S.W.I.M. 2002!

December 26th, 2002 — January 1st, 2003

You can download our latest brochure and registration forms!

To download these files on a Windows® computer using Internet Explorer, just right-click on the following links and select "Download Link To Disk". To download these files on a Macintosh® computer using Internet Explorer, control-click on the following links and select "Download Link To Disk". Using Netscape®, right-click for Windows® or control-click for Macintosh® the links below, select "Save this link as..." and then select "Source" under "Format" in the Save dialog box.

SWIM 2002 Brochure:
http://www.swimuu.org/swim2002/SWIM02R2.pdf (only 620K)

SWIM Registration Forms:
http://www.swimuu.org/swim2002/FORM02R1.pdf (only 144K)

SWIM 2002 Brochure Text-Only:
Online Brochure (only 104K text-only html web page)
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Letter from the Director

I once asked a journalist, J.A.C. Dunn, after he travelled the world doing features on the many different peoples he encountered, what he found that they all had in common. After some thought he replied that they all wanted their actions to be motivated by love, and yet found more often that they were motivated by fear. It dawned on me that we must live with a base-line level of fear that arises from sources more subtle than those that troubled our reptilian forebears. Not only are we aware of our mortality, but we question. Are we competent? Are we in control of our destiny? Are we willing to risk a new relationship? A change of job? Getting out of the bed in the morning? Living? Loving?

Our physiological responses to fear prepare us to fight or flee while reducing cerebral activity to basic reflexes. This has certainly been valuable for the survival of humanity, but not for its flourishing. Our greatest accomplishments have come not from fearlessness, but rather from the courage to function in the face of fear.

Whether through religion, or through inherent strength of spirit, humanity has found and continues to find the courage to live and flourish, to laugh, to risk, to explore, to love…and some of us, to gather as a family in the sun and beauty of South Florida at a thing called SWIM.

This year, SWIM celebrates that most enabling and ennobling facet of the human spirit: "Courage!"

Courage!

Vonnie Hicks
Director, SWIM 2002


SWIM Trustees for 2002

Janice McArthur, President, Florida District Rep 2002
VACANT, South Florida Cluster Rep through 2002
Alicia Traurig, Secretary, Teen Rep through 2002
Britt Dunn, At-Large Trustee through 2004
VACANT, At-Large Trustee through 2003
Mark Harris, At-Large Trustee through 2002
Vonnie Hicks, Director
Dee Medley, Previous Director
Pepi Acebo, Director-Elect
Chuck Harty, Treasurer


Election of Trustees

Candidates for the Teen Rep are nominated by the teens in the Teen Program and elected by the community at large for a one-year term. At-Large Trustees are elected for terms of three years and as needed to complete unexpired terms. All trustees must attend announced board meetings and all SWIMs during their terms. Each candidate must be an active member of a UUA society and must have been a staff member or workshop leader during the past three years. The Florida District of the UUA and the South Florida Cluster of the Florida District of the UUA also select one trustee each to the SWIM Board of Trustees at their annual meetings every three years. Highly energetic campaigning is discouraged.

Dec. 27th — Nominations due in writing to Secretary
Dec. 28th — Nominations for teen rep due to Secretary
Dec. 29th — Candidates may publish views at SWIM
Dec. 30th — Members of the SWIM community vote
Dec. 31st — Election results are announced
Jan. 1st — Annual Board of Trustees Election Meeting


Council of UU Camps and Conferences

SWIM participates in this group, usually called CU2C2, which was formed to provide non-monetary support for our efforts in establishing and running programs for UU community. Each registration fee includes an assessment which is used as SWIM’s membership fee in this organization.


SWIM’s Mission

Southeast Winter Institute in Miami (SWIM) is a one week Unitarian Universalist intentional community which provides religious, inspirational, educational, growth oriented programming. SWIM was founded and continues to celebrate the spirit, to promote community, and to nurture connections among people of diverse ages, backgrounds, abilities, and interests. In so doing, SWIM strives to promote our Unitarian Universalist principles.


SWIM’s Vision

SWIM is a gathering to form an intergenerational, intentional community based on Unitarian Universalist principles and values. It nurtures open communication, inclusiveness, spirituality, and growth. It is an inspirational and safe place to play, grow, and take risks in a supportive environment; encouraging self awareness and personal responsibility unhindered by limiting societal expectations.

SWIM is an all volunteer organization of participants who are enthusiastic, talented, diverse, and committed to creating a joyous experience.

SWIM celebrates diversity both within and outside our community and expects all participants to demonstrate personal responsibility and respect for self and others as well as our environment.

SWIM offers a myriad of experiences and opportunities which are challenging and nourishing to mind, body, and soul. Some of our activities are workshops, outdoor adventures, worship, art, dance, music, campfire, and athletics.


The Principles of the UUA

We, the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association, covenant to affirm and promote:

The inherent dignity and worth of every person;

Justice, equity and compassion in human relations;

Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations;

A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;

The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large;

The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all;

Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.

The living tradition which we share draws from many sources:

Direct experience of that transcending mystery and wonder, affirmed in all cultures, which moves us to a renewal of the spirit and an openness to the forces which create and uphold life;

Words and deeds of prophetic women and men which challenge us to confront powers and structures of evil with justice, compassion, and the transforming power of love;

Wisdom from the world’s religions which inspires us in our ethical and spiritual life;

Jewish and Christian teachings which call us to respond to God’s love by loving our neighbors as ourselves;

Humanist teachings which counsel us to heed the guidance of reason and the results of science, and warn us against idolatries of the mind and spirit.

Spiritual teachings of earth-centered traditions which celebrate the sacred circle of life and instruct us to live in harmony with the rhythms of nature.

Grateful for the religious pluralism which enriches and ennobles our faith, we are inspired to deepen our understanding and expand our vision. As free congregations we enter into this covenant, promising to one another our mutual trust and support.


Community Responsibilities

The volunteers on SWIM’s staff who make this week possible welcome you to South Florida to join our intentional community. Our camp can be fragile, both physically and spiritually, so we have some basic guidelines for our behavior:

Owaissa Bauer is an oasis of calm and beauty in a large metropolitan area — we keep it that way by controlling waste and lessening impact on our surroundings.

In addition to everyone’s volunteer jobs, we also need volunteers to assist with transportation to many of our activities. We ask that only safe and insured drivers volunteer, and that no driver consume alcohol or anything else that may impair driving.

Because we are an intergenerational community we all serve as surrogate parents when necessary, but parents must remember that they are responsible for their children outside of the regular youth programming times.


We all volunteer at SWIM…

We are an ALL-VOLUNTEER organization. This reduces the cost of SWIM for everybody by about $150 and helps to build our treasured sense of community at SWIM. Staff are compensated with a reduction in the cost of SWIM, but they are volunteers, too!*

All non-staff participants volunteer for three shifts serving food and beverages, doing set-up and clean-up, overseeing the Info table, and helping with the New Year’s Eve festivities. All volunteer jobs are a chance to socialize while getting the work done. When you register, you’ll see a place to indicate your volunteer preferences on the registration form. This year the kitchen jobs have been reduced in "length of time" (even though it does not look that way on the form). For meals on Friday, we are in the excellent hands of our teen volunteers.

We will do our best to give you the jobs you ask for on a first-come basis. The Sup VolSup will also work to assign you a variety of tasks, if possible. Of course, you can also volunteer for any job that you see that needs to be done during the week. There’s no restriction to the number of helpful things you can do. Also, there’s no restriction to the number of hugs of thanks we will give you.

* The thirty-three staff who volunteer about 40 hours or more do not pay the registration fee. Nineteen of them — five Youth Staff, five Teen Staff, six Kitchen Staff, and the Director — also do not pay for Room & Board. We also currently have two full-time, compensated, professional Cooks overseeing the kitchen. Board members who are not on staff do not receive discounts. Staff members pay all workshop and trip fees (except for ones they are leading) and pay for their t-shirts, mugbooks, and other expenses.


What to Bring

First, remember that our accommodations, both dorms and camping area, are rustic. There are no electrical hookups for the tents, but dorms do have outlets. The beds will never be called "soft" thanks to the addition of sheet metal to the cots a few years back, so you will want extra padding to put under or over the thin mattress supplied by the campground — at least a sleeping pad or air mattress. Better is a 3-foot wide, 7-foot tall sheet of 6" foam or your own small day bed or inflatable mattress. A good night’s sleep, when you choose to sleep, is the key to a great time at SWIM.

You will need your own bed linens — sleeping bag, sheets, blanket — and towels and washcloths. Other items that may add to your comfort are mosquito repellent, sunscreen, a bathing suit, casual clothing that can get wet and be layered as the weather changes, something fun to wear out to dinner or on New Years Eve, a folding chair, a light if you stay in the dorm, a flashlight for our unlit paths, your own toiletries in something you can carry back and forth to the bathhouse, and other things such as cameras, games, cards, musical instruments, sports equipment, books, etc. for fun. Space is somewhat limited, however, so leave the kitchen sink at home! Also leave Fido and Fluff at home — the only animals allowed are seeing eye dogs and the local wildlife.

