Check In
Check in for camp attendees will start on Thursday 6/25/26 at 1:00 pm in the Robert Crown Center (gym/dojo). Please follow the signs with the Birankai logo to direct you to parking and registration
If you have any food or medication allergies, please make sure to inform us at the time of checkin.
For those who are arriving after Thursday at 4:45 pm (end of first class), please call or text XXX XXX-XXXX to let us know your approximate time of arrival.
Housing
We will be staying in Merrill House, a dorm that is convenient to the dojo and the dining hall. The dorm is air conditioned (important in a humid east coast summer!).
You will have a linen package in your room which includes bottom and top sheets, pillow case, pillow, blanket, two bath towels, hand towel and face cloths. Please pack extras if you feel that you will need them. We suggest checking the weather forecast for Amherst MA in advance, as evenings in Massachusetts can be chilly even in June.
Parking
Parking at Hampshire College is free, but all vehicles must display a valid parking permit and must be parked in designated lots. You will be given a printed parking pass to put on your dashboard. Since registration packets and room keys will be picked up in the gym first, people will need to park in the Robert Crown Center lot first and then go to the lot near Merrill to unload.
Meals
Hampshire College Dining Commons is located next to Merrill Hall.
If you have any food or medication allergies, please make sure to inform us at the time of check-in
Dining hours are as follows:
Breakfast 7:30am to 9:00am
Lunch 12:00pm to 1:30pm
Dinner 5:00pm to 6:30pm (on Thursday 6/25 class ends at 5:15 pm and dinner is until 7:00pm)
Laundry
Laundry is free and available on the lower level of Merrill A (near the the camp store). We will also have access to the laundry room in the Enfield dorm.
Laundry pods are available for sale in the camp store.
What to Bring
Weapons: Please bring your jyo, bokken and tanto. Make sure to mark them clearly with your name.
Extra set of gis: Please make sure you practice with a clean gi.
Zafu: Zafu availability is limited. If you plan on attending the morning zazen classes, please pack your own zafu.
Water Bottle: Water is available in the dojo. Please be sure to stay hydrated!
Hat, Sunglasses, and Sunscreen: Weapons classes are often outside in the sun.
BNA Passport/yudansha book: Mark your attendance at another great year of camp!
Swimsuit: The Robert Crown Center has a pool.
Soap, shampoo, toothbrush and toothpaste, any other toiletries
Footwear: Figure out a way to mark your footwear in the gym. It is very easy to mix up shoes. . Make sure to pack flip flops or sandals.
Climate-appropriate clothing: Massachusetts weather is changeable. We suggest checking a forecast before leaving for camp. Bring a sweatshirt or light jacket for cool evenings, and clothing appropriate for hot humid days.
Gym
The dojo will be in the Hampshire College gym (the Robert Crown Center, 32 on the campus map).
Zazen
Zazen classes will be held in the gym. Please see the location on the map. Zafu availability is limited. If you plan on attending zazen class in the morning, please bring your own zafu.
Camp Store/ Raffle Room
The Camp Store and Raffle Room will be located in the first floor lounge of Merrill A.
The Camp Store will have extra t-shirts available for purchase as well as laundry pods and a limited supply of toiletries.
You can see all the raffle items and purchase raffle tickets in the Raffle Room. The grand prize is a free full camp for the upcoming year! Raffle sales help Birankai offer scholarships. Please show your support - every dollar counts!
Hampshire College Campus
Pavilion (outdoor social space)
Dining Commons
Campus Map
Click here to see a campus map
Summer Camp depends on the efforts of many volunteers. No offer to help is too small. A Volunteer Coordinator at camp will be able to steer you towards a way you can contribute, or you can sign up to volunteer in advance using this Google Form. Thank you in advance!