The annual family camp co-sponsored by On Earth Peace will take place July 5-11 at Camp Pine Lake near Eldora, Iowa, following the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference. “Wild Rose Song and Story Fest: Blossom into Wholeness!” will start the day that the Conference ends, July 5, and end on Tuesday morning, July 11, at the camp about 70 miles northeast of Des Moines.
The unique camp for families and people of all ages features Brethren musicians and storytellers. This is the tenth summer for the camp, this year featuring campfires, workshops, concerts, intergenerational gatherings, story telling, folk dancing, free time for family time and recreation, and worship. On Earth Peace is co-sponsoring the fest, providing leadership and administrative support.
An online brochure and registration information can be found at www.brethren.org/oepa/songandstoryfest2006.html. Participation will be limited to the first 125 people who register. “Get your registration in soon,” said an email from director Ken Kline Smeltzer.
“I’m looking forward to another great Fest,” he added. “Mike Stern will be back, the Button-Harrisons are working up a concert, newcomers LuAnne Harley and Brian Kruschwitz will be back, as well as our regulars Jim and Peg Lehman, Bill Jolliff, Jonathan Hunter, Debbie Eisenbise, Sue Overman, Kathy Guisewite, Barb Sayler, Bob Gross…. Plus a local bluegrass band will help us get stompin’ in an opening night square dance.”
“As people of faith, of everbearing life, we want to be seeds that grow and flourish and blossom into the wholeness of life. We want to be both beautiful and fruitful and tenacious, like the wild rose, Iowa’s state flower,” explained the brochure for the event. “So we will gather again in this well-watered place to sing and share together, simply and peacefully, and to continue our quest to blossom into wholeness!”
Registration and fees are adults $160, teens $110, children 7-12 $90, children 4-6 $80, and children 3 and under no charge. Maximum fee per family is $500. Registrations post-marked after June 15 should add 10 percent as a late fee. Contact Barb Sayler, On Earth Peace co-executive director, at 502-222-5886 or bsayler_oepa@brethren.org if you need financial help.
For more information go to www.brethren.org/oepa/SongandStoryFest2006.html.