Parents with young children (through age 3) who are required by Florida state law to use car seats must provide car seats for their children participating in youth programs or off-site activities.


Attention Swim Shoppers

The SWIM Store will be located in the dining hall and open daily. We’ll have a variety of items likely to be forgotten when packing or lost in the bath house. Although SWIM 2002 T-Shirts (based on brochure cover art) will be available in limited quantities, please pre-order when you register to guarantee availability.

Hand-Crafted Items created by SWIM artisans will also be sold at the SWIM Store. You will have the opportunity to select beautiful and unique items. If you want to sell anything, please contact Mary Ann Somervill (see contact information on the inside front cover). SWIM receives 20% of the total sales.

Thrift Shop Boutique is back by popular demand. No time to visit thrift shops in the area? Not to worry, as we bring the thrift shop to you. You are invited to bring used garments to sell, as well as to stop and shop. Please put clothes on hangers and tag them with price and your name. SWIM will benefit by getting 20% of the price.


Accessibility

Camp Owaissa Bauer is generally flat, and buildings, including bathrooms, are reasonably accessible for elderly and disabled persons. Offsite trips require transportation by standard vans or private vehicle and are thus subject to some limitations in accessibility. Sites to which we travel offsite vary considerably in the level of accessibility. If you are physically challenged but want to participate in SWIM, please contact Vonnie Hicks, 919-834-9049 or VMhicks@aol.com for advice and help with planning.


Health Concerns

SWIM makes every reasonable effort to provide a physically healthy and safe environment, and we have a number of our staff familiar with basic first aid. We have on our volunteer staff a first aid and safety coordinator who addresses issues of site and program safety and basic first aid, but we are not a health care provider and must stress that we are not in a position to support on site someone with serious medical illness. We cannot supply nor prescribe medication (some over-the-counter medications and sunscreen may be available through the SWIM Store).

There are hospitals and urgent care facilities in the area to which we can refer you if you are in need of such care, and we can transport you there if necessary. You must have your own insurance to cover such a contingency. Should you have asthma, serious allergies, or any chronic condition which might require emergency medication, please be sure that you have such medication with you and available on site and on trips, and that you have informed companions and trip leaders of the whereabouts and use of such medication in the event you are unable to do so. If you are a minor at SWIM, you must carry on your person and provide a copy to staff your special medical needs, insurance, contact information for your parent or legal guardian, and statement from that parent or guardian to authorize and be responsible for emergency medical treatment (see registration forms).

Finally, we encourage you to use good common sense about pacing yourself, getting enough sleep, taking precautions with sun exposure, and drinking water. SWIM is most fun when you are healthy!


Before SWIM: Christmas Day (a.k.a. December 25th)

Owaissa Bauer is not available until December 26th, but many of us like to congregate in Miami a bit earlier. The Unitarian Universalist Church of Miami, with which we are affiliated, lets us join them for a reception for our participants, a glorious turkey dinner, and home hospitality for overnight stays.

You must register in advance for dinner and accommodations. The dinner costs $8 per adult and $5 per child under 13 and must be included in your advance registration fee. It is held at the Miami church. From 826, take the Sunset Dr. (SW 72 St.) exit east. Turn right at the first street (SW 75–76 Ave.) at the small UU sign. Follow the road around a couple of curves to the church at 7701 SW 76th Avenue.

Home hospitality costs $8 per person per night. Please state your age and whether you have special needs, such as a bed rather than floor space for your sleeping bag. Much of our home hospitality space is shared floor space but we do have some volunteers willing to share their homes with extra bedrooms and extra beds. Janice McArthur and Bob Jacober will make arrangements based upon registration form requests.


After SWIM: Stop to Sleep!

Yes, it will all come to an end on New Year’s Day. We hope that you will leave Owaissa Bauer revitalized and refreshed but, for many of us, New Year’s morning is not a time characterized by energy and wakefulness. Many members of our community live not far from the main roads we take to drive home. Some of them will offer their homes for much-needed sleep as you travel. At closing circle we will ask those who have homes to share to step forward.

We do not want anyone to drive when they are over-tired and sleepy, so please take advantage of their kindness! This year we have space on the registration form for you to volunteer your home, and we will post a list by December 30th so that everyone can make preliminary plans.


Young Families

Parents of young children should take the opportunity to meet other parents of young children in the Family Dorm at 9pm, Thursday, December 26th, during the scheduled "Meet Your Cabinmates" time on the first evening of SWIM.

Families with young children are generally assigned to the Family Dorm, which provides families the opportunity to arrange bedtimes, share and coordinate late-night childcare, and possibly hire needy teen babysitters during times when parents are not able to be present outside of the youth programs schedule. Although SWIM does not provide specific programming for youth under the age of 3, there are usually people willing to volunteer to provide a childcare break for parents of very young children.

Parents with young children (through age 3) who are required by Florida state law to use car seats must provide car seats for their children at SWIM.


Youth Program (Ages 3 — 13)

Parents and guardians must attend a brief orientation at 7pm, December 26th, in the Craft Room. Feel free to contact Sue Baskin, Youth Coordinator, with any questions. Staff currently includes Hanna Bosman, Mark Harris, Teresa Kochis, and Mark Weathers. SWIM’s youth staff are adult UUs with experience working in UU camps and youth programs across the continent.

Programming for the youngest of our SWIM community is a flexible combination of play, art, hugs, adventure, music, food, stories, games, and swimming. The group will gather every morning for the day’s opening and then will be divided into like-age groups for many activities and mixed-age groups for some fun, whole-group experiences. Scheduled programming is from 9am to noon and then from 1:30pm to 5:30pm. We will have at least one field trip and a possible overnight outside for some groups. Evening time will be added for some of the children a few nights during the week. The 12 and 13 year-olds will have a special coming of age celebration at the end of the week. Final planning depends on the number and ages of the participants, so please register early. All youth are invited to participate in the special activities including Children’s Worship and Beach Day.

Parents with young children (through age 3) who are required by Florida state law to use car seats must provide car seats for their children at SWIM.


Teen Program (Ages 13 — 18)

If you are 13—18 you can choose to be part of the Teen Program, which means sleeping in the Teen Dorm and participating in Teen Program activities. Participants in the Teen Program and their parents/guardians must attend the mandatory orientation in the Teen Dorm at 9:30pm, Thursday, December 26th. Cash-strapped teens who would like to babysit for young families should stop by the Family Dorm at 9pm the same evening, just before the mandatory Teen Program meeting. If you have any questions about the Teen Program, feel free to contact the staff before SWIM.

The SWIM teen experience cannot be explained in words. Be prepared for an amazing community in which you can be your crazy beautiful weird self. Staffers are here to keep you safe and happy. We want lots of input, so we will be having a big meeting on Friday to add to and/or change the schedule to fit your needs and desires. Here are some activities we've planned:

Friday: Volunteer Day. We get our groove on in the kitchen. In the afternoon, Alicia and Sienna will lead a social justice workshop for teens and others. And then maybe do a post-midnight canoe trip…after the moon rises.

Saturday: We’ll relax around camp and then go hot tubbing.

Sunday: We'll stop by the King Mango Strut, a bizarre and fun parade in nearby Coconut Grove, where we will do our traditional bump and grind with the Hare Krishnas, and then sail out on the ocean by starlight.

Monday: We’ll chill on the beach during the day and then put on the Teen Worship for the rest of SWIM that evening.

Tuesday: Teen Style Workshop (teaching everyone how to be as cool as we are), Teen Coffee House, and New Year's Eve dance party!

Feel free to register for other workshops and outdoor adventures, but bring an alarm clock if you're planning on waking up early.

What to bring: teen canoeing, sailing, and hot tubbing trips total $45 ($15 per trip) per person. You'll also want a little spending $$$ for milkshakes and thrift shopping. We never know what the weather is going to be like, so bring warm and cool clothing, and plenty of bedding. Plus you may want your music, toiletries, beach wear/toys, sun screen, hair glitter, soccer balls, frisbees, dancing shoes, costumes, musical instruments, song books, worship supplies, and other legal substances you can't live without for a week. Since we can get kind of piled on top of each other, you might not want to bring things that are fragile or can't get dirty. And remember, SWIM is about living in a community — so you can leave at home any behavior that would be destructive.

The Teen Program is guided by the UU principles and youth empowerment, and affirms people of every race, class, sexuality, gender, and religion.

* If you are 18, you can be involved in either the Young Adult Program or the Teen Program, but not both at the same time.


Young Adults (Ages 18 — 28)

Interested young adults will meet for an orientation in the Young Adult Dorm at 10pm, Thursday, December 26th. Contact Lara Dean Shepherd, Young Adult Programs Coordinator, if you have any questions.

