

The juxtaposition of soft and sensual with the sadistic will leave your partner’s head swooning. Mixing massage with pressure points; the bump-and-grind for a tease of sexual intimacy on their leg with a knee to the genitalia; passionate kisses with a nip to the lip; a sweet hug with the deprivation of air will leave them in a daze. This class is a delightful compilation of rough body play, pressure points, and sexual intimacy directly appealing to any connection and reaction junkies. Come play with Ms. J to discuss and see how to make your inner Sensual Sadist flourish.

Devil’s Fire / Micro-branding / Cell Popping

What is Devil’s Fire, microbranding, cell popping, and body modification? Are they the same or are they different? Does a rose by any other name still smell as sweet? Does that metal by any other name still burn as fiercely???

Ms. J will discuss tools and fuels, negotiation, techniques, safety, and aftercare. Is your scene about creating a design or giving them a floaty endorphin high? You will learn how to make your design and transfer it to your bottom. A demo portion will be included so you can see this type of play in action. 

Ms. J - BIO

Ms. J (she/her) identifies as the Happy Bouncy Sadist, Nana-Dragon pyromaniac, Agent of Chaos, Mama Bear to many, Connection Junkie, Purveyor of bruise poking, a bus-driving RACK playing mostly toppy kinda girl, and a blissfully married monogamish human. 

Although best known for her kinky fireplay passion, Ms. J also enjoys rough body play coupled with soft and gentle contact for that ultimate mind fuck in impact play, blade play with a sharp and shiny to slice off your clothes, the sticky sloppy wet sensations of food play, and drive-by dork play. Want to make her day — ask her to slap you!

Yurt Auction

Enjoy The Frolic in a beautiful 18-foot yurt in the heart of 40 acres of forest. Relax in our community seven-foot cedar hot tub and watch the sunset over our beautiful property. Connect with others in a serene and playful nature space.

The yurt includes a nice fluffy bed with sheets, a clean flat floor, a solar-powered mini heater, lots of room to spread out and chill with friends under a roof, and beautiful decor in a comfy Mongolian yurt. 

The current bid as of Thursday evening is $280. Bidding runs until noon 4/22! (Read bidding rules on the auction website!)

Place you bid HERE

(Must buy a ticket separately or a bid will not be accepted.)

Don’t miss out on the most amazing kinky camping convention this summer! For more information, click on thecspc.org/frolic2024.

Finding Freedom in Fear: Part 2

By Turtle 

Read Part 1 HERE.

Part 2 will cover techniques and other referential possibilities that you can utilize to diminish the fear effect over time.

• Techniques: 4Rs and 3Cs

• Foods

• Over the Counter: always do your own research and consult your physician 

• Skills

• Apps

The four Rs of Resilience:

1. Rest - sleep

2. Relaxation - stress relief

3. Replenishment - diet

4. Release - exercise

Following these well-documented ideas can help set the stage (your body and mind) for successful scenes, relationships, and a fantastic life.

It's easier to be in control of your “self” if you set yourself up for success. Get adequate sleep by practicing good sleep hygiene. Most of your REM cycles are toward the end of your sleeping cycle. Make sure the last part of your sleep period is undisturbed. If you feel your body start to be reactive, immediately start using calming techniques. 

Relax doing something you really enjoy. If you can't do your favorite hobby, for example,, then use a positive memory of it to begin quieting your mind. Imagine yourself running or playing the flute, painting, or riding a motorcycle, whatever you love.

Everyone knows how important it is to eat properly. However, many are stuck in the old food pyramid taught in elementary school. The incredible amount of research available can be overwhelming. Start by reviewing the basics or talk to a licensed nutritionist. Sometimes this may mean preparing healthy meals for the next day for a special playdate later in the evening. 

Exercise in whatever manner you can. Exercise can consist of meditation and envisioning yourself doing something athletic that you enjoy. People will often make excuses because they don't have the time to get out and do their preferred activity. Or they might have a difficult diagnosis that interferes with the ability to exercise. So, we need to do what we can mentally. This might be sitting in one place and clenching your toes, then slowly moving up your body, squeezing and relaxing all the muscles as you go. You are checking in with yourself. The more you do this, the more cognizant of your internal landscape you will become and it will help you move forward to remaining healthy as you get older.

