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 closed due to the Covid-19 emergency but 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!

Hello Everyone; Friends, Families, Campers, Community!!

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An Update on Earth Day April 22, 2020. 

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A year ago and for every year previously THIS is the week of April Vacation Camp. Exploring the water mill down the road, making model windmills and kites, and celebrating Earth with planting, picnics, and summer plans.

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These are times we will never forget! Confusing and Dire consequences of a world out of balance. Living in close quarters makes you appreciate your loved ones so deeply and also fiercely miss the ones you cannot see and support. Around the country and world we hear stories of heroism and care. And many, many people are working to safely navigate, carefully integrate information and experiences, and live into this next new time.

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This is our third communication - March 13, in cooperation with State and Nation wide recommendations we had canceled all programs, events and classes until the date designated by the State and CDC. For our second communication April 2nd, we were given dates in early May. 

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Thursday April 16th, the Governor announced all schools are closed for the rest of the year. So no children's after school programs for the spring. The governor created a Reopening Task Force and we will follow these recommendations.

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So now we come to the questions regarding summer, events, and day camps. Eleanor continues to Zoom  meet twice weekly with NH CAMPS. This is a large group of Summer Day and Overnight Camps across the state. While the information changes often, it is helpful to be part of these forums. NH State Camp and Child care licensing director Terri Peck is a great communicator. Yesterday she helped us wrap our minds around how we can make for safe and healthy times if camps are permitted to open. It is a WAIT AND SEE situation.

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May 15th Terri will give the date (likely late June or early July) when children's programs can open. 

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You can help us here! Let's us know if you are interested in day camps this summer. If the State lifts the stay home order, camps / care will run for 5 weeks. We have applied for Federal funds and if we receive we can offer good scholarships. There may be state money for you as well to help cover camp costs. No commitment is needed at this time. Just click on the Adventure Camp or Sankofa button on above to learn about our camp offerings and register your children.

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For Adult and Teen classes, groups and events, our Center will use the phased approach recommended by the Task Force. We will follow state protocols and precautions. We will be learning together a way with physical distance, plenty of hand washing and strong social connection! Andrea and Eleanor have begun the big administrative and planning work necessary.  

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We look forward to supporting one another during this unprecedented time. Please reach out! :-) :-)

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Summer 2020 will Be one to remember for sure. 

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For each of you, Hang in and Hang on.

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We believe we will Heal from this time. Be Well in Body, Mind, and Heart; Practice kindness with yourself and others.

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With love and sending positives,

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!