Saturday 1st August 2009 - Sunday 9th August 2009

NOTE: All the pictures on this page are of previous years' activities.

More Information about 2009 Workshops

Information is correct at time of viewing, we will try to minimise changes, but please be prepared to be flexible, as we will. In family life, expect the unexpected!

Please use the information below to let us know in advance your choices for activities if you are aged under 12 years old. We have tried to include information about all the activities to help you plan for the whole family. The Welcome Meeting on Sunday morning will provide an important opportunity to find out how things work at the camp, don't miss it! You will be able to register your interest in other activities and meet some of the workshop leaders, ask questions etc. Activity information will be updated daily in the Main marquee, but there will not be another large meeting of the whole camp.

Parents have been asked to volunteer at least one morning or afternoon to help with activities. Please consider what will work best for your family in advance and be prepared to commit yourself. The experience can be very rewarding and certainly makes a big difference for the children and the general smooth running and friendly feeling of the camp.

If you are booked to attend the camp, you should have received a booking form in the post with your pre-camp letter. This will enable us to ensure that each child is able to join in one or more of the workshops which can only take limitied numbers of children. If you have not received it by 20th July, please contact Judy on 01803 732 324.

One last thought!

Every year parents and children begin the camp by fretting that they must fill their week with activities from morning till night and we try to help them plan their week to ensure they have planned enough activities to satisfy them. By the end of the week the common refrain is, 'Why do you organise so many activities? We just wanted to sit around the fire and the children just seemed to find games to play with their new friends. Don't organise so many activities! Leave us space in the week when nothing is planned, so that we have time to chill out and relax!' With this in mind, we but propose the following plan: We have planned a full week of activities, but we rely on you to PLEASE LEAVE SPACE IN YOUR WEEK. You will want to have time to go shopping, to go to the beach or the river, to wander around the site and doze in the sun. Living outside takes time and children enjoy the space and time to find their own amusements.




Activities for Children

One of the features of the camp is the safe environment in which children can find or make their own entertainment.



Activities For Young Children


Group for Children under 5 years old (and their parents)

Run by Danny O'Reilly

Monday - Friday approximately from 9am to 12noon.

We hope to provide a safe nurturing environment where parents and young children can come together to talk, share experiences, play, create and relax. We will celebrate each day with craft activities for both parents and children, followed by circle time. A wholesome snack and drink will also be provided. Some of the activities may include: Tissue paper butterflies, watercolour painting, bread making, natural crowns and other seasonal crafts.

Please tell us in advance if you would like to take part in this activity


Kindergarten

For children aged 5-7 years old.

Monday - Friday from 9.30am to 12.30pm.

The Kindergarten will be overseen by Jo Morris and Narea who will welcome children between the ages of 5 and 7 years and will provide a nurturing and stimulating space for children each morning between the hours of 9.30am and 12.30pm. We require parents to remain on or close to the site while their children are attending the Kindergarten and to leave contact details to ensure a speedy return from a carer if necessary. If there are particular issues regarding your child's attendance which you need to discuss, for example, you would like your child to attend Kindergarten and he or she has not attended one before, or he or she may have moved on from Kindergarten this Summer, but would still like to attend, please discuss with Jo and Narea.

We may not be able to accomodate all the children who wish to attend every morning. Please let us know as soon as you arrive if you wish your child to attend the Kindergarten, and discuss arrangements with Jo and Narea after the Welcome Meeting.



Activities for 7-12 year olds

Please tell us your choices for these popular activities which can only take limited numbers.

NOTE: Most of the following activities are for all children in this age group, with one or two exceptions. Some may additionally accept accompanied younger children. Please enquire.


Farm Walk

Monday 10am - 12noon

Saturday 8.30am - 10.30am

We will walk across the fields of Higher Sharpham Farm to Lower Sharpham Farm; a most beautiful scenery, connecting to the landscape of the Dart Valley. We will arrive at Lower Sharpham Farm, and will be involved with farm activities like milking, egg collecting, feeding calves and pigs. Children love it!

Please book in advance for this activity.


Woolcraft

Monday 10am - 12.30pm

Felt-making Pictures: Create beautiful pictures using sheeps wool. We will learn how to card wool and how to lay it out for felting. Then using hot and cold water and soap, the fibres will knit together which will create the felted picture.

