Meal Times

Youth Programs · Teen Programs

Adult Programs · All-Day Adventures

Morning Workshops · Morning Adventures

Afternoon Workshops · Afternoon Adventures

Community Time · Worship
Evening Events · Dancing · Serendipity

Table Key with Examples

Youth Programs · Teen Programs

Young Adult Programs · Family Programs

Community Time · Worship

Evening Events · Dancing · Serendipity

Workshops · Outdoor Adventures

Youth Program (Ages 3–13)

Note: Parents and guardians must attend a brief orientation at 7pm, December 26th, in the Crafts Room. Feel free to contact our youth Program Co-Coordinators with any questions. This year Susie Enright, R.E. Assistant at the UU Church of Asheville, and Tryst Chagnon, R.E. Director at the UU Fellowship of Raleigh, will be co-coordinating our youth program. 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, trips, and swimming. The youth will gather every morning at 9am for the day’s opening (a half-hour Morning Circle). At 9:30am, youth will be able to pick and prepare for activities for the day. Morning activities will go until 12noon. Afternoon activities start at 1pm and go until 4pm. Parents are expected to pick up and sign out their youth from the youth program at Noon and at 4pm. With prior arrangements, youth staff will be available to supervise youth over lunch and during Community Play Time (4pm-5:30pm) for parents who will be participating in outdoor adventure trips or workshops during those times.
      At 7:30pm, any youth at the Community Gathering in the Big Tent may join the youth staff and other youth for Youth Worship, a combination closing of the day and story time. Youth will be brought back to the Big Tent at the end of adult worship, around 8:15pm.
      Parent are encouraged to join their children for youth program activities and trips during the week. Please read through the schedule for the day-by-day breakdown on Youth Program events.
      To meet the requirements of Florida state law, parents must provide car seats for children ages three and under to participate in SWIM youth programs or off-site activities.

      Kids: this is what we have planned for the youth program. We will have some changes during the week that we’re at SWIM, but most of the week will probably be like this:
      Every morning, we’ll start off with a Morning Circle. We’ll have an chance to learn and share fun songs and goofy songs for about half an hour.
      Monday: After Morning Circle on Monday, we’ll play games. We’ll also make and decorate canteens, before going on a hike around camp to see all the special places around camp. In the afternoon, we’ll have a choice of going to the Pool for a couple of hours or going to the Pool for an hour and then joining the teens in making our own clothes out of old thrift store clothes.
      Tuesday: After Morning Circle on Tuesday, we’ll have a choice of making things with paper mache, painting a mural, or playing in the kiddy pool. In the afternoon, it’s Fair Day! Every kid gets to make art and paint their own clay pottery. These pots will then be put in a kiln (an oven for baking pottery) and fired. There will be lots of other activities at Fair Day!
      Wednesday: After Morning Circle on Wednesday, we’ll be going to the beach! We’ll play in the sand and in the ocean. There’s also a playground at the beach. After we eat a picnic lunch, we’ll come back to camp and either watch a movie or go visit the Bear Caves.
      Thursday: After Morning Circle on Thursday, we’ll get into vans and go to the Fruit and Spice Park. We’ll take a tour of tropical and sub-tropical fruits and spices. You can even taste some of them. We’ll probably also play some outdoor games or go exploring before we head back to camp for lunch. Thursday afternoon, after lunch, you can choose between going to the Pool and doing scientific experiments and creating weird stuff.
      Friday: After Morning Circle on Friday, you can choose beteen going on a butterfly and insect hunt or playing in the kiddie pool. After lunch, we’ll have a youth mystery trip. No one knows where we’ll wind up, because it’s a mystery! When we get back, we’ll have a closing.
      Every evening, during the adult worship, we’ll have our own youth worship, which will be one part sharing about your day and one part story time.

Teen Program (Ages 13–18)

Note: Participants in the Teen Program and their parents or guardians MUST attend a mandatory orientation in the Teen Dorm at 9:00 PM, Sunday, December 26th. Teens who would like to offer childcare services should also stop by the Craft Room at 7:20 PM, Sunday, December 26th.
      Teens in any program may pick from a wide range of intergenerational workshops and offsite adventures listed by number in the following pages.
      If you have any questions about the Teen Program, feel free to contact Britt Dunn, Teen Program Coordinator, or Pepi Acebo, Director, before SWIM.
      The SWIM teen experience is like none other you can imagine. We promote an attitude of absolute acceptance and ridiculous fun with everything we do. Be prepared to unravel from the outside world to a place where you can be your crazy, beautiful self with no holds barred. The teen program is a safe, supportive environment geared toward YOUR empowerment. So bring ideas, books, thoughts, games, activities to share, musical instruments, ideas for discussions, and all your input about how to make this a more fun and exciting experience. We’ll be having a meeting the first night of SWIM to go over the schedule and brainstorm about any possible changes. Here’s what we’ve planned so far:

      Monday: We’ll be chillin at SWIM, making homemade clothes, shoes, you name it at our DIY Digs workshop, then joining in the community stuff until we head out for our own midnight canoe trip.
      Tuesday: Volunteer Day! We’ll be pitching in the kitchen and preparing for Fair Day! in the afternoon. (If you sign up for windsurfing, you’ve got breakfast set-up and dinner duty.) After Community Gathering, we’ll do a Teen-YA Fishbowl before we host Serendipity retro 70’s disco.
      Wednesday: We’ll be kickin it at the Crandon Beach in the morning, hanging in Coconut Grove (the hip district in Miami) after lunch, and then sailing our own boat out on Biscayne Bay under the stars by evening.
      Thursday: We’ll sleep ’til noon, then gorge ourselves creatively on Sushi Sculpture, the ultimate in fresh, delicious food. When evening comes, we’ll do our traditional teen worship and then dance into the night at Serendipity to music of the 60’s and 90’s.
      Friday: Teens who choose to go on the optional skinny dip trip take off in the morning. In the afternoon, teens are asked to host the UU youth and teen programs workshop in the dorm. After a bit of clean up, we’ll be preparing to dance like mad at SWIM’s totally fantastic New Year’s Party – bring CD’s and mp3’s of global dance music if you have them!

      Feel free to sign up for workshops and outdoor adventures, but bring an alarm clock if you’re planning on waking up early. As always, it is very important to be prepared!
      Be sure to bring $30 to pay for the Teen Night Canoe and Teen Sailing trips plus spending money for thrift shopping and milkshakes. Keep in mind that SWIM is a rustic environment by bringing tons of bedding, pillows, flashlights, sunscreen, toiletries, warm and cool clothing, bathing suit, and a clean towel or two. Also bring dancing clothes, costumes, worship materials, Frisbees, musical instruments, songbooks, candles, old clothes and bike tires for DIY Digs, knitting and crocheting supplies, skit ideas, supplies for dressing in drag, and any other fun and legal activity you can think of. We’ll be going thrift shopping and out to get milkshakes, so be sure to bring some spending money. It’s a good idea to leave fragile or valuable things at home because we tend to get piled on top of one another. Also remember that SWIM is a community, so don’t bring any behavior that would be destructive.
      Teens ages 13–18 may participate in Teen Program, which means participating in Teen Program activities and sleeping in the Teen Dorm. Minors staying in the Teen Dorm are still the responsibility of their parents or guardians and should be in contact with their parents or guardians on a regular, at least daily, basis.
      If you are 13, you may choose to participate in either the Youth Program or the Teen Program, but not both at the same time. If you are 18, you may choose to participate in either the Young Adult Program or the Teen Program, but not both at the same time.
      Teens of any age may choose to stay in the family dorm or camping area under the supervision of their parents or guardians.
      While it is not a major focus of our program, our teen experience usually includes an off-site, clothing-optional activity (i.e., skinny dipping) for teens who choose to participate. While not culturally appropriate in some context, it’s certainly appropriate in south Florida. This activity encourages a positive experience of one’s body in a non-sexual setting within the atmosphere of respect and acceptance we promote within the program as a whole. The trip is usually preceded by discussions on body-image issues in teen’s lives and society at large.
      The Teen Program is guided by the UU principles and youth empowerment, and affirms people of every race, class, sexuality, gender, religion, and ability.

