Pandemic

What if you thought of it as the Jews consider the Sabbath —
the most sacred of times?
Cease from travel.
Cease from buying and selling.
Give up, just for now, on trying to make the world
different than it is.
Sing. Pray. Touch only those
to whom you commit your life.
Center down.

And when your body has become still,
reach out with your heart.
Know that we are connected
in ways that are terrifying and beautiful.
(You could hardly deny it now.)
Know that our lives are in one another’s hands.
(Surely, that has come clear.)
Do not reach out your hands.
Reach out your heart.
Reach out your words.
Reach out all the tendrils
of compassion that move, invisibly,
where we cannot touch.

Promise this world your love —
for better or for worse,
in sickness and in health,
so long as we all shall live.

— Lynn Ungar 3/11/20

We are planning for a healing and hearty summer for your children! Information and on-line registration for camp are now available. Click the buttons below. Stay well, Friends!

Dear Camp Friends!

 

We have the go ahead to hold camps with protocols and precautions this summer!!! Andrea and I have applied for more funds. Currently we are set to enroll for two cohorts. That is 2 groups of 10 each including 2 leaders. We  have Great staff willing to teach keeping in mind health, social distance and fun, in the open space of change at Orchard Hill. We will run camps from July 6th through August 7th. 

 

There will be themes to our weeks: Arts, Forest, Wee folk, and Farm, Movement or dance but these themes will likely be mixed with in each weeks fare. We are not certain Our Friends from Sankofa Dance theater can be here. We are in dialogue with them about how to make something happen. More on that and everything as we meet and figure out our next steps.  

 

The Daycamps will meet All outdoors. There is a shorter camp day. There are precautions we can explain, and changes in what we offer. We ask for your cooperation with daily health monitoring. (We have a handy print out ;-). We will reach out to speak to you to answer questions.  Public Health and Safety , Strong social connecting while following every precaution advised is our priority.  

 

The good news is we will all be learning something new. We aim to provide a program that will familiarize kids with what learning will look like in the Fall and probably through the school year. Except we will have an outdoor facility, which is the best way for people to get together during this time. Campers are used to life in our cool Tents and using outdoor privies. This will all add to the adventure.

 

Our leaders are skilled teachers and we are figuring out how to make this new way engaging and accessible. 

 

We are an essential care program (ECCP through DHHS) so check out this link: https://www.acrossnh.org/     These funds may be available to you through Covid Relief help. Be sure to check out the deadline!!!!It is a fast turnaround so get on it ! 

 

We are both excited and nervous , but the time together will be groundbreaking  and forward looking.

 More coming this week.

 

Smiles, 

 Eleanor and Andrea

The mission of the Orchard School & Community Center is to foster community learning, healing, and sustaining.  We encourage programs that provide inclusive learning for children and adults.  We provide healing space for movement, expression, and the restoration of vitality.  We sustain the community by encouraging connection with the land, the arts, and the diversity of cultures beyond our rural community.

Your tax-deductible gifts helps to make our work possible!