Description
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
This is an intensive workshop designed for contra dance callers of all skill levels who like group learning and enjoy helping each other in a respectful manner! Held concurrently with Dance Music & Spice at Cavell, it is designed and led by Will Mentor, a contra and square dance caller from Northern Vermont known for his clear teaching, upbeat wit, and relaxed stage presence.
The course takes two periods each day, but work starts in the weeks before camp with communications with Will to identify specific skills to work on and practice during the two daily periods. Your input will help direct the focus as we spend much of the time practicing stagecraft, including:
- Talking through a microphone
- Consulting with the band about the music
- Set Management
- Walkthroughs
- Prompting
- Communicating with the band to end the dance
We will have live music both hours and special attention will be paid to pairing tunes with dances.
All this leaves time to participate in the Dance Music & Spice program during other periods. If participants want extra practice calling, there is a daily Open Mic period, and Will is available for private meetings on any topic pertaining to calling.
REGISTRATION
Participation is limited to 10 and before camp each student is asked to complete a preparatory assignment, which will be explained with acceptance. If the class is oversubscribed on March 11, there will be a lottery with some preference given to applicants supported by their local community. Strong indicators of that support are our Group Priority and Matching Scholarship processes, where a CDSS affiliate vouches for a participant and may offer some scholarship, asking CDSS to match that amount (www.cdss.org/support-services/insurance-group-services/priority-matching-scholarships). This is a statement by people who know the individual, that the person is deserving of assistance and would benefit the local community by attending the Course.
Schedule
Class Descriptions
The Leaders Course meets twice each day:
10:00-11:00 with Will Mentor and musician, Kelsey Wells: description
2:00-3:00 with Will Mentor and musicians, Karen Axelrod and Rachel Bell: description
Beyond these two periods, we will share the rich resources and opportunities afforded by Dance Music & Spice.
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
Staff
Will Mentor
Will Mentor is a contra and square dance caller from Northern Vermont known for his clear teaching, upbeat wit, and relaxed stage presence. He loves to choreograph evenings with a variety of dances and tempos that at times surprise and always delight, all the while keeping intact his guiding principle as a caller: "It's about the dancers!"
Life at Camp
ABOUT CAVELL CAMP
Camp Cavell spans 55 acres of woods on Lake Huron with 1800 feet of shoreline that provides spectacular and sweeping lake views from almost all buildings. The rustic camp is located 4 miles north of Lexington in the ‘thumb’ region of Michigan with its many quaint towns and ice cream stops. Arriving at camp, you’ll drive through the winding forested entrance until you suddenly see the water, cabins, and lodges.
Two large log lodges have great wooden dance floors and are the primary locations for the dance and spice programming and evening activities. The main lodge has a full length outdoor porch and fireplace facing Lake Huron for quiet times, singing, visiting, or watching the freighters go by. Summer nights are cool, the air fresh, and the stars very bright on Lake Huron, so binoculars and plenty of layers of clothing are recommended. The second lodge has an enclosed sunny back porch, and it houses the kitchen. Both lodges have interior fireplaces and bathrooms, and are connected by a paved walkway. Steps and ramps weave down the hillside from the main lodge to the beach on Lake Huron for waterfront activities. Meals will be served in a large outdoor covered pavilion overlooking the lake and grounds.
GETTING TO CAMP CAVELL
The camp is a three to four hour drive from Toronto, ON, Fort Wayne, IN, Marion OH, and Grand Rapids, MI. Via air, the Detroit airport (DTW) is 84 miles away, Flint Bishop Airport is 65 miles, Capital City Airport in Lansing is 109 miles and Cleveland is 133 miles. Car rentals are available at each. There will also be scheduled shuttles to transport campers from and back to DTW; seats can be ordered after January 1. Border crossings to and from Canada require a passport and are located at Detroit, MI/Windsor, Ontario or Port Huron, MI/Sarnia, Ontario.
ARRIVAL TIME
The program begins with swimming and an informal tour of camp on the afternoon of the first day; followed by an orientation meeting and dance after dinner.
Arrival time is after 4:00pm on the starting Sunday. Departure time is after a final gathering and by noon the final Sunday.