Thursday 10am - 12.30pm

The Joys of Wool: Using wool, we will create a range of items with braiding and knitting, from pom-poms to tassels.

Thursday 2pm - 4.30pm

Felting headbands: We will make headbands using the felting technique and decorate them to the individual's taste using flowers, feathers, buttons...

Please book in advance for these activities.


Dance - Modern & Ballet

With Mia Barclay and Poppy O'Reilly

Modern will be from 10am - 10.45am on Monday and Tuesday.

In these two sessions you will learn different techniques and steps from "modern" dance. We will also be teaching a dance routine, which can be performed in the cabaret. For these workshops please could you wear something that you can move easily in (e.g. leggings and a top), and bring a drink.

Ballet will be from 11am - 11.45am, on Monday and Tuesday.

In these two workshops you will be taught various repertoires from both classical and contemporary ballet, and will learn about the structure of a Pointe shoe and other important parts of a professional ballerina's belongings. Please could you wear clothes that you find easy to dance in. You will also need to bring a pair of socks and a drink.

Please book in advance for these activities.


Fleece Hat Making

With Xanthe and Kaylee

Tuesday 10am - 12.30pm and Friday 2 - 4.30pm

Please book in advance for this activity.


Storyblankets

With Sue Field

Tuesday 2 - 4.30pm

Bring your favourite story to life in a fabric collage of brightly coloured woolly blankets. Suitable for over 7's, or families. Maximum 20 people.

Please book in advance for this activity.


Dreamcatchers

With Joy Hanson

Tuesday 10am - 12.30pm

Come and hear a story about Native American Dream Catchers and create your own dreamcatcher out of natural materials to hang up at the entrance to your tent.

Please book in advance for this activity.


Bushcraft

With Tom Lowday

Shelter Building: Wednesday 10am to 12.30pm - For under 9 year olds.

Working as a team, learn how to build a robust shelter from entirely natural materials. The session will cover tree identification and uses for a shelter, how to read the landscape and surrounding to give you a safe and comfortable experience in the woods.

Campfire cooking: Thursday 10am to 12.30pm - For 7 to 12 year olds.

In this session you will learn how to make a fire to cook over, how to be hygienic in the woodland and have a go at a few different styles of campfire cooking. As part of this session you will also learn how to identify wild foods and learn how to prepare and cook them over a campfire.

Max 15 children for both activities (unless parents are willing help supervise the course?!).

Please book in advance for these activities.


The Quest to 2030 - A Day for 9 to 12 year olds

With Steph Bradley and the Transition Tales Team

Wednesday 10am - 12.30pm and 2 - 4.30pm

You will need to have played the Quest Game with Steph on Tuesday evening and be available all day to make the most of the day. The day will be a combination of imagining and story telling centred around the world in 2030, and nature awareness and den building to bring the stories to life. Find out more about Transition Tales' work on the TTT website: http://totnes.transitionnetwork.org/transitiontales/schoolswork.

Please book in advance for this activity.


Kids Drama Workshop

With Nadia Strahan

Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 10am - 12.30pm & Friday 2 - 4.30pm

Children can come along and explore themselves through the art of "Playing". We will play with: Drama games; Dressing up; Improvisation; Creating a Play. Drama helps develop self-confidence, listening skills and is a nurturing, community building experience. We will create and perform a play every day, and will also work towards a performance for the camp cabaret on Friday night. No previous experience needed, the only "tools" required are your imagination...

Suitable for under 12's. Please book in advance for this activity.


Football Training

With Paul Barclay

Friday 10am - 12.30pm

A chance for all children aged between 7-12 years old to burn off a bit of energy and play football. The session is aimed to be fun, friendly and supportive to all levels. Maximum of 20 children per session. There will also be 2 opportunities to play football games, see below.

Please book in advance for this activity.



Open Activities for 7-12 year olds

These activities can accommodate more children. No booking needed, just turn up and join in.


Games

With Tom Taowey

Monday and Tuesday 2 - 4pm

Come and play games outside, we will be running around and getting to know each other better in the field. Come and join in. All welcome!


