After a week of hot, dry sun, the air in Plymouth, Vermont has taken on a wetter, chillier quality. Campers and staff woke up this morning to a symphony of raindrops on their cabin roofs that continued throughout morning work projects. Though this afternoon’s misty precipitation more closely resembles a gentle lullaby, the sun has yet to appear.
Still, the weather seems hardly to affect the jovial atmosphere here at Tamarack Farm.It’s not just that the rain had become a familiar friend during the first part of camp. From trips, to Visiting Day, to Dance-Free, and our candle lighting ceremony, it’s been a busy, exciting week at TF. As we transition into the second half of our summer, campers and staff are fully prepared to make the most out of the time we have left.
At the beginning of last week, each camper had the opportunity to spend 4-5 days on a canoeing, backpacking, or service trip. The co-ed groups of 7-9 campers and two counselors intentionally brought together community members who might not know each other well. Though the experience of those on the Bread & Puppet service trip may have differed greatly from those who hiked the White Mountains, our trip skits Friday night hinted at the laughter and group bonding had by all. Campers and staff reported a feeling of gratitude for the opportunity to get out of camp, but also a growing appreciation for the community they left behind. The shouts of glee and boisterous bear hugs that permeated the lawn upon our return would suggest that we had been gone much longer than we actually were.
Just one day after we all returned, parents, family members, and friends of many of the campers arrived for Visiting Day. The atmosphere that day was thick with anticipation, enthusiasm and joy as campers could be spotted picnicking with their loved ones, taking them to tour the gardens, visit the animals or participate in an activity such as a crafting or canoeing. That evening after dinner, we gathered for another “Postum House” open mic where our guests had the opportunity to perform alongside the campers.
Yet, even after our last visitor left, the evening was not over. That night was Dance-Free, TF’s annual recorded music dance party. A group of campers and staff had worked hard to transform our dance barn, interspersing a beautiful mosaic of murals from past summers with streamers, sparkly ribbons, and even tree branches. Most people took the opportunity to dress up—many in silly costumes—as well as show off some of their more expressive dance moves. Many campers noted that the setting felt freer and more accepting than their typical high school dance. Not only was it a great deal of fun, but some even noted a deepening sense of community.
Whether or not TFers thought about community or simply bobbed their heads to the music during Dance-Free, we were all given another opportunity the following evening at our candle-lighting ceremony. At dusk, each of us carried a lit candle to our meeting circle where we began the evening in silence, similar to Silent Meeting. In time, each person had the opportunity to place their candle at the center of circle and address the community. It was a time of reflection and gratitude; many community members expressed appreciation for each other and the role Farm & Wilderness has played in their life. By the time the last person placed their candle, the sky had grown completely dark, revealing a few softly glowing stars. We joined our hands in song, our eyes resting on the glowing image of each of our lights at the center of the circle.
Monday morning we jumped back into our normal routine of morning work projects, afternoon activities, and evening programming. We’re also busy prepping for Saturday’s “MoFA,” Museum of Farm Art, which will celebrate all types of art here at the Farm, including performance art. And we are already getting in gear for “Fair,” Farm & Wilderness’ end-of-summer celebration and a benefit for camperships (the F&W scholarships) in which Tamarack Farm plays a key role. So, life around here is never really normal or predictable, especially when you are living among a group of people who are fully prepared to milk their summer (both literally and figuratively) for all that it’s worth.
By Erica Seltzer-Schultz, TF staff member