What people say ?

1998

Dance camps are the perfect vacation and Lady of the Lake is one of the best - quality staff, beautiful site, good food, ample opportunities to dance and play music or just take it easy and relax. Old traditions and new traditions blend to make each camp a unique experience. The traditional mid-week baseball game - where the audience acts as the cheerleaders and umpires and the Camper Talent shows are always looked forward to. A new tradition was inviting teenagers to attend the camp - and they were a delightful addition. Sometimes the best part of camp is the unscheduled spontaneous events that take place. This year, I especially enjoyed a workshop on wine-tasting one evening before dinner and a wonderful evening of late night international folk dance with fabulous live music and celebrating a 30th wedding anniversary for a couple at camp.

Sylvia Gobel

I was impressed with the talent of the staff musicians. It was like what I imagine fantasy baseball camp would be for enthusiasts of America's favorite pasttime sport: aspiring musicians can play side by side with professional musicians and experience their magical skill firsthand. I was also amazed by the talent of the camper musicians. My favorite highlight was the "symphonic contra" which began with the opening melody of Beethoven's Fifth and culminated with the cannon fire of Tschaikowsky's 1812 Overture. I particularly enjoyed the diversity of the music and dance that was offered at this year's camp, which included Swing, Tango, Balkan and Scandinavian. Hats off to the SFS and the camp committee for another great camp! It was an exciting week and will be a source of lasting inspiration for me.

Ron Krueger

One of the best things about going to Lady of the Lake camp is catching up with old friends and making new ones. This year I was lucky enough to befriend Karen Wilson, storyteller and songwriter, when we both needed to run some errands in Coeur d'Alene. On the way back we came upon a doe crossing the road followed by a very new fawn. The fawn, hoping to hide from us - crouched down right in the middle of the road. Eventually it got up and made it to the other side of the road.

This was a great thrill for the lady from the Bronx - and for me, too. Karen's workshops were a real joy. We shared stories and critiqued them for each other. In singing class we sang old songs, songs from Africa and a bit of "scat". This was a real challenge for those of use not raised in a jazz background. But we all had fun and learned new ideas about rhythm and melody. Both classes came together for camper Talent Night, telling a story about how women and men became equal in power accompanied by song. At mealtimes, Karen kept us entertained with stories and beautiful singing. I sincerely hope we will have her back soon.

Vicki Ball


Credit to Spokane Folklore Society http://www.runway.net/sfs