Save the date!
June 13-15, 2025
Exciting and affordable, Swing into Summer is an enlivening and relaxing weekend full of dance, song, music-making, and various other activities. Our phenomenal staff will have you stomping your feet at the dances and raising your voices in song.
Bands & Callers
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Topspin
Topspin is a new band of long-time collaborators Anna Patton and Owen Morrison (Elixir, The Figments) teaming up with two of their favorite instrumentalists to create a dynamic contra dance experience. Emily Troll's (Anadama) powerful fiddling compliments Anna’s nimble and inventive clarinet. Owen’s masterful guitar playing and Stefan Amidon's (The Sweetback Sisters) superb drumming combine for uniquely danceable rhythmic drive.
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The Pegasus Collective
The Pegasus Collective is a Boston-based quartet that primarily plays for English Country Dancing. Named after the Great Square of Pegasus, these four young musicians are breathing new life into this traditional style of dance music. The Pegasus Collective is Sam Zakon-Anderson on piano, Peter Subramanian on Fiddle, Cecily Mills on Cello, and Steven Bluestein on woodwinds. Coming from a variety of musical backgrounds, this quartet's playing is packed with a rich variety of flavors, influences, and sensibilities.
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Luke Donforth
Luke Donforth is a contra caller and choreographer based in Burlington, VT. He brings a warmth to the mic and focuses on facilitating everyone in the hall joyously moving to the music. He's a founding member of the Mad Robin Callers Collective, and calls everything from family dances to festivals. Luke is a prolific writer of dances, and you can expect new and classic compositions to keep your feet flying.
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Mae Wilson
Mae Wilson is a caller and English dance teacher currently based in Lansing, MI. Mae has danced and called across the country and across the Pond. She loves the textures of English dance and music; the sublime combination of movement and sound; and sharing magic moments on the dance floor.
About the Weekend
What is it?
Swing into Summer features contra, English, ritual dancing; shape note, harmony and pub singing; and opportunities to play and call from morning until past midnight. There are also games; crafty projects; opportunities to relax in the sun and swim in the pond; surprises; and, so much merrymaking.
How much is it?
Swing Into Summer is on a sliding scale based on age and ability to pay. For 2024 our at cost was $285 per person. Rates for 2025 will be announced by March 15th.
How do I sign up?
Registration will open on this site on March 2025. The registration is done by lottery as we consistently have more applicants than we have spaces available. We will run the lottery in April in accordance with CDSBC policy, which gives priority to its members.
What are the COVID protocols?
We will be following Pinewoods Camp COVID protocols.
Who’s going to be there?
Our staff bring to the programming a wealth of experience in making the experience truly transcendent. In addition, there are also opportunities for YOU to organize your own cool/wacky/interesting class, party, or other collective creative endeavor.
Who is welcome?
Everyone! Swing into Summer is an all-ages, all-experiences affair. The weekend is full of activities people of every age/persuasion will enjoy, and our campers are young adults, families, and any age you can name. Swing into Summer is a great place to engage in your most beloved activities alongside trying something brand new. Jump with joyful dance moves one period and sing for the first time in years at the next (for example). So, come for what you love; stay for something you didn’t even know you loved!
Where is it?
Located in Plymouth, MA, Pinewoods Camp has a long history of inspiring and connecting members of the folk community in a magical and welcoming environment.