I had the pleasure of returning to the Pocono Mountain region of Pennsylvania from July 11-14 to provide group drumming programs for the campers and staff at Camp Canadensis. This was special for me because it reminded me of being at Camp Akiba, the summer camp that I attended for so many years of my childhood.
Brian Krug, the year-round Director, and I planned a special event in which every camper would experience a drum circle. This gave me the opportunity to work with medium sized groups containing 30-40 campers. All in all, I estimate that over 500 campers and staff experienced drumming by the end of the two days!
Brian Krug drumming with campers
The first evening the staff participated in a late night drum circle. The next morning the drums were set-up on a beautiful outdoor deck overlooking the lake. We were ready to go as Brian introduced us to the entire camp at the morning line up. My assistant and newest member of the Path To Rhythm Team, Jack McDermot helped lay down a solid rhythmic foundation on bass drum as I played on hand drums to start the day. Each activity period a different group of campers came to participate in the special activity.
The campers at Camp Canadensis were spirited and enthusiastic about drumming.The program that I created for them was designed to develop a sense of community and connection among each other, and most of all, to have fun in the process!
Junior Boys drumming together
While it did rain on the second day, we were able to quickly move to an indoors location, and the drumming continued without missing a beat. 🙂 This is one of the greatest benefits of a Path To Rhythm Program; the fact that it can be held inside or outdoors, rain or shine.
It was amazing for me to spend time observing and participating in the inclusive camp culture that Canadensis creates. I met many friendly and talented campers and staff.
A special thanks to Neil Sukonik, Aunt Terri, Brian Krug, Eric Forti, Pam Levi, Robin, and Roy the Program Director. All photos provided courtesy of Groundhog.
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1 comment… add one
Brian Krug September 20, 2010, 11:15 am
Adam,
We loved having Path To Rhythm at Camp Canadensis this summer! We had a blast! You and Jack were amazing!
Your passion and commitment, along with your expertise in drumming, provided the campers with an unbelievable experience. Your rapport with the campers and staff was absolutely tremendous! You were able to tailor the workshops to each age and gender with great ease. It was such a great thing to see. The campers kept talking about the experience even after you left!
Thanks again for all your hard work and dedication.
All the best,
Brian