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Community Corner

Camp for Adults

Learn something new. Have an adventure. Find time to play.

Remember camp? Whether it was where you learned to swim; how to play an instrument; or first experienced a great museum in the city, for many it’s an important rite of passage that holds memories for a lifetime.

As a girl, I attended day camp in the basement of the Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine, in New York City. I learned how to play chess, swim at the Y and indulge my love for arts and crafts. I also recall the counselors taking us on an `off-the grid’ excursion to the bowels of the gothic Cathedral, where the tombs were. Naturally, the lights suddenly went out and things began creaking, slamming and brushing by. I can smile about now, sort of.

So with summer officially beginning on Tuesday the 21st, About Town was looking for adult options to re-live the sense of adventure; the challenge of learning something new; and the temporary escape that camp provides. It turns out, there are many options for adults. There’s Space Camp in Alabama. Rock ‘n Roll Fantasy Camp in New York and LA. Wine-Making Camp in Sonoma and Napa. And, Poker Camp in Atlantic City. Too much?

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OK. It also turns out that there are a wide variety of options in Canton, Canton Center and Collinsville for adults to indulge their inner camper:

Canton Clay Works is offering a series of 8-week classes on: Hand Built Sculptural Vessels; Wheel Throwing for Beginners; and Throwing on the Potters Wheel. “We all love to get dirty,” observes owner Tim Scull. “This is your time to create a mess!” Classes begin: June 25.

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Canton Parks & Recreation is conducting their Summer Tennis Program at Mills Pond, once a week, until the end of the season. All levels of players are welcome. Classes begin: July 13.

Collinsville Canoe & Kayak is hosting a recreational kayak/canoe trip down the Bantam River, through the wilderness of the White Memorial Foundation. “It’s an opportunity to explore wild life during a peaceful paddle,” says CCK owner, John Warner. You can expect to see Great Blue Heron, Osprey, perhaps some beavers and other woodland creatures. And, there will be snacks. Full Moon Excursion: July 15.  

In Collinsville, Downright Music & Art is running their Downright Jam Camp. Adults will be grouped with others in their own age and skill set. The groups will be taught two different instruments and ten songs over a one week period. “It’s like band camp, without the band,” advises co-owner Naomi Kravitz. “People get to pick the songs they want to play, from the Beatles, Zeppelin, James Taylor, whatever they decide. It’s a good place to explore your creative side.” Classes begin: July 11, 18, 25 and Aug. 1.  

For those who prefer a music camp without a fixed schedule, Berklee College of Music student Jack Fitzgerald is offering both private and group guitar labs throughout the summer. At Fitzgerald’s Summer Music Experience, in Canton Center, musical campers can, “focus on materials they are interested in without any pressure from someone else’s schedule. It’s rewarding to play a song you really like. It’s a real accomplishment.” Classes begin: At your leisure.

At Valley Sports Center, adults can spend the summer months either playing on a league or they can stop in and join a pick-up basketball, co-ed volleyball or soccer game. “It’s always 73 degrees and breezy at VSC,” advises Director of Operations and Marketing Christine Carpenter. “It’s a good time to try something new and still be cool.” Pick up Games begin: Basketball: July 1; Volleyball: July 6; Soccer: July 7. 

 Here’s the Deal

Canton Clay Works, 693-1000; 150 Cherry Brook Rd, Canton: www.cantonclayworks.com.

Canton Parks & Recreation, 693-5808; 40 Dyer Avenue, Canton: www.cantonrec.org.

Collinsville Canoe & Kayak, 693-6977; 41 Bridge St, Collinsville: www.cckstore.com.

Downright Music & Art, 693-6530; 100A Main St, Collinsville: www.downrightmusicandart.com.

Jack Fitzgerald, 335-3728; jackman924@yahoo.com.

Valley Sports Center, 693-2378; 310 Albany Turnpike, Canton: www.valleysportscenter.com.

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