Theme Camps are an essential aspect of Anime in the Park.
Most importantly, they provide spaces for people to interact.
Theme Camps beautify the event, create immersive experiences, and allow creativity to blossom out in new ways. They also give attendees a place to hang out and get out of the sun.
Examples
At our Lake David Park 2025 event (LDP25), Patrick Metzger hosted a Foam Dart Shateki game, and also set up a tent for people to find shade under. The gaming booth was decorated with traditional Natsu Matsuri (summer festival) aesthetics. The game was interactive and open to the public, with free prizes.
Then we had the Cozy Dragon Games tent, where they hosted Dungeons and Dragons one shot adventures for everyone to play.
LDP25 also featured a Maid Cafe by Cafè au Lait: Butler & Maid Cafe. Attendees could purchase a ticket that included snacks, drinks, photo op, etc.
As these events grow, we hope to see more Theme Camps.
Ideas
At the most basic level, a theme camp could simply consist of a canopy tent with some furniture (or even a blanket), some decorations, and at least one person who can run it for the day.
Not all Theme Camps need to have activities. Having places to get out of the sun and chill for a bit is just as important. So for this type of theme camp, there’s really only one thing to list:
- Hangout Lounge
Of course, you can take it up a level by introducing hands-on activities and panels.
Some ideas for activities include:
- Karaoke
- Yoga
- Meditation
- Costuming
- Dancing
- Crafts
- Performances
- Workshops
- Art Installations
- Gaming
Layout
Theme camps should have at least one 10×10 canopy with something interactive, and/or at least one 10×10 canopy for the public to find shade under. If you have both, then you can also set up an optional private tent for core crew, but it will be your responsibility to keep people out (with signs, boxes blocking the way, telling people, etcetera).
Monetization
The majority of Theme Camps should offer free interactions, but we do want to make space for activities that would simply cost too much to do for free. For example, the maid café experience has lots of material costs for the food/drink, which are sourced from local businesses. Certain workshops may also require payment to cover materials.
You must specify if your Theme Camp is a paid activity when registering.
In most cases, free exhibits get in for free, and paid exhibits must pay an entry fee just as vendors do.
You can also fundraise if you have an art project idea. For example, one day it would be really cool to see a giant D20 at Anime in the Park. If someone wants to spearhead that project and start a fundraiser to buy materials, we can promote that. You can also accept donations at the event for art projects.
Giving it a Theme
Think of your Theme Camp as an evolution of a cosplay meetup.
Or think of it like recreating a village in your favorite RPG.
Have fun with it. Decorate it like the show/game. Cosplay as those characters. Make the interactive elements based on the lore.
Some ideas include:
- Genshin Impact Yoga
- Delicious in Dungeon Picnic (someone really awesome came up with this idea)
- JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Fashion Clothing Swap
Really, sky’s the limit.
Let your creativity decide what should be a reality next.
Scheduling
You don’t need to entertain people all day, if you don’t want to/have time to.
You can set scheduled times for certain interactive things like games, or at least set time blocks and estimates. That way you don’t burn yourself out. For example, a Delicious in Dungeon workshop might do a cooking tips panel at 2pm and group cosplay meetup at 5pm, just as some ideas. For the rest of the day, the shade structures you all set up will become hangout spots. Or if you have a game or interactive experience you can run all day with a team, go for it!
Responsibilities
Leave No Trace
Anime in the Park is a Leave No Trace event.
You must pick up any trash, and completely break down your setup at the specified end time.
Cosplaying can be messy. Feathers, strings, ribbons, etc. On top of that, we have the whole camping element that could include zip ties and fasteners. All of those things need to go home with you, or find their way to a dump. Do not overstuff the trash cans in the park. If you see it overflowing, do the right thing and replace it with a new bag. I know it’s gross, but bring gloves. Cleanliness means so much to our mission, and to preserving our relationship with municipalities who allow us to use their space.
Leaving the park in pristine condition must always be our claim to fame.
Safety
You must keep yourself, your camp mates, and the public safe.
Drink lots of water and look out for each other.
Have a plant to kick people out of your tent if you don’t feel comfortable with them being there. If you need help, come find a staff member. For emergencies dial 911.
Mission
Our mission is to “uplift and unite communities, break down stereotypes, and promote physical and mental health through art, music, and cosplay at public parks.”
We do this in part by having fun.
Remember that the whole point of a Theme Camp is to breathe a little excitement and joy back into people’s lives. Your public art installation has the power to uplift and unite, and that is our collective motivation.
Registration
Registration forms coming soon.