Spring 2002 Camps

Although we experienced unseasonably cold weather and a bit more rain than we would have liked, our two one-week May homeschoolers camps were great successes:

Outdoors Adventure Camp May 3-11 was attended by approx. 15 children and 12 parents (not counting several Twin Oaks children and adults)

Drama Camp May 16-23 was attended by 6 children and 2 parents (not counting several Twin Oaks children and adults).

Feedback from Camp Participants

100% of the children who filled out a camp evaluation form said they wanted to come back to a Twin Oaks Camp (not all the kids turned in a survey).

Would you want to come back to this camp if we did it again?

General Comments from Parents who attended the camp:

Nancy, Wallingford, Pennsylvania
“We had a great time. We felt very welcomed and upheld by the community. The thoughtfulness and attention to detail was clearly evident in the camp. It felt to me like this was an important venture for you and Twin Oaks to embark on and I felt privileged to be a part of its beginnings. My husband Steve noticed a discernible maturity in both our children from the experience. Both children are more cooperative with each other and Brigit is more independent also.

I know that my family really loved it, and I hope that Twin Oaks is up for a repeat next year.”

Charlie, Liverpool, New York
“Very interesting. A unique opportunity to see my daughter interact over an extended period of time, in a new setting. A great chance to see other parents and their children and learn about their approaches to education and childrearing, and also be able to observe the results first-hand. A great source of emotional support . . . home-schooling can be an isolating experience. Also, a really interesting window on how an intentional community functions--a subject of professional interest to me.”

Brooke, Schenectady, New York
“Vooondah bahhh! Our family was fully enriched by everything that went on. The warmth and flexibility set the tone for the entire week. The Sweat Lodge was an enormous highlight for us. I loved the long tour, learning about children at Twin Oaks, spending walking through the woods, swimming, being supported to juggle... there is SO SO SO much more that I can say... there were so many great moments for me and for each of us. Thank You!”

Norb, Schenectady, New York
“ A wonderful, well-organized, well-carried out week! I loved it.”

Mary, Rockville, Maryland
“I would say that what I enjoyed most of all about camp was hanging out with other homeschoolers -- especially the kids! I have come away from camp with a greater commitment (if that is possible) to homeschooling and renewed enthusiasm. We really enjoyed all the activities, but what set it apart for us was being with other homeschoolers. I could send Ian to any number of regular camps this summer, but they sure wouldn't measure up. Thank you!!! “

Allan, Ithaca, New York
"The camp was amazing for both Allegra and myself. We both learned a lot about Outdoor Adventure, everything from nature scavenger hunts to orienteering. However I think we both learned even more about ourselves and about each other. We are planning on coming back!"

Bird Watching: For the adventuresome early risers, around 7:00 a.m.
Nick: It was great. I learned different bird calls and species of birds.
Ashley: That was really fun! Liked seeing the cedar waxwings and the indigo bunting.
Patti: Absolutely great. I highly recommend the birding session. My only complaint was that there weren't enough of them. Philip is so knowledgable and brilliant with kids!
Brooke: This was so incredible for me. My world got bigger and richer. Philip is a serious person and this made the subject that more intriguing to me. He was articulate and caring. He responded energetically to my desire to learn more and to learn from him.

Juggling: Juggling lessons most mornings
Adam/Diane: It was fun and easy to learn from Craig (we liked him a lot!)
Brooke: Craig was fantastic. So patient. His encouragement and praise helped me to build my confidence and learn so much more quickly than if he had pointed out every error.

Devil Sticks
Lizzie: Fun! fun to watch and fun to do and fun to make.

Canoeing/Canoe Lessons
Nick: It was fun. My arms ached some, but it was definitely fun.
Marie: Excellent, especially liked that we broke it up into two groups and took a picnic lunch. We had loads of fun on this trip!
Patti: Very enjoyable. The river is so peaceful and the honeysuckle smells great.

Swimming
Blake: I loved it! It was my favorite thing.
Bridgit: I loved it! I loved playing in the sand (rolling in it) and running to the water.

Rollerblading/Skating: Inside our warehouse near base camp. No ramps or anything do do real tricks on.
Hopper: Liked it but wanted to do it more. I loved it. That was really fun.
Patti: The kids really enjoyed this. It was a nice break from the regular routine

Cooperative Games

Evening Campfires - Songs and stories.

Night Hikes/Games

For more activities and photos from the Outdoors Adventure Spring 2002 Camp

For more acitivies and photos from Drama Spring 2002 Camp

Contact Brenda Callen: email
Phone 540-894-5117 or 540- 894-5126
Fax 540- 894-4112
Brenda Callen, 138 Twin Oaks Rd., Louisa, VA 23093