Camp Committee
Meet our hard-working organizing committee! If you have any questions or concerns that require immediate attention during camp, please talk to any member of the committee.
LCFD Policies
Code of Conduct
We are committed to ensuring our events are fun and inclusive for all. We value and expect consent and communication, community mindedness, and physical and emotional safety. Harassment of any kind will not be tolerated. If someone's behavior is offensive or harassing during the dance, we encourage you to speak with one of the volunteers on the Safety Team. Please click here to read our full policy.
Drugs and Alcohol
The use of recreational drugs and alcohol is not allowed at LCFD camps.
Language and Gender
Our goal is to make camp a welcoming place for people of all genders. Please respect others' pronouns, including gendered pronouns like she/her or he/him, gender neutral pronouns like they/them, or any other pronouns someone asks you to use. If you're not sure how someone wants to be referred to, please ask rather than making assumptions, and be open about sharing your pronouns if asked (you can also put them on your name badge). If talking about pronouns is unfamiliar, you can find some good guidelines here and here and here.
While contra dancing, we will use “Robins” and “Larks” to refer to the two dance roles.
Fragrance-Free Policy
Some of our campers are highly sensitive to scented products, so we ask campers not to wear or bring such products to camp. This includes cologne and perfume, as well as personal-care and laundry products that leave scent on clothes or bedding. Fragrance-free soap and shampoo will be provided in all camp bathrooms.
For more information, including products to avoid and suggestions for alternatives, please see the LCFD Fragrance-Free Policy. If you have any questions or concerns, including if you take medication that only comes in scented form, write to [email protected].
Photography & Video Recording
Portions of camp may be photographed and/or video recorded for use in future LCFD promotions. We will have your release information on file, and will edit out those individuals who have withheld permission.
Packing List
What to Bring
Nice Extras
What NOT to bring
Life at Camp
Housing
Sleeping accommodations are in a variety of cabins and houses scattered among the pine trees. Most are two-person cabins, with toilets and hot showers a short walk away. Cabins are not heated, but all have electricity. Rooms are furnished with single beds, a pillow, a chair, a lamp, and a closet or dresser. Twin sheets will fit single beds, while queen sheets will fit over two beds pushed together. For extra comfort, consider bringing a mattress topper, extra blanket, and/or fan.
Meals & Snacks
Meals at Pinewoods are homemade and delicious. Breakfast is served cafeteria style, while lunch and dinner are served family style, with food on the tables when you arrive. The kitchen staff are able to accommodate a wide variety of dietary needs, given advance notice. If you have needs you did not indicate on your registration form, or any other questions or concerns, please speak with the Dining Hall Manager.
Snacks will be available in the Camphouse kitchen at all times, but cannot be left out, as they will attract wildlife. Snacks can also be purchased from the Camp Store.
Camper Jobs
We believe camp runs best when everyone contributes to making it a success! Every camper will have a small job to do, such as sweeping the dance floors, setting or clearing tables for meals, or washing dishes. Most jobs will take no more than 30 minutes a day.
Dance Pavilions
Dancing will take place in purpose-built open-air pavilions. You will need to bring separate shoes for dancing and for walking around camp.
Ticks
Pinewoods is in the woods, and unfortunately June is prime tick season. Remember to stay on the paths, and do a tick check daily. You may also choose to use insect repellents and/or treat your clothing, particularly socks and pants, with permethrin.
Ponds
Pinewoods sits between two beautiful ponds, and there are boats to borrow. June is on the early side of things for swimming, but why not bring a swimsuit and extra towel just in case?
Arrival and Departure
Arrival
Please plan to arrive between 3:00 and 6:00 on Friday afternoon. When you arrive, you will check in at the Greeting Shed, show proof of your negative COVID test (or take one there), then be given your housing assignment and further instructions about parking. Camp tours for those new to Pinewoods will leave from the Dining Hall at 6:00 and 7:00.
Dinner will be served in the Dining Hall from 6:30–7:30, and dancing will start in the Hands Across pavilion at 7:45. If you arrive after 6:30, please find the Registrar (Josh) to check in.
