Camp Thalia

Camp
Thalia

Summer of 30

4 to 6 June 2027

Elgin River Lodge, Elgin Valley

… days until camp

Arrive

Friday from 3pm

Depart

Sunday by 11am

Getting there

About an hour from Cape Town, over Sir Lowry's Pass

Chalets on the river

Two nights at Elgin River Lodge: raised wooden chalets looking over the river and mountains, a pool, a hot tub, two fire pits and a games room. Cabin assignments go out closer to the time.

Wooden chalet on stilts among pine trees, overlooking the river valley at sunset
Cabins
Stone fire pit with wooden benches on a lawn beside the river
Campfire
Aerial view of a green-roofed lodge in the forest with a hot tub and fire pit
The villa
Green chalet deck with a daybed, looking into a bright bedroom
Bunks
Brick dining hall with green chairs and gingham placemats, river through the windows
Mess hall

Itinerary

Everything is optional except the fun. Sleep in, skip a hike, join whatever you like.

Friday

4 June, arrival
  1. 14:00

    Road trip pie stopOn the wayPull in at Peregrine Farm Stall on the N2 at Grabouw, just over Sir Lowry's Pass. Pies, coffee and padkos for the cabin.

  2. 15:00

    Check in and find your cabinPick up your camp pack and name tag.

  3. 16:00

    Cabin flag designMeet your team and design your cabin flag.

  4. 17:30

    Welcome drinks by the riverFlags go up and camp officially opens.

  5. 19:00

    Braai around the fireCatered by the lodge. Just bring your appetite.

  6. 21:00

    Outdoor movie nightBlankets, pyjamas and popcorn under the stars.

Saturday

5 June, the big day
  1. 07:30

    Morning hike or yogaA gentle valley walk, or slow flow on the lawn (bring a mat if you have one).

  2. 08:30

    Mess hall breakfast

  3. 10:00

    Boat dayEveryone to the jetty: kayaks, wakeboarding, tubing and the barge for anyone staying dry.

  4. 13:00

    Picnic lunchOn the gingham, obviously.

  5. 14:30

    The Camp Thalia OlympicsCabin teams go head to head: tug of war, a kayak relay, egg and spoon, apple bobbing and Thalia trivia.

  6. 16:30

    Free timeHot tub, naps, sundowners.

  7. 18:00

    Showers and getting ready

  8. 19:00

    Birthday dinnerParty nightCome as something that starts with T. Long table, speeches kept short.

  9. 21:00

    Karaoke and dancingCake, then the mic, then DJ Dashboard on the decks.

Sunday

6 June, farewell
  1. 08:00

    Sunrise walk or easy yogaFor the brave.

  2. 09:30

    Farewell brunch and trophy ceremonyThe Olympics champions are crowned.

  3. 11:00

    Check outLights out, Camp Thalia.

Times are a guide and may shift once everything is confirmed.

What we'll get up to

Morning yoga

Saturday and Sunday mornings on the lawn. Beginners very welcome.

Hikes

Gentle valley and orchard walks, paced for people who mostly walk to the fridge. Snack stops guaranteed.

Kayaking

Launch from the jetty and paddle the river. Wear something you don't mind getting wet.

River barge cruise

A slow float down the river with a drink in hand. The low-effort water option.

Hot tub and pool

The pool is for the brave in June. The hot tub is for everyone after the hike.

Karaoke

Saturday party night. Pick your song now, you'll be asked.

Outdoor movie

Friday night under the stars. Bring the warmest blanket you own.

Braai

Friday night around the fire, catered by the lodge.

Jetty on the river with kayaks, a ski boat and a covered barge
Friends cheering from a boat as someone wakeboards behind it on the river

Boat day

  • Kayaks from the jetty, any time
  • Wakeboarding, skiing and tubing behind the ski boat
  • A slow barge cruise for anyone who'd rather stay dry

The river is cold in June, so wetsuits are a must for anyone going in.

The Camp Thalia Olympics

Everyone is sorted into a cabin team on arrival and designs a cabin flag on Friday. Saturday afternoon brings tug of war, a kayak relay, a three-legged race, egg and spoon, apple bobbing (it's Elgin), a gumboot throw and "How well do you know Thalia?" trivia. Champions are crowned at Sunday brunch.

Dress code

Early June in Elgin means crisp mornings and cold nights, so layer up.

Daytime

Camp casual

Gingham, denim, knits, sneakers or boots. Greens strongly encouraged.

Saturday night

Things that start with T

T for Thalia, T for Thirty. Anything goes if it starts with T. Prize for the best one, and bring a coat for the walk back.

See the T outfit ideas →

Movie night

Pyjamas

Matching sets encouraged. Beanies and slippers allowed.

Packing list

Tick things off as you pack. Your ticks stay on this device only.

Clothes

Gear

Bring to share

Taken care of

Your accommodation and the main meals are covered, plus bedding and towels, kayaks and the boats. Some activities are paid for too. Your main cost is getting yourself there.

FAQ

Everything campers keep asking.

Is this real camping?

No. I hate camping, which is exactly why I decided to have a camp-themed birthday instead. There are proper beds, linen, hot showers, a hot tub and a roof over your head. All of the camp spirit, none of the tents.

Woah, why are we celebrating in June if your birthday is in November?

I had decision fatigue. Think of it as the longest birthday season in history.

Will there be a DJ?

Yes. DJ Dashboard will be on the decks.

Can I come for just the Saturday?

Yes. Day campers are welcome for Saturday's activities and party night. Let us know when you RSVP so we can plan cabins and catering.

Can I bring a plus one?

Only if they're named on your invite. Bunks are limited, so camp is invite-only this time.

Can I bring my kids?

Sadly not this time. There's a lot of open water around the lodge (river, jetty, pool and boats), so it's an adults-only weekend. Treat it as a little break.

What does it cost?

Your accommodation and the main meals are covered, and some activities will be paid for too. Your main cost is getting yourself there, plus any snacks and drinks you bring (the lodge charges corkage on drinks).

How do I get there?

Elgin is about an hour's drive from Cape Town on the N2, over Sir Lowry's Pass. Stop for a pie at Peregrine Farm Stall in Grabouw on the way in, it's tradition now. We'll help arrange lift clubs closer to the time, so mention it in your RSVP if you need a ride or have seats.

Can my car make it?

Yes, almost certainly. Every cabin is fine for a normal car except one: the villa sits up a rough road, so a 4x4 is preferable if you're staying there. Please double-check your car actually is a 4x4 before you volunteer. Earlier this year I was convinced Darshan's car was one. Spoiler: it wasn't. No 4x4? No stress, we'll sort a lift up.

Do I need to be fit for the hike or the water?

Not at all. Everything is planned for sedentary people like me, not for fit people. Hikes are gentle walks with plenty of snack stops, the yoga is beginner level, and the barge is there for anyone who'd rather sit. Skipping is always allowed.

What about dietary needs?

Tell us on your RSVP and we'll make sure every meal has you covered.

What's the weather like?

Early June in Elgin is the start of winter: crisp days around 15°C, cold nights and a fair chance of rain. Pack warm layers and a rain jacket. If it rains, we have indoor backups for everything.

RSVP by 31 December 2026

Tell us if you're coming for the whole weekend or just Saturday, plus dietary needs and whether you need a lift.

Register for camp

Love, Thalia

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Saturday night

Things that start with T

T for Thalia, T for Thirty. Anything goes if it starts with T, and there's a prize for the best one. Stuck? Steal one of these.

TigerOrange, stripes, a little eyeliner whisker. Fierce at 30.
TouristBucket hat, fanny pack, camera, socks with sandals.
Tennis proPleated skirt or shorts, sweatband, racquet.
TogaOne bedsheet, one gold belt, done.
Tooth fairyTulle, wings, a giant cardboard tooth.
Tie-dye hippieTie-dye everything, round sunnies, flower crown. Make it a group project on Friday.
TinkerbellGreen dress, bun, wings, a sprinkle of glitter.
TacoInflatable or cardboard. Commitment is everything.
Tin manSilver everything, a funnel hat, a paper heart.
TracksuitFull velour set, gold chain, sunglasses indoors.
Tea and toastThe couples option. One brews, one is golden brown.
Traffic lightRed, amber, green. Change colour as the night goes on.
TrollNeon hair standing straight up, bare feet optional.
TuxedoThe lazy-but-sharp option. Add a T name tag to qualify.
Thalia at 80Cardigan, pearls, walker with fairy lights.
Taylor SwiftPick an era. Sequins, cowboy boots or a red lip, plus friendship bracelets to trade.
TiggerOrange stripes, ears and a tail. Bouncing is mandatory.
TomatoAll red, green leafy hat. Easiest costume at camp.
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