Some years ago, due to concern about preferential treatment in an intergenerational community, SWIM’s Board decided to stop staffing a young adult program. Although well-intentioned, this change was perceived as a rejection of a grassroots program with YRUU/LRY heritage created by young adults for young adults. In our desire to build a cohesive intergenerational community, the Board has revisited this issue and recognized that decision was not a good one. When we deliberately stopped supporting age-focused programs for young adults, we lost a vibrant aspect of our community. We apologize.

Starting with SWIM 2002, we are committing to building a vibrant Young Adult community, providing a staff position of Young Adult Coordinator and dorm space to be filled first with young adults ages 18-28, then with folks ages 29-35 as space allows. Young Adults will plan special trips and gatherings (as may any other groups of SWIM participants), and will function on an age-focused rather than age-exclusive basis at the discretion of the Young Adult Coordinator.

 Plans are still being shaken and stirred, and are open to changes once we get to SWIM. You can count on a few "spontaneous" late-night young adult trips (like night-swims at the beach and hot tubbing) to punctuate SWIM’s intergenerational trips. For your spiritual/personal growth needs, we’ll do a reality check Thursday evening for any additional activities or workshops that we might want to arrange. Most of our schedule will be figured out this first night of SWIM. Feel free to sign up for any workshops or trips that interest you, since most of what we’ll do will be outside of workshop and outdoor adventure times. Last year, our housing was labeled "Noisy Adult" and was quite cluttered with many of us up late every night, so feel free to pick "Quiet Adult" on your registration if you’re a light (or grumpy) sleeper.


 Registration Day Schedule

December 26th, 2002 (Afternoon)

 11:00 — 1:30 Staff Only for Set-up

1:30 — 4:00 Register and Move In

4:45 — 5:00 Dinner Circle-Up for Announcements

5:00 — 6:30 Dinner / SWIM NUUS Release

7:00 — 7:20 Youth Orientation w/ Parents

7:30 — 8:30 Orientation & Welcome Service

9:00 — 9:30 Cabin Time — Meet Your Cabinmates

9:30 — 10:00 Orientations for Teens and their Parents & Guardians! Required!

10:00 — 1:00 Serendipity, Campfire


 Ultra-Basic Daily Schedule

December 27th — December 31st, 2002

 7:30 — 9:00 Breakfast

9:00 — 12:00 Youth and Almost Teen Programs

10:00 — 12:00 Workshops — times vary

12:00 — 1:00 Lunch / SWIM NUUS Deadline

1:00 — 5:30 Youth and Almost Teen Programs

2:00 — 4:00 Workshops — times vary

4:00 — 5:30 Fonkey Tyme / Social Hour

5:00 — 6:30 Dinner / SWIM NUUS Release

7:30 — 8:15 Worship

8:30 — 10:00 Campfire

9:30 — 1:00 Serendipity

1:00 — 3:00 SWIM Film Festival

Varies: Teen Program & Outdoor Trips


 New Year’s Day Schedule

January 1st, 2003 (Morning)

 7:30 — 9:00 Breakfast & Left-overs for the Road

9:00 — 9:30 Closing Circle

9:30 — 12:00 Clean Up, Load Up & Head Out

10:00 — 11:00 Closing Staff Meeting

11:00 — 12:00 New Year’s Day Board Meeting*

12:00 — 2:00 Staff check facilities and cleanliness

* Meets in the Crafts Room and is open to anyone.


Social Hour/Fonkey Tyme

Just before dinner, we generally chill out in front of the dining hall and around the tree circle. This is just a good time to meet new people and reconnect with old friends. Some afternoons include spontaneous Fonkey Tyme activities. In years past, these have included cool new games, pie fights, and fun with water. Always expect the unexpected.


SWIM NUUS

Every day, at dinner, you will be greeted with a brand new edition of the SWIM NUUS. This publication will be full of schedules, reminders, thank you’s, human interest and humor IF YOU PUT IT THERE! Saturday/29th, we’ll feature the views of candidates for the SWIM Board. The editor will collect all the contributions each day by lunchtime and paste it all together for your enjoyment. The first edition will be in your confirmation packet so, if you want to publish changes, welcomes, don’t-forget-to-brings, or other important information, please get a write-up to Sharon Beecher at sharonbis@aol.com ASAP.


Worship

Evening worship services bring us together a little while after dinner. Our services tend to be experiential, are frequently outdoors under the canopy of stars, and tend to span that range of of religious traditions on which we Unitarian Universalists draw. Teens and youth usually provide special worship services, as do ministers and other groups within the SWIM community.


Nightlife

Evenings, after Worship, special nighttime events begin for each and every one of us. The logs in the…


Campfire

…logs are lit at 8:30pm, illuminating an hour of song and story-telling led by our beloved leprechaun, Pete Leary. Pete is inviting all in-the-closet and out-of-the-closet performers to bring their voices, instruments, and talents to share with the gentle kindred spirits around the campfire. Besides some new songs, he may even give a brief Yodeling lesson. All are invited to experience this exciting and primal return to the ancient ways of community celebration.

After the warmth and coziness of the campfire the only thing to do is DANCE! 9:30 is the magic hour when Cinderella’s pumpkin becomes a coach and our dining hall becomes a dance hall.


Serendipity

…is what we call it and exhilarating is what it is. From 9:30 til 1am we’ll gyrate rhythmically to beats from around the world and throughout time. This is when we rediscover the dance moves genetically buried in our tired bodies and thrill as new combinations and energies emerge. Leap onto the dance floor or be drawn in aurally as the nightly beat goes on.

Each night, guest DJ’s (you!) under the gentle tutelage of DJ LyleStyle will rip the air with dancable tunes, old and new, utilizing cutting edge MP3 technology introduced by Grandmaster Vonnie. Don’t miss a chance to be part of this nightly scene!

As well as this nightly explosion of entertainment there will be Special Events – this year’s mystery Teen-Centric Event, Theme-Dress-Up Night, Swimbiotic Coffee House after Beach Day, and our annual New Year’s Eve Celebration. Of course, at 1am, some of us will be too wired to go to sleep. . .


SWIM 2002 Film Festival

A film of timely significance will be shown every night at 1am followed by a discussion sleeping.

And so, with this overheated description of nightlife, we welcome you all to be a part of it. We’ll need your songs and instruments for campfire and coffee house. We’ll need your tapes, CDs, Vinyl, and MP3’s for the nightly music-mix. We’ll need your DJ personae up on the music control deck. We’ll need your decoration skills for the New Year’s Party. We’ll need your enthusiasm and love to make it all work..

SWIM Nightlife. Be there and feel the music.


New Year’s Eve Celebration

On New Year’s Eve, from 8pm to 10pm, the Dining Hall will be closed so that spontaneous volunteers and 351 New Year’s Eve Decoration workshop participants can continue decorating for the New Year’s festivities. Doors open at 10pm and we'll ring in the New Year in style. Wear your New Year’s best! Free champagne or Non-Alcoholic alternative for Winners of Best Costume and Best Sense of Style Contests at 11pm. Midnight snacks will be available while they last.

Unregistered guest of SWIM participants may attend our New Year’s Eve celebration for a fee of $35. This is not a fee for food and drink. This fee only covers SWIM overhead for the evening and a light snack while available. It’s our way to open SWIM up to friends and family who might have conflicting commitments during SWIM this year but want a taste of SWIM for next year!


Beach Day!

"The beach be one of the best things we got." — Jonathon Richman

We at SWIM have come to realize that coming together as a community for a day is one of the very best things we can do with our time. We all bring our own perspectives, biases, talents, gifts, likes and dislikes to camp, and on Monday, December 30th, you are invited to bring all of those elements with you to the beach for our 7th annual community picnic and celebration. You may also wish to bring your bathing suit, towel, sunscreen, portable music makers, a good book, a deck of cards, your camera, frisbee, and, most importantly, your sense of play. As we did last year, we'll rent a large shelter by the beach available for shade. Monday morning, our wonderful kitchen staff will provide us with beach picnic fixin’s to brown bag. (Anyone staying on-site should also pack a lunch.) Please volunteer to drive a carload if you can. We only have enough van space for the children and teens. There will be a sign-up for volunteers at the registration table. There is a small toll charge for taking the Rickenbacker Causeway to Key Biscayne and a small parking fee for Crandon Park. In the event of inclement weather, a suitable and amazing substitute community activity will be arranged! Can’t handle beaches? No problem. We'll have information on alternative Self-Guided trips at the Info Desk. Or, perhaps, a day of rest and relaxation onsite at Owaissa Bauer may be attractive. Of course, Crandon is one of the world’s most wonderful beaches…

Free. Monday, time varies by carpool, +/- 10:00am—2:30pm. All Ages.