Directions & Ridesharing
The address for Pinewoods Camp is 80 Cornish Field Road, Plymouth, MA 02360. Complete directions to camp can be found here. Keep in mind that there may be heavy traffic on the highways headed to Cape Cod for the weekend. Also be aware that the road into camp is narrow, winding, and bumpy (good reason to arrive before dark).
If you indicated on your registration form that you either needed or could offer a ride, you will hear from our Carpool Coordinator with more details. If you need a ride but did not indicate that when you registered, please write to [email protected].
Departure
Lodgings must be cleared out by lunchtime on Sunday. The last dance will end at 3:00, and all campers need to depart by 4:00.
Schedule
We'll share a full schedule closer to camp, but here are some perennial highlights:
There will also be space in the program for other camper-led activities — write to [email protected] if you’re interested!
Meet our hard-working organizing committee! If you have any questions or concerns that require immediate attention during camp, please talk to any member of the committee.
- Committee Chair: Ben Sachs-Hamilton
- Registrar: Josh Levin
- Camper Jobs: Bret Casey and Judy Hawkins
- Food: Myles Dakan
- Performer Booking and Camp Programming: Alex Deis-Lauby and Aaron Marcus
- Treasurer: Sam Weiler
- Publicity: Monya Relles
- LCFD Board Chair: Myles Dakan
LCFD Policies
Code of Conduct
We are committed to ensuring our events are fun and inclusive for all. We value and expect consent and communication, community mindedness, and physical and emotional safety. Harassment of any kind will not be tolerated. If someone's behavior is offensive or harassing during the dance, we encourage you to speak with one of the volunteers on the Safety Team. Please click here to read our full policy.
Drugs and Alcohol
The use of recreational drugs and alcohol is not allowed at LCFD camps.
Language and Gender
Our goal is to make camp a welcoming place for people of all genders. Please respect others' pronouns, including gendered pronouns like she/her or he/him, gender neutral pronouns like they/them, or any other pronouns someone asks you to use. If you're not sure how someone wants to be referred to, please ask rather than making assumptions, and be open about sharing your pronouns if asked (you can also put them on your name badge). If talking about pronouns is unfamiliar, you can find some good guidelines here and here and here.
While contra dancing, we will use “Robins” and “Larks” to refer to the two dance roles.
Fragrance-Free Policy
Some of our campers are highly sensitive to scented products, so we ask campers not to wear or bring such products to camp. This includes cologne and perfume, as well as personal-care and laundry products that leave scent on clothes or bedding. Fragrance-free soap and shampoo will be provided in all camp bathrooms.
For more information, including products to avoid and suggestions for alternatives, please see the LCFD Fragrance-Free Policy. If you have any questions or concerns, including if you take medication that only comes in scented form, write to [email protected].
Photography & Video Recording
Portions of camp may be photographed and/or video recorded for use in future LCFD promotions. We will have your release information on file, and will edit out those individuals who have withheld permission.
Packing List
What to Bring
- A COVID-19 rapid antigen test (to take before arrival)
- High filtration masks (N95, KN95, KF94 or equivalent)
- Clothing: bring sufficient changes of clothing for your time at camp, plus a few extras just in case. There is no laundry on site so bring enough for the whole weekend.