PACKING SUGGESTIONS
You will need to bring a flashlight to find your way around at night. A battery powered or wind up alarm clock and insect repellent may be useful. If you are on a special diet, you may need to bring your own particular food. An ice chest for drinks and snacks to share at after-dance parties may be handy; there is some refrigeration available. A specific packing list is sent with acceptance information.
Don't forget to pack your swimsuit, raincoat, sweater, towels, bed linen, and blankets or a sleeping bag and pillows. A fan is often welcome, or an extra blanket could be needed.
STORES
The nearest stores are a 15-30 minute drive away.
HOUSING
All participants are assigned on-site housing in the month before camp starts. Space is limited; we can't guarantee that all specific requests will be filled. Requests may be made on the Registration Form or with information sent later.
Most of Camp Cavell cabins are set up for 4 to 5 campers. Those in Northwood and Southwood have indoor bathrooms, showers, and closet areas. Brookside has a bathroom/shower house instead of in-cabin bathrooms. Brookside has a new bathroom/shower house facility.
There are some cabins for two couples that can be outfitted with a partition or curtain for additional privacy. There are no single person cabins, but there are a very limited number of private rooms. Camp Cavell has some double bed size mattresses and bed frame extensions that will be available in certain cabins for couples. Tenting and RV camping are also available in the Brookside area. Additional accommodation details will be provided with the information packets sent later.
General housing categories are:
- Closer to or further from evening activities
- Quiet, or late night party areas
- Hookups (4)
- Tent Camping
Housing will be assigned in the month before camp starts. We can't guarantee that all specific requests will be filled but will do our best. Housing requests should be made on the Registration Form or with information forms sent later.
JOBS
In the cooperative spirit of camp life, all campers have a daily job to help camp run smoothly.
Jobs are usually a half hour or less per day, every day, and the same job all week. Jobs are assigned in the month before camp starts; you have the opportunity make specific requests about your job assignment either on the Registration Form or later with your Registration Status Form.
We can't guarantee that all specific job requests will be filled, but please let us know if you have a preference or limitation (e.g., dust allergy, unable to lift heavy objects, can't stay up late, can't get up for breakfast).
General job categories are:
- Dining room: breakfast, lunch or dinner (set/clear tables)
- Kitchen (serve food, clear, wash dishes, make coffee/tea)
- Sweeping (pavilions, community areas)
- Party help (late night party setup/cleanup)
- Clerical (office, bookstore, auction)
- Greeters (must be able to arrive by 2:00pm)
- Gopher (campstore, auction, lifting)
PHONE & COMPUTERS
Though your plate will be full with activities while at camp, for those of you who must keep in contact with work or home, there are options. There is first class mail and UPS service. We do ask that laptops and cell phones be kept out of the awareness of other campers. Even if you can't, others want to enjoy this time away from the reminders of work-a-day living.
Cell coverage is spotty at best.
Fees
The fee for the week is
$915
DEPOSITS AND PAYMENTS
Online payments can be made with Mastercard or VISA. We can only take the amount you approve, so balance payments need to be initiated by you.
Mailed-in registrations can be paid by Mastercard, VISA or by check, made payable to CDSS, in U.S. Funds. Mail to CDSS, 116 Pleasant St Suite 345, Easthampton, MA 01027
A deposit of $150/person/week, if not paying full amount, is needed with registration.
Full cost depends on the Week and, at family programs, the ages of children.
Full payment for sessions starting before August 1: due May 20
Full payment for sessions starting on or after August 1: due June 20
There is a fee of $25 on any late payment.
Deposits/payments are processed upon receipt. In the case of cancellation from the wait list or from a session, a refund will be issued as per our cancellation policy.
SCHOLARSHIPS
We offer work scholarships to any camper in need, and named scholarships to practicing teachers, leaders and musicians. Please read about our scholarship programs before applying. Scholarship applications will be considered at the time of registration and should therefore accompany the Registration Form.
Donation in support of Scholarships are needed and gratefully accepted. If you are able to help another person benefit from our programs, you can do so by making a contribution along with your registration or at our online store. In addition, at each week of our summer camps, we hold auctions which raise money for future scholarships.