Young Adults (Ages 18–28ish)

Note: Interested young adults will meet for an orientation in the Young Adult Dorm at 10pm, Friday, December 26th. Contact Jim Weber, YA Program Coordinator, if you have any questions.
      All plans are open to changes once we get to SWIM. There will be “spontaneous” late-night young adult trips like night-swims at the beach and hot tubbing, mixed in with SWIM’s regular fare. For your spiritual/personal growth needs, we’ll do a reality check the first evening of SWIM for any additional activities or workshops that we might want to arrange. 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.
      In years past, our official housing was officially labeled “Noisy Adult” and quite cluttered, with many of us up late every night, so feel free to pick “Quiet Adult” on your registration if you’re a particularly light (or grumpy) sleeper preferring non-YA housing.

      Question: Why do we have a “Young Adult” program and not programs focused on the needs of other adult age groups?
      Answer: We do have programs that focus on the needs of other adult age groups. These programs are our core program of workshops, outdoor adventures, theme talks, worships, and evening activities – almost all of our programs. These program meet some of the needs of adults 18 through 35, but not all their program needs, so we have Young Adult program staff to address their unmet needs.
      This year, we’re also adding Cruuise Directors, experienced SWIM participants who know how to have fun at SWIM, to the staff to address the needs of adults of all ages. The Young Adult Program Coordinator is one of these Cruuise Directors. A full list of Cruuise Directors will be added to the Welcome page in the next few weeks. These folks are eager to help you have the best time possible at SWIM. Of course, that’s true for all the staff and (we hope) everyone you meet at SWIM! So, if you need help with something before, during, or after SWIM, please let us know!

      Question: Didn’t SWIM get rid of its Young Adult program in the 90’s?
      Answer: Some years ago, due to concern about preferential treatment in an intergenerational community and a sense that Young Adults should be able to have their needs met by regular programming, SWIM’s Board (which included several young adults) 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 short, we lost a huge population of young adults and our enrollment plummeted. Although the theory made sense, the experiment was a failure.
      What we found at SWIM (and the UUA’s Young Adult Task Force found back in 1985 in the Unitarian Universalist denomination, and other denominations discovered much earlier), is that if we don’t support and encourage dynamic do-it-yourself programming to meet the changing (and often late-night) needs and lifestyles of folks 18 through 35, we lose folks in this age group. Some we lose just until they have children; others we lose forever. At SWIM, we don’t want to lose any member of this community.
      In our desire to build a cohesive intergenerational community, the Board has revisited this issue and recognized that the decision to eliminate a specific young adult coordinator position was not a good one. When we deliberately stopped supporting age-focused programs for young adults, we lost a vibrant aspect of our community. Young adults stopped coming. We apologize and are saddened by the loss of so many vital members of our SWIM community. We hope you will return.
      Starting year before last, our Board of Trustees (about half of whom were young adults) recommitted to building a vibrant Young Adult population in our community, providing staff 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 collectively 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.

Families

Note: Parents and guardians of young children, (and individuals interested in providing childcare outside of the regular youth programming schedule) should take the opportunity to meet one another at about 7:20pm, December 26th, in the Crafts Room, immediately following the 7pm manditory Youth Program Orientation mentioned below.
      Families with young children are generally housed in the Family Dorm, which provides families the opportunity to arrange bed times, share and coordinate late-night childcare, and possibly hire childcare 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.
      We work hard to make all of our programs work well for families. There are lots of activities to do together and separately each day. We fine-tune our schedule to avoid conflicts.
      For example, youth programs will start at 9am each day with a half-hour Morning Circle of songs and singing. Parents who choose to stay for Morning Circle may stay until the end at 9:30am and still attend the morning Theme Talk at 9:35am and any morning workshops at 10am.
      At the end of the day, families may join us together each day at 7pm for Community Gathering in the Big Tent, which will include announcements and sing-alongs. At 7:30pm, youth will go with youth staff from the tent to the youth worship, a combination reflection time and story time. At the end of the adult worship and youth worship, at about 8:15pm, youth staff will bring youth back to the tent. Parents may join youth at the youth worship or stay in the tent for the adult worship.
      Many trips during the week are family friendly. Indeed, several Outdoor Adventure trips are specifically parts of the youth program as well. Parents are always encouraged to join their children in youth program activities, although it’s good for all youth to have time on their own.
      This is more significant for teenagers who are estabishing their own separate identity among their peers and in the larger society. Parents who want to spend more time at SWIM with their teenagers should ask their teenage to help pick out a trip or activity during the week that they can do together. All parents of teenagers should also set a specific time each day to touch (not just waive at) their teenagers.
      Parents that want to better understand our UU youth and teens program should sign up for 423 UU Youth & Teen Programs.
      By the way, to meet the requirements of Florida state law, parents must provide car seats for children ages three and under in SWIM youth programs or off-site activities.

Community Time

Community Playtime/Fonkey Tyme/Social Hour

Before dinner, from 4pm until 5 or 5:30, 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 new games and pie fights. Always expect the unexpected.

Fair Day!

Playtime starts early and goes late on Tuesday…’cause it’s Fair Day! We’ve got lots of surprises in store.

Swim Nuus

Every day, at dinner, you will be greeted with a brand new edition of the Swim Nuus, full of schedules, reminders, thank you’s, human interest and humor IF YOU PUT IT THERE! The editor will collect all the contributions each day by lunch time. Wednesday/29th, we’ll feature the views of candidates for the SWIM Board.
      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 pre-SWIM information, please get a write-up to the editor, Elise Foster, at nuus@swimuu.org by December 1st.

Community Gathering

Each evening at 7pm, we’ll meet in the Big Tent for announcements and answers to your pressing questions. It’s also a fun time to sing together and to share our daily experiences.

Worship

At 7:30pm, evening worship services in the Big Tent bring us together for about 45 minutes for contemplation, inspiration and jubilation! Our services tend to be experiential, are sometimes outdoors under the canopy of stars, and tend to span that range of religious traditions upon which we Unitarian Universalists draw meaning. Youth will have the option of attending their own service most evenings.

      Sunday: Our welcome service coordinated by our chaplain, Rev. Ann-Marie Alderman from Jacksonville, Florida.
      Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday: Participants in the Worship Planning workshops will create these services. For help with creative worship opportunities, sign up for workshop 013 and 113 Worship Planning.
      Thursday: The teens follow their tradition of putting on another fantabulous service for the entire community.
      Friday: Mary Ann Somervill, Kip Barkley and Rev. Ann-Marie Alderman will lead a Wiccan ritual of transition.

The worship themes and content will be determined by the folks putting on the worships. You can be one of those folks if you want to be!

Dancing

Fun for folks of all levels of experience. Regardless of whether you can tap like a metronome or can’t even carry a heart beat, this is a can’t-miss combo of humor and fun to tune-up your belly laugh, heart and soul.

      Monday and Tuesday, 8:30pm-9:15pm, Nancy McDermott will teach the basics of dance: country dancing, line dancing, contra dancing, whatever you call it, it’s the centuries-old tradition of making the same mistake that your neighbor is about to make, in rhythm, an absolute blast for folks of all ages.
      Wednesday and Thursday, 8:30pm-9:15pm, we put some Miami butt-wiggle into our swing with Salsa and Latino-style dancing.

Campfire

The logs are lit at 8:30pm, illuminating an hour of song and storytelling 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 give brief yodeling lessons. All are invited to experience this primal return to the ancient ways of community celebration. Campfire schedule may vary at the discretion of our own Fire Goddess, Diane Neville, who is our designated campfire starter.

Evening Events

4th Annual SWIM Auction!

      Wednesday, 9:15pm-10:30pm: Always a crowd pleaser, the SWIM auction is one of our most popular events. Packed with great stuff for everyone, this fundraiser is expected to include an array of goods and services, donated by you, the SWIM community! Last year’s event auctioned off such luxuries as a private plane ride, fine handmade crafts, homemade gourmet dinners, musical serenades and home hospitality in the following cities: Boston, Atlanta, Miami and Key West. You never know what great surprises you will find at the SWIM Auction! This year, half the items for auction will be put out for silent auction bidding all day Wednesday. (If you have items to donate to the auction, we’ll need a brief description on Monday or Tuesday so we can set up the silent and noisy auction!)

32nd Annual SWIM Coffeehouse!

      Thursday, 9:15pm-10:30pm: It’s our annual talent & skit show! You’ll see the best of the spirit of SWIM up on stage at the Coffeehouse. It’s your time to shine as a performer, whatever your talent, and enjoy the secret humor and hidden talents of your friends. Sign up with Music Maven Pete Leary.

Serendipity

We at SWIM like to have fun. Serendipity is where we meet by chance, and dance the night away. So, push back the tables, turn on the sound system, pick out some tunes, watch some boogie, and cut a rug of your own. Available libations for donations. There will be games, too. Join us for new card and dice games plus your favorite classic board games.

      Sunday: 10:30pm-1am: First night of SWIM! Pull out your favorite tunes and try a hand as guest DJ!
      Monday, 9:15pm-1am: 80’s Dance Party put on by the young adult crowd. This night only, Michael Jackson, Prince, Guns & Roses, Men Without Hats, Soft Cell, Madonna, Culture Club, Duran Duran, Bruce Springsteen, and the Police still rule. Guys, you’ll want to pick out a stylin’ Izod, Polo, or Ocean Pacific shirt and don your Member’s Only jacket. Ladies, it’s time to break out your legwarmers, Ivana Trump hair, and Moon Unit Zappa accent. So, like, totally bring your best 80’s outfit to SWIM. Ok? Fer sure!
      Tuesday, 9:15pm-1am: 70’s Disco presented by the Teens. Pricilla rolls in from the desert. Think disco, over the top. Come dressed in your best disco royalty outfit: we’re all Kings and Queens tonight. There will be a show for those bold enough to sign up to parade around the dance floor, for the benefit of a panel of carefully (and randomly) selected judges. Meanwhile, SWIM wallflowers can sit back and enjoy the show. (You can pick up your free ticket for a chance to win your spot on the judge’s panel at the concession stand!)
      Wednesday, 10:30pm-1am: 20’s theme night. We’ll be playing music from the 20’s, 30’s, 40’s, 50’s, 60’s. The teens are off sailing. The YA’s are off hot tubbing. It’s an evening to take over the dance floor with nostalgic songs from of our misspent youth. Ragtime, big band, jazz, swing, blues, do-wop, and country classics. Bring your favorite 45’s, 33’s, and 78’s! (Tapes, CDs, and mp3’s are also welcome.)
      Thursday, 10:30pm-1am: Beatnik (dress in black) theme for Serendipity. Playing tunes from the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, 90’s. After the Coffeehouse, we’ll crank out all those tortured and torturous songs from the 60’s to the 90’s for your dancing enjoyment, like the Indigo Girls, Tori Amos, the Beatles, Bob Dylan, Janice Joplin, Nelson, Bonnie Raitt, Ben Harper.
      Friday, 10pm-2pm: New Year’s Eve World Dance Celebration: ring in the new year with rhythms from all over the world. Afropop, europop, salsa, mamba, reggae, and indigenious music, mixed with home-grown tunes from the States. The best New Year’s Eve party with the best folks in south Florida.

Film Festival SWIM ’04

Whether you are a serious moviegoer or simply someone with insomnia, you can join Cas Baskin as he continues the late night tradition of showing movies at SWIM. Cas plans to start the titles – each lovingly selected from the local video store – between 1am and 2am.

New Year’s Eve Celebration

On New Year’s Eve, Nancy McDermott and her amazing troupe of volunteers will transform the Dining Hall for New Year’s Eve Celebration. From 8pm to 10pm, the Dining Hall will be closed so that spontaneous volunteers and New Year’s Eve Decoration workshop participants can finish the special décor. Doors open at 10pm and, at midnight, we’ll ring in the New Year in style. Wear your New Year’s Eve best! (Those whose New Year’s Eve best is their birthday suits should hold of on streaking until after 12:15am.) Champagne and non-alcoholic beverages for the winners of the following awards: Best Costume, Best Sense of Style, Best Group Costume, Best Theme Costume, etc. Strut your stuff with the best! (No award for best birthday suit, because everyone would win!) See “Cost” information if you would like to have guests at SWIM for New Year’s Eve.

Workshops

Candy Gale says, “This year we have more workshops scheduled than usual. Through the miracles of modern technology I will inform the workshop leaders of the number of folks enrolled in their class. If there are too few people signed up they may choose to not teach that particular class. I tell you this to encourage you to register early and sign up for what you want to help guarantee the class being offered.”
      We have workshops of almost every description for you to learn, grow, enjoy, play, and share while you are at SWIM. Adults, Youth, and Teens are encouraged to sign up for workshops. Many workshops are intended for all ages. Workshops with age limits may be open to younger ages if accompanied by an adult (who may not have to be a parent – please check with instructor).
      All of our workshop leaders are actually volunteers, so SWIM participants can experience more fantastic workshops at little or no cost. If you have something you’d like to share next year, please contact our workshop coordinator, Candy Gale, at 813-931-7957, or email her at galec@aol.com. Workshop leaders get lots of appreciation and a SWIM Workshop Leader T-shirt!
      Multi-day workshops are numbered and listed according to the first time they meet.

Monday, December 27th, Morning

Cancelled Workshop: 011       Facing Inner Fears [limit 20]
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. Monday, 10am-12noon. Ages 13+

012       How to get “A Head” in watercolor [limit 10]
Using watercolors and paper provided, learn how to sketch a face and then render it in watercolor. Beginners will also get a brief intro to color mixing. Bring brushes if you have them. Fee covers supplies.
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. Monday, 10am-12noon. Ages 12+

013/113       Worship Planning [limit 20]
Do you know when you’ve been to a great worship service, but don’t know how to create one? A two part workshop useful for those who are (or who wish to be) worship leaders in their home congregations, or those who will be leading worship services during SWIM, or anyone who wants to know what makes for inspiring and challenging worship. There will be discussion of “worship” in a UU context, practical tips and resources for shaping worship services for all sizes, shapes and flavors of congregations. Participants in this workshop may try out their new skills during the workshop and during the Monday and Tuesday evening worship services. Sign up for one or both days.
Rev. Ann Marie Alderman, is the Associate Minister at the UU Church of Jacksonville, Florida and this is her second year as SWIM chaplain. A Florida resident most of her life, she grew up Southern Baptist, graduated with a major in religion from Florida State and got her seminary education at Vanderbilt. In the late 70’s, she applied for professional ministry credentialing from the United Methodist Church. Realizing that completion of that process would require her to conceal her sexual orientation, she choose to pursue other options! She became an auto mechanic, a service advisor, a bookstore manager, and for many years managed her family’s wood flooring business. Her return to ministry began when she found UU congregations who encouraged her to pursue ordination again. She completed a year’s intensive training in hospital chaplaincy, a year as a student minister in Gainesville, Florida, two years as the Director of Religious Education at the Jacksonville church, and now serves that congregation as Associate Minister. She is a Pastoral Care Specialist, a professional religious educator and parish minister. She and her partner, Karen, love to travel and to camp and enjoy the company of UU’s committed to fun, peace, justice and nature!
Free. Monday & Tuesday, 10am-12noon. Ages 13+

Monday, December 27th, Afternoon

021       The Joy of Massage
You’ll learn how to give a back massage that will have them melting in your hands! 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, Ph.D., works for the Defense Department in Washington. But his real passion in life is massage therapy. This is the third year he has offered his workshop, which continues to draw a crowd. Chris graduated from professional massage school in 2001 and got his national certification in 2002.
Free. Monday, 2pm-4pm. Ages 13+

022       D.I.Y. Digs
Why pay big bucks for mass produced mall fashions when you can make your own styles AND stick it to the man at the same time? We’ll be silk screening our own shirts, turning bike tires into bracelets, making headbands, armbands, rearranging old clothing, transforming seatbelts into belt-belts, and learning to knit. If you want to have your own screen printing set-up, bring a kit (most art stores carry them). Definitely bring, if you can, shirts for printing, socks with cool patterns, blown bike tires, old seat belts, yarn, and any well loved clothes that are past their prime or “trash” that would look fabulous as an accessory.
Put on by the teen dorm.
Fee $7. Monday, 2pm-4pm. Ages 10+

