SUPPORT
THE MISSION
HOW TO HELP BUILD HAPPY CASTLE
There are a million ways to get involved and support the project ranging from renting a campsite with your friends or participating in scheduled community projects, to simply purchasing our festival tickets and merchandise. But the absolute biggest impact anyone can have in helping to realize the vision of an off-grid desert eco-village, art-garden, and festival venue is actually becoming a fully fledged member of the Happy Castle Commune.
Live Onsite
As a communal village, we'll leverage our numbers to constantly construct new housing and amenities for our Villagers, meaning that you will have all the help you need building your own personal housing in addition to vibrant common spaces.
Experience what it's like to be a part of a community that has your back and see
what's possible when likeminded artists and entrepreneurs work together.
Build a Community
As a member of the Happy Castle Commune you'll learn what it means to be part of a real community, to have intimate relationships with your neighbors, resolve conflicts, and work together towards a common vision.
The Happy Castle Art Camp is not just a place. Fundamentally, it is the constantly morphing makeup of the people who occupy it. You make us what we are. Unlike most intentional communities, Happy Castle isn't centered around attracting a certain type of person or dictating a certain kind of lifestyle, but creating an alternative avenue by which to gain the freedom to be who you want and do what you love.
Make
a Living
The goal at Happy Castle is not just to live self-sufficiently or create some moneyless utopian getaway for our members, but rather to connect and collaborate our individual resources to build a thriving collective business venture capable of providing every member with a livable income, but also capable of continuously expanding the scope and mission of Happy Castle from radical lone-desert eco-village to global cultural phenomenon. Become a part of the village and build the life that you want.
THE KICKSTARTER
BUILD HAPPY CASTLE
As a future Villager, your involvement is more than just building a home—it’s helping create a vision for a community rooted in sustainability, creativity, and connection. By supporting our Kickstarter, you’ll directly contribute to constructing the infrastructure and immersive spaces that will make Happy Castle thrive. Together, we’re crafting a place where collaboration and imagination come alive, setting a new standard for living in harmony with the environment. Let’s build a commune!!
LIFE AT
HAPPY CASTLE ART CAMP
PHASE ONE: BUILDING THE FOUNDATION
Joining Happy Castle during its early stages means being part of something extraordinary—but also enduring the challenges that come with building a community from the ground up. While our ultimate vision for the commune includes shared prosperity, including daily stipends from cooperative profits and abundant communal resources, fully realizing these goals is likely years away. The first year or so at Happy Castle will be rugged and demanding. Members will be living in trailers, skoolies, or tents as we focus on constructing our Phase One projects: the campground, festival grounds, and the first communal infrastructure for the Village.
During this time, resources will be limited. Communal amenities will be sparse, and personal expenses such as food, fuel, and other necessities will remain the responsibility of each member. The work will be hard, but the reward is the opportunity to help shape a new model of cooperative living and self-sufficiency. Physical progress is expected to move quickly as we build earthworks, housing, and infrastructure, but financial security for the cooperative—and the ability to offer income independence for members—will take longer to achieve.
Of course, exceeding our fundraising stretch goals could accelerate this timeline dramatically, allowing us to leapfrog several years of development. With additional funding, we could improve living conditions sooner, provide greater resources for members, and expand our capacity to build out income-generating businesses for the community. Early members of Happy Castle won’t just be joining a commune; they’ll be pioneers of an ambitious and transformative vision of economic freedom and community.
THE PROCESS
JOINING THE COMMUNE
The process for joining Happy Castle is designed to ensure that new members align with the community’s values and are committed to contributing to its long-term vision. The process is inclusive and gradual, offering multiple paths for potential members to become familiar with the lifestyle and responsibilities of living and working in an off-grid cooperative-commune. Here's an overview of the joining process:
1. Visit and Explore
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Attend a Workshop or Festival: The easiest way to get to know Happy Castle is by attending one of its public events, such as the annual festival, dome workshops, or build days. These events are open to visitors and give you an opportunity to experience the culture, meet the residents, and explore the physical space of the commune. As we begin building the commune, we expect to recruit a significant portion of our members directly from our building workshops. These ten day workshops are meant to teach students various skills relating to living in and building a community, so whether you're just looking to learn or are hoping to join the commune, this is a great place to start.
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Schedule a Campground Stay: Visitors can also stay for a short period by renting a space at the campground. This is a more relaxed way to see how daily life at Happy Castle operates and understand the responsibilities and rhythms of the community.
