Common Ground Center Family Camp

2009 Week Two: August 15 - August 21

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

Week Two Staff

Adult Programming: Marc Kornbluh (glass), Antia Pandolfe Ruchman (journalling), Nicki Marshall (dance), Dew B Wilde (drumming), Dan Wells (nature), Craig Green (singing), Francis Goodman (VFP), David Kano (VFP), Lori Biamonte (VFP) and Martha Siegel (strings)

Multiage Programming: Dew B Wilde (drumming), Jim Mendell (tennis), Russ Mitkowski (guitar) and Martha Siegel (strings)

Youth and Teen Program Teachers: Elana Davidson, Taylor Cannizzaro, Shane Verenbic, Lisa Stevens-Goodnight, Victoria Irwin, Nicki Marshall, Russell Mendell, Jake Mendell, Eliza Van Rootselaar and Vanessa Anton

Morning Yoga Instructor: Nicki Marshall

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, Christine Mantakara, Victoria Irwin, and Kim Dunkley
VFP (Volunteers for Peace) Construction Leaders: Lori Biamonte & 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:
Other Staff: Emma Entis-Lilienfield, Cherie Marshall, Ellen Vaz, Susanna Kellogg and Elin Melchior

Class/Activity Descriptions

Adult Morning Programs

• Early Morning Yoga led by Nicki Marshall (before breakfast)
  Nicki received her yoga teaching certification in 2002 and is excited to share her practice this year at camp to new and experienced yogis alike. Her intention is to facilitate a deepening into the breath, moving through safe alignment, opening into spirit, and working out the morning kinks for all those tenters! Although CGC has some mats, we encourage you to bring a mat or any props you might have to support your practice.
• 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!
• Journaling with Anita Pandolfe-Ruchman (1/2 of the morning)
  Anita is a Nurse/Healer who specializes in women’s issues. She is facilitating a journaling workshop that will provide the opportunity to stop and reflect upon the issues and experiences that inform our lives. Learn a new skill that will help you unwind, relax and give expression to those memorable, funny, moving and transitional moments in your life.
• Singing encouraged by Craig Green (1/2 of the morning)
  Craig loves to sing and has traveled and taught with Village Harmony. He has a warmth about him that makes you feel relaxed and confident. Join Craig for rounds, simple international pieces, some Pete Seeger and others.
• Salsa dancing led by Nicki Marshall (1/2 of the morning)
  Nicki has been coming to CCG since it's first year, when she was a teenager. She has been living in NYC since 2000 as a post-modern dancer, a choreographer, and a dance and yoga teacher. She loves to teach in our newly renovated hay barn and will lead salsa dance classes (mambo style) with her partner, Ellen Vaz, this year. We’ll have an evening activity with Nicki and Ellen featuring swing dance. Bring some socks or dance shoes and a willing spirit!
  

Multi-Age Programs

• “Strings” lessons with Martha Siegel (all day)
  Martha is an icon at Common Ground. She sets up her music studio in the farmhouse and offers lessons in violin and cello to beginners and experienced players alike. People learn to play alone and in groups. One four year old learned to play “Twinkle, twinkle….” in one week at camp. Join all of Martha’s students for the Chamber Music Concert at the end of the week.
• 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.
• Guitar lessons by Russ Mitkowski (before and after lunch)
  Russ is a musician extraordinaire and the son of Martha Siegel. Russ loves to share his passion of music and is a talented and fun loving teacher. Sign up for lessons with Russ at camp.
• 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.

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