023       Raku [limit 15]
What is Raku? Learn this Japanese low-temperature clay firing technique originally used to prepare ceremonial tea sets. Come do it yourself and learn how to teach others so they can do Raku at the fair on Tuesday. Firing pots in a real fire and then submerging the pottery in wood pulp removes oxygen from the metal oxides in Raku glazes, producing beautiful effects hard to replicate with other firing methods. This is an amazing opportunity for anyone attracted to ceramic arts, traditional culture, or the transforming powers of fire. Workshop fee covers glazes and one bisqued (ready to glaze and fire) piece of pottery. If you'd like to do more than one piece, please bring $5 to cover each additional bisqued piece plus glaze. After pieces are glazed, they will have to dry to fire later in the week. Participants will have the opportunity to help with firings.
Laura Somervill is a studio potter by trade (and has never played flute).
Fee $5+$5/add’l pot. Monday, 2pm-4pm. Ages 10+

024       The State of the Universe
What happened last year? How did the universe begin? How will it end? New science, new scientific toys, and much, much more. Due to the our ever-changing understanding of the universe, this description is subject to change:
      The first microsecond and the last billion billion years – how old is the universe, and will it end with a bang or a whimper? String theory for the complete klutz. Quantum entanglement, and teleportation (beam me up Scotty). Neutrinos, gravity waves, and zero gravity – the lighter side of science. Slow light. Mars. The Nobel Prizes and the Ig Nobel prizes. The last few years have shown that there is something very peculiar about the universe – it would appear it is expanding faster and faster. Einstein tried to explain this with a “cosmological constant” he later thought was wrong. We now believe it is due to “dark energy” which unlike the energy we are used to, is repulsive. Then there is “dark matter,” WIMPS and MACHOS. Loop quantum gravity predicts that space is lumpy, the smallest is about a cubic Planck length (10^-99 cubic cm). Time proceeds in discrete ticks of about a Planck time or 10^-43 sec. Next year is Physics Year – the 100th anniversary of Einstein’s three big discoveries – relativity, photoelectricity, and random walk. Big celebration. Try some new scientific toys – that 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 at the same time.
Free. Monday, 2pm-4pm. All Ages.

Monday, December 27th, Late Afternoon

031       Pickin’ and Grinnin’ [drop-in]
Every afternoon, we’ll gather on the lawn and play some tunes. Bring an instrument, a song to share, a set of pipes, or just a pair of ears.
Lyle Baskin, Pete Leary, and friends have been delighting SWIMers for years with lots of fun tunes, umm, like this one…
“Think of Florida” think_of_florida.mp3 (1.6 MB)
Free. Daily, 4pm-5:30pm. All Ages.

032       Sampling the Sensual Six Pack [drop-in]
Is your beer an epicurean eyeful, does it titillate you tastebuds, or even cause an olfactory orgasm? If not, help is available here and you might learn something about beer. Participants must bring 1 or 2 six-packs of lager, ale or barley wine (no big bland beers please), depending on your level of participation. Leader will explain beer and all its variations until serious philosophical discourse subdues the otherwise laid-back environment. Does not meet Thursday; see 827 Touring the Taps. Suggested Books: Pocket Guide to Beer by Michael Jackson (Simon and Schuster), or any of his other written works.
Jon Hoskins is a home brewer with Ph.D. in Food Science. Previously a university faculty member in Dairy and Food Science Departments and member of nutrition program. Jon also evaluated beer for The World Beer Review (no longer in print).
Fee: a good six-pack and a reasonable sense of humor. Daily, except Thursday, 4pm-5:30pm. Ages 21+

033       Voluntary Simplicity
Few of us realize that the more we have, the more we have to worry about. Janice and Bob will help us look at wealth in an entirely different perspective: intentionally choosing to have less stuff. We’ll be forming our own “Simplicity Circle” and talking about the philosophy and “How To” of living simply. Suggestions: keep a one week diary of every cent you spend.
Janice McArthur and Bob Jacober live the simple life in Miami.
Free. Monday and Wednesday, 4pm-5:30pm. All Ages.

Monday, December 27th, Evening

041       Get Dancy with Nancy! [drop-in]
Fun for folks of all levels of experience. Regardless of whether you can tap like a metronome or can’t even carry a heart beat, this is a can’t-miss combo of humor and fun to tune your belly laugh, heart and soul. Monday and Tuesday, it’s the basics of dance: country dancing, line dancing, contra dancing, whatever you call it, it’s the centuries-old tradition of making the same mistake that your neighbor is about to make, a absolute blast for folks of all ages. Wednesday and Thursday, we put some Miami butt-wiggle into our swing with Salsa and Latino-style dancing.
South Beach Miami resident Nancy McDermott has been dancing forever and has been coming to SWIM almost as long. Nancy is good fun (and perhaps the only person at SWIM who can make the director blush).
Free! Monday through Thursday, 8:30pm-9:15pm. All Ages.

Tuesday, December 28th, Morning

112       Living Wills
It’s probably safe to say that most people think that having a living will is a good idea, but I suspect many of us have some questions about who, what, when, and how. Cay will help answer some of the questions you may have.
Cay Cahalin is a Nurse practitioner who works with elderly people and would like you to have the information to make some decisions that you and your family might be glad of in the future. Be forewarned that this is the only time during SWIM that Cay will be serious about anything.
Free. Tuesday, 10am-12noon. All Ages.

113       Worship Planning (See 013)
Our second worship planning workshop. If you’re interested in creating a themed worship experience for the SWIM community, please join us. Sign up for 013, 113, or both! And bring your readings, stories, music, and inspiration to SWIM!
Free. Tuesday, 10am-12noon. Ages 13+

Tuesday, December 28th, Afternoon

121       Tie Dye at Fair Day
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 be 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 as long as most of us can remember.
Fee $4. Tuesday, 2pm-4pm. All Ages.

122       Dream Catchers at Fair Day
(Check back later for the full description.)
Free. Tuesday, 2pm-4pm. All Ages.

123       Happy Feet at Fair Day
Come get your toenails painted and paint someone else’s.
Doug Hughes and Holly Francis have been coming to SWIM, and painting toenails, for most of the past two decades.
Free. Tuesday, 2pm-4pm. All Ages.

124       Raku at Fair Day (See 023)
Come pick a pot to glaze for Raku firing! Raku utilizes a woodpulp treatment at the end of each firing which burns and draws oxygen out of the fiery-hot metal-oxide glazes, creating spectacular results. Additional pieces, after the first, are $5 per pot. We’ve arranged for each youth in our youth program to be able to glaze/fire their first pot at no charge. (Laura Somervill is contributing dozens upon dozens of thrown and bisqued pots to this effort.)
Fee $5+$5/add’l pot. Tuesday, 2pm-4pm. All Ages.

Tuesday, December 28th, Late Afternoon

133       The Women’s Group [Drop-in]
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.
Janice Mcarthur is a woman herself and has been for a very long time.
Free. Tuesday and Thursday, 4pm-5pm. Ages 12+

134       The Men’s Group [Drop-in]
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.
Bob Jacober is a man himself and has been for a very long time.
Free. Tuesday and Thursday, 4pm-5pm. Ages 12+

Wednesday, December 29th, Morning

212       Painting with Acrylics
We will try to complete a painting (or two) by working on small and medium size canvasses. Bring any favorite ideas of reference materials you have always wanted to try to painting, such as your garden, house, dog, etc. We will have fun attempting to preserve them for posterity. Fee covers materials supplied by the instructor.
Lilly Marlatt has been painting for over 40 years. She has studied at the Art Students League of New York, Pratt Institute, Miami Art Center. She has been a workshop leader at SWIM for several years in the past. She has worked for two department stores doing their advertisement painting for twenty years and has had many Gallery shows.
Fee $10. Wednesday, 10am-12noon. Ages 10+

213       Primal Religion
For many, religious practices answer questions to some of life’s more elusive questions. Questions like, “Where are we going to?” “Where did we come from?” and “What are we supposed to do along the way?” The study of Primal Religion seeks not to answer questions, but rather to provide a unique answer to the question of “Where did religion come from?” Is it a construct of man, a natural phenomena or something far more transcendent? Come learn about religions thought to be millions of years old and decide for yourself. Reference material Emile Durkheim, Elementary Forms of Religion.
Diane Neville (better known as “Fire Goddess”) frequently leads her Hollywood congregation in the exploration of various world religions. She is a middle school teacher who is very active in community and UU events. Diane likes her workshops to be very interactive so come prepared to voice your opinion and listen to those of others.
Free. Wednesday, 10am-12noon. Ages 12+

214       Dream Vacation [Limit 30]
Tempie has temporarily traded in the break-neck pace of the medical world and her grandma’s rocking chair for her other passion – travel! If you have a dream trip that’s been bouncing around in your head, but for whatever reason have not brought your dream to fruition (“I can’t afford to travel. I’m not sure how to plan a trip of that magnitude. I want to go to ____, but it’s just a dream, so it will never happen.”) join this supportive group of like-minded would-be travelers and make that dream a reality! This is a workshop for all ages. Above all, remember: “Everything Possible”! Preparation: Think about where you would like to go. Begin to read travel books and do online searches.
Tempie Acebo spends her working hours in the Echocardiographic Laboratory of a busy academic medical center hospital, also assisting in the production of medical television programs and working with a large organization of cardiovascular specialists. Her favorite pastime is spending time with her three children (Pepi, Holly, and Andy) and two grandchildren, Emma Rain (3) and Henri River (1). She has always wanted to travel, but only recently jumped in with both feet and says, “Come on in – the water’s fine!”
Fee: 1 dream. Wednesday and Thursday, 10am-12noon. All Ages.