2. Trial Membership / Residency:
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Work Exchange Programs: Happy Castle offers work exchange opportunities for visitors interested in a more immersive experience. Participants stay at the commune for a few weeks to a few months, engaging in the daily operations of the farm, helping with construction projects, maintaining the grounds, or assisting with community events. In exchange, they receive housing, meals, and the chance to learn valuable skills like sustainable building, off-grid living, and permaculture. Depending on one's intentions and length of stay, interns can become versed in every aspect of community life. Whether you're planning on becoming a member someday or just want an in-depth educational experience, these internships are the closest thing to what life is like at Happy Castle without being a member.
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Apply for a Residency: If the work exchange sparks deeper interest, prospective members can apply for a more structured residency. During this period (typically six months), residents work side-by-side with long-term members, contributing to projects and attending community meetings. During your residency, other members will mentor you on how to acculturate new interns, lead workshops, and organize events. This phase allows the applicant and the community to see if there’s a good fit.
3. Application Process:
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Submit a Formal Application: Those who feel drawn to the lifestyle and have completed a residency or extended stay may submit an application for full membership. The application includes a personal statement about why they want to join, what skills they bring, and how they plan to contribute to the community’s growth. At this point, applicants will have gained so many valuable skills through our various workshops and mentorship programs that, assuming space is available and the community approves, they are likely to be onboarded as a new Trial Member.
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Interview with Camps/Committees: Potential members will meet with representatives from the different pods (committees) within the commune, such as the Building Pod, Finance Pod, and Arts & Events Pod. These interviews are a way to assess compatibility, discuss shared goals, and ensure that new members understand their roles and responsibilities within the community.
4. Trial Membership Review:
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Feedback and Evaluation: During the trial membership, the community provides regular feedback and engages in open dialogue with the prospective member. This review process evaluates how well the individual integrates into communal life, contributes to work projects, and embraces the principles of sustainability, cooperation, and self-reliance. Trial-members will also begin receiving disbursements of discretionary income from the cooperative.
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Decision by Consensus: At the end of the trial period, the existing members hold a meeting to discuss the potential member’s progress and overall fit. Decisions are typically made by consensus, where all members must agree to invite the applicant to become a full member.
5. Full Membership:
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Join the Commune: Once approved, the individual becomes a full member of Happy Castle, enjoying the benefits of living in a supportive, self-sufficient community. Full members are expected to uphold community values, contribute labor, participate in group decision-making, and adhere to policies around income-sharing, resource use, and governance.
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Income-Sharing and Financial Contribution: Full members agree to contribute to the commune's financial structure, which includes income-sharing and support for common expenses. In exchange, they receive a daily stipend, access to housing, food, and resources, and the opportunity to live and work without the burdens of traditional wage labor.
6. Continued Growth and Participation:
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Join a Camp (Committee): Full members are encouraged to join one or more Camps that align with their interests and skills. Whether in construction, finance, event planning, or farm operations, members take on leadership roles and participate in the long-term growth of the commune. Members, like interns, are encouraged to continually develop and expand their skillset and interests.
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Community Engagement: The member also takes part in the various communal events, classes, workshops, and festivals held at Happy Castle, helping to foster the creativity, sustainability, and sense of connection that are central to the commune’s ethos.
WHO ARE YOU?
The journey to becoming a Happy Castle Villager begins with submitting an online application. This helps us get to know you—your background, skills, and most importantly, why you’re drawn to a community like Happy Castle. Once reviewed by our Visiting Committee, selected applicants will be invited to join us onsite as an Intern in our Work Exchange Program. As an Intern, you’ll have the opportunity to live within our growing community, take part in work rotations, and contribute directly to the buildout of our eco-village and campground.
Please note that, especially in these early stages, space will be extremely limited. While we may prioritize applicants with specialized skills that align with our current needs—such as construction, permaculture, or artistic experience—we value who you are even more than what you know. A perfect fit at Happy Castle isn’t just a talented artist or skilled builder; it’s someone deeply committed to community-building, sustainability, and ecological harmony. Behind all the glamour and excitement is hard work and sacrifice. Changing the world requires passion and determination more than anything else.
If you’re not immediately accepted, don’t be discouraged. As Happy Castle continues to expand, our need for passionate individuals will only grow. What matters most is your commitment to our vision. Those who embrace our values of self-sufficiency, ecological stewardship, and radical creativity will find a place to thrive here.
