Campers’ Week at Pinewoods

Campers’ Week is about singing, dancing and playing as a community. We are a multi-generational week that aims to foster the traditional art forms that bring us together in a way that is accessible to everyone. A small group of talented staff offer a framework of classes for the week and the rest of the offerings come from you, the camper! We welcome all skill levels and all abilities with enthusiasm and love. Newcomers quickly feel they have been part of the community for a lifetime. Contra, English, longsword, rapper, morris, harmony singing, crafts, old-time jams, mummer’s plays, uke orchestra and community band have all been part of the schedule in years past. To see this year’s schedule you’ll just have to come to the first-night planning party in the Camphouse!

We start each morning gathering as a community to dance, sing and share. This is followed with 2 periods 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. In the afternoon, there are opportunities for inter generational program and, life guards are on duty for 2 hours.

2020 brings us an incredible group of staff, many of whom have sculpted the Campers’ Week landscape over the years. We are also proud to be fostering the skills and talents of staff taking on new challenges so they may lead us for decades to come.

Join us as we revel in magic of the woods, the melody of our instruments and the joy of each others’ company.

~ Anna and Dennis Soloway, Program Co-Director

10:00-10:45

Music (0-3 with Parent) – 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.

Games, Dances, and Songs (4-6) – Hannah Naiman

We will fill the hour with singing games, dances, songs and artwork, too!

Morris Time (7-9) – Sarah Henry

Morris Time for the 7-9s! We will learn some traditional dances and maybe make up one of our own, getting ready to wave hankies and clash sticks on the Morris Tour on Friday. Be ready for a special craft project too!

Northwest Morris (10-12) – Andy Davis

Northwest processional morris is full of noise and energy. Bring appropriate shoes with laces. During the non-dancing times we will explore songs that tell stories – and stories that have songs in them.

Teenz (13-15) – Gillian Stewart

Ah, folk dance camp, where parents send their teenagers to classes where they learn to do bar dancing with swords. It will be fun! And safe! As long as you can count to 8, you’ll be fine.

English (13 & up) – Kathy Anderson

Camper-led classes (13 & up)

11:00-11:45

Music (4-6) – 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.

Longsword (7-9) – Andy Davis

We will learn an English longsword dance, perhaps creating a new figure or writing an original ‘calling on’ song. The class will also include games, songs and stories. Bring shoes with laces and any musical instruments that you play!

Songs and Movement (10-12) – Emma Whitla

We’ll sing songs from a wide range of folk traditions, adding body percussion and movement whenever we can. Other activities might include improv games, rounds, and short songs. A healthy dose of silliness will be administered.

American (13 & up) – Hannah Naiman

Camper-led classes (13 & up)

1:30-2:20

Harmony (All ages and voices) – Emma Whitla

By singing together we’ll delve into different song traditions from around the world. With songs from folk traditions in the Americas, different parts of Europe, and rounds from the Americas, and elsewhere, you’ll get to sing in harmony and unison. All ages and voice types welcome!

Camper-led classes

2:30-3:20

Calling Dances – English and American (13 & up) – Kathy Anderson

Ritual Dance – 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 on the Porch & Crafts

Camper-led classes

3:30-4:20

Camper-led classes

4:30-5:20

Community Band – Andy Davis

A band for everyone. The focus is on learning repertoire that can be played for the Community Dance. Melody instruments and backup instruments will be needed. Music will be taught both with notes and ‘by ear’. Bring a tune that you think we can learn and enjoy playing!

Camper-led classes

Registration is not yet open for 2021 programs, please check back later. You can find more information about the registration process here. If you need financial assistance in order to attend, please go to our scholarships page.