June 27-July 17, 2004
Significant things take place here – things that are not easily conveyed in what seems like a random list of events and activities. Days and nights are full, unusual, and varied. Rowe Camp respects young people, offering an alternative culture where popularity issues are challenged and redefined. Camp is structured around a schedule of dozens of workshops and activities. Campers explore the freedom of choosing how to spend their time and have the opportunity to lead activities of their own. At night there are allcamp performances, amazingly energetic dances, outdoor games, and other celebrations. There are long talks in cabins and latenight raids.
Campers discover the importance of spirituality and ritual in chapel, where we create meaning by expressing our thoughts and feelings aloud in a safe space. Each night there’s a specific theme to explore, such as family, sexuality, nonviolence, gender, and friendship. The moods range from joyous to sorrowful and back again. We laugh together and help each other through hard times, a journey that brings us together into a community.
Each night after chapel, back in the cabins, each person checks in with their cabin mates. This is a process that builds trust and the cabin often becomes a kind of family away from home. Young people are encouraged to be their own selves, to take risks, and to speak from the heart.
It may sound grandiose to say Junior High Camp is a lifetransforming experience, but it’s true. As young people come to believe in themselves, they see the possibilities for changing the world, and camp becomes a model for connection, for peace, and for greatness. Space usually goes fast, so sign up right away. Campers tell us: “The people here kick butt.” “At JHC, I am a better person.” “It may sound stupid, but you actually do find yourself.”
Mark Taylor respects, listens to, and laughs with young people. He was on the Junior High Camp staff for six years, worked at The Mountain (a UU camp in North Carolina), spent a summer biking across India, and last year taught English in China. Mark was the director of Young People’s Camp for three years. This is his second year directing JHC.
Inga Schowengerdt came to Rowe as a YPC camper in 1990 and hasn’t been able to stay away for very long since then. She has worked at Rowe as staff for Junior High and Transitions Camps, served on the Board of Trustees, and codirected programs for adolescents at Kripalu Center. With a background in Child Clinical Psychology, she brings to camp a nurturing, humor and a deep respect for young people to camp.