Outdoor Adventures

We have planned many exciting things for our community to do in the greater Miami area, which includes Everglades National Park, the Florida Keys, and Biscayne Bay. Some of these trips are quite adventurous while others are quite tame–be sure you read the descriptions carefully to be certain the trip matches your abilities. Some of our trips require advance reservations, and others may fill because of their tremendous popularity. You should register early for your Outdoor Adventures to ensure that you have a place and that your trips are not cancelled. You may add a trip any time the Outdoor Adventures staff is working (not in the shower or at dinner!) up to the time the trip leaves.

We will be in South Florida in December–this means that the weather will be either wet or dry and the temperatures will probably be somewhere between 32° and 90°. We expect sunshine in the 70’s, but we can’t promise. So you should bring clothing which can be layered for warmth and for protection from wind and rain if necessary, and which can be shed as the temperature and your physical efforts increase.

Most trips will require shoes. For most hiking and water adventures you should wear shoes that don't mind getting wet. Flip-flops and loose sandals may be great for the beach, but they are dangerous when they are worn on a swamp walk. Sturdy tied shoes are needed for hiking! On swamp walks, you can count on your shoes getting soaked.

With the exception of trips that specify that you must bring money for meals, any adventure that extends over meal times at Owaissa Bauer will include culinary delights packed by our excellent kitchen staff.

We rent vans which are used by our entire community for their programs. Outdoor Adventures uses these when they are available, but many of our trips must carpool. We need volunteers to drive on those trips! Yes, you are on vacation, but so are we, and when we ask for volunteer drivers, we hope you will volunteer for the good of SWIM. We are happy to reimburse these volunteer carpool drivers an amount per person approximately equivalent to $1 per 15 minutes of driving time to the destination. If you wish to volunteer to drive your own car and take others with you, please let Bruce Wheeler know prior to the event. Volunteer drivers in carpools must refrain from the use of alcohol and must provide their license number and car insurance company.

Outdoor adventures leave on time — or even early! Come to the dining hall porch 10 minutes before your trip is scheduled to leave with all required clothing, equipment, water, and any extras you may find useful. Once we have counted heads, written checks for outfitters, and given away space in the vehicles, your chance to go is over!

Children are welcome on many of our trips. Age restrictions are included in the trip descriptions. If you are leaving children at camp, they must be under the care of a responsible adult. If your trip will extend beyond the times for youth programming you must make arrangements for their care and supervision.

Trip numbers indicate the day of the trip. 500’s are the 27th/Friday, 600’s are the 28th/Saturday, 700’s are the 29th/Sunday, 800’s are the 30th/Monday, and 900’s are New Year’s Eve/Tuesday.

 Friday, December 27th, All Day Long

531 Manatee Bay Canoe [limit 14]

We’ll glide out onto the Bay. The water will gurgle, the fish will jump, birds will abound, and the wind will sigh. Wear bathing suit. Bring wettable shoes, sunscreen, mosquito repellent. Lunch Provided.

Fee: $20 Friday, 8:30am—3:00pm. Ages 13+

532 Learn to Windsurf! [Limit 10 students]

533 Windsurf Rental Only [Limit 10]

Mark Harris has many, many years of experience teaching this fun and rewarding sport. It does not require great physical strength or balancing skills. You should be able to stand up, sail off and back by the end of the lesson — if you know how, you can come along and just rent, too! Wear bathing suit and wettable shoes. Bring sunscreen — and lots of it! Bring snack $$. Lunch provided.

Fee: $40 Friday, 9am—3pm. Ages 13+

 Friday, December 27th, Morning

511 Owaissa Bauer Walk [no limit]

At SWIM, there is a lot to see in our own back yard! A naturalist will take us on a trek through the tropical hardwood hammock, the pinelands, the poisonwood areas, and the "solution holes" or "bear caves" on the camp property. You’ll be amazed at the incredible diversity of plant life that thrives in our corner of S. Florida. Great Family Trip.

Fee $3. Friday, 8:15am—10am. All Ages.

512 Snorkeling [limit 14]

On this fantastic snorkeling trip, enjoy the undersea habitat of many different species without having to be certified in anything. Participants must be competent swimmers (pun not intended) in deep water. All equipment is included in the price. Bring waterproof sunscreen. Wetsuits available for an additional $6. Lunch included.

Fee $32. Friday, 8am—2pm. Ages 10+

513 Glass Bottom Boat [limit 14]

See John Pennekamp underwater park, home to tropical fish and plants. Discover this fascinating undersea world aboard the park’s glass bottom boat. Bring waterproof sunscreen. Lunch included.

Fee $32. Friday, 8am—2pm. All Ages.

514 Wildlife Rehab Center — Service Project! [no limit]

This non-profit center cares for the housing and medical needs of injured and abused animals. The Center needs volunteers for building cages, assisting in daily care for the animals, and even pulling weeds! Come work among the cougars, monkeys, tigers, and other animals for a half-day or more. This project is limited to adults only. Work gloves provided and a stop at Robert Is Here on the return trip for fruits and milkshakes. Bring snack $$.

Free. Friday, 8am—Noon. Ages 18+

 Friday, December 27th, Afternoon

521 Local Bike Tour [no limit]

Self-guided tour from Camp Owaissa Bauer heading first to Knaus Berry Farm, the German Baptist bakery and market. (Try their cinnamon buns or maybe a strawberry shake.) Continue to the Fruit and Spice Park. You supply the bike or maybe you can borrow one from a friend at camp! Bicycle helmet required. Great Family Trip.

Fee $1. Friday, 1pm—4pm. Ages 9+, younger if riding in a child seat (not provided) on back of adult’s bike

522 North Key Largo Botanical Preserve [limit 14]

Have you ever wondered what the Keys looked like before the Overseas Highway and railroad? Our trip to North Key Largo Preserve will show you. Although the area has been affected by both man and hurricanes, the forest that regenerated is much like what the early Spanish explorers saw and contains many rare plants and animals. Bring mosquito repellent!

Fee $4. Friday, 12:30pm—5:30pm. Ages 13+

523 Wildlife Rehab Center — Service Project! [no limit]

See description for 514 above. If enough people are interested, we will be able to add more opportunities to participate during the week.

Free. Friday, 1pm—5pm. Ages 18+

524 Touring the Taps [limit 13]

We’ll taste and compare a variety of fresh ales and lagers. Our trip will cover micro-breweries and brew pubs. A designated driver will go with us. Fee covers transportation. Lunch provided. Bring $$$ for beer.

Fee $10. Friday, 12noon—6pm. Ages 21+

Friday, December 27th, Evening

541 Cuban Dinner [limit 14]

Treat your taste buds to an authentic Cuban dinner as you can find only in South Florida. This is a can’t miss meal! Bring $$ for dinner ($12—$20). Fee is for transportation only.

Fee $4. Friday, 6:00pm—10pm. All Ages.

542 Teen Night Canoe [teen program only]

Fee $15. Friday, 11pm—Saturday 4am. Teens.

 Saturday, December 28th, All Day

631 Day Sail I — Clothing Optional [limit 20]

Sail the warm, protected waters of Biscayne Bay on large (30'—48') sailboats with experienced sailors. Lie back and enjoy the sun or try your hand at the wheel and trimming the sails. We will anchor for lunch and a swimming break. This trip is "Clothing optional"; 731 on Sunday will be "Clothed." We will stop for beer, wine, soft drinks, and munchies on the way to the docks. Bring snacks $$. Lunch provided.

Fee $30. Saturday, 8:30am—5pm. Ages 18+

632 Shark Slough Adventure [limit 14]

Take a leisurely day trip to see the best of Everglades National Park and the mysterious Big Cypress Preserve. Ranger Bob will be your guide. Alligators. wading birds and wildlife galore plus a stop at Clyde Butcher’s Big Cypress Gallery. Bring water, snacks, camera, binoculars. Bring snack $$. Lunch provided.

Fee: $22 includes tram ride. Saturday, 7:30am—4pm. Ages 7+

Saturday, December 30th, Morning

611 Long Pine Key Hike [limit 14]

Hike in the Everglades on an interpretive tour with Ernie Wilson, SWIM’s favorite botanist. The 4-mile hike will be on the Old Ingraham Highway research road (hard surface).

Fee: $6. Saturday, 7:30am—Noon. Ages 10+

612 Vizcaya [limit 14]

Enjoy a guided tour of the winter residence of industrialist James Deering. Designed and built to look like a home that had been in a family over four centuries, it conta½ins one of the finest collections of 16th through 19th century decorative arts. Bring $$ for lunch and snacks.

Fee $18. Saturday, 9am—1:00pm. All ages.

613 Thai Buddhist Monastery [limit 14]

We’ll visit a local Buddhist temple for a period of meditation and conversation with the monks. This monastery is about 10 minutes from Owaissa Bauer.

