Care & Crisis Support
We approach care at Play Fest through structure, clarity, and trust in each person's capacity to regulate themselves — with a supportive net when needed.
Rather than creating a high-intervention “welfare” atmosphere, we prioritize self- and co-regulation, supported by a clear framework and dedicated resources for moments of difficulty.
Self & Co-Regulation
You are invited to tend to your needs — rest, food, quiet, support — throughout the weekend. Practices that support regulation are built into the program, and you're encouraged to make use of them and to lean into shared care with others.
We'll also have:
A quiet space available for grounding
A self-care station with tea, sensory items, and tarot
Ongoing opportunities for embodiment and connection throughout the weekend
Crisis Support
If something significant arises, a trained Crisis Crew will be on call. This crew includes people with experience in emotional, psychological, and medical emergencies. They are not there to coach, mediate, or investigate — their role is to hold space, support regulation, and involve others as needed.
You'll find:
A walkie-talkie at the self-care station to reach the crew directly
A designated Crisis Area for private support
Reporting forms to document incidents or follow-up needs
Responses to harm will be considered case by case, with a range of possibilities depending on the situation. When needed, crew leads or core team members will be involved to assess and respond with proportion, care, and discretion.
Power, Consent, and Harm
We understand that harm can show up in many ways — not just as dramatic or obvious events. We recognize dynamics of power, identity, visibility, and embodiment that shape how consent is given and received.
We don’t enforce blanket rules about who can or can’t connect based on roles. Facilitators, organizers, performers — all participate in the space, and we trust each person to stay in conversation with the power they hold or feel. Instead of policing power, we invite you to explore it consciously and relationally, moment by moment.
You are always welcome to step back if something feels imbalanced. You're also welcome to stay in and explore, with care and clarity. We aim to name power, not hide it.
If you'd like to go deeper:
