Hey Days Camp Culture
All dancers (ECD and display) and musicians -- new and veteran -- will
find a welcoming atmosphere and wonderful experiences. We invite you
to join our community, and to be part of the fun that is
Hey Days English Dance and Music Week!
As noted on the schedule, there is almost always something fun to do (and relaxing by the pool is a viable option).
The bookstore has a wide variety of offerings by staff members, and hundreds of additional items from the Country Dance and Song Society national store. This is probably the best selection west of the Mississippi for English and American traditional dance books, music, CDs, t-shirts, and great gift items. Shop early–many items are very limited! The bookstore accepts cash or checks; we cannot process credit or debit card sales.
The ever-popular Gathering has become an integral part of
camp—a time for staff and
camper music and dance performances, stories, jokes, silly skits, sing-a-longs, and more. We also
stage (and encourage you to host) occasional late-afternoon get-togethers
to help us relax between the day's classes and the evening's dances.
We have a number of planned and spontaneous special events during the week. For example, in 2012 we had several after-hours
diversions following the evening dance: an ice cream social, a pub night, and a pajama party with cookies and port. Planned afternoon social hour events included an accordion fest, chocolate tasting, and pool parties. There is room in the schedule for campers to organize other post-dance parties or social hours events. In 2012, this included a Canada party and international folk dance.
The late afternoon live Auction provides lots of camaraderie and laughs while supporting camp. We count on you to help make the live and silent auction a success. Auction items may be intangible. Services such as private music or dance lessons are always welcome. Consider offering unique events, such as serenades or concerts, offering custom-written dances or tunes, or catering a breakfast in bed. Desirable tangible items have included hard-to-find books, original artwork, handmade comestibles, and vintage dance clothing. Auction income augments camp fees, helping to make camp financially more accessible to everyone. After expenses, remaining funds support all BACDS activities, including future camps.
And of course there's always Campers' Night: a chance for you to call and/or play for the evening dance along with your friends.
You are a big part of what will make Hey Days a wonderful week to remember. We invite you to bring party ideas, items to donate, dances to teach, instruments to play, and talents, tales, or songs to share.
Gary Thomas, CMP, will offer massage sessions throughout the week.
For the health of all camp participants, we strongly encourage the use of nontoxic and fragrance-free products at camp. Complete information will be included in the acceptance packet.
Photo credits: second photo by Terri Akin; all others by Julie Grieves