MAPLE SYRUP WEEKEND: Held in late winter, usually the first or second week of March, this weekend offers an opportunity to help tap the trees, collect sap, stoke the fire, and learn how maple syrup is made. Sunday morning the fruits of these labors are offered at a pancake feast.

APPLE BLOSSOM WEEKEND: One of the most beautiful times of the year here is when the orchard is blossoming. Come celebrate spring, a new growing season and the flowering trees. A fun and relaxing weekend for adults and families. Arts and crafts, music, nature and community all come together during this early spring gathering.

SPANISH IMMERSION: Gather for fun and friends and immerse yourself in the Spanish language and culture. Whether you are a native speaker or just a beginner this weekend is a time to brush up on your skills and share traditional food songs and stories from Spanish speaking cultures.

WOMEN'S WEEKEND: Join us for a wonderful time in the company of women. We will be spending time nurturing our bodies, minds and spirits through being in nature, yoga and chi kung, art and movement and just sharing with one another. Wholesome delicious meals will be provided. A special time for women to get away and recharge. Program will end Sunday morning and leave you time to spend with your family later in the day.

MEMORIAL DAY / MEMBERSHIP WEEKEND: One of CPC's twice-yearly Membership Meetings is combined with this holiday weekend. Members and other guests gather at the waterfront for swimming and boating, take nature hikes, folk dance, sauna, make crafts/play games, and engage in discussions. There is an orientation for new members and an opportunity to see and participate in the inner workings of Circle Pines through the Membership Meeting. [Find more information about Membership Meetings in the Governance section]

FAMILY CAMP: A chance for families to get away before school starts, this is another participation-rich event. Families discuss desires, needs, and interests, then plan the week accordingly. The range of possibilities includes games, crafts, nature activities, swimming, boating, cookouts, horseback riding, blueberry picking, bird watching. ... It is a wonderful place to reunite with extended family. All family configurations are welcomed at Circle Pines. 2008 Info.

ADULT CAMP: The philosophy of this program is "Camp's not just for kids." Adult Campers love to say that they do everything the kids do - but without counselors! Activities have included massage therapy, arts and crafts, yoga, nature walks, swimming, folk dancing, writing workshops and discussions. Ask for a brochure with rates and more information. 2008 Info.

HARVEST WEEKEND: A weekend for families to enjoy the bounty of harvest time. We harvest the vegetable garden and pick apples. The meals are delicious and fresh from the field. It is a fun and relaxed weekend with activities, games and just plain enjoying nature and each other.

APPLE CIDER / MEMBERSHIP WEEKEND: The second membership meeting of the year is combined with picking apples from Circle Pines' orchard and pressing them into cider. There is a new member orientation, folk dancing, a sauna, discussion time, music-making, and of course, a meeting for members to conduct the business of the Center and hear board, staff and committee reports. [Find more information about Membership Meetings in the Governance section]

WORKBEES: These are open to both members and non-members, skilled and unskilled. Some are focused on annual works such as cutting firewood, clearing ski trails, or pruning fruit trees. Others are related to a special project like fixing a roof, painting the Farmhouse, hanging drywall, putting up siding, or building a cabin. Workbees are usually held on weekends and cost participants nothing but labor (though donations towards food are accepted from those who can afford it). There is also time for socializing, walking in the woods, relaxing in the sauna and other activities. Not all workbees are publicized in advance; members who are interested in being notified can let the office know and advise the staff of particular skills and interests.

THANKSGIVING WEEKEND: Circle Pines spreads a traditional Thanksgiving feast the evening of Thanksgiving Day. There is an organic turkey, a vegetarian dish, and all the "fixings," plus an array of dishes brought by those who gather for dinner. Those who can stay the weekend may enjoy making crafts, singing, storytelling, baking, hiking, sharing, and other activities of interest.

ADDITIONAL PROGRAM WEEKENDS: Throughout the year a variety of other program weekends are offered, depending on interest. In the past, favorites have included: Massage/Yoga, Seder/Spring Celebration, Beer Making, Storytelling, Skiing, Women's Camp, Men's Camp, Folk Dancing, a Barter Fair, and Drum Making. There has occasionally been an Adult Work Camp held during the spring or summer. We welcome new ideas and encourage members to make suggestions to the Program Coordinator.

SUMMER CAMP: For 4 weeks ( two 2 week sessions ), children ages 8-17, and the staff, are members of a cooperative community, learning the value of interdependent living. Everyone shares in the cooperative tasks necessary to maintain the community. Nonviolent solutions to problems are sought as well as alternatives to competition in all aspects of the camp's daily life. Work projects, swimming lessons, a drama program, nature exploration, folk dancing, cooperative games, and arts and crafts activities all contribute to the summer camp program. Traditionally summer camp ends with a "Folk Opera" presented by campers and a closing ceremony at the beach. Family and friends are welcomed for these events. Circle Pines Summer Camp is licensed by the State of Michigan and accredited by the American Camp Association. A scholarship program, made available through donations and member fund-raisers, such as an annual Christmas tree sale in Chicago, ensures that CPC camp is available to families of differing economic backgrounds. For more information, see our summer camp web site or contact CPC.

YOUTH INSTITUTE: This is a special, five-day camp session for youth ages 13-18 years old. It is typically held after the regular summer camp is over (about the third week in August). Youth are encouraged to help plan the program, usually centering around a particular theme. Previous themes have included the environment, racism, Latin America, and the causes of war. Besides program related discussion, there is time for recreational activities such as swimming, hiking, music and sports.

WINTER CAMP: This is an annual gathering and reunion for youth (ages 13-18) the week between Christmas and New Year's Day. Participants plan their own activities and set their own schedule. Activities typically include sledding, hiking, cross-country skiing, ice skating, card playing, reading, music, work projects, planning for Youth Institute, folk dancing, and a New Year's Eve party. Camp staff are on site for supervision and support.

OTHER YOUTH EVENTS: We often have a Youth unit, including counselors, during Apple Cider, Maple Syrup, and other regular events. The availability of a Youth unit depends on the interest and initiative of the Youth themselves to help organize it and recruit fellow campers and counselors.