FAQs
Question
What does the camp look like?
Answer
HappyLand camp is a private facility that is part of Prince William state park in Virginia. It was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the early 20th century, and houses some beautiful landmarked structures! The site has an indoor dining hall, an outdoor covered pavilion, two fire pits surrounded by benches (labeled "council ring" on the map), plenty of cabins and restrooms, and lots of areas for hiking and outdoor fun. There is also a bridge and small lake within walking distance of camp buildings. There are wooden paths between buildings, and most areas are very flat. There is a small decline down the dirt path that goes to the fire ring and to a few cabins, but most wedding events will be in flat areas. Let us know if you might need help navigating the terrain, and we'll be happy to find you a strong arm :) More information and a downloadable map can be found here: https://www.nps.gov/prwi/planyourvisit/cabincamp5.htm
Question
Should I stay in a hotel or in a cabin at camp?
Answer
That is entirely up to you! Whether you stay onsite or in a nearby hotel, we hope that you will hang out at camp and enjoy the weekend. We want you to be comfortable. The site is set up with cabins that sleep 2, 4 or 10 people, and four larger dorm buildings that each sleep 26. All sleeping quarters offer comfy twin mattresses (new this year!) and frames, lights, electric outlets and a small closet. Dorm buildings have heat, but no air conditioning, and offer a pair each of sinks, toilets and showers; bathhouses with additional showers and toilets are centrally located, a few feet away from both cabins and dorms. Sleeping cabins do not have heat or air conditioning. Anyone staying on site is invited to bring bedding, pillows and towels, or let us know below if you need help getting these items. More info about camp here: https://www.nps.gov/prwi/planyourvisit/cabincamp5.htm On the travel page, we have also listed several hotels near the camp. We'll be providing a shuttle from the Hampton Inn in Dumfries, where we have reserved a hotel block, but folks staying at other hotels nearby can also park there to access the shuttle. A link to reserve a room as part of the hotel block will be available soon. Got other housing questions? Reach out to us at fareedandshawn@gmail.com
Question
How do I get to this camp?
Answer
There are various options for traveling to camp, however, all of them involve some sort of car travel (rental and/or rideshare). You are welcome to get a Lyft (Uber, cab, etc.) to and from camp, and simply stay onsite in between. We will also offer a shuttle from the Hampton Inn on Sunday evening for the ceremony, and potentially on Saturday pending demand. We are also organizing a document for folks who want to rideshare - a great way to connect with others who will be at the wedding! The hotels that we recommended are about a 15 minute ride away from camp (or a $15-20 rideshare). If you do wish to rent a car, that's also great. There is room for 60 cars to park at camp, and a car will give you greater access to all that the DC area has to offer. We also have access to a few 10% discounts from Enterprise; let us know if that would be helpful to you and we can get you a code. Email us at fareedandshawn@gmail.com If you're driving your own car and/or taking a rideshare, please note that you can drive right up to the camp and park in the parking lot and/or drive a little further to be dropped off right in front of Building 40 (see camp map for locations). You will take a gravel path off of Joplin Road (Route 619) and follow signs for "Cabin Camp 5." Do not walk to camp from the entrance right off of Joplin Road (Route 619) - it is a long walk!
Question
Is there parking at HappyLand for the wedding events?
Answer
Yes! There is a parking lot with about 60 spaces. The parking lot is a short walk to all wedding events. There is a road right into the center of camp so that folks can be dropped off, but all guests must park in the lot.
Question
Is there a shuttle to and from the hotels?
Answer
Yes! There will be a shuttle on Sunday, August 31. This shuttle will pick up all hotel dwellers at 4:45PM in front of the Hampton Inn. And then a shuttle will depart camp at 11:00PM to take folks back to the Hampton Inn. We may also provide a shuttle on Saturday pending demand. Please fill out the pre-rsvp form if you haven't already! https://forms.gle/GxHQXpSHjPG2gjT76
Question
What is the dress code?
Answer
Festive! Celebratory! Light and breezy! If the rustic camp vibes didn't already give it away, this is not a black tie affair. It's end of summer, y'all! The average high at this time of year is 84, and the low is 67. Wear clothes that will help you stay cool and comfortable, even while getting down on the dance floor or roasting s'mores around the campfire. When you feel good, you look good, and that's what matters most.
Question
What should I bring?
Answer
-Sun protection (hats, long clothes, sunblock) and bug spray. Unfortunately, ticks are real; please protect yourselves. -Refillable water bottle. -Frisbee to throw, book to read, lanyard to tie, or any other specific activities you might want to enjoy at camp. -A headlamp or flashlight to help navigate the dark. (We'll also have some solar lights around to assist :) -A performance for the "No Talent Show." -We'll have food and booze on hand, but if there are any particular snacks, drinks, etc. you might want, please bring them! That said... -DO NOT KEEP OPEN FOOD IN YOUR CABINS! Doing so will invite unwanted visitors, including rodents, raccoons and bears - oh my!
Question
What will the weather be like?
Answer
Good question! While we can't predict the future, we do know that the historical highs for Labor Day in this area are 84 F, and the low is 67 F. Chance of rain is less than 30%, but the humidity is around 40%. There is often good cloud cover, lots of trees, and many events will be under shade, indoors and near the end of the day as temperatures cool.
Question
What about ticks!?
Answer
Unfortunately, these pesky blood suckers are everywhere on the East Coast! We will be sure to have plenty of bug spray onsite and will mostly steer clear of tall, grassy areas where ticks tend to lurk. However, we recommend that you check yourself for ticks and/or ask someone to check you at least once a day. Here are some helpful CDC recommendations for ticks: https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/avoid/on_people.html
Question
What are the COVID-19 precautions for this camp?
Answer
In order to ensure the best protection for our elders and our immune-compromised loved ones we encourage guests to take a rapid test right before your arrival to camp. We will not be requiring masks at camp, but welcome anyone to do so. We are hoping for great weather, so most of our happenings will take place outside. Hopefully this will allow for more social distancing and greater air filtration. That said, if the weather is not cooperating we will be indoors. We encourage guests to bring masks. We will also provide hand sanitizer and masks for anyone who would like one. Safety is our priority here!
Question
Is there cell phone reception at Happyland?
Answer
TMobile/Sprint users have excellent signal at camp. That said, Verizon and AT&T users will have very little signal throughout camp. The rangers told us that Verizon and AT&T users can randomly find spots in camp with signal, but they didn’t know the exact locations. (We have been told with certainty that Verizon and AT&T users can locate signal on the gravel road leading to Cabin Camp 5, so that might be your best bet whenever you need to use your phone.) Additionally, if it would be helpful, we can pair people with TMobile users while at camp, so that you can have easier access to phone service and/or request rideshares. There is also a landline located in the dining hall for local calls and emergencies.
Question
How can I help with the wedding events?
Answer
Thanks for asking! How did you know it was that kind of wedding? We may ask your support (and patience) in setting up camp, keeping it clean, and washing the occasional dish. But this is not meant to be drudgery. We are grateful to be surrounded by such a talented, creative community, and are excited to co-create this wedding with you! Do you have an eye for design and want to help decorate? Have you got a hankering for chuppah building? Love to clean? Wherever your strengths and excitement lives, that's where we want to plug you in. Let us know if there's something special you'd like to work on! Fill out the pre-RSVP form (https://forms.gle/DoPPDb6KZYhvRg1H6) or email us (fareedandshawn@gmail.com)