Wednesday, December 29th, Afternoon

221       Polyamory
Polyamory - “A Feeling Lifestyle” Polyamory is a movement that is growing in popularity across the US. Literally, polyamory means to Love more then One. People who practice polyamory seek to build stronger personal communities for themselves and their chosen family groups. This workshop will provide a place for practicing polyamorists to be together. Non-practitioners are also welcome to come with an open mind to explore this alternative lifestyle. Fee covers photocopies.
Diane Neville will lead this workshop.
Fee $2. Wednesday, 2pm-4pm. Ages 12+

222       No “if’s”, “and’s”, or “but’s” About It…
A writer’s empowerment workshop. We’ve always known we could write; we’re just going to inspire each other and enjoy writing together. If you wish you may bring something to place on the alter of inspiration. By the end of the workshop you will be inspired by your own writing!
Ellé Long has been leading workshops for most of the 30 years she has attended UU institutes. In the real world, she is the Director of Health Education for the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services.
Free. Wednesday, 2pm-4pm. All Ages.

223       Hypnosis and Biofeedback
(You always wanted to know more. You are getting very interested. When I finish counting to ten, you’ll want to register for this workshop. One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten.) Thanks for joining us for this exciting talk with demonstrations, followed by a Q-and-A session on hypnosis and biofeedback. See you there!
Fredric Ladd’s Master’s thesis entitled “Validity Of Hypnotically Induced Emotional States” was published in American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis. He uses hypnosis and biofeedback in private practice in a shared office with a medical doctor, general practitioner.
Free. Wednesday, 2pm-4pm. All Ages.

224       Ken Wilber’s Great Nest [Drop-in!]
You’ve heard of the “body-mind-spirit continuum.” What does that mean, and can it help you? Spiritual experience is the Omega point toward which evolution is slowly, painfully, and often joyfully moving. There is a role in it for us. In concrete terms you will understand spiritual growth on a continuum and how to foster it in yourself. Recommended Reading: any of Ken Wilber's books.
Mark Evans has a degree in math, physics and chemistry, was raised UU, is certified to train Neuro-Linguistic Programmers, and has always been seeking higher consciousness. He has taught Ken Wilber classes at TVUUC, ORUUC, SUUSI, SWIM and as a private consultant. He is an aspiring mystic.
Free. Wed & Thurs, 2pm–4pm. Ages 18+

Thursday, December 30th, Morning

311       Wicca
Let’s Talk About Wicca. Kip and Mary Ann have been doing Wicca workshops for so long they’ve quit giving it a title. They are sure to enliven and enlighten you.
Kip Barkley is a longtime UU who is also an Elder in the Covenant of the Goddess. Mary Ann Somervill is a longtime UU who felt that discovering Wicca was like coming home.
Free. Thursday, 10am-12noon. All Ages.

312       Writing with TJ
Come play with your food for thought. Join TJ for this writer’s workshop and explore your creative expressions.
TJ Allen, aka “Trinidad Joe”, a two-time attendee at Swim (1999 & 2003) is a former teacher who has won numerous poetry and short story contests. He has been second or third in several others. Some of these are The Robert Frost Poetry Contest, The Hemingway Days Short Story Contest and The Key West Citizen Newspaper Short Story Contest. For the past ten years, he has tour throughout the United States as a Performance Poet and Dramatic Storyteller. He has written a collection of poems and another one of short stories. He is working on his first novel.
Free. Thursday, 10am-12noon. All Ages.

Thursday, December 30th, Afternoon

321       Roll ’em, roll ’em, roll ’em, Sue-sheeee.
Might want to take a light lunch before this workshop. Learn to make your favorite rolls (sushi that is) and then chow down. Fee covers supplies.
Put on by the Teen Staff.
Fee $5. Thursday, 2pm-4pm. All Ages.

322       Adventure of Ideas: Time and You
This workshop will have you thinking outside the box.
Ed Savard has never been to SWIM and is a member of the Miami UU church.
Free. Thursday, 2pm-4pm. All Ages.

323       Hinduism for the Millennium
This brief survey is intended to demystify Hinduism, and compare and contrast it to other major religions.
Sid Kere, who has associated with Unitarians for many years, was born in India, and had ample opportunity to absorb the basic tenets of the Hindu religion. He attended universities in India and the U.S. He has a Ph.D. in physics and a Master’s in nuclear engineering.
Free. Thursday, 2pm-4pm. All Ages.

Friday, December 31st, All Day

403       Decorate for New Year’s Eve [Drop-in!]
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! Friday, 10am-12noon, 2pm-4pm, 8pm-10pm. All Ages.

Friday, December 31st, Morning

411       Poncho’s Never Ending Workshop
This is one of SWIM’s most popular workshops. Come with an empty string and gather pearls of wisdom from Poncho and your fellow swimsters. It’s a great close for an old year to get ready for an even better new one.
Poncho Heavener doesn’t like to brag about himself, so he hasn’t given us any biographical information in years, but we love him anyway.
Free. Friday, 10am-12noon. Ages 13+

412       Creative Atheism
According to many commentators traditional religions have many functions. This workshop suggests that many of these functions can be met without supernatural beliefs.
Ernie Wilson leads many of SWIM’s outdoor hikes, observing and experiencing the wonders of the natural world.
Free. Friday, 10am-12noon. Ages 13+

Starts Friday, December 31st, Afternoon

421       Defining Marriage, Then and Now
Now is not the first time America has debated nationally how to define marriage. In the late 1800’s it was Mormons, not gays, who were challenging the norm. The Mormon experiment with polygamy in the late 19th century provides interesting parallels to modern questions about what is a family and how we define marriage. This workshop will provide an historical treatment of Mormon polygamy while allowing discussion of the issues in a modern context.
David Cox, whose Mormon heritage goes back six generations, left the Mormon church in 1998. His great-great grandfather was Mormon polygamist. He currently practices law in Athens, Georgia where he lives with just one wife and two children.
Free. Friday, 2pm-4pm. Ages 10+

423       UU Youth & Teen Programs
How do we do programs for youth and teens that provide support without being suffocating? How do we nurturing self-realization without culturing narcissism? How do our UU values affect our youth and teen programs? Expect significant content. Take home materials will be provided.
Pepi Acebo has been involved in running UU youth and teen programs since he was a teen. He has served on Youth Council, SUUSI & SWIM youth staff, SUUSI Teen Staff, and youth camp staff at The Mountain. Pepi lives in Black Mountain, North Carolina, with both human and feline UU housemates.
Free. Friday, 2pm-4pm. Ages 12+

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 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 you 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 some 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. In the event a van is NOT available for an offsite trip, we are happy to reimburse approved volunteer carpool drivers a preset amount (approximately equivalent to $1 per 15 minutes of driving time one-way to the destination per person). If you wish to get reimbursed for driving your own car and taking others with you, you must get a voucher from Susanna Clark or Mark Harris prior to the trip departure. Volunteer drivers in carpools must refrain from the use of alcohol and must provide their license number and proof of insurance.
      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 arrange for their care and supervision.

Monday, December 27th, All Day

501       Beach Trip to Holiday Isle [no limit]
New trip! Down the Keys to sand, sun, water and more. Take a pontoon boat ride out to the sandbar or beyond to snorkel a patch reef, sit under an umbrella, or simply swim in calm water. Warm up with a quick game of volleyball or cool down listening to live Reggae while floating in the pool. Bring sunscreen, towels, change of dry clothes, $ for snacks, $$ rentals. Lunch provided. John McGill loves this place loaded with things to do, and he will be your primary trip leader.
Cost $15, $10 youth. Monday, 9am-4pm. All Ages.

502       Laidback Lignumvitae/Windley Key [limit 11]
New trip! Ranger-led tour of a virgin tropical forested island to see how the Mathesons lived in 1910. Take a tour boat out: no paddling or getting your feet wet! On the way back to camp, stop at Windley Key Fossil Reef Park for lunch and a ranger-led walking tour. The clean cuts of the quarry machinery reveal ancient coral reef, different from present day coral. Stop for Cuban coffee and fruit drinks on the way home. Bring $ for coffee and drinks. Lunch provided. Trip leader Susanna Clark.
Cost $27.50. Monday, 7:45am-5pm. All Ages.

Monday, December 27th, Morning

516       Early Birding [limit 14]
South Florida is THE place for birds during this season. Join our SWIM expert in this off site trip to spot the unusual and beautiful natives plus those touristy interlopers that migrate here. Bring binoculars, mosquito repellant, sunscreen, drinking water. Trip leader is top secret.
Cost $3. Monday, 8am-12noon. Ages 12+

517       Owaissa Bauer Nature Walk [no limit]
Explore our own backyard. Get a feel for the incredible diversity of plant life, be amazed at the solution holes, find out what makes a tropical hardwood hammock, learn to identify the dreaded poisonwood. Led by our SWIM expert Ernie Wilson.
Cost $3. Monday, 8:15am-10am. All Ages.

518       Early Tee Time in Miami [limit 12]
New trip! We’ll head out to the Coral Gables Waterway early to try to catch sight of the manatees that frequent this slightly brackish warm water. The waterway is bordered by beautiful homes with lush landscaping and a golf course. With Mark Harris as your guide, paddle along the quiet canals and see fish and birds as well on this mild canoe trip. Bring drinking water, wettable shoes, mosquito repellent, change of dry clothes. Trip leader Mark Harris.
Cost $20. Monday, 7:45am-11:30am. Ages 13+

Monday, December 27th, Afternoon

526       9-mile Pond Canoe Trip [limit 11]
A great trip for the not-too-experienced canoeist, although ingenuity and resourcefulness will be required. Some paddling instruction will be included. Nine Mile Pond is an excellent spot to see alligators and bird life. Beyond, the trail twists and turns through a maze of mangrove clumps in the saw grass glades...not your ordinary trail. Bring wettable shoes, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, drinking water, sense of adventure, change of dry clothes. Trip leader Chuck Harty.
Cost $20. Monday, 12:15pm-6pm. Ages 13+

527       Chekika Park Trails [limit 14]
New trip! Check out the natural everglades hardwood hammocks in this state park which was formerly known for its mineral springs. Although the springs are capped, the nature trails still exist; and due to its isolation, there is an abundance of wildlife. Bring drinking water, mosquito repellant, sunscreen, and binoculars if you have ’em. Trip leader TBA.
Cost $4. Monday, 1pm-4pm. All Ages.

Monday, December 27th, Evening

546       Teen Night Canoe [limit 12]
Only Mark knows where you’ll end up. Bring mosquito repellent, drinking water, wettable shoes, change of dry clothes. Trip leader Mark Harris.
Cost $15. Monday, 11pm-4am. Teens only.

547       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 $$ for dinner. Trip leader Chuck Harty.
Cost $4+$$. Monday, 6:30pm-10pm. All Ages.

Tuesday, December 28th, All Day

601       Learn to Windsurf! [limit 10]
602       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 come back by the end of the lesson – if you know how, you can come along and just rent, too! Wear swimsuit and wettable shoes. Bring sunscreen – and lots of it! Bring snack $, change of dry clothes. Lunch provided. Trip leader Mark Harris.
Cost $40+$. Tuesday, 9am-3pm. Ages 13+

603       Capt. Brown’s Eco-Airboat Tour [limit 14]
New trip! Take a ride with Captain Brown in an airboat for 2.5 hours and see the Everglades from a historical perspective as well as a naturalist’s. The airboats aren’t as loud as they used to be, plus you’ll be wearing headphones. Capt. Brown will show you historical Indian homes and stilted homesteader houses, his personal alligator friends and birds along the way. On the way to Coopertown John McGill will show you Indian Villages and perhaps the Casino. Leave your contact lenses at camp (airboats are windy) but bring $ for snacks. Lunch provided. Trip leader John McGill.
Cost $55+$. Tuesday, 9am-3pm. Ages 13+

Tuesday, December 28th, Morning

616       Everglades Pineland Trail [limit 13]
The Everglades Pineland is the most diverse and interesting area within the park and is also the most endangered. Miami and all the cities of South Florida are built on former pineland. What you see in the National Park is practically all that is left of this once extensive community. This trail is short but has much of interest along it. The plant life is abundant, unusual, and varied. The small animals are mostly hidden but we will see some anyway. Ernie has led a similar trip for the park service at least four times and on every occasion he’s learned something new. Bring drinking water, mosquito repellent, walking shoes. Trip leader Ernie Wilson.
Cost $4. Tuesday, 8:30am-12noon. Ages 10+

617       Flamingo Bike and Hike [limit 12]
New trip! Do a bit of biking along Snake Bight Trail and newly opened Rowdy Bend Trail near the Flamingo entrance to the Everglades. Although the trails are short, the effort can be intense and the rewards are great. We will most certainly see water birds of all kinds from the boardwalk at the end of Snake Bight. On the return trip to camp we’ll stop at some of the smaller trails and hike them. Bike rentals at the marina are $3/hr. Bring drinking water, binoculars, mosquito repellent, $ or $$ for bike rental if necessary, walking shoes. Trip leader Marty Springer.
Cost $6+$?. Tuesday, 8am-12:45pm. Ages 10+

618       Snapper Creek Aquifer Canoe [limit 12]
New trip! This medium length canoe trip puts in at the salinity dam and follows a short canal to Biscayne Bay. On the way you will pass several outflows for the Biscayne Aquifer which is excellent manatee habitat. On light wind days we go to the Bay and exterior mangroves. On windier days we can follow the mangrove canals and observe the wildlife. Bring drinking water, wettable shoes, change of dry clothes. Trip leader TBA.
Cost $20. Tuesday, 8:30am-12:30pm. Ages 13+

Tuesday, December 28th, Afternoon

Trips all return for Fair Day!

Tuesday, December 28th, Evening

646       Maybe Manatee Midnight Canoe [limit 12]
New trip! Paddling along Coral Gables waterway at night is an entirely different experience. The lights from the houses that line the canal cast an eerie glow, the splash of a startled manatee thrills you, the mysterious mist over the golf course invites you to join another world. Bring drinking water, wettable shoes, mosquito repellent, change of dry clothes. Trip leader TBA.
Cost $20. Tuesday, 8:30pm-1am. Ages 13+

647       Dinner Out Tap Tap Haitian Restaurant [limit 14]
“The whole place looks like an overgrown tap tap, a brightly painted jitney common in Haiti. Every inch is painted in vibrant neon hues (blue, pink, purple, and so on) and the atmosphere is always fun. It’s where the Haiti-philes and Haitians, from journalists to politicians, hang out. The lanbi nan citron, a tart, marinated conch salad, is perfect with a tall tropical drink and maybe some lightly grilled goat tidbits, which are served in a savory brown sauce and are less stringy than a typical goat dish. Another supersatisfying choice is the pumpkin soup, a rich brick-colored purée of subtly seasoned pumpkin with a dash of pepper. An excellent salad of avocado, mango, and watercress is a great finish. Soda junkies should definitely try the watermelon soda. For the ethnophobic, there’s a rather tasty vegetable stew, but I strongly recommend the goat—it tastes just like chicken.” – Frommer’s South Florida including Miami and Keys, 3rd Edition. Main courses run from $6 to $17. Trip leader John McGill.
Cost $4+$$. Tuesday, 5:30pm-9pm. All Ages.