The three Cs of handling anxiety:

1. Calm Techniques - calm your body

2. Coping Strategies - correct your thinking

3. Communication Skills - confront your fears

The three Cs are the next step to building resilience by handling how you respond to your experience. 

We all have moments of “cognitive distortion.” This is often displayed by assumptions that cause us to jump to conclusions using faulty logic and then overthinking by chasing the idea around and around and around in our heads.

This can happen by assuming the “what” others think of us or the “why” others did something a certain way. It ramps up our anxiety and releases the hormones that raise our blood pressure and breathing rate. Then, should we apply that anxiety to whatever event or thing we are nervous about in the first place, the wheels come off our ability to reason. We become prey in our lizard brain, running from an apocalypse. 

Calming your body can be done with a wide variety of techniques ranging from rhythmic breathing to visualization to simply being present at the moment. The internet, your friends and family, and the doctor will all have ideas for you. Try out many different techniques and keep those that work best for you personally!

Coping strategies can be doing a stable repetition of activities that take your brain “offline” from the rat race. This can be as simple as reading, writing, having a slow cup of tea, a long bath, gaming…anything that allows your gray matter to shift gears daily. These also include more advanced ideas such as personal or group therapy, support groups, and cognitive behavioral therapy.

The more advanced technique discussed above can also be utilized to confront your fears, reframe what you are experiencing, and communicate your needs both to others and yourself. It's healthy to question yourself and challenge your thoughts. Some patterns are ingrained in us as children and this is the best way to make choices for yourself versus just rewriting someone else's history. Accept your anxiety and ask yourself what it is trying to tell you. Perhaps something you learned by rote as a child is irritating your current self because you have a core belief that needs to be questioned and refrained.

Brain Foods: 

Just a short list of foods that have been shown to help focus and mental resilience. Which ones do you enjoy?

Extra dark chocolate, leafy greens, broccoli, avocados, green tea, chia or flax seeds, beans and lentils, bananas, honey, eggs, peanuts/natural peanut butter

Over the Counter/Natural Remedies: (always do your own research and consult your physician)

• B-9 & B-12 (to help metabolize serotonin)

• 5-HTP (for focus)

• CBD

• Kava kava

• Chamomile 

• Lavender

• Omega-3 fatty acids

• Folic Acid

• L-theanine

• Magnesium 

• Ashwagandha

• Valerian root

• Vitamin D

Skills

1. Meditation

2. Music

3. Relaxation Techniques

4. Breathing - breathe through the panic

5. Avoid stimulants like coffee, alcohol, caffeine, energy drinks

6. Exercise

7. Share your feelings in a safe atmosphere 

8. Challenge yourself for growth (face your fears, imagine the worst and rewrite the possibilities, look at real documented evidence to apply against fearful thoughts, exposure therapy)

9. Take time out and reward yourself.

10. Go back to the basics of living. Stick to a routine.

11. Remind yourself of ways to stay safe. Have a plan.

12. Learn to be assertive and build your self-esteem.

13. Don't try to be “perfect.” It's a false illusion. Be yourself! 

14. Have fun!

Apps

Apps for your phone and computer can help develop resilience, expand your horizons, unlock personal growth, and increase your well-being and fulfillment. Do your own research and use one that actually stimulates your mind so that you'll use it effectively. 

Broaden Your Mind

Other Community Events to Enjoy!

The CSPC throws amazing parties and hosts many important discussions on various topics. But luckily, we live in a place where there are many more options to dive into sex- and body-positive culture. The list below is just a sampling of some great events coming up in the next month.

We include non-CSPC events in the first issue each month. If you have an event suggestion, please email Marissa at newsletter@thecspc.org and it might make it into our next issue!

April 13–27

Consent Academy: The Accountability Series ($105–$180 | online)

Accountability processes and pods have the potential to repair relationships and strengthen communities. At the same time, they are also very specific, time and labor intensive methods of creating accountability with plenty of risks associated with them. This spring, join the Consent Academy for a series on the skills and knowledge needed to increase your chances of a successful accountability process or pod. Each class will be recorded for later viewing.

April 18-27

On the Boards: Cherdonna & The Bearded Ladies | Threesome ($20–$29 | in person)

Welcome to Threesome: an evening of three solo drag, dance, and cabaret artists searching for stability while living in uncertainty with all the tools they can find in an active auto body shop. Expect an hour of pleasure, punk rock, and spectacle.