- Raincoat and/or umbrella
- Warm layers for cool evenings
- Sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and bug repellant
- Dance shoes (soft soles, flat or low-heels)
- Sturdy shoes for walking paths of camp
- Flashlight & batteries (camp paths can be very dark at night)
- Sheets, blankets, pillowcases, and towels (pillows are provided)
- Toiletries, medications, and medical equipment
- Water bottle
- Special food you need
Nice Extras
- Sandals for the showers
- An extra pillow, mattress topper, or fan for staying comfortable at night
- Bathing suit and towel for swimming
- Earplugs
- Musical instruments and games
- Refreshments to share with others
- A costume or other fun and fancy dress for the Saturday evening dance party
- A strand of “pearls” for the Sunday morning English dance session
- Binoculars for birding
- Old magazines with good pictures in them to replenish our button-making supplies
What NOT to bring
- Pets
- Unregistered guests
- Valuables
- Firearms
- Alcohol or recreational drugs
- Heat-producing appliances such as hairdryers
- Scented products
Life at Camp
Housing
Sleeping accommodations are in a variety of cabins and houses scattered among the pine trees. Most are two-person cabins, with toilets and hot showers a short walk away. Cabins are not heated, but all have electricity. Rooms are furnished with single beds, a pillow, a chair, a lamp, and a closet or dresser. Twin sheets will fit single beds, while queen sheets will fit over two beds pushed together. For extra comfort, consider bringing a mattress topper, extra blanket, and/or fan.
Meals & Snacks
Meals at Pinewoods are homemade and delicious. Breakfast is served cafeteria style, while lunch and dinner are served family style, with food on the tables when you arrive. The kitchen staff are able to accommodate a wide variety of dietary needs, given advance notice. If you have needs you did not indicate on your registration form, or any other questions or concerns, please speak with the Dining Hall Manager.
Snacks will be available in the Camphouse kitchen at all times, but cannot be left out, as they will attract wildlife. Snacks can also be purchased from the Camp Store.
Camper Jobs
We believe camp runs best when everyone contributes to making it a success! Every camper will have a small job to do, such as sweeping the dance floors, setting or clearing tables for meals, or washing dishes. Most jobs will take no more than 30 minutes a day.
Dance Pavilions
Dancing will take place in purpose-built open-air pavilions. You will need to bring separate shoes for dancing and for walking around camp.
Ticks
Pinewoods is in the woods, and unfortunately June is prime tick season. Remember to stay on the paths, and do a tick check daily. You may also choose to use insect repellents and/or treat your clothing, particularly socks and pants, with permethrin.
Ponds
Pinewoods sits between two beautiful ponds, and there are boats to borrow. June is on the early side of things for swimming, but why not bring a swimsuit and extra towel just in case?
Arrival and Departure
Arrival
Please plan to arrive between 3:00 and 6:00 on Friday afternoon. When you arrive, you will check in at the Greeting Shed, show proof of your negative COVID test (or take one there), then be given your housing assignment and further instructions about parking. Camp tours for those new to Pinewoods will leave from the Dining Hall at 6:00 and 7:00.
Dinner will be served in the Dining Hall from 6:30–7:30, and dancing will start in the Hands Across pavilion at 7:45. If you arrive after 6:30, please find the Registrar (Josh) to check in.
Directions & Ridesharing
The address for Pinewoods Camp is 80 Cornish Field Road, Plymouth, MA 02360. Complete directions to camp can be found here. Keep in mind that there may be heavy traffic on the highways headed to Cape Cod for the weekend. Also be aware that the road into camp is narrow, winding, and bumpy (good reason to arrive before dark).
If you indicated on your registration form that you either needed or could offer a ride, you will hear from our Carpool Coordinator with more details. If you need a ride but did not indicate that when you registered, please write to [email protected].
Departure
Lodgings must be cleared out by lunchtime on Sunday. The last dance will end at 3:00, and all campers need to depart by 4:00.
Schedule
We'll share a full schedule closer to camp, but here are some perennial highlights:
- Friday evening Welcome Dance Party
- Saturday afternoon Waltz Tea
- Saturday evening Variety Show: Bring a song, story, poem, tune, or other “variety” to share
- Saturday night Costume Dance Party: Festive and frolicsome attire encouraged!
- Sunday morning English Country Dancing
- Outdoor activities: Nature walks, boating, and swimming
There will also be space in the program for other camper-led activities — write to [email protected] if you’re interested!
Contact LCFD
Lavender Country and Folk DancersLCFD is an affiliate of the Country Dance and Song Society (CDSS) and obtains its 501(c)(3) tax exempt status from that relationship.
General photo credit: Chris Chin |
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