Wednesday, December 29th, All Day

701       Day Sail for the Mostly Modest [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”; see Thursday’s trip for “clothing optional”. We will stop for beer, wine, soft drinks and munchies on the way to the docks. Bring $ for snacks, sunscreen, white-soled shoes (like tennis shoes). Lunch provided.
Cost $38+$. Wednesday, 8:30am-5pm. Ages 13+

702       Art and Art Deco in South Miami Beach [limit 6]
Conducted by Florence Cohan, our SWIM Art Deco expert, the walking tour of Ocean Drive and Beyond provides an introduction to Art Deco, Mediterranean Revival and the Miami Beach Architectural Historic District with its strong lines, porthole windows, lots of chrome and etched glass and pastel colors. After a leisurely restaurant lunch, we’ll move to the Bass Museum where Florence is a docent. She’ll give us our own personal tour of an Art Deco exhibition comprising 40 works by Bonnard, Braque, Leger, Matisse, Modigliani, and Picasso, among others; 30 pieces of decorative art from the Art Deco period including furniture, carpets, lamps, and vases; and 10 sculptures on loan from the Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris. Bring $$ for restaurant lunch.
Cost $18+$$. Wednesday, 9am-4pm. All Ages.

703       Crandon Beach [no limit]
For the past several years, our all-camp activity has been this trip to the beach. We’ll leave and return a bit earlier this year. If you’re up for more of the same – walking the beach and playing in the sand and surf – feel free to join the youth and the teens on this trip out to Crandon Beach on Key Biscayne. Vans are provided for teens, teen staff, youth, and youth staff. Adults need to arrange their own carpools between SWIM and Crandon Beach. There’s no fee for this trip, and no travel reimbursement for drivers. Lunch will be provided at Crandon for all who sign-up. We’ll leave the beach around 1pm to return to camp.
Free. Wednesday, 9:30am-2pm. All Ages.

Wednesday, December 29th, Morning

716       Steamboat Creek Canoe [limit 12]
Wind your way with Mark Harris through the creeks in the mangrove forest between Card and Barnes Sound. Lots of wildlife, easy paddling, and a sense of what the Keys waterways are like. Bring wettable shoes, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, a sense of humor and camaraderie, change of dry clothes.
Cost $20. Wednesday, 8am-12noon. All Ages.

717       Archery Next Door [limit 15]
New trip! Did you know there is an archery range next door to camp? The Everglades Archers, a club that competes regionally, has graciously allowed us to come over for some instruction in the sport and practice in shooting. Bring drinking water, sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes. John McGill will lead us over there.
Cost $13. Wednesday, 9am-12noon. All Ages.

Wednesday, December 29th, Afternoon

726       Fairchild Tropical Gardens [no limit]
New trip! Kama Ward highly recommends this trip for families. Take the narrated tram tour for an hour and then wander through the 2-acre outdoor Tropical Rainforest, Conservatory, Gate House Museum and Tropical Fruit Pavilion. If you’re coming from Crandon Beach, be sure to look up directions to Fairchild Tropical Gardens at the Info Desk, perhaps the day before. Trip leader TBA.
Cost $14, $9 youth, $4 under 3. Wednesday, 1pm-4:30pm. All Ages.

727       Nature’s Cathedral [limit 13]
Follow Chuck Harty and Ernie Wilson through sawgrass into a cypress dome with water up to your hips. See ferns and orchids in the most beautiful part of the Everglades. Susanna Clark recommends this unusual hike for those who really enjoy getting wet and dirty. “It’s well worth it.” Bring wettable shoes, long pants, and dry change of clothes. Trip leaders Chuck Harty and Ernie Wilson.
Cost $6. Wednesday, 12:15-6pm. Ages 12+

Wednesday, December 29th, Evening

746       Steamboat Creek by Moonlight Canoe [limit 12]
Steamboat Creek at night! Paddling between the mangroves by moonlight is a rare experience indeed. Listen for alligators, watch for natural phosphorescence outlining your paddle strokes. If you’re lucky, you may even startle some flying fish or an alligator. Bring flashlight, wettable shoes, mosquito repellent, change of dry clothes. Trip leader Mark Harris.
Cost $20. Wednesday, 8:30pm-1:30am. Ages 13+

747       Dinner Out at Yambo Nicaraguan Restaurant [limit 14]
New trip! “Ride ’em, urban cowpokes, over to this unusual spot where the decor is Nicaraguan with an emphasis on cowboy memorabilia. Both a cultural and a culinary adventure, Yambo will introduce you to the flavors of their Centralamerican homeland. To sample a variety of tastes, try the appetizer platter called Antojoitos or stick to the Nicaraguan version of a corn dog, a Nacatamale, Tamale uniting cornmeal and pork. Red beans and rice is a mainstay and a whole snapper is an outstanding choice here where prices are low and spirits high.” — Yahoo Travel. Bob Merkel and Debby Safford tell me, “You’ll have a BLAST.” Bring $$ for food. Trip leader Susanna Clark.
Cost $6+$$. Wednesday, 5:30pm-11pm. All Ages.

748       Teen Night Sail [limit 20]
See the stars and Miami at night from the water aboard a lovely 30’-48’ sailboat with experienced sailors. Bring snack $, sunscreen, white-soled shoes (like tennis shoes).
Cost $15+$. Wednesday, 6pm-12midnight. Teens only.

749       YA Hot Tubbing
A shorter hot tubbing trip for participants in the Young Adult program. See program description for more information. The longer, all-inclusive hot tubbing trip is Friday afternoon. Trip leader Jim Weber.
Cost $20. Wednesday, 10pm-12:30am. YA only.

Thursday, December 30th, All Day

801       Day Sail for the Immodest [limit 20]
This is the clothing-optional version of the day sail. Leave your camera and your inhibitions at camp. Bring sunscreen, drinking water, $ for snacks (stop on the way to pick them up), white-soled shoes (like tennis shoes). Lunch is provided. Trip leader TBA.
Cost $38+$. Thursday, 8:30am-5pm. Ages 18+

802       Indian Key Canoe [limit 10]
The canoe trip is short, but Indian Key is both a historical site, with ruins of a village, and an excellent shallow water snorkeling location. We’ll meet for the ranger talk and have lunch on the island and perhaps paddle around it or do your own sunning and exploring. Dee Medley and Florence Cohen will be our trip leaders. Bring sunscreen, swimsuit, drinking water, mosquito repellent, change of dry clothes. Lunch will be provided.
Cost $20. Thursday, 8am-5pm. Ages 13+

803       Indian Key Kayak [limit 10]
Same location, but in rental kayaks. Mark Harris will provide excellent instruction and guidance over to the island and back. Bring sunscreen, swimsuit, drinking water, mosquito repellent, change of dry clothes. Also, bring $$$ for kayak rental. Lunch provided.
Cost $8+$$$. Thursday, 8am-5pm. Ages 13+

804       Pennekamp Snorkel Trip [limit 6]
The living, shallow-water coral reefs of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary are vibrant with color and activity. The 2 and a half-hour snorkeling tour includes some instruction about the reef and how to use your snorkel. We’ll get 1.5 hr of in-the-water time. Masks and fins can be rented for $2 each, and the $2 snorkel is yours to keep. Vests are also available for rent. Only competent deep water swimmers are allowed on this trip. Bring drinking water, sunscreen, light jacket, dry clothes for the ride back to camp, $ for mask, fin, snorkel. Boat is included in trip fee. Lunch provided. Trip leader TBA.
Cost $36+$, $31+$ youth. Thursday, 7:45am-3:45pm. Ages 10+

805       Pennekamp Glass-bottom boat [limit 6]
Enjoy a unique glimpse into the serene undersea world in style and comfort. At 65 feet in length, the high-speed catamaran tour transports passengers to the various nautical destinations of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. The itinerary includes the sunken Navy vessel Spiegel Grove, as well as the shallow reefs teeming with wildlife. Bring sunscreen, water, $ for snacks. Lunch provided. Trip leader TBA.
Cost $29+$, $22+$ teens/youth. Thursday, 7:45am-3:45pm. All Ages.