Ultimately, becoming a Villager is about more than just a temporary visit—it’s about showing dedication and actively contributing to the collective dream of Happy Castle. If you’re ready to embark on this journey with us, we look forward to learning more about you.
VILLAGERS
Experience and Responsibilities of
Full-Time Members at Happy Castle
Living and working full-time at Happy Castle offers a unique experience of community, self-reliance, and creative expression. Full-time members embrace a lifestyle that blends communal living with personal growth, balancing work with the joy of building something meaningful alongside like-minded people. Here’s what life as a full-time member entails:
The Daily Life of a Full-Time Member
Living Off-Grid: Members live in sustainable housing, such as Superadobe Earthbag domes or other eco-friendly structures. The community operates entirely off-grid, meaning that members rely on solar energy, rainwater collection, composting toilets, and other sustainable practices for their daily needs. This lifestyle offers a deep connection to nature and fosters resilience in the face of environmental challenges. We're constantly striving to build sufficient housing for our members, but structures can only be built so quickly, meaning newer members will likely live with roommates. This process for pairing up new members takes into account the various preferences of those involved, such as age, gender, etc, but we should always promote open-mindedness and inclusivity. Members are also welcome to live in their own RV, camper, or Skoolie if they choose.
Community Meals and Shared Spaces: Meals are often communal, and members take turns cooking and sharing food. Common areas such as the kitchen, workshop, art studio, and gathering spaces foster connection and collaboration. Daily life is designed to be intentional, creating space for meaningful relationships and creative projects.
Creative Freedom and Artistic Expression: Members are encouraged to explore their creative passions, whether that’s through art, music, building, or design. Happy Castle is a hub of artistic activity, with ongoing projects that include large-scale art installations, interactive sculptures, and festival-related performances. Members have the opportunity to lead or contribute to these projects, helping to shape the cultural and aesthetic identity of the community. A major aspiration of Happy Castle is to build the facilities for all types of creative hobbies, from reading and writing, to graphic design and pottery. These will be developed gradually as resources allow.
Responsibilities and Contribution
As a cooperative community, all members share responsibility for the growth and success of Happy Castle. This involves a combination of labor, leadership, and community participation.
I. Labor Contribution
Work Rotations and Pods: Members rotate through various work duties, taking on different roles within the community. These duties include farming, construction, maintenance, cooking, cleaning, social-media, and running workshops. Work is organized by Camps (committees), such as the Building Pod, Farm Pod, and Arts Pod, allowing members to specialize in areas they are passionate about while still contributing to the overall needs of the community. There will naturally be roles that are more or less desirable than others as well as differences in ability, so expect an emphasis on variety, skill-development, and contribution. We want to see everyone find their calling and do work that is both meaningful and fulfilling to them. You will never be limited to a single role.
Sustainable Living Practices: Each member is responsible for contributing to the sustainability efforts of the commune. This includes maintaining energy systems (solar panels, water collection), gardening, composting, and caring for livestock. The goal is to be self-sufficient in food, water, energy, and income, and everyone plays a part in achieving this.
Art and Infrastructure Projects: Happy Castle is continuously evolving, and full-time members are actively involved in building the future of the commune. From constructing new Earthbag domes to designing artistic installations, these projects require teamwork, creativity, and dedication. The projects also align with the community’s vision of environmental sustainability and artistic expression.
II. Governance and Decision-Making
Consensus-Based Governance: Happy Castle operates using a consensus-based decision-making process. Full-time members participate in regular meetings where decisions are made collectively. These range from logistical matters like budget allocation and new projects to broader community policies. This ensures that every member has a voice and that the community functions as a true cooperative.
Financial Contribution: Members participate in an income-sharing model, which includes contributing a percentage of any personal earnings to the commune’s treasury. In return, members receive a daily stipend, access to housing, food, and resources, and relief from the pressures of traditional wage labor. Many members will choose not to pursue any personal income, but for others, Happy Castle will provide an incredible array of resources (art-studios, materials, expertise, leisure time) that finally make their long held dreams of starting a business possible.
III. Community Engagement
Teaching and Skill-Sharing: Full-time members often lead workshops or classes, sharing their skills in sustainable building, farming, or art with the larger community and guests. These workshops foster a culture of learning and growth, empowering members and visitors alike with practical knowledge and new skills.
