AI Short-Circuit Camp, July 2-9

The AI Short-Circuit Camp will take place in the Schaffhausen region – a hot spot of the ongoing massive expansion of AI infrastructure, such as data centers, in Switzerland.

The camp is located on private land in the Schaffhausen region. The address will be announced in the afternoon of Thursday, July the 2nd, across all of our channels.

The meeting point for traveling together  to the camp is the Schaffhausen train station, Thursday, July 2nd, at 2:00 p.m.

We have established a camp consensus to ensure that everyone at the camp feels comfortable and as safe as possible:

1. We uphold our awareness principles.

This means, for example: All forms of discrimination, such as racism, sexism, ableism, or classism, will not be tolerated. Other people’s boundaries must be respected and physical contact occurs only with consent. These principles are printed out and available at the camp.

2. The camp is intended to be an accessible space for solidarity and cooperation.

Our goal is to build a movement against the AI offensive. In principle, we do not rule out any means to achieve this and view a diversity of action-forms as a strength. However, we will not be the source of  escalation during the camp.

3. We welcome people from all kinds of backgrounds who are interested in resisting the expansion of AI.

In principle, anyone interested in resisting current massive expansion of AI infrastructure is welcome.

We are also open to public media who wish to visit the camp. Press representatives will be on site to handle contact with media professionals. Photography and filming will be permitted during predefined times and in designated locations, which will be clearly communicated to camp participants – we ask media professionals to adhere to these guidelines and refrain from taking photos or filming outside of these times and locations.

4. We all are the camp!

The camp was organized in advance over many months of work, and many structures are already in place. However, for the camp to function, we need everyone’s participants – whether it’s cleaning the toilets, sitting a night shift, or organizing camp life as a whole. We want to approach this self-organization collectively and rely on you to contribute your criticism and assistance to the best of your ability.

Boundary violations happen everywhere. Let’s work together to combat all forms of discrimination and ensure that everyone feels comfortable in this space: Discriminatory and boundary-violating behavior based on gender, appearance, sexual orientation, background, etc., will not be tolerated.

Respect your own boundaries and those of others. In every case, the person affected determines what constitutes an assault.

The Care Team’s primary goal is to resolve emerging conflicts in the most constructive way possible. Ideally, we won’t need to intervene at all – or everyone at this event will be mindful of one another. We’ll respond if you ask us to – and in every case, you’ll decide the next steps, which we’ll discuss together. The Care Team can be recognized by the armbands they wear.

We want to offer you peace, protection, and an open ear – and everything you tell us remains private. We’re on your side and won’t question that a boundary has been crossed for you. The Care Team is sober and approachable. If you’d like to contact the Care Team outside of the camp, please send us an email at: awareness-ada@systemli.org.

If you need a place to retreat, there are two chill spaces in the camp equipped with basic amenities.

Prefigurative spaces means taking responsibility!

We are all called upon to help ensure that as many people as possible feel comfortable at the event. Everyone present at the event should show solidarity with these principles and by extension, with affected persons. We look out not only for one another, but also for the natural environment around us.

Racism, sexism, ableism, and hatred toward queer people, as well as violence and abusive behavior of any kind, have no place here!

Look out for one another – be aware!

• Cash (for camp fees – if you can! – drinks, etc.)
• Sleeping bag, sleeping pad, tent
• Sturdy shoes
• Rain gear
• Sunscreen and other sun protection
• Headlamp/flashlight
• Water bottle + possibly Tupperware
• Toiletries, hygiene items
• Sturdy clothing that isn’t too warm but protects from the sun
• First-aid kit
• Power bank
• Water guns (to cool off a bit)
• ID or passport
• Anything that makes camp life more interesting and fun: games, musical instruments, banners, decorations
• If desired: Creative materials for concealing your face

Wheelchair Accessibility:
The camp takes place in the Schaffhausen region. There are dirt paths on site that may become too muddy for wheelchairs during heavy rain. There is an semi-accessible toilet. Please feel free to contact us via DM or email if you need a ride.

First Aid:
Medical staff will be on site during the day. There will also be three care persons available at all times. There is a first-aid tent for both emotional and physical first aid. It’s equipped with skills (hard candies, hedgehog balls, etc.), a first-aid kit and snacks (e.g., table sugar).

From there, you can also head to the chill spaces. All tents, including the first aid and chill tents, are clearly labeled.

Safer Space Tent:
If the camp hustle and bustle is getting to be a bit too much for you, or if you’re feeling overwhelmed, you can take a break in the chill and safer space tent. There you’ll find mats, pillows, blankets, skills, fidget toys, noise-canceling headphones, and zines. It’s also located toward the edge of the camp.

The safer space is not a chill out space, but your trusted friends are, of course, welcome to join you there. If you’d like to talk in peace, the first-aid tent is a more suitable place.

More info:
The food is vegan. Gluten-free and nut-free options are available; it’s best to ask us or check with the camp on-site.

Translations into French and English are available on-site.

The bar serves soft-alcohol beverages (beer, etc.), but no hard liquor.

There are no strobo lights except during one specific event.

How can I participate?

You can drop by for a single workshop or stay at the camp all week with your tent – anything is possible.

Do I need to register?

If possible, we’d appreciate it if you could register so we can get a rough idea of the number of participants. You can register using the following form: https://cryptpad.fr/form/#/2/form/view/zz066Dp7BiJ5dGWNTSMyIg-tSDzVNMAtyE4Nhj1XRio/ (preferably using the Tor Browser). Of course, you’re also welcome to participate without registering.

Is there a fee to participate?

Generally, no. We’re grateful for donations to fund the camp and the kitchen. There will be donation boxes on site for this purpose. But if you can’t afford to pay, that’s okay too.

What will be available on site?

There will be vegan food, restrooms, showers, space for camping, childcare and a varied program.

What should I bring?

If you’d like to stay overnight at the camp, it’s best to bring a tent, including a sleeping mat and sleeping bag. There’s also a packing list for orientation.

What language will the camp be held in?

Most of the program  will be held in German with French translation or in English with French and German Translation. English whisper Translation is also possible

How are allergies handled?

If you have allergies, it’s best to let the kitchen know so they can accommodate your needs.