During Traditional Song, Celtic and Old-Time Music & Dance Weeks we offer a full-day program for children ages 6-12, whose parents are participating in the Swannanoa Gathering taught by Children’s Program Coordinator Melissa Hyman. Remember, space is limited. Children must have turned 6 by July 1st to participate. No exceptions please. Program activities are scheduled during class periods, and parents are responsible for their children at all other times. Those bringing children should indicate so on their registration form. Children under 12 may stay in a room with two adults, at least one of whom is a registered student, at no charge, other than the cost of meals. The accompanying adult should provide each child’s bedding (mattress, sheets, blankets, pillow), and both adults must request the arrangement. In the case of a single adult with child(ren), they will be housed together and charged an additional single room fee for the week as long as space permits. We will not be able to offer late-night childcare this year.
PROGRAMS FOR 2023
We offer a full-day program, taught by Melissa Hyman, for children ages 6-12. Children must have turned 6 by July 1st to participate. No exceptions please. Bathroom independence is a non-negotiable prerequisite. Maximum age is 12 on July 1. Some older children (age 12-16) may be able to work as junior counselors. Please email Melissa ASAP if interested in a junior counselor position, even if you’ve discussed it with her before: melissa.hyman@gmail.com. Evening childcare for ages 3-12 will be provided at no additional cost.
We are so excited for the return of the Children’s Program! This year, our theme is UNDER THE SEA!! Welcome to the Swannanoa Sea-Pod, where we explore the depths, biodiversity and magical legends of the briny deep. Together, our seafaring crew will set sail for an underwater world of arts & crafts, music and games. We’ll even meet some magical mer-folk, and read stories of sea creatures real and imagined. It’ll be another unforgettable summer of friendship, water balloon fights, scavenger hunts, and discovery… and we hope you’ll join us! With the help of a talented music teacher, we will write our own original song and perform for the whole Gathering at the student showcase on Friday. We’ll also have visits throughout the week from other Gathering staff, who will teach and perform just for our kids. Weather permitting we’ll continue our traditions of shaving cream hairdos and slip-n-slide madness; we’ll definitely have movie night, messy games, and other old favorites. Please bring at least one swimsuit with you, for cooling-down activities like running in the sprinkler. Get ready for a week celebrating curiosity, exploration and wacky fun! There will be a $30 art/craft materials fee for this class, payable to Melissa on arrival.