Event Planning and Festival Participation: As the main income source for Happy Castle, members play a critical role in planning and executing the Happy Castle Art Festival and other events. This may involve everything from logistical planning to creating art installations or performances, ensuring that each festival is a magical, immersive experience for attendees.
IV. Personal Growth and Development
Work-Life Balance and Wellness: While work is an essential part of community life, Happy Castle places great emphasis on balance. Members are encouraged to take time for themselves, pursue their passions, and care for their mental and physical well-being. This work-life balance is key to ensuring long-term happiness and sustainability in communal living. We're committed to finding ways to continually reduce toil, increase leisure, and inject work with meaning, purpose, and community.
Freedom and Autonomy: One of the central values of Happy Castle is personal freedom. Members are free to pursue personal projects, hobbies, and artistic endeavors. The community supports personal growth and values creativity, giving each member the autonomy to shape their own experience while contributing to the collective good. The more we develop ourselves, the stronger our community will be.
The Benefits of Full-Time Membership
Connection and Belonging: Living full-time at Happy Castle offers a profound sense of connection—to the land, to the community, and to a larger vision. Members live alongside people who share their values of sustainability, creativity, inclusivity, and self-reliance, fostering a deep sense of belonging and mutual support.
Purpose and Impact: Full-time members are active contributors to a community that is building a new way of life, centered on environmental sustainability, human connection, and artistic expression. This creates a sense of purpose and meaning that is often hard to find in traditional society. Happy Castle is not just an escape from the alienation and exploitation of traditional society, but a project aimed at culturally impacting and inspiring change in the world at large.
Freedom from Traditional Economic Pressures: By living in a cooperative, income-sharing environment, members are freed from many of the economic pressures of mainstream society. With lower personal expenses, greater access to resources, more leisure time, and a supportive community structure, members can focus on what truly matters to them—whether that’s creative expression, sustainable living, or personal growth.
Daily Stipend and Financial Security: Full-time members at Happy Castle receive a daily stipend, which helps cover any personal needs outside of what the commune provides. While the stipend is modest, it is designed to ensure that members have financial freedom without the burden of traditional wage labor. With basic needs such as housing, utilities, and food provided by the community, the stipend offers flexibility for personal expenses like hobbies, travel, or outside interests. This financial model encourages a balance between independence and collective support, allowing members to focus on personal fulfillment rather than survival.
INTERNS & TRIAL MEMBERS
Experience Daily Commune Life
For those interested in experiencing life at Happy Castle without committing to full-time membership, we offer opportunities for Trial Members and Interns to live and work onsite for several weeks or months. This experience is perfect for individuals who are considering joining the commune or for those seeking a deeper, hands-on immersion into our sustainable lifestyle and values through extended workshops.
Trial Members
Trial Membership is an opportunity for those who want to explore communal living before making a long-term commitment. Trial Members participate in day-to-day activities, contributing to the communal effort while learning about off-grid living, permaculture, and eco-building techniques. They also join in creative projects, working alongside residents and gaining firsthand experience of what it’s like to be a part of Happy Castle.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
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Participate in work rotations alongside full-time members (gardening, construction, maintenance, etc.).
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Attend workshops and community meetings.
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Engage in community events, social gatherings, and creative endeavors.
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Uphold communal responsibilities, including the care of shared spaces and infrastructure.
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Assist in the preparation of communal meals and other daily tasks.
Duration: Trial memberships typically last between 1-3 months, allowing individuals to immerse themselves fully in commune life before deciding if full membership is right for them.
Interns
For those more focused on education and skills development, the Internship Program is ideal. Interns are enrolled in long-term workshops or focused learning tracks centered on topics like Superadobe construction, renewable energy systems, permaculture design, community-organizing, and sustainable living. Interns live onsite and dedicate much of their time to hands-on learning while contributing to the growth of the commune.
Key Responsibilities:
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Enroll in and actively participate in specific skill-based workshops (construction, permaculture, art installations, etc.).
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Contribute labor to ongoing community projects in alignment with the skills they are learning.
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Assist full-time members in maintaining the commune's infrastructure.
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Take part in communal activities, meals, and social events.
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Work on collaborative art or sustainability projects.
Duration: Internships can range from 6 weeks to 6 months, depending on the scope of the projects or workshops. Interns leave with practical knowledge and certifications where applicable, making the experience valuable not only as personal growth but as a professional stepping stone in sustainability or ecological fields.
