Dance, Music, & Song Camps“I mused over the last year that re-starting the music and dance scene would involve more kitchen junkets and porch gatherings than big dances and festivals.”
–Andy Davis
August 20-27, 2022 // Plymouth, MA
Where YOU are the defining ingredient
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Program Description
Campers’ Week is ever-changing yet somehow always the same. Our traditions, our family of campers, and our willingness to try almost anything makes new memories and keeps many campers coming back year after year. Couples, singles, and families are all welcome to join in.
The fun of the week that is that everyone works together to build a program centered on the skills and passions of the multi-generational community which fosters leadership and creativity for all. We invite you to join us and be part of what makes Campers’ Week magical!
We start and end each day gathering together as a camp to enjoy performances, dancing, singing, stories, and silliness led by the campers and staff. The basic schedule includes a block of morning classes when younger campers join with others of their age for classes in music and dance, while the rest of us choose from dance, music, song, crafts and whatever else people dream up. Teens are encouraged to join in adult activities, and also have a daily class of their own. Each evening includes a dance where we enjoy a lively combination of American and English social dances. The fun carries on into the night with events including skit night, an auction, a pub sing, jamming, and dancing.
In addition to classes offered by our small staff, Campers’ Week depends on campers sharing their talents with the group. Camper musicians provide the heartbeat of our week while others offer their own classes, workshops, and imaginations to fill out the week’s schedule.
Come join us! We can’t wait to see you in the woods!
~Anna & Dennis Soloway, Program Directors
Staff
Program Directors
Program Staff
Class Descriptions
9:00-9:50
All-Camp Gathering
10:00-10:45
Ages 0-3: Music and Movement with Sally Rogers
We will play with music, with movement and with each other. We’ll sing songs, bounce babies to baby bouncing rhymes, and make up simple songs about what we are doing.
Ages 4-6: Mini Maestros & Masterpieces with Hannah Naiman
We’ll fill the hour together with singing games, stories, dances, songs, and artwork too!
Ages 7-9: Song, Dance and Story with Andy Davis
If you play an instrument, bring it! Please wear shoes that are tied or otherwise attached to your feet. Each class will be an adventure in folklore.
Ages 10-12: Morris Dance with Gillian Stewart
Learn the chestnuts of Cotswold Morris for mass dances and Dancing With the Elders
Ages 13 & up: English Country Dance Workshop with Sue Rosen
Most of these dances may be old but they are new every time we do them. You might know them by heart or want a refresher or want to learn a new one. All are welcome!
Ages 13 & up: Camper-led classes
11:00-11:45
Ages 4-6: Songs and Stories with Sally Rogers
We will sing songs from the treasure trove of tradition and make up our own to accompany our activities. We will make some small percussion instruments and use them to tell stories and accompany our singing.
Ages 7-9: Longsword and Crafts with Sarah Henry
Learn the ancient art of English longsword dancing, blending teamwork, patterns, and music, with lots of room for our own creativity. A special craft project is in store as well!
Ages 10-12: Social Dance, Song, and Story with Andy Davis
In this class we will have fun lifting up our social dance skills. We will work with the evening callers to make this class an important part of the evening dances by being prepared for one particular dance each night. Andy will share some unique dance traditions from both Quebec and Newfoundland. We will also sing and tell stories. Bring a song or story to share.
Ages 13-15: Rapper with Gillian Stewart
“Ah, folk dance camp, where parents send their teenagers to classes where they learn to do barroom dancing with swords. It will be fun! And safe! As long as you can count to 8, you’ll be fine.”
Ages 13 & up: Contras and Squares Workshop with Hannah Naiman
Let’s revisit old favourites, try out some new ones, and most importantly, relish in dancing together again. The focus of this week’s class is to reconnect, rebuild and rejoice! All levels are welcome. We’ll have a mixture of contras, old-time and New England squares, and there will be opportunities for camper callers to take the mic each day. For a special treat, we’ll work towards learning a set number of dances over the course of the week to be danced without a caller – like in the oldest of days!
Camper-led classes
1:30-2:20
Quiet Hour
Camper-led classes
2:30-3:20
Ages 13 & up: Calling Dances with Sue Rosen
Learn the basics of calling and get some practice under the instruction of our evening dance English and American callers. There will be opportunities to try calling a dance during the week!
Ages 13 & up: Morris Dancing For All with Gillian Stewart
Come learn the classics – the “Fathom the Bowl”s of morris dancing. We’ll work on the three or four most common morris dances so everyone can get up and dance on the last day of camp! Please wear sneakers.
Singing & Crafts on the Porch
This is a casual sing while we quilt, knit, bead, paint, etc. Bring a craft project to share and a song to ease the labors.
Ages 13 & up: Camper-led classes
3:30-4:20
All ages: Community Choir with Andy Davis
Description coming soon!
Ages 13 & up: Camper-led classes
4:30-5:20
All ages: Community Band with Kathy Talvitie
There is a spot for musicians of all levels in the community band! How will you enhance the sound of the ensemble?
Camper-led classes