April 21

Sex Positive World: Sexy Intersections: Anti-Oppression and Sex Positivity ($0–$25 | online)

This class helps us all think about the many power dynamics that affect us when we interact in sex positive community. This is a core class in SPW for all of us wanting to learn more about how we show up/speak up/receive feedback from others when we share space together. 

April 21

Sex Positive World: Journey Through Time ($0–$25 | online)

Ancient India, the land of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, Tantra, the land that birthed plenty of religions, spiritual quests and philosophical journeys, also generated several LGBTQ+ tales that were deliberately hidden when preaching the New-Age Hinduism.

April 26–29

Seattle Erotic Art Festival ($28–$350 | in person)

The annual weekend-long event that showcases erotic art in diverse media including painting, photography, sculpture, film, literature, and interactive installations. A wide range of performance art is also represented, including burlesque, ballroom dance, circus arts, and live music.

April 28

Sex Positive World: Toying with the Unseen: Energy Play w/ Miss Mackenzee ($0–$35 | online)

Within this workshop you’ll learn how energy play can create spiritual and transcendental experiences for yourself and your partner(s).

The Frolic 2024 - April 4 Teaser

The Frolic 2024

For more information, visit our website 

Or the FetLife Event

Join The Frolic! Group Discussion on FetLife

August 6–11, 2024

All humans 18+ are welcome. Tickets available for members and nonmembers!

Tickets must be purchased online; there are no door sales. Please note: ticket sales for The Frolic are final; they are not refundable or transferable to other events.

The Frolic Team has worked our fingers to exhaustion to create an incredible experience! We can't wait to release bios of the incredible presenters showcasing a diverse range of topics. We are even buying our camp swag on Redbubble already!

Even though The Frolic is a six-day, five-night experience, it’ll feel like a place without time as you immerse yourself in kinky classes, fun social activities, and break bread with your community. 

Visit our website for detailed information and keep an eye out on future articles for our presenter bios! We’ll have more information on our classes, activities, and menu as we get closer to the event.

Want to have a sneak peek at the venue? The Frolic Team is collaborating with the venue owners on two stewardship days! Click here to sign up and join us on May 4 and/or June 16 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. where we’ll have various levels of volunteering as we help the owners work on their property. Lunch will be provided, and for those joining on May 4, you’re welcome to stay for the Beltane celebration. Accommodations will be provided for those who would like to clean up and change before the celebration. Note: Venue address will be sent out three days before each stewardship day via text message. 

If you have any questions, concerns, or run into any issues signing up for stewardship, please email froliccommservice@thecspc.org. Any other questions/concerns can be sent to frolic@thecspc.org. 

TICKETS

Tickets are on sale NOW!

The next tier goes on sale immediately after the previous one sells out. 

Get your tickets here!

$275 per person Early Bird tickets for the first 25 people

$300 per person Second Tier tickets for the next 25 people

$325 per person Third Tier tickets until we are sold out at 150 attendees including volunteers

*There is limited free ticketing for volunteers working the entire event. If you are interested, please complete this questionnaire to notify us of your interest, and a Frolic Lead will contact you!

PARKING AND TRANSPORTATION

(Per vehicle):

• ADA [upper] - limited spaces, by request (Disability parking permits are required)

• Secondary parking [in/out privileges]: $40

• Tertiary parking [parking shuttle provided]: $30 

• Car camping: $50 (in camping area, not parking lot)

• Additional for an RV (hook-ups are not available): $75

• Additional for tent trailer (includes a parking pass for vehicle towing trailer): $60

• Round trip ride from the Sumner Sounder Station $10

ENTERTAINMENT AND EDUCATION - COMING SOON!

Two presenter bios will appear in every newsletter! See all the classes when you buy your ticket!

VIP ROOMS

We have five yurts to auction! Imagine spending The Frolic nights toasty and cozy inside a beautifully decorated Mongolian yurt with a queen-size bed. Please keep in mind that your ticket to The Frolic is not included and must be purchased separately. Bidding is for the add-on VIP room only.

Yurts: Auction Dates

1. Gaia Yurt: Auction is LIVE! Ends April 22

2. Soul Yurt: Auction starts April 23, ends May 13

3. Heart Yurt: Auction starts May 14, ends June 3

4. Prism Yurt: Auction starts June 4, ends June 24

5. Celestial Yurt: Auction starts June 25, ends July 15 (16' Dome Yurt with electricity)