Tree Climbing

With instructors from the Chudleigh Rock Centre

Sunday and Monday 2 - 4.30pm, Monday and Tuesday 10am - 12.30pm

This activity need not be booked, just turn up and wait for a turn.


7-12 Campfire Cookery

Monday - Friday lunch times

Help prepare, cook and enjoy eating your lunch with friends around the campfire, rain or shine. Menus up for discussion depending on taste and inclination of participants. Last year's menus included pancakes, soup, stew, pasta and rice dishes. Groups limited to 10.

There will be a small charge to cover the cost of food.


7-12 Quiet Tipi Time

Monday - Friday, late afternoon/early evening

Quiet time to sit and make new friends, talk, tell jokes, maybe read or tell stories while making colourful friendship bracelets, beaded bracelets and hemp jewellery for yourself or your friends. All materials provided. Numbers limited by size of tipi.


Storytelling

Monday to Thursday, from 7.30pm for about one hour

Michael Quinn will entertain the children with stories in the Kindergarten marquee.

We hope that the stories will bring the younger children together at the end of the day. They are intended to encourage the children to settle down for bedtime with some food for their imagination, but nothing too alarming or unsettling to disturb their dreams. Adults are welcome to attend the storytelling with their children, if they wish, and are invited to use the opportunity it provides to encourage a regular bedtime routine.


Football Game

With Paul Barclay

Tuesday and Wednesday, 2 - 4.30pm

A chance for all children aged between 7-12 years old to burn off a bit of energy and play football. The sessions are aimed to be fun, friendly and supportive to all levels. Maximum 20 children per session.



Activities for Teenagers

To be discussed once camp starts.


Teen Crew

In return for 5 hours help around the camp, teen crew have their own canoe adventure. See camp crew when you arrive for more information. Without your help we can't run the camp!

Jobs we will need help with:

In return for your help there will be an overnight canoe trip on Thursday night. We will need your parents to sign to give permission for you to go on this trip. If you are coming with another family please discuss this before you come and be sure that the adults responsible for you at the camp know this.


Pottery Workshop

With Kristina Bieganski

Monday and Friday, 2 - 4.30pm

Experimenting with simple clay forms, creating functional and decorative items full of texture and sawdust, fired on site. Bring an apron. Maximum number of students: 12.


Open Bushcraft Session for Teenagers

Tuesday 11am - 4pm

10 Teenagers have the chance to choose what they want to learn from the following options:

Shelter building- Learn how to build a sturdy shelter, choose a nice spot and set up camp using natural materials.

Fire lighting- learn how to make a good blaze for a number of different situations using a number of different methods. You'll be the useful one at a party if you can get a good fire going to warm everyone up.

Campfire cooking- Learn how to keep hygenic, cook a spit roast as well as other methods and tuck into some good campfire munchies.

Knife Craft- Knives and teenagers have had a lot of bad publicity recently; come and have a go at using some bushcraft knives, whittle you own project and have a chance to say what you think about the whole knife crime thing!

The session will have no formal structure- its up to you as a group to vote on what to do. Maximum 10 people.


Teenagers Back Massage Workshop∗

With Miguel Valentini

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday from 2-4pm

The course is mostly funded by the camp, but participants have to pay, in advance, £5 for the 3 days.


Chi Healing

With Dave Castle

Thursday and Friday afternoon

Dave will teach chi gung exercises and give you an introduction to chi healing techniques.


Drama & Swordwork

With Michael Chase and Simon Heyland

Drama work: Wednesday, Thursday and Friday morning

Swordmaking: Wednesday and Thursday afternoon


Music Workshop

Wednesday and Thursday, 2 - 4.30pm




Activities for Adults

These activities are limited in numbers, arrangements will be made once we are at the camp (NOTE: for massage course please contact Miguel as soon as possible).


Adults Intensive Massage Course∗

With Miguel Valentini

Monday to Saturday (6 days x 2 hour sessions), times to be confirmed.

Minimum 4 participants, maximum 10. Cost: according to the number of participants, from £36 to £90.

If you are interested it would be helpful if you could contact Miguel before the camp, so that he can have an idea of numbers.


Art

With Anne-Marie Stibbe

Monday to Friday, 9 - 10.30am

It is vital that those wishing to attend this workshop are able to commit themselves to attend each morning. It will not be possible to join this workshop later in the week.

