Making summer memories at Mountaineer Camp

Making summer memories at Mountaineer Camp

Sheri Lloyd instructs a student in how to design a solar car during last week’s Mountaineer summer camp for the region’s middle schoolers.

Ruth Epstein

FALLS VILLAGE — It’s July, but the halls of Housatonic Valley Regional High School were filled with happy young voices the past two weeks as the middle school Mountaineer Camp was underway.

Sixty rising 6th- 7th- and 8th-graders from all Region One schools converged at the high school and then to points beyond to participate in a wide variety of activities.

Under the supervision of Anne MacNeil, the region’s athletic director, and Jill Pace, library specialist at Sharon Center School, the youngsters were not only introduced to experiences they may never have had before, but also to students from the region who they may well meet in later years.

Said MacNeil, “One of the goals of the summer Mountaineer experience is to make new friends. Through this goal, we continue to bring together students in Region One to become friends — to become one region. Our students engage in different activities which allow them to get to know each other and themselves. Whether it is partnering with a new friend in a canoe or working together as a group on a low ropes element, we hope all of our students achieve this goal.”

“We need more opportunities for kids from different schools to get to know each other,” said Pace. “This program is great, especially for those from the smaller towns.” It has grown to a point where there were 20 on a waiting

On one day last week, Sue Saccardi was in charge of a farm-to-table class where she was making focaccia and bagels with the students. She explained the difference of the dough, with the focaccia much lighter than that of the bagels. In another room Sheri Lloyd was directing the children in making solar cars that they then raced. “You engineer it and design it to win,” she said. Nikko Sedgwick was showing a boy how to paint a forest in the art room, Beth Dinneen was demonstrating the use of a 3D printer and at the art garage Kitty Kiefer and Abigail Fifer were watching over young artists as they worked on projects.

Earlier that day, the campers were out and about the region participating in paddleboarding, rock climbing, stream walking, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, playing board games, playing backyard games or swimming at the Town Grove in Lakeville.

The camp is free, made possible through at $60,000 grant from Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, explained Jeanine Rose, Region One assistant superintendent. There was also $22,000 of federal funds available. “This is such a great program,” she said. “It’s wonderful for social interaction and

Latest News

Busking in the Berkshires
Brent McCoy of Secret Circus Show at Berkshire Busk!
Roman Iwasiwka

While playing outside in the early post-pandemic days, Berkshire Busk! founder Eugene Carr had an epiphany: why not expand the idea of performing on the street (aka busking)into a full-fledged festival in Great Barrington?

As an entrepreneur and cellist, Carr envisioned a well-organized jamboree featuring regional talent, including musicians, acrobats, storytellers, fire-eaters, and more. He formed a team, connected with local businesses and the town of Great Barrington, and launched Berkshire Busk! in 2021. Since then, Berkshire Busk! has grown into a summer staple for Great Barrington.

Keep ReadingShow less
'Sylvia' brings heart, humor and one unforgettable dog to Sharon Playhouse stage
Jonathan Walker as “Greg” and Jen Cody as “Sylvia”in rehearsal at The Sharon Playhouse.
Aly Morrissey

What if the dog onstage was played by a person? That’s the delightful twist in A.R. Gurney’s “Sylvia,” opening at the Sharon Playhouse on Aug. 29. In this clever and heartfelt comedy, the title character — a stray pup who disrupts the lives of a married couple — is portrayed not in costume but by an actor who brings insight, charm, and chaos to the role.

Stepping into Sylvia’s paws is Jen Cody, who is returning to the Sharon Playhouse in a starring role for her third year in a row, ready to bring this spirited dog to life. She’s joined by Jonathan Walker as Greg, the middle-aged man smitten with his new four-legged friend, and Jennifer Van Dyck as Kate, his wife, whose patience and identity are tested by Sylvia’s sudden presence in their home.

Keep ReadingShow less
Labor Day weekend art, design and local finds

Paul Chaleff’s exhibit at Mad Rose Gallery in Millerton.

Provided

The unofficial end of summer is here, and while some of us may mourn the shortening days and cooler nights, the culturally-inclined denizens of the Litchfield Hills, Berkshires and Taconics have plenty to look forward to.

During Labor Day weekend, visit one of the offerings below, and maybe even take home a watercolor, rug, or locally-crafted wooden bowl to ready your home for the indoor season ahead.

Keep ReadingShow less