Thursday, December 30th, Morning

816       Wildlife Rehab Service Trip [no limit]
This non-profit center cares for the housing and medical needs of injured and abused panthers, monkeys, tigers, birds, and reptiles. As volunteers we’ll help in whatever way we can to pull weeds, repair cages, dig flower beds, or whatever Dirk needs to have done. Last year Larry Crandall used his welding expertise to put a double door on some of the cages. On the way back we’ll stop at Robert Is Here for tropical fruit and yummy exotic milkshakes. Work gloves will be provided. Bring $ for snacks and, if you like, a donation.
Cost $4+$. Thursday, 8:30am-12:30pm. Ages 18+

817       Fruit and Spice [limit 10]
Join the youth program for this tour you can put in your mouth. Established in 1944, this lush, tropical paradise 32 acre park is the only garden park of its kind in the United States and features over 500 varieties of exotic fruits, herbs, spices, and nuts. The tour 45 minute tour starts at 11. Bring drinking water, $ for the gift shop, snack. Trip leader TBA.
Cost $6+$. Thursday, 10am-12pm. All Ages.

Thursday, December 30th, Afternoon

826       Women in Water [limit 8]
This clothing optional trip is for women only. Susanna Clark, River Nymph Extraodinary, will take you to a SWIM friend’s house for swimming in the pool and hot tubbing. Or bring a book or cards and relax for an afternoon. Sharing life experiences is sometimes the best part of this trip. No pressure, privacy and confidentiality is assured. If you’ve never been naked just for the fun of it, this trip is for you. Bring amusements (cards, book, magazine, toenail polish) and sunscreen.
Cost $4. Thursday, 1:30pm-4:30pm. Ages 13+

827       Touring the Taps [limit 13]
We’ll take lunch and stop along the way to the first microbrewery. Taste and compare a variety of fresh ales and lagers. Next stop could be a brew pub or two. Good practice for Beer Tasting at camp. A designated driver will be provided. Bring $$ for beer and snacks. Lunch provided.
Cost $10+$$. Thursday, 12noon-6pm. Ages 21+

828       N. Key Largo Botanical Preserve [limit 13]
Have you ever wondered what the Keys looked like before the Overseas Highway and railroad? Our trip to this 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. Your guide Ernie is a professional botanist. Bring mosquito repellent, sunscreen, drinking water. Trip leader Ernie Wilson.
Cost $4. Thursday, 12:30pm-5:30pm. Ages 13+

Thursday, December 30th, Evening

846       Wildlife Center Night Voices [limit 14]
New trip! Larry Crandall, who helped out with welding at the Center last year, says that after dark, the animals talk. Dirk has allowed us to come to the Center this year at night to hear the jungle noises, too. He was raised in Africa and has many stories to tell, not only about the animals at the Center, but also about his younger years. If the animals are quiet, perhaps we can get Dirk to talk! We’ll stop at Robert Is Here on the way over for tropical fruit, and your leader will be serving wine and cheese to go with the fruit. Bring folding chairs if possible, $ for fruit. Trip leader Dee Medley or Susanna Clark.
Cost $6+$. Thursday, 6pm-9pm. Ages 13+

847       Night Sail [limit 20]
Sailing at night is very different: the sea is black, the stars are bright, the world is quiet, Miami sparkles in the distance. Bring your musical instruments and strong voices; and we’ll fill the air with sing-alongs, sailor songs, storytelling, and laughter. We’ll be aboard comfortable (30-48’) sailboats with experienced sailors. Munchies stop on the way to the dock. Bring $ for snacks, musical instruments, white-soled shoes (like tennis shoes). Trip leader TBA.
Cost $38+$. Thursday, 6pm-12midnight. Ages 18+

848       Dinner Out Main Street Cafe [limit 14]
New trip! Enjoy a seafood, salad, or sandwich dinner and listen to live music. Artists in the past range from Classic Rock bands to individual acoustic guitar folk ballads. Charge is for transport only. Bring $ for cover charge (live music) and bring $$ for dinner. Designated driver provided. Trip leader TBA.
Cost $4+$$$. Thursday, 6:30pm-11pm. Ages 21+

Friday, December 31st, All Day

901       Florida Trail Hike [limit 14]
The Florida Trail in the Big Cypress National Preserve is fantastic! It is home to cypress trees, bromeliads, orchids, snakes, alligators, otters, etc. Dee Medley will be leading this sometimes wet hike. Guaranteed photo-ops. When Susanna was there last year, she watched an alligator devour a large white bird while 2 hawks watched from nearby trees. Bring camera, drinking water, wettable shoes. Lunch provided. Trip leader Dee Medley.
Cost $6. Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm. Ages 13+

902       Manatee Bay Canoe [limit 12]
The last canoe trip. We’ll glide out onto the Bay. Water will gurgle, fish will jump, birds will bound, and wind will sigh. If you’re lucky, you may experience the healing? qualities of odoriferous mangrove swamp mud. Wear swimsuit. Bring sunscreen, mosquito repellent, wettable shoes, dry change of clothes. Lunch provided. Trip leader Mark Harris.
Cost $20. Friday, 8:30am-3pm. Ages 13+

Friday, December 31st, Morning

916       Butterfly and Insect Walk [no limit]
South Florida at the edge of the tropics has some of the most beautiful butterflies in the continental United States. Ernie Wilson will help us look for them as well as the food plants they depend on. We will also see what other insects we can find in our own South Florida backyard. Bring sturdy shoes, drinking water, mosquito repellent. Trip leader Ernie Wilson.
Cost $3. Friday, 9:45am-11:45am. Ages 7+

917       Shark Valley Tram Trip [limit 12]
Take the 2 hour tram ride along a 15-mile path and get a guided overview of the freshwater Everglades. The marsh offers one of the best opportunities to view alligators and the endangered snail kite. An observation tower located halfway around the tram road provides a spectacular view into the sawgrass marsh. Susanna Clark spotted two tiny Keys deer on her last visit. Bring sunscreen, drinking water. Trip leader Susanna Clark.
Cost $21, $14 youth. Friday, 7:30am-12:45pm. All Ages.

918       Shark Valley Bike [limit 10]
Instead of the tram tour, take the 15-mile loop road by bike. Bring your own or rent one for about 3 hours at $5.75/hr. Bring day pack for drinking water, sunscreen, $$ for bike rental. Trip leader Marty Springer.
Cost $6+$$. Friday, 7:30am-12:45pm. Ages 12+

Friday, December 31st, Afternoon

926       Vizcaya [no limit]
Vizcaya, the winter home of International Harvester vice president James Deering, offers a unique glimpse of a vanished lifestyle in america. The Museum and Gardens provides a window to both the history of Miami, graced by the villa since it completion in 1916, and to the Italian Renaissance, represented in the Museum’s architecture. Its art and furnishings portray 400 years of European history. Bring $ for snacks at the café overlooking the pool.
Cost $18+$, $11+$ youth, $0+$ under 6. Friday, 1pm-5pm. Ages Ages.

927       Hottubbing [no limit]
Yes, it’s that famous Hottubbing ritual at Magic Waters, a lavish and immaculately maintained hot tub center. Tub rooms accommodate 6-8 people; the “executive” tub holds 12 and has an adjacent sauna. Magic Waters provides towels, cool showers, hair dryers, and sterio music. No glass containers, soap, shampoo, or oils allowed. Bathing suits optional and unlikely. Bring $ for drink machine or your own plastic drinking water bottle. Also bring $1 or $2 for tips to the towel custodians.
Cost $30+$. Friday, 1pm-4pm. Ages 18+

928       Monkey Jungle [no limit]
This is the place where the humans are caged and the monkeys run wild! Joseph DuMond, an inquisitive animal behaviorist, released six monkeys into the wilds of a dense South Florida hammock in 1933. The release fifty years ago of that small Java troop signified the beginning of the larger thriving troop that runs free at Monkey Jungle today. The Java monkey is a skilled diver in the wild, collecting crabs and other shellfish along the riverbanks and mangrove swamps. Scheduled feedings show off these water skills as animals dive into a pool to receive fruit from the guides. A total of 30 species of primates are represented here including gibbons, guenons, spider monkeys and colobus. Bring $ for snacks.
Cost $18+$, $13+$ youth, $0+$ under 3. Friday, 1pm-5:30pm. Ages Ages.

Date Key:

Multi-day workshops are numbered according to the first time they meet.