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We hope you noticed the exciting new programs and important
changes made in our Summer
2004 programs.
We look forward to seeing you at Trollhaugen Farm! Looking
even further ahead, Kroka teacher Jamie Coulter is creating
a Rites of Passage for Boys initiative for summer 2005. Meanwhile,
Kroka teacher Lorene Wapotich is working on expanding programming
for girls and young women as described below.
 NEW
PROGRAMS FOR GIRLS AND YOUNG WOMEN
As part of Kroka’s commitment to support girls and young women
in developing their full potential, we are planning to launch
a new initiative in summer 2005. Building on the success of
Coming of Age for Young Women, we will launch two new trips
in 2005 that will round out a three part series. This new
school will include an introductory level trip, for girls
9-12, that teaches the basics of white water canoeing and
wilderness living. The second program, for girls 12-14, will
be the already popular Coming of Age for Young Women. The
final trip in the series will be an extended white water canoeing
adventure for girls 14-18. The development of this new school
is one of the many ways in which we are supporting girls as
they transition from adolescents to confident and empowered
women. Please share your ideas, suggestions, and dreams for
girls with us.While this new school is “under construction”
during 2004, I will be co-leading a one Saturday a month program
for girls in Brattleboro, Vermont. This program, offered through
the Vermont Wilderness School and co-led by Jeannine Tidwell,
is designed to support girls in developing their full potential
while teaching them important life skills. Girls will gain
confidence and a greater sense of self as they practice wilderness
living skills, explore natural mysteries, learn herbal remedies,
increase their physical conditioning, sing songs, write poetry,
listen to stories and celebrate the beauty and power of girls
and women. For more details and enrollment information contact
me directly at 802-251-0032 or laughingaspen@earthlink.net
Lorene Wapotich
NEW PROGRAM FOR BOYS AND YOUNG MEN
For several years people have been asking Kroka why we don’t
have a program for boys to parallel our popular Coming of
Age for Young Women. “Good question,” was our usual response,
“it would be an important program to have.” It is materializing
now (to start in 2005) largely because I have become interested
in leading such a trip.What are rites of passage and why are
they important? In short, they are a physical manifestation
of an inner journey. They also build skills applicable to
the wildernesses outside as well as to the wilderness of the
human soul.
Some of the ideas for curriculum include tracking, fire
making without matches, sweat lodges, jumping from high places
into water, stick fighting, community service, wild edibles,
map and compass over land and water, fasting, solo journey
and rituals, new and borrowed, designed to celebrate the change
from childhood into adulthood. Jamie Coulter
WALDORF TRANSITION
During the 2002 – 03 school year, Rochelle, Lynne and Misha
participated in a Foundations of Waldorf Education course,
at the Hartsbrook Waldorf School. In spring 2003, the entire
Kroka faculty attended a training organized by Katie Schwerin
from Monadnock Waldorf School. Currently, core faculty are
attending weekly classes in Foundations of Waldorf Education.
As we continue to study and learn, our curriculum will evolve
to reflect our understanding of the developmental needs of
children at different ages.
ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGE
Kroka’s core staff are taking an active role in shaping the
curriculum and the future of Kroka. At the fall staff retreat,
teachers made many important decisions that will continue
our transformation from a family business towards an intentional
community of educators.
 NEWS
FROM TROLLHAUGEN FARM
Thanks to the stupendous volunteer effort of Hugh Landis,
the Dammer Brothers and many others, the new and beautiful
Expedition Barn is complete! With the help of Michael and
Earl Bailey, students from Baltimore Waldorf School, many
spring and summer students and the entire Kroka faculty, the
new base yurt is beautifully nestled in the forest and work
is continuing on winