Winter Camp — Testimony of an American Comrade

Being an international member of Anti-Tech Resistance can feel a little lonely sometimes. Sure, I have friends, family and co-workers but when it comes to anti-tech action, I don’t have any comrades in my area. So when I learned a plane had landed in Paris (landing on tarmac serves as a good alarm clock). After the ordeal that was the line for customs, two comrades from ATR greeted me to and to my relief, in english. I had arrived 3 days before camp and in that time, in which I was able to receive numerous trainings about development of ATR’s strategy and tactics. We also had a lecture analyzing various infrastructure blockades. At the same time, I was able to meet comrades I had only ever talked to over Signal or on a video call and learn about how ATR has been able to develop in Paris.

After 3 days, my scenery had completely changed from the dense streets of Paris to mountain valleys. While I have lived in mountainous areas in the Black Hills and visited the some of the Rockies and Cascadian Mountains, none of the peaks were as dramatic and snow-covered as those of the Alps. There was even a waterfall nearby that was adequately supplied with melting snow. While some pitched tents, I took up the offer to sleep inside so I didn’t have to sleep in my hammock all week. And although I had tried learning some french before traveling, I wouldn’t have known the content of the announcements if it wasn’t for those who readily volunteered to translate them to english. Throughout the week, we built upon the pre-camp training, learning about strategic concepts, anti-tech materialism, and very practical skills too such as how to carry and injured person. There were also additional lectures about historical and contemporary analysis’. The nights were characterized by song and I’m doubtful I’ll stop having La Makhnovtchina pop into my mind ever now and then. But Friday night was the best night as some speeches were given to all the comrades who had gathered. The speeches pushed me to really reflect on my priorities by looking at my goals and seeing if they would enable me to further an anti-tech revolution. The speeches reminded me of when Kaczynksi talked about how we must deeply commit ourselves towards revolution and that only then is victory achievable. By the end of it all, the room was rather animated.

While at camp, I took part in two hikes. One was only a couple of hours but physically demanding and the other was a relaxing hike to a camping spot nestled in the woods that we then hiked back from the following morning. Carpooled to Paris. Checked my luggage. Boarded my flight. And after a lengthy flight, I arrived exactly where I had departed 10 days previously. Looking back I feel that I more than satisfied my goals. Throughout the pre-camp and winter camp, I was able to meet numerous comrades as well as several sympathizers from across Western Europe. It was great to talk about our stories and experiences, especially since most had a lot of experience with anti-tech action in France. I was also able to learn a lot from the trainings and to have very constructive dialog in the process. Since all our trainings were in english, our group was smaller and enabled lots of questions and discussion without dragging things on. Arriving back home, I am also very inspired by seeing what a thriving anti-tech group looks like and this pushes me towards growing something in the US. If I want you to take away something from my experience, it’s that if the opportunity to go this summer or next year in the winter presents itself to you, take it and sharpen your pencils.

Kyle