Anne-Marie is working as an anthroposophical practitioner in therapeutic arts. She stimulates people to observe natural phenomena from day to day. In this workshop she will look particularly at the plant world. Once she meets the group she will see how we can work together. There will be the opportunity to look at plants, explore their colour, draw them and paint them. We will be using a variety of techniques including charcoal drawing, pastels and oil painting.


Talks

Monday to Friday, 11am - 12.30pm

There will be a talk each morning based on the insights of Rudolf Steiner on the theme: ' Connecting the realms of matter and spirit'.

Each talk will be followed by about 30 minutes for questions and discussion with the speaker. You may attend any one of the talks, although you will appreciate them most if you are able to come to them all. See more information on our talks page.


Indigo Dyeing

With Sue Field

Monday 10am - 12.30pm; ADULTS ONLY class

THE LAST INDIGO; Indigo is a magical blue dye that has been used for thousands of years to colour fabric. We will learn to mix our own indigo vat, talk about the secrets of indigo,and dye lots of samples of cloth using resist techniques form around the world - and take away the recipe and list of suppliers so you can do it at home. I will supply the indigo ingredients - you need to bring cloth to dye: 1 metre pre washed cotton fabric and any small clothes to dye- pre washed, cotton, viscose or linen is best. Wear old clothes and bring a pair of rubber gloves. Please be prompt. Max 20 people.


Patchwork Blocks

With Sue Field

Tuesday 10am - 12.30pm; ADULTS ONLY class

Using hand sewn traditional patchwork techniques, turn your indigo samples into a traditional patchwork block - 9 patch and beyond - which can be the basis of a bag or cushion cover, or who knows, the beginning of a quilt. Patchwork is relaxing and sociable - chat as you sew. Material provided for those with no indigo. Max 12 people.


Willow Workshop

With Vivienne Turner

Wednesday 10am - 12.30pm

The workshop is aimed at beginners and those wishing to refresh themselves with basic weaving techniques. During the session we will be creating willow flowers and snails using different types and colours of willow, which has been grown either in Devon or on the Somerset levels. The forms are suitable for garden or home.

Thursday 10am - 12.30pm

Again this workshop is aimed at beginners and those wishing to refresh themselves with basic willow techniques. We will be creating a tension/stick tray basket during the session to be used as a platter for cheese, fruit or bread. It can also be used as a decorative item indoors or out.


Plaster Casting Workshop

Friday 10am - 12.30pm

Creating moulds out of clay using natural and found objects as imprint moulds to cast in plaster. This unusual technique creates an exciting 3D organic effect. Bring an apron or an old top.

Maximum amount of students: 12.


Construction Project

With Mark Bloomfield, who works for Dulas and previously worked for Centre for Alternative Technology

Monday to Thursday, 10am - 12.30pm

We will construct D.I.Y. Solar-water heating modules to heat a camp shower using scrap materials eg. old radiators and copper tubing. I will bring some tools, but please bring any of your own which you think will be useful eg. cordless drills or jigsaws.



Activities Open to Everyone


Zipwire

With instructors from Chudleigh Rock Centre

Monday and Tuesday 10am - 12.30pm; Sunday and Monday 2 - 4.30pm

This activity need not be booked, just turn up and wait for a turn.


Streetdancing

With Roxy

Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, approx. 4 - 5.30pm

Roxy has been a dance coach and assistant teacher with Plymouth Youth Dance Company summer school. Streetdancing will this year have a bit of a contemporary/ballet twist. And Roxy will ensure they are very accessible! The aim will be to have lots of fun and for people to feel comfortable and enjoy a good dance. Roxy will set a basic plan and then adjust depending on the people coming to the sessions.


Drop In Massage Workshops∗

With Miguel Valentini

Provisional days Sunday, Thursday and Friday.

These sessions are open to all and free of charge.


Integrated massage and reflexology∗

With Miguel Valentini

Sessions throughout the duration of the camp.

Cost: £30 (1 hour) or £45 (1 and a half hour).


Indigo Dyeing

With Sue Field

Monday 2 - 4.30pm

Open drop in session. Use resist techniques from around the world to dye a piece of cloth or clothing of your choice. Children under 12 to be accompanied by an adult. Bring an article of prewashed cotton clothing to dye.


