It’s not easy to distill what Natural Remedies Campout is down to one sentence, but it’s perhaps best described as an art festival, an adult summer camp and a utopian stoner getaway all rolled into one fatty of an event. Marking its fifth anniversary of rambunctious woodland fun, this year’s adventure transpired in Bellingham, Washington, deep within the verdant hills and picturesque naturescapes of Lookout Arts Quarry.
Featuring an itinerary that took place over three consecutive days, the Campout played host to a diverse assortment of amusements and amenities. A broad selection of entertainment options was scheduled, including fire dancers, live music, comedy shows and even a magician. Attendee-led recreational activities were incorporated throughout the weekend, like a Puff n Paint with Ishtar Glass, a Tie Dye Party with Pour Up Patrick and a Donut Rolling class with Boutique Boyz.
The sheer magnitude of art on display across the 72-hour gathering was mind-blowing. If a single piece of heady glass can be considered a “heater,” being at Natural Remedies Campout was like sitting in an active volcano.
Day one kicked off with the Marbles and Mugs show, which consisted of drinking vessels and meticulously molded glass spheres of varying colors and designs. The second day threw down the proverbial borosilicate gauntlet with Prism to Void, an exhibit by featured artist Drewbie Glass. A crowd favorite for that gallery was the Drewbie X Salt Glass recycler that looked more akin to an eldritch horror than a dab rig, strapped to the teeth (literally) with Salt’s signature eyes and tentacles. Day three rounded out the exposition with a bead drop by Eli Munster and a Pocket Vibes showcase displaying miniature functionals. It was tough not to get stuck checking out the Renz Craft mini v2 Yo-Yo, but every piece in the presentation was beyond breathtaking in terms of craftsmanship.
Live glassblowing demonstrations were heating up next to the main stage at all hours of the day and night. Artists like Dohn Joe, J-Red and Knuckles Glass could be found melting away on the torch and showing off their creative chops for an enraptured — and optimally stoney — audience. There was even a trippy art gallery painted by Cole Jenkins to close out the first evening, where UV lights were used to illuminate hidden shapes and colors within his already psychedelic paintings.
A variety of sponsors and vendors were stationed in self-stylized tents around the perimeter of the main area. Leaf Magazine’s green leaf canopy was easy to spot, stocked with a range of recent magazine issues and handcrafted dabbing implements made by local Oregon brand Sophisticated Dab Tools.
Outside of the organized programming, the actual campsite and environment of the location were positively exquisite. Breaking out of the day-to-day grind and becoming one with nature was undoubtedly one of the best parts of the weekend. The quarry at the heart of the encampment contained an 80-foot-deep water basin with a large wooden deck surrounded by cliffs and walking trails. The area was a perfect respite for swimming, hiking or lounging out in the summer sun with a big hashhole.
With functional bathrooms and hot showers present on the property, the facilities at Natural Remedies Campout were practically luxurious. Food was provided three times a day, thanks to camp sponsors The Jam Man, Culinary Details and Spaceman Rigs. It’s worth noting that one of the capstones of the whole experience was an infused, five-course dinner that was curated on the final night by The Jam Man. From the medicated, honey-topped charcuterie board appetizer to the vanilla sheet cake dessert with maple mixed berries (blueberry, red huckleberry and thimbleberry), the dinner had attendees’ tastebuds saturated in delectable bliss.
The overall kindness and quality of community interactions during the event were almost surreal. The vibes were contagious. For the duration of the weekend, it was hard not to run into a wide smile, a warm “good morning” greeting or a Leaf personal favorite: “Do you want a dab?” Watching acquaintanceships begin to bud and blossom into enduring friendships throughout the brief 72-hour period was nothing short of summertime magic.
With nary a cellphone in sight, the effortless, genuine connections among fellow campgoers felt so revitalizing — a welcome break from everyday life. Being able to forget about the cares and stressors of the outside world was an experience difficult to put a value on. Just camaraderie, culture and a whole lot of Cannabis.
All in all, Natural Remedies Campout is an exceedingly special festival. A top highlight of the summer for those who attended, the event is a prime example of how wonderful it is when the Cannabis and glass communities come together in hash and harmony. Natural Remedies’ event is more than just an annual counterculture camp for stoners — it’s a vacation of a lifetime.