Fee: $2. Saturday, 9:30am—12noon. Ages 13+

 Saturday, December 28th, Afternoon

621 Nine Mile Pond Canoe [limit 16]

A great trip for the not-too-experienced canoeist, although ingenuity and resourcefulness may be required. Some paddling instruction will be included. Nine Mile Pond is an excellent spot for alligators and bird life. Beyond, the trail twists and turns through a maze of mangrove clumps in the saw grass glades... definitely not your ordinary trail. Bring wettable shoes, sunscreen, mosquito repellent. Lunch provided.

Fee $20. Saturday, 12noon—5pm. Ages 13+

622 Russian Baths [limit 14]

Relax in luxury at "The Schvitz", where the old guard meets the new in eucalyptus-scented Turkish steam rooms and aroma baths bolstered by marble columns. This spa, a national historic landmark located at a Miami Beach hotel, offers a Russian Radiant Room, Aromatherapy Steam Room, Turkish Room, Redwood Sauna and Swedish Showers. Topless permitted. Additional services (massage, etc.) available at additional cost. Bring $$$ for snacks.

Fee $24. Saturday, 1:30pm—5:30pm. Ages 13+

623 Wildlife Rehab Center — The Tour! [no limit]

The WRC is dedicated to the care, medical needs, and housing of abused and injured animals, specializing in large felines including over 15 cougars. We’ll learn some of the stories of specific animals from the staff. We’ll also stop at Robert Is Here on the return trip for fruit and milkshakes. Our fee includes a donation to the WRC. Bring snack $$.

Fee $6. Saturday, 1pm—4pm. Ages 13+

624 Alabama Jack’s [no limit]

Join the local folks for a good time — conch fritters and chowder, drinks, live country music, dancing/clogging and lots of fun. It’s in an open-air, rustic setting on Barnes Sound next to Card Sound Bridge. Bring $$$ for food and beverages. Fee is for transportation only.

Fee $4. Saturday 1pm—6pm. Ages 13+

625 Teen Hot Tubbing [teen program only]

Fee $15. Saturday, Noon—5pm. Teens.

 Saturday, December 28th, Evening

641 Jamaica Me Crazy! [limit 14]

Come enjoy an authentic Jamaican Yard-Style Dinner at the home of hosts Mary Figuera and Mark Robinson! Fee includes both transportation and meal. Red Stripe, anyone?

Fee $17. Saturday, 6pm—10pm. All ages.

642 Night Sail [limit 20]

Sailing at night is very different; the sea is black, the stars are bright, the world is quiet. Bring your musical instruments and strong voices and we’ll fill the air with sing-alongs, storytelling and laughter. We’ll be aboard comfortable (30'—48') sailboats with experienced sailors. Munchies stop on the way to the docks. Bring $$ for snacks.

Fee $27. Saturday, 6pm—Midnight. Ages 18+

 Sunday, December 29th, All Day

731 Day Sail II — Clothed [limit 20]

Sail the warm, protected waters of Biscayne Bay on large (30'—48') sailboats with experienced sailors. Lie back and enjoy the sun or try your hand at the wheel and trimming the sails. We will anchor for lunch and a swimming break. This trip is "Clothed"; 631 on Saturday will be "Clothing optional." We will stop for beer, wine, soft drinks and munchies on the way to the docks. Bring snack $$. Lunch provided.

Fee: $30 Sunday, 8:30am—5pm. Ages 13+

732 Florida Trail Hike [limit 14]

The Florida Trail in the Big Cypress National Preserve is fantastic! It is home to cypress trees (of course), bromeliads, orchids, snakes, etc. Resident naturalist and past SWIM director Bob Merkel will lead the hike. Wear shoes that don’t mind water. Lunch provided.

Fee $6. Sunday, 8:30am—4:30pm. Age 13+

 Sunday, December 29th, Morning

711 Women in Water [limit 12]

Relax in the congenial company of SWIM women while enjoying a lovely pool at the home of a local SWIM friend. For women only. Clothing optional.

Fee $4. Sunday, 8:30am—12:30pm. Ages 13+

712 Shark Valley Bike [limit 15]

Bike on a paved trail (15 miles round trip) to an observation tower in the scenic heart of the River of Grass. Learn South Florida geography, birds, wildlife. Bring camera and day pack if possible. If you don’t have a bike, you can rent one for approximately 3 hrs at $5.00/hr – not included in fee. Helmet required. Lunch provided.

Fee $5. Sunday, 7:30am—1:45pm. Ages 13+

 Sunday, December 29th, Afternoon

721 King Mango Strut [no limit]

Absolutely All Ages!

Miami’s most out-rage-ous, mock-parade provides a surreal and comical all-ages afternoon of entertainment. Bring your kazoos and craziness! Chances are good that you’ll see someone you know in the parade. And, if we get our act together, maybe you’ll be in the parade!

Fee $5. Sunday 12:30pm—5:30pm. All Ages!

 Sunday, December 29th, Evening

741 Mexican Dinner [limit 14]

We’ll visit a local (Homestead-area) restaurant where we’ll enjoy an authentic Mexican meal! Bring $$ for dinner ($12—$20). Fee is for transportation only.

Fee: $4. Sunday, 6pm—10pm. All ages.

742 Teen Night Sail [teen program only]

Fee $15. Sunday, 6pm—Midnight. Teens.

 Monday, December 30th, All Day

It’s Beach Day! See above!

 Monday, December 30th, Evening

841 Peruvian Dinner [limit 14]

Ceviche, Andean potato dishes, and much more…it’s a whole ’nuther cuisine and a whole ’nuther culture. Fee covers cost of transportation only. Bring $$$ ($12—$20) for dinner.

Fee $4. Monday, 6pm—10pm. All ages.

 Tuesday, December 31st, All Day

931 Matecumbe Canoe [limit 14]

932 Matecumbe Kayak [limit 14]

As we paddle over to our favorite keys, you are likely to see starfish, stingrays and small sharks. Bring wettable shoes, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, snorkel equipment (if possible), and a change of clothes. Lunch provided!

$20 for Canoe, $30 for Kayak. Tuesday, 8pm—5pm. Ages 13+

933 Art Deco Tour [limit 14]

Miami Beach’s Art Deco district has become a major attraction. More than 800 buildings in the 1930’s style have strong lines, porthole windows, lots of chrome and etched glass and pastel paint jobs. Our guided walking tour of the district will lead to a leisurely restaurant lunch — Bring $$$. (Fee is for transportation only) After lunch, free time to explore on your own; go to the beach, nearby Wolfsonian Museum, shopping.

Fee $11. Tuesday, 8:30am—5pm. All ages.

Tuesday, December 31st, Morning

911 Airboat Ride at Everglades Alligator Farm [limit 14]

Not only will you go on a "fast and furious" airboat ride into the Glades but you’ll also see wildlife exhibits, an alligator show and other shows at this

nearby facility. Learn the differences between alligators & crocs and what’s really involved in alligator farming. Caution: Airboat speed may make contacts uncomfortable. Optional gift shop $$.

Fee: $20. Tuesday, 8:30am—12noon. Ages 7+

912 Castellow Hammock Hike [limit 14]

Experience the jungle, as the early explorers must have seen it. Ernie Wilson will lead you through this West Indian hardwood park. Wear sturdy shoes. Bring water, mosquito repellent.

Fee $3. Tuesday, 8:30am—12:30pm. Ages 7+

913 Everglades Bike Tour [limit 14]

Bring, beg, or borrow a bike so you can join Ranger Bob for a delightful morning pedaling through the pinelands and finger glades of Everglades National Park. You'll see wildflowers, endangered tree snails, and (just conceivably) a panther on this (level) 12-mile round trip. Wear sturdy shoes. Bring water, hat, snack, mosquito repellent, and a bike. Helmet required!

Fee $10. Tuesday, 8:30am—12:30pm. Ages 13+

 Tuesday, December 31st, Afternoon

921 Tropical Tour [limit 14]

We’ll leave from Owaissa Bauer for a tour of the Redland Agriculture area. We will stop at Robert Is Here fruit stand (bring $$$), visit an orchid nursery, and explore an organic farm where we will gather seasonal fruits to share with the SWIM community. Bring $$$.

Fee: $15. Tuesday, 1pm—5pm. All ages.

922 Hot Tubbing [no limit]

Our most popular trip! We will return again to Magic Waters, a lavish and immaculately maintained hot tub center. Tub rooms accommodate 6—8 people; the "executive" tub holds 12 and has a sauna adjacent. Magic Waters provides towels, cool showers, hair dryers, and stereo music. No glass containers, soap, shampoo, or oils allowed. Bathing suits optional and unlikely. Bring $$ for snacks.

Fee: $20. Tuesday, 12noon—5pm. All 18+


Workshops

Check our website for changes & additions!

We have workshops of almost every description for you to learn, grow, enjoy, play, and share while you are at SWIM. Many of our workshops are intended for participants of all ages. Children, Almost Teens, and Teens are welcome and encouraged to sign up for workshops that include their age group. Some workshops are open to younger ages if accompanied by an adult (who doesn't have to be a parent).