Use of Bread Oven

Monday to Friday, 10am - 12.30pm

Children under 12 to be accompanied by an adult.

Alexandra Bridgeman will be running breadmaking workshops using the outdoor oven. We will go through the steps from mixing the dough to delicious finished bread products to take away. We will experiment with different kinds of bread and pizza etc. depending on the changing oven temperature. This is the chance to discover how simple and rewarding it is to bake our own bread. No previous experience needed. There is space for 6 people each day, working in 3 pairs.


Firelighting

With Catherine White

Sunday 2 - 4.30pm



Circus Skills

With Duncan Thompson

Thursday and Friday 4 - 5.30pm



Eurythmy

With Prue Benson

Early mornings



Archery

With Toni Watson

Sunday, Monday and Tuesday 10am - 12.30pm; Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 2 - 4.30pm

When archery is taught properly it should be both safe and fun, but above all safe. These workshops are based on the Grand National Archery Society's guidelines. Each half-hour session will take you through the basics of how to shoot safely as well as make adjustments with your stance (shooting position) so that consistency, accuracy and confidence can all develop. Archery can help foster self-confidence in both children and adults. It is actually quite meditative and helps to reign in, centre and focus expansive (outwardly directed) energy.

Please note that although we have bows for smaller children the minimum height requirement to use the equipment safely is 120cm, so if your child is under that height, I'm afraid they won't be allowed to shoot this year.

Toni Watson is a GNAS qualified archery teacher and currently teaches at various schools in the Totnes area.


Tambourelli

With Bob Stephenson

Wednesday, Thursday and Friday you can play all day. Introductory sessions held at 3pm.

Introduction sessions will be run daily at 3pm, but courts will be available for use at any time of the day (weather permitting). Everyone is welcome, so come along and give it a try.

Tambourelli is a relatively new emerging sport. Based on similar sports which are nationally popular in Italy, Tambourelli is not dissimilar to Badminton yet also claims its own unique interest. Beginners are often quoted stating how easy it is to pick up and yet it provides a challenge still for competent players.

The game is played over a net, on a court roughly two thirds that of a badminton court. Tambourine like bats are used (although no music is involved in the game at all) to hit a shuttle cock over the net. Tambourelli can be played either singles or doubles and is a great game for people of all ages. Tambourelli is a good form of exercise, using the Cardio-Vascular systems and is especially beneficial for improving coordination. Visit our website: http://www.tambourelli.org .



∗ If you'd like to know more about the massage courses or the therapies, please ring or email Miguel and he'll give you more details: 01803 782220, migvalentini@telco4u.net



Off-site Activities

This is an outline of our plans, based on previous years - please be aware that there may be changes, but this gives you a 'feel' of what we hope to offer this year.

For these activities you will need to pre-book to be sure of a place and pay extra, including a deposit in advance.

Climbing

Costs £12 per person per trip.

Climbing and abseiling in small groups at Haytor on Dartmoor - or sea traversing on the dramatic sea cliffs of Torbay.

Depending on group ability / levels of confidence there will also be the opportunity for abseiling. You will need to wear trainers, long trousers (preferably not jeans - they are difficult to move freely in, cold and difficult to dry when wet). Harnesses and helmets will be supplied.

Caving

Costs £12 per person per trip - includes hire of equipment BUT BRING YOUR OWN WELLIES.

The trip will last about 2 hours underground where you will journey through a system of tunnels and passageways. We visit Pridhamsleigh and Baker's Pit caves near Buckfastleigh. These systems offer numerous routes and are ideal for novices, while providing a variety of experience.

You will need to wear wellies, long trousers (no jeans - they are difficult to move freely in, cold and difficult to dry when wet). You must wear old clothes which you don't mind getting very wet and dirty. Don't forget a change of clothes and a towel. Lights and helmets will be supplied.

Canoeing

Costs £15 per person per trip.

Phil will be back with the ever popular 10-person canoe. There'll be trips up and down the River Dart.

Kayaking - over 8s only

Costs £12 per person per trip.

This year, John again offers kayaking on the upper reaches of the river for the more intrepid over 8s.

Go for fun sessions on the river with individual kayaks and Canadian canoes!


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