July 27 - August 16
The greatest tradition in the 79 year history of Rowe Camp is Senior High Camp. A tradition is a stream of experience and you can step into that stream this summer. The water is soothing, but the stream is not tame. It has a wild and vital side.
Each day, campers can get involved in workshops such as DIY clothing, slam dunk, philosophy jam, in your face art, sticking it to the man, theater games, crab apple stick ball, knowing your power, creative writing, walking in the woods, punk rock aerobics, and more. Campers also share and explore common interests and concerns on topics such as dreams, sexuality, grief and loss, addiction, identity, spirituality, body image, and politics.
In the evenings, campers participate in events with the whole community, from talent shows to dances to full moon rituals. At the end of each evening, everyone goes to the chapel for a time of sharing, readings, songs, and reflection about the things that touch us most deeply. It is a time when we can express, or simply feel, our greatest joys and most profound hurts in an atmosphere of acceptance and safety.
The Senior High program staff brings a diversity of experience as well as a love of and respect for teenagers. They are present to ensure safety, provide emotional support, share their talents and skills, listen without judgment, and lead by example. By making workshops, chapels, and even sleep optional, we've found that campers consistently leave camp with a stronger commitment to take responsibility for their lives and with increased self confidence, self respect, and acceptance of others, including brothers, sisters, and parents.
The Rowe Spirit offers a magical and compelling sense of belonging, warmth, growth, intensity, and love. We spend a lot of time just being together in community. Come join us for one of the most exciting, amazing, and memorable experiences of your life.
Coleen Murphy is a writer, mother, punk rocker, advocate for young people, and a social justice ninja living in New Orleans, Louisiana. After working with UU camps all over the southeastern US for 10 years, she settled in at Senior High Camp in 1996.
Aram Rubenstein Gillis has been coming to Rowe Camp for 16 years, working his way up from being a YPC camper to his third season as co-director of Senior High Camp. He is an arts and music educator in the New York City Public Schools and has also been a youth worker and a community organizer. Aram loves Rowe a lot and also likes to sing, dance, and proselytize the words of Bruce Springsteen.