Song and Story Fest 2022 on the theme “Into the HEARTland: Healing What Divides Us” is scheduled for July 3-9 at Camp Pine Lake in Eldora, Iowa. Song and Story Fest is a unique family camp featuring Church of the Brethren musicians and storytellers, with co-sponsorship from On Earth Peace, organized by Ken Kline Smeltzer.
The annual event is usually held before or after the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference, at a location relatively close to the Conference. This year’s is the 26th annual Song and Story Fest.
“As we enter the Heartland of the country, let us draw together to sing, tell stories, dance, listen, and share with one another,” said an announcement. “We are living in a world that is divided: by ideas, identities, loyalties, the places we live, learn, and worship. We will examine our own hearts and thinking, and work to get to the heart of these divisions, exploring how we might come together and heal our communities, each other, and ourselves.”
COVID protocols will include gathering and eating outdoors, with dispersed sleeping arrangements, and the request that all attendees be vaccinated and boosted except for children under age 5. Masks will be worn indoors and when participants are close together.
Storytellers and workshop leaders will include Susan Boyer, Kathy Guisewite, Jonathan Hunter, Jim Lehman, and Barbara West. Campfire, workshop, and concert musicians will include Rhonda and Greg Baker, Louise Brodie, Jenny and Jeffrey Faus, Chris Good, Erin and Cody Flory Robertson, Shawn Kirchner, Peg Lehman, and Mike Stern.
The schedule will include intergenerational gatherings and worship, workshops for adults, children, and youth, as well as family time, recreation, sharing circles, music-making, campfires, and concerts or a folk dance.
Registration includes all meals, on-site facilities, and leadership, and is based on age. Children age 4 and under are welcome at no charge. Registration fees for other ages: adults $360, teens $240, children ages 5 to 12 $150, maximum total per family $1,000. Registrations after June 10 add 10 percent as a late fee. Daily fees also are available.
Go to www.onearthpeace.org/song_and_story_fest_2022. For questions, or if you need financial help to attend, contact Ken Kline Smeltzer at bksmeltz@comcast.net.
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