Summer Dance & Music Camps

CDSS Programs

Each summer, the Country Dance and Song Society runs several residential weeks for adults and families where we get to experience traditional English and Anglo-American dance and music in beautiful outdoor settings. Each weeklong program has a unique focus and each offers a different mix of dance, music, song and special workshops. There are daily classes, a dance party each evening (sometimes with a concert), followed by late-night activities, plus there is swimming, canoeing, and relaxing with old friends and new. Not to mention the scrumptious meals, fresh air, and break from our daily hectic lives.

We produce a full-color photo brochure that lists our summer programs and staff; please let us know if you'd like some copies to distribute in your community!

2012 Program Weeks

Week Location Adult? Family? Start Date Wait List?
Adult & Family Week Timber Ridge adult family 08/12/12
American Dance & Music Pinewoods adult   07/28/12
American Dance Musicians Timber Ridge adult   08/12/12
Campers' Week Pinewoods adult family 08/18/12 short
Contra Dance Callers Pinewoods adult   07/28/12 long
Early Music Week Pinewoods adult   08/11/12
English & American Dance Pinewoods adult   08/04/12
English Dance Leaders Pinewoods adult   07/21/12
English Dance Week Pinewoods adult   08/25/12
Family Week at Ogontz Ogontz   family 07/28/12 short
Family Week at Pinewoods Pinewoods   family 07/14/12 short
Harmony of Song & Dance Pinewoods adult   07/21/12
Leadership for Young Adults Timber Ridge adult   08/12/12
Singing Squares Callers Timber Ridge adult   08/12/12
Teachers Training Ogontz adult   07/28/12 short
Viol Intensive Pinewoods adult   08/11/12

Availability key

space available! short or moderate wait list
if you apply, you might still get in
long wait list
you're welcome to apply, but your odds aren't spectacular

Adult Programs

Each week's program has a unique focus and each offers a different mix of daily dance and music classes, singing and special workshops, with plenty of rest/play time. Once a day the whole camp gathers for games, singing or presentations. After dinner each evening there is a dance party, often with a concert, followed by late-night activities.

The minimum age for attendance at our adult weeks is 15. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over age 23. We can sometimes also accept a limited number of infants and children; please call for details. Adults without children are also welcome at Campers' and Family Weeks.

Family Programs

Our family programs provide many opportunities to share traditional English and Anglo-American dance, music and storytelling as well as the beauty of the outdoors with children. This is a great way to spend time with your children, your grandchildren, your nieces and nephews, or other children dear to you.

At the Family Weeks, each age grouping has a maximum number of spaces available. Adults without children are also welcome. Our Family and Campers' Weeks offer new material and many insights for teachers, librarians, and others working with children who wish to incorporate traditional music and dance material into their curriculum.

Recent articles in Making Music Magazine and South Shore Living have highlighted our Family camps.