Shared Experiences and Community
Both Trial Members and Interns have a shared responsibility to respect communal living, share the workload, and immerse themselves in the culture of radical self-reliance and collaboration that defines Happy Castle. In return, they gain a deep sense of community, invaluable life skills, and the opportunity to explore a new way of living outside the structures of modern capitalism. For many, these programs serve as a transition to full membership, while others may simply take the experience with them back to the outside world, enriched by their time at Happy Castle.
WORKSHOP ATTENDEES
Build the Campground and Learn New Skills
Our workshops at Happy Castle offer immersive, short-term experiences for those seeking practical skills in sustainable living, art, and community-building. Typically lasting less than a week, these workshops provide hands-on learning opportunities guided by our experienced members. They are perfect for individuals who are curious about off-grid living, creative expression, or communal problem-solving but may not be able to commit to longer-term programs.
Workshop Focus Areas:
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Conflict Resolution: Learn practical techniques for peaceful communication, consensus-building, and resolving conflicts within communities. This workshop equips participants with tools to foster harmony in group settings and deepen understanding of interpersonal dynamics.
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Permaculture: Discover sustainable agricultural practices designed to work with nature rather than against it. Topics include soil regeneration, water conservation, companion planting, and designing ecosystems that support food production in arid desert conditions.
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T-Shirt Printing: A hands-on workshop where participants learn the art of screen printing and other techniques for creating custom t-shirts. This combines both creative expression and entrepreneurship, teaching practical skills that can be applied to business or art projects.
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Desert Gardening: Focused on growing food in harsh desert environments, this workshop teaches innovative techniques for water conservation, soil improvement, and plant selection to ensure a thriving garden in even the most challenging conditions.
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Superadobe Earthbag Dome Construction: Learn the basics of sustainable building through hands-on work with Superadobe construction. Participants will gain practical skills in earthbag dome design and construction, learning how to create durable, eco-friendly structures using only local materials.
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Skoolie Conversion: Learn how to transform retired school buses into a beautiful, sustainable, tiny-home on wheels. Attendees will learn how to raise the roof, insulate, connect solar power, and build functional living spaces. Our streamlined approach allows us to quickly and efficiently transform these vehicles into affordable housing.
What to Expect:
Workshop attendees will have a structured yet immersive experience, gaining hands-on skills while living onsite and experiencing Happy Castle's unique culture of creativity, sustainability, and communal living.
Key Components of the Workshop Experience:
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Daily Instruction: Each day includes guided lessons with an expert in the workshop’s focus area. Lessons are hands-on and designed to equip participants with practical, immediately applicable skills.
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Group Collaboration: Participants work together on projects, fostering teamwork, problem-solving, and creativity. Many workshops culminate in the completion of a tangible project or art piece.
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Living Onsite: Attendees stay in the campground or in rented Superadobe domes, giving them a chance to experience off-grid living. Facilities include eco-friendly composting toilets and solar-powered showers.
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Community Integration: While the workshops are the primary focus, participants are also encouraged to engage with the broader commune during their stay, whether through communal meals, evening campfires, or art sessions.
Duration:
Workshops typically last between 3 to 6 days, with each day packed with learning, collaboration, and hands-on practice. Superadobe Dome Workshops last longer, broken up into two 10 day workshops, with the first focused on the core construction and the second focused on plastering and finishing work.
Takeaways: Workshop attendees leave with new skills, a deeper understanding of sustainable living, and connections to like-minded individuals. Many also feel inspired to explore longer-term involvement with Happy Castle, or to apply what they’ve learned to their own communities and personal projects.
Submit an Application
join the Happy Castle Commune
If you’re serious about joining Happy Castle, submit an application! While construction of the eco-village likely won’t begin until late 2025, assembling the right group of people starts now. Building a community like Happy Castle takes more than just money, tools, and materials—it takes a dedicated group of dreamers like ourselves willing to work together to create the lives we all deserve.
It's not about experience and degrees you have, it's about sharing the vision that we can create a life together that is richer and more rewarding by living communally and working cooperatively. Whether you're ready to work onsite building domes and creating art or are looking to contribute in other ways like developing the Kickstarter Campaign or organizing the festival, there are countless ways to contribute.
If Happy Castle’s mission resonates with you, fill out the application below and take the first step toward joining our movement. Let’s build something extraordinary together.
