Hand Camp 2019: Our Largest Yet

Over 40 people (our largest year by far!) gathered for a weekend at the Avon Hills Folk School to learn new artistic skills, explore the hills, walk along Spunk Brook, reunite with friends from last year, and to make new friendships.

The weather kept us on our toes with over an inch of rain on Saturday. This followed the seven inches of rain we had received in the Avon Hills over the previous week. With two new tents, the space in the Shed, and Dan the Leather Man at his usual space in the timber framed Sugar Shack the rain didn’t dampen any of the classes or spirit of the students and instructors.

As any Hand Camp devotee will tell you – food is a big deal at Hand Camp! This year was no exception. A Hand Camp tradition of a pancake breakfast with St. Joseph Meat Market sausages and pure maple syrup made at the Folk School for all continued this year on Saturday and Sunday morning. 

Lunch on Saturday included classic sub sandwiches from Bodiddley’s in St. Joseph – a local favorite since 1981. Included in lunch were many fresh products from local gardens. Saturday’s supper was again wood-fired personal pizzas made in the school’s mortarless, pizza oven. The oven was built by students last August under the guidance of David S. Cargo in his backyard oven class called: Stack, Fire, Bake.

Next year is our 5th year of Hand Camp and many have already made plans to return. Make plans early and look for classes and registration opportunities next spring/early summer.

Save the Date: Hand Camp 2020, September 18-20. See you Next Year!

P.S. Don’t forget the Annual Avon Hills Community Bouja Party, Saturday, October 12 from 1-6 pm. Bring a dessert to share on the legendary 30’ long dessert table. We’ll provide the bouja, Johnnie Bread and a beverage. Maybe some apples too.