Workshops usually go smoother if the leader knows before hand how many people are coming. So, as a courtesy to workshop leaders, please pre-register if you think you’ll go. Some workshops have limits and may fill up, so don’t wait to register, you might not get in. You can also check the SWIM website (swimuu.org) for changes & additions.

All of our workshop leaders are volunteers. If you have something you’d like to share, either this year or next, contact the workshop coordinator, Mark Evans, at 865-573-6959. Workshop leaders get lots of appreciation and a SWIM T-shirt!

100’s are mornings, 200’s are afternoons, 300’s are late afternoon, and 400’s are evenings. The second digit in the workshop number indicates the day during SWIM (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th, with 0 for multi-day workshops).

Morning Workshops

100 Wicca and Beyond [limit 20]

Learn about Wicca, how it compares with other pagan traditions, its past and present, and how it relates to the great scheme of things. Recognize connections to the sacred circle of life, and discover resources for the coming year.

Visit http://uucfl.org/cuups for more information.

Kip Barkley is a long time UU who maintains his connection to the Old Religion as an eclectic solitary.

Mary Ann Somervill discovered paganism in the same way she long ago discovered UUism...click!

Recommended Reading: A Guide For the Solitary Practitioner, Scott Cunningham, Llewellyn Publications, St. Paul Minnesota, 1992. Drawing Down the Moon, Margot Adler. Beacon Press, Boston, 1986. (For those with a real thirst for knowledge in this area.)

Free. Sunday, Tuesday, 10pm—12pm. All Ages.

101 Blessed Beading: Make a Bracelet [Limit 8]

You have seen Sharon's beadwork in the store and on some of the nicest necks & wrists at SWIM and SUUSI. Now, come play with Sharon and her beads. We will create a needle woven, beaded bracelet in up to 3 colors. No experience necessary. If you can count and guide a needle, you can bead. All materials are included.

Sharon Beecher has been a crafty woman most of her life and a beadweaver the past 5 years. She loves those little bits of colored light. Her joy is teaching others to love beads.

Fee $7. Saturday, Sunday, 10am—12noon.

Ages 12+, 9+ accompanied by an adult.

110 Courage to Face Your Inner Fears

Coming to an understanding of what fear is and how it can be an immobilizing or propelling force in one's life, living and choices; identifying your fear, embracing it and choosing to live with or without your fear. This workshop will examine the reasons behind fear, personality issues and methods of relieving anxiety and simplifying personal lifestyles. We will use discussion, questionnaires, exercises, meditation and audio/video media.

Sharon Zens has spent her lifetime pursuing sociological and psychological understanding of herself and others. Her background is as diverse as her interests. Professionally, she has been a computer programmer/analyst for over 20 years. She is also an ordained Spiritualist minister. Experience: Life, personal and professional. Sharon has inspired from the pulpit as well as individual counselling. Situational training: she is a certified advanced diver and has logged more than 30 solo hours in small aircraft.

Free. Friday, 10am-12noon. Ages 13+

111 Perfume Making

We'll experiment with different scents, blends and extraction techniques to get you your signature scent at a fraction of the retail price. Bring your own oils or use the ones provided to make oils, lotions and soaps.

Stacy Colella has worked in the pharmaceutical field for eight years as an organic chemist. She is a self-taught perfumer who loves to share.

Fee $10. Friday, 10am—12noon. Ages 14+

112 No If’s, And’s, or But’s About It

A writer’s empowerment workshop. We’ve always known how to write; we’re just going to inspire each other and enjoy writing together. If you wish, bring something to place on the altar of inspiration. Buy the end of the workshop you will be inspired by your own writing!

Elle’ Long has been leading workshops for most of the 30 years she has attended UU institutes. She is a health education manager for Los Angles County.

Free. Friday, 10am-12noon. All Ages.

113 A Walk Into Yourself: Labyrinth Building and Walking

A labyrinth is an ancient symbol that relates to wholeness. It combines the imagery that represents a journey to our own center and back again out into the world. Labyrinths have long been used as meditation and prayer tools. You will get some history and perspective of Labyrinths and then the class will build one, which will remain up for the rest of SWIM.

Free. Friday, 9:30am-12:30pm. All Ages.

120 Sacred Circle Dancing

Learn the art of Sacred Circle Dancing, a form of line dancing drawing from the Folk traditions of many countries.

Lynn Meyer teaches Sacred Circle Dancing and has been coming to SWIM for several years.

Free. Saturday, 10am-12noon. All Ages.

121 Non-violent Communication

This society teaches us to speak violently to one another. Let’s examine these patterns and learn how to ask for what we need in ways that do not blame or shame.

Eleanor (Ellé) Long has been leading workshops for most of the 30 years that she has attended UU institutes. She works as a Health Education Manager for Los Angeles County.

Free. Saturday, 10am—12noon. All Ages.

122 Finger Painting

Remember how much fun that was? No need to color within the lines. No standard by which to judge or be judged. Just you, your fingers and a rainbow of colors emerging on your paper. You can do it again.

Led by the SWIM youth.

Free. Saturday, 10am—12noon. All Ages.

130 Getting Ahead in Watercolor [limit 10]

Using watercolors and paper provided, learn how to sketch a head and then render it in watercolor. Beginners will also get a brief intro to color mixing. Bring brushes if you have any.

Emily Sokoloff has a BFA from Mass. College of Art and is a member of Miami Watercolor Society, Gold Coast Watercolor Society, and the Florida Watercolor Society. She is an active painter, has had watercolors accepted in many juried shows, and taught many beginners to paint successfully.

Fee $6. Sunday, 10am—12noon. Ages 12+

131 Hispanic Immersion [Limit 13]

Tent: Learn basic pronunciation, greetings, shopping vocabulary, and restaurant vocabulary in the morning. Then, in the afternoon, travel to Calle Ocho, the heart of Little Havana, to experience one of the best-known ethnic neighborhoods in the USA. Try out your Spanish in Cuban grocery stores, Latino record shops, a Cuban cigar factory, or a santeria store. After approximately two hours of browsing along Calle Ocho, we will go together to a nearby medium-priced Cuban restaurant for a leisurely dinner. Designed especially for beginners and near-beginners. Bring a small English/Spanish dictionary if possible. Bring $$$ for dinner and shopping.

Dr. Paula Heusinkveld, Professor of Spanish at Clemson University, and her husband, Jorge Medina,a native speaker of Spanish lead this.

Fee $8. Sunday, 10am—12noon and 3pm—9pm. Ages 16+, 10+ with adult.

150 Getting Further Ahead in Watercolor [limit 10]

A slightly advanced version for those who are already familiar with watercolor or have already registered for "Getting Ahead in Watercolor." See workshop "130 Getting Ahead in Watercolor" for more information.

Emily Sokoloff will lead this workshop as well.

Fee $6. Tuesday, 10am—12noon. Ages 12+

151 Poncho’s Never Ending Workshop

This is one of SWIM’s most popular workshops. It’s extemporaneous, so you’ll just have to come and see for yourself why Pancho and his workshop are so popular.

Poncho Heavener doesn't like to brag about himself, so he hasn't given us any biographical information in years.

Free. Tuesday, 10am—12noon. Ages 13+

152 New Year’s Eve Decoration

Learn the secrets the pros use to magically transform an ordinary space into something special. You will learn how to create a mood with light, color, theme and planning. Then the practicum — transforming our dining hall in a New Year’s Eve dreamscape…

Nancy McDermott and Lyle Baskin have been magically transforming spaces at SWIM and professionally for decades.

Free. Tuesday, 10am—12noon, 2pm—4pm, 8pm—10pm. Drop in. All Ages.

Afternoon Workshops

201 Puppet Making Workshop

Create your own rod puppet and learn to manipulate your creation. Rod puppets are simple enough for a six year old to make, while having the potential for great character portrayal! Our first session will be spent to creating a head. Second session, painting. Clothes will follow. Your puppet will suggest moves and characterization to you. With sufficient enthusiasm, we will stage our own puppet play! We will explore possibilities together. Prepare to suspend disbelief! If you have some soft, free flowing fabric measuring 26" by 24", that you feel would work especially well, bring it along. A completed puppet will require attendance at all sessions.

Elizabeth Norval worked for eleven years as a professional puppeteer in Zimbabwe and Gainesville, Florida. She has attended two Puppeteers of America Festivals and teaches puppetry workshops in Raleigh, North Carolina, where she is a first grade teacher at a magnet school.

Fee $12. Fri, Sat, Sun, Tues, 2pm—4pm.

Ages 6+, 5+ accompanied by an adult.

202 UUism Through The Ages

A historical perspective of Unitarian Universalism from infancy to present day. With correlations to other world religions and global movements. Friday: The first "Unitarians" in Jerusalem, Poland, and Transylvania. Saturday: Unitarians in England. Sunday: America and Universalism. Tuesday: The Merger and the UUA.

Arthur (Mike) Neville is a self-taught authority on our history. He has taught this material many times.

Free. Fri, Sat, Sun, Tues, 2pm—4pm. Ages 12+

210 The State of the Universe

What happened last year? How did the Universe begin? How will it end? Gravitational lensing of cold, dark, matter by galaxies. Rotation of black holes. Measurements of the microwave background of the universe made at the south pole upholds the "inflationary" era before the "big bang". Gravity wave detectors. Stationary light. Magnesium boride superconductors. Tiny, thermoelectric refrigerators. Neutrino observatories. A diamond as big as the Ritz. Solid helium. Ozone hole is bigger. Some new scientific toys-and much, much more!

Ron Edge is a Distinguished Professor of Physics Emeritus at the University of South Carolina. Past President of the American Association of Physics Teachers. He has researched at Cambridge, Aarhus, Stanford, Sussex, Munich, Witwatersrand, the Australian National Universities, California Institute of Technology, Los Alamos, Oak Ridge, and the Army Materials and Mechanics Research Center. He also rings bells and plays the accordion, though not all at the same time.

Free. Friday, 2pm—4pm. All ages.

211 Basketry

Come and make a basket. Learn how easy and fun it is to make a basket. Simple or whatever you can imagine. Friendly instruction.

Candy Gale and Jerry Elsenrath have taught many SWIMers to make baskets.

Fee $6. Fri, 2pm—4pm. Ages 12+, 9+ with adult.

212 The Courage to Stand Up for What You Believe In

We've all been in a crowded room where it seems like 83 people are bashing what we believe in, while we cower in the corner, too afraid to say anything. Let us inspire you to bravely state your feelings in a crowd of people who disagree, then further follow through by becoming a world saving activist! Whether it means giving up red meat or 'crossing the line' and spending a few nights in jail, we have the tips and anecdotes to inspire you, too, to stand up for what you believe in! If you are a seasoned professional, come and share your expertise! If you are a novice, let us suggest causes that jive with your interests and concerns! No matter who you are, social justice needs YOU to make the world a better place.

Alicia Zinn-Traurig stands up for what she believes in. She went to an activist college and is still active. She was recently involved in a civil liberties law suit and is a member of the SWIM Board of Trustees.

Free. Friday, 2pm—4pm. All Ages.

220 Tie Dyeing

It's not just for kids — it's for anyone creative of spirit and fashionable of soul. Learn not just how to make circles, but spirals, arrows, stripes, figures, and more. Learn what dyes are truly colorfast, bright and beautiful and how to permanently set them. Don't leave SWIM unadorned. Workshop fee covers enough dye for one t-shirt. For more items, or larger items, please bring an additional $4 per item to the workshop. A small number of white t-shirts will available at an additional charge. You should bring your own things to dye.

Allen Bergal has been making and selling tie dyed shirts for years. He has taught tie dying at SUUSI and SWIM for years.

Fee $4. Saturday, 1pm—4pm. All Ages.

221 Afternoon Yoga

Extend your day, work out the kinks from your cot or wind down for a nice afternoon nap. Yoga can make you feel "as if" you've had a massage or even an adjustment. Come drink in the beautiful Florida breezes as we learn breathing and subtle stretching. This is gentle yoga and all you need is loose clothing, ground cloth or blanket, and a flat pillow. This workshop is for beginners as well as people with experience. The workshop will be tailored to requests and some advanced asanas (movements) will be available to those who have studied Yoga and want some new perspective or perhaps swap ideas. Some things Yoga is great for: energizing, slowing down, calming anxiety, movement for people with limitations, smoke-enders, cramps, cooling off, warming up, strengthening and peace of mind.

Pat Harris has studied the Pierce Program through the method of Desikachar and the teachings of his father, Krishnamacharya, since 1977.

Free. Saturday, 2pm—4pm. All Ages.

230 Polyamory

The word polyamory means to love more than one. Those who practice polyamory seek to form long term caring relationships with more then one person. Come meet with members of the South Florida Polyamory group to learn more about this lifestyle and to participate in a typical poly discussion group. This workshop is an excellent choice for anyone exploring relationship issues.

Diane Neville facilitates a polyamory support group at home and led polyamory workshops at SWIM previously.

Free. Sunday, 2pm—4pm. Ages 21+

231 More Tie Dyeing on Sunday

Next verse, same as the first. See "220 Tie Dyeing" for the full information.

Fee $4. Sunday, 1pm—4pm. All Ages.

232 Stories from Mesopotamia

The land that is now Iraq was the birthplace of writing and a civilization. Topics to explore are the evolution from runes to writing, the sacred language before Latin, the story of the Flood, the evolution of the male gods, the Gate of Ishtar, and just what really is a courtesan.

Kip Barkley is forever on a religious quest. He enjoys digging through the history of ancient ways and will turn dry topics (think clay tablets) into something of interest.

Recommended Reading: Mesopotamia, Writing, Reasoning, and the Gods, by Jean Bottero, Univ.of Chicago Press, 1992.

Free. Sunday, 2pm—4pm. All Ages.

Late Afternoon Workshops

300 Sampling the Sensual Six Pack

Participants must bring 1 six-pack of lager, ale or barley wine each day. Preferred beers do not include those of the big bland America (or foreign) brewers but rather favorites such as those locally produced or anything of exceptional quality and interest. Tasting of the above with lively conversation or not, as the mood dictates in a laid-back environment. Note: this workshop, unlike all others, starts on Thursday. However, it does not meet on Friday, when we offer Outdoor Adventure #524, "Touring the Taps."

Jon Hoskin, Ph.D. is a food Scientist. He also evaluated beer for "The World Beer Review." Suggested Books: Pocket Guide to Beer by Michael Jackson. Also see: http://people.clemson.edu/~hoskin/beer.htm

Fee: A good six-pack per day. Thu, Sat—Tues, 4pm—6pm. Ages 21+

301 Men’s Group

Almost all of the "Men’s Movement" is based on mythology or feminism. Let’s cut through the crap with some empirically based sociology and work on being better Men. Before SWIM, read either "The Stronger Sex," by Richard Driscoll or "The Evolution of Desire," by David Buss (get either one for $3.00 from half.com) and then we will get together and work with what we’ve learned.

Free. Fri—Tues, 4pm—6pm. Drop in. Ages 12+

302 The Women’s Group

Join us in a relaxing and supportive atmosphere as we share our stories. Daily topics will come from the interests of the participants, and will reflect who we are and where we are going. We will offer to one another courage for our journeys.

Mary Ann Somervill is a woman herself and has been for a very long time. Her history with women’s groups dates back to the consciousness raising groups of the 70s. She has led a number of workshops at SWIM and at SUUSI.

Free. Fri—Tues, 4pm—6pm. Drop in. Ages 12+

320 7-Cent Juggling

You'll learn how to make homemade juggling balls out of old tennis balls and then how to juggle them! They're called 7-cent juggling balls because you put 7 pennies inside the balls to weigh them down. Bring old tennis balls and pennies.

Teresa Kochis is a visual and performance artist specializing in aerial dance. Trained in circus arts, she currently works as a social circus instructor for Cirque du Monde, Cirque du Soleil's outreach program.

Free. Saturday, 4pm—6pm. All Ages.

330 The ABC’s of Massage

We’ll go over the basics of a good back massage and we’ll practice on each other. By the end of the workshop you’ll be able to locate the knots and tense spots and use hands, forearms, and elbows to relax muscles and ease pain. This is a great workshop for couples who want to learn to work on each other.

Chris Roman, PhD, has been a Government bureaucrat in Washington DC for nearly 30 years, and has been coming to SWIM for 20 years. He just finished a 500 hour professional certification course in massage therapy and is eager to share what he learned.

Free. Sunday, 4pm—6pm. Ages 13+

340 Urban Hieroglyphics: A Workshop on Graffiti Culture [limit 20]

The workshop will be a discussion of the origins, culture, and motivations of modern Graffiti, the urban culture from which it was born, the motives behind it—political, artistic, etc.—how it corresponds to other art forms. The attitudes, and actions taken by the public and the state, and the evolution of graffiti from the mid-seventies to the present will be discussed. Personal sketchbooks, slides of graffiti art, local Atlanta, national, and international periodicals on graffiti art and culture will be reviewed, then a live demonstration of the painting of a piece of graffiti art on a temporary surface. Participants may try some techniques as well.

Andy Acebo is an artist from Atlanta who has been an active graffiti artist since 1997. He wishes to promote an understanding of graffiti society and culture from the perspective of an artist involved in the movement.

Fee $5. Monday, 3pm—6pm. All Ages.

350 Teen Style

Come and see how our Teens achieve their look. There are outrageous hair colors that will completely wash out of your hair with no residual tint in one shampooing. With our Teens’ help, you can do New Year’s Eve in total style and still look straight for work when you get home. Tattoos, glitter gel, and other accouterments will also be available. You too can look good, but you have to show up...

Free. Tuesday, 4pm—6pm. All Ages.

Evening Workshops

400 Cha-cha and West Coast Swing Lessons

Learn to communicate and express yourself through the rhythms of the cha-cha and West Coast Swing. You will be lead patiently and thoroughly through the basic lead and follow of West Coast Swing and cha-cha. Please plan on attending at least 3 of the 4 sessions as each class will build upon the previous class.

Jam Jenkins is currently the Social Director of the Duke University Dance Team and recently took 2nd place in the Triangle Invitational Advanced West Coast Swing division.

Free. Fri—Mon, 8:15pm—10:15pm. Ages 13+

410 The Theology of Chocolate

An introduction to understanding chocolate while appreciating its religious significance. Close your eyes, listen and envision my version of the beginning of chocolate and its less well known ties to religion and the metaphysical. Some chocolate will be tasted and explained but that will not be the emphasis. Bring some chocolate.

Jon Hoskin, Ph.D., was a university faculty member in Dairy and Food Sciences. He has published technical chocolate book chapters and papers. Suggested Books and web site: The Violent Land by Jorge Amado, Aztec by Gary Jennings, http://people.clemson.edu/~ hoskin/

Free. Friday, 8:15pm–10pm. All Ages.

420 From Embers to Flames

Fire has the power to mystify and mesmerize. In this two-pronged workshop you will learn practical campfire building and safety skills. We will then turn to the culture of flame and fire. Fire, even a single candle, produces fear and excitement. Campfires draw people together. Within the comforting glow of a fire circle, we share bits of ourselves and sing of life, love and loss. Come explore your, your culture’s and your specie’s relationship with fire.

Diane Neville has thought about these issues for years. She is a teacher and always gets asked to build the fire when she goes camping.

Free. Saturday, 6:30pm—8:30pm. All Ages.

430 The Indo-European Languages

Many of the languages of India and Europe (including English) have a common origin. Discover linguistic interconnections that go back thousands of years. Look up "name", "mother", "father", "axis", or "dental", in any good English dictionary you will see the origin is Indo-European (IE) and Sanskrit.

Sid Kere has graduate degrees in physics and engineering and an interest in languages. He is familiar with several Indian languages including Sanskrit.

Free. Sunday, 8:15pm—10pm. All Ages.


Costs

We have a registration fee for all of our participants plus a room and board fee for those who plan to stay at Owaissa Bauer. There are motels in the area where you will find slightly more civilized accommodations, including your very own bathroom, but you will miss some of the excitement and joy of our community life. Our delicious meals may be purchased individually by those not staying at camp.

 Registration Fee (covers overhead expenses)

Age

Before Sept. 10

Before Dec. 1

After Dec. 1

3 — 12

$30

$40

$60

13 — 17

$50

$60

$80

FT Student 18+

$70

$80

$100

18+

$100

$110

$130

This Registration Fee includes programs, campfire, worship, Serendipity, and New Year’s Eve celebration. Participants are expected to register for and participate in the entire week in order to share our intentional community.

SWIM is an intentional community and unregistered persons may not participate in our program. People who are not registered may not be at Owaissa Bauer during SWIM. After December 26th no new registrations will be accepted. This means that if you will arrive late, such as the morning of December 27th, you must send your registration in advance. If you have a question you may call Vonnie Hicks, our director.

The only exception to the full registration fee is that unregistered friends may attend our New Year’s Eve celebration for a fee of $35. This is not a fee for food and drink. This fee only covers SWIM overhead for the evening and a light snack while available. It’s our way to open SWIM up to friends and family who might have conflicting commitments during SWIM this year but want a taste of SWIM for next year!

 Room Fee (includes daytime facilities use)

Age

Due at SWIM!

  

Ages 3 & Up

$70

Sleep On-Site

Ages 3 & Up

$40

Sleep Off-Site

The Room Fee includes either a tent site or a bed in one of our dormitories, plus the use of our bathroom facilities and parking in a large lot away from the camping area. Both forms of lodging are assigned on a first come, first served basis. For safety and peace no cars are allowed in the camping area after late afternoon on December 26th.

The dormitories consist of six buildings, each divided into two areas, and each of these with a more private room which is normally reserved for staff. Each of the larger rooms has ten cots. We are an intergenerational community, but we recognize that people tend to form closer friendships with others of similar age, so we do consider this when assigning space in our dormitories. If you have a number of people who would like to stay in one area, please contact Michael Conlin and explain your needs.

Our camping area is quite limited and fills quickly, so be sure to send your registration early to get the accommodations you prefer. Up to eighty participants may camp in tents or small RVs along drives at the rear of camp. They pay all of the same fees as those who stay in the dorms. No electricity and no hookups are provided. RVs may not leave their sites after the evening of December 26th through New Years Eve, and no cars may be parked in the camping areas.

Board Fee (covers 18 meals in our dining hall)

Age

Due at SWIM!

3 — 5

$10

6 — 12

$30

13 — 18

$55

19+

$120

The Board Fee covers three wonderful meals a day, starting with dinner on December 26th and ending with an extra late night snack on New Year’s Eve. A pick-up breakfast of bagels with leftovers, coffee, and juice is available on New Year’s morning. All of our food is prepared at camp by our wonderful staff of cooks with the assistance of participant-volunteers.


Other Accommodations

3rd Annual Motel SWIM

Two motels next to each other on U.S. 1 (South Dixie Highway) in Homestead provide alternative housing experiences. The Ramada Inn, 305-247-7020, and Inn of Homestead (used last year), 305-248-2121, provide two levels of price and service. Anyone who wants to stay at one of these motels must make their own arrangements using a credit card. These rooms will fill early with the holiday rush, so call early! SWIM will provide some kind of van service or help arrange carpooling between the two motels and camp Owaissa Bauer for car-free participants. Off-site sleepers save $30 on Room Fee (what SWIM saves).

RV Rentals

Last year, a couple of families arrived in rented RVs. The accommodations worked well for them. We just had to do a little finagling to run power to the RVs.

If you need nicer accommodations than our bunkhouse cabins provide, you can rent an RV that accommodates 4—6 people in style for about $900 to $1,500 for seven nights from national or local RV rental companies. There is no discount for sleepers in RVs parked on site. Participants have found reasonably priced RV camps in the SWIM area with more facilities. Contact Jerry Elsenrath for suggestions.


Refunds

The first $25 of the registration fee is non-refundable. Refunds of the remainder are available if notice of cancellation is sent to the registrar before December 1st. Fees for Outdoor Adventures are refundable until the close of registration on December 26th. After that refunds will be given only for trips for which SWIM has incurred no expense (this does not include sailing or hot tubbing!) or trips which were canceled due to lack of attendance or poor weather.


Transportation & Directions

Carpool!

December 5th, Jerry Elsenrath will email out a list of interested carpoolers as noted on registration forms. If you’re emailless or for last-minute needs, call Jerry.

Location:

The address is 17001 SW 264 St., Homestead, FL and the phone number is (305) 247-9975. This pay phone number is used for brief incoming calls for all participants, so you might not get through the first time.

By air:

You should fly into Miami International Airport. Supershuttle commercial service from the airport to the church ($14) or to camp ($42) is available. Please call 305-871-2000 to verify prices and arrange for service. Prices decrease for multiple passengers.

SWIM provides limited transportation to camp — on December 26th only — for $10 using our rented vans. You must call ahead or fill in the appropriate area on the registration form to arrange for this; we send the vans only if we know someone is waiting for them. The pickup times are 10am, 1pm, and 3pm on December 26th. Please meet any SWIM ride or van at the end of Concourse H, the "designated" SWIM pick-up area, outside the Delta and USAir departure area upstairs in fresh air and sunshine, not on the baggage claim level.

On New Year’s morning we must return our rented vans, so we combine this with shuttles to the airport. We will send vans to the airport at 9am and Noon. If you can drive one of these vans for us, please volunteer to drive when you send in your registration.

By car:

Unless you live in the Florida Keys you will be driving south! SWIM is south of Miami in Homestead.

Take I-95 south, drive west and then south on SR 826. You can take SR 826 to the end, exit on US1, or take SR 874 to the Florida Turnpike Extension SR 821.

If you take I-75, you will probably want to take the Florida Turnpike south, following the orange sun signs toward Key West. Finish your trip following the directions below for the turnpike.

From US1, turn right on 264 St. (Bauer Dr.) to Camp Owaissa Bauer, on the right just past 167 Ave. (Tennessee Rd.)

From the Florida Turnpike, take Tallahassee (SW 137 Ave.) north. Turn left (west) on 264 St. (Bauer Dr.) Turn right into Owaissa Bauer, just past 167 Ave.
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