Common Ground Center Family Camp
2009 Week One: August 8 - August 14

Please note that this is the current plan, but things come up and schedules change. We cannot guarantee specific activities or staff.

Week One Staff

Adult Programming: Marc Kornbluh (glass), Cristalee McSweeney (communication skills), Dew B Wilde (drumming), Liz Ritter (improv), Betsy Alexander (singing), Dan Wells (nature), Francis Goodman (VFP), David Kano (VFP), Lori Biamonte (VFP) and Emma Goldberg (strings)

Multiage Programming: Dew B Wilde (drumming), Jim Mendell (tennis), Jake Mendell (tennis) and Emma Goldberg (strings)

Youth and Teen Program Teachers: Elana Davidson, Taylor Cannizzaro, Meg Danielson, Shane Verenbic, Lisa Stevens-Goodnight, Victoria Irwin, Shena Griffith, Sandra Griffith, Jake Mendell, Russell Mendell and Vanessa Anton

Morning Yoga Instructor: Courtney Reckord

Evening Entertainment: Orientation, The Big Show

Camp Director: Carole Blane
Site Coordinator & Yawn Editor: Peg Kamens
Nurse: Vanessa Anton
Cooks & Kitchen Staff: Tessa Holmes & Geoff Gohacki, Cody Stanley, Elizabeth Suttle, Lori Biamonte, Veronica Gadbois, Brett Knight, Liz Ritter, Victoria Irwin, Suzanne Seay, Brooks Hoffman and Kim Dunkley
VFP (Volunteers for Peace) Construction Leaders: Camille Clement, David Kano, Maxime Gobeil & Francis Goodman
Mediator/Photo/Video: Jim Mendell
Photo:
Video: Rhoen Pruesse-Adams
Administrative Coordinator: Allison Gee
Big Show Coordinator: Dew B. Wilde
Games for Fast Eaters:
SITs: Ari Kornbluh, David Ritter, Ty Warren, Michael Johnson
Other Staff: Emma Entis-Lilienfield, Susanna Kellogg and Elin Melchior

Class/Activity Descriptions

Adult Morning Programs

Health Realization Workshops by Cristalee McSweeney (1/2 of the morning)
Crista has been offering this workshop to early child ed students and 3rd year med students. She also co-facilitates with Jack Pransky, author of Somebody Should Have Told Us. Check out www.healthrealize.com. Health Realization is a three principled approach to wellbeing. In this interactive workshop we will be focusing on the three principles of HR which are mind, thought and consciousness, and how these principles contribute to our experiences. We will also learn how to “deep listen” to others and how to de stress our lives using these techniques.
Improv Workshop with Liz Ritter (1/2 the morning)
"Experts" debating the relative merits of broccoli versus cauliflower? A roomful of Fay Wrays "running" away from a scary monster in slow motion? Four paranoid hypochondriacs carpooling to work? Nothing is too far-out for improv, where we make it all up on the spot. Using easy-to-follow warm-ups to explore basic improv principles, we will have fun playing a variety of short games and one- to five-minute scenes. No prior experience necessary. Only qualifications are a willingness to relax, play, have fun, and enjoy whatever zany twists and turns the class may take. Just say YES! Elizabeth Lorris Ritter has been studying improv since 2003.
Glassworks Creations taught by Marc Kornbluh (all morning and afternoon)
Marc has been leading fused glass workshops at CGC for years. He is a talented glasswork artist himself creating jewelry and decorative art pieces out of blown and fused glass. His website is www.kornbluhdesign.com. We have a fully appointed glass studio where you will have the opportunity to learn the art of glass bead making. Using a torch and specialized tools create beautifully colored beads, pendants and more.
Drumming led by Dew B. Wilde (1/2 of the morning)
That is really her name. She is a wild woman drummer! Dew is an incredibly talented teacher who has the ability to teach anyone to drum. Her drumming classes are highly interactive and accessible. Come drum, chant and count the beats. Learn “Heartbeat,” “Can I Use the Bathroom Please,” and “Gypsy.” And before you know it you will find yourself in the opening act of the Big Show!
Singing encouraged by Betsy Alexander
Betsy was choral director for 15 years at New Canaan Academny in NH and is currently president of the board of Bel Canto Chamber Singers. These morning workshops will begin with round singing and then learning a choral piece that can be perfected during the week and shared with the community. Come join Betsy, enjoy her sweet voice and enjoy using yours.

Multi-Age Programs

“Strings” lessons offered by Emma Goldberg (before and after lunch)
Emma is following in Martha Siegel’s shoes. She will be teaching campers of all ages how to play the violin and cello. She is a patient and enthusiastic teacher. She began coming to Camp Common Ground since she was a young girl. We are thrilled to have her. You can sign up for lessons right before or after lunch once at camp. Emma will have you strumming away at the Chamber Music Concert.
Tennis lessons with Jim Mendell
Jim is an amazing athlete who has been playing tennis since he was a young boy. He can make any game fun and can teach at all levels from basic beginner to competitive. He is kind and gentle in his approach. But watch out! -- he’ll make you play to “tie” and then beat you in a flash!
Nature Exploration with Dan Wells
Dan lives on our 700 acre site. He teaches nature photography at the University of Vermont. He brings a keen eye and a wealth of knowledge to his nature explorations. Dan will lead hikes to the 3 acre Beaver Pond and also on some of the shorter trails searching for signs of wild life and enjoying the local flora.
Volunteers for Peace Program (all day)
Francis Goodman and Maxime Gobeil will lead our Volunteers for Peace – www.vfp.org -- in creating and constructing furniture, a playhouse, tent platforms and storage bins. Campers can join in the fun, hammering, sawing and nailing. Bring some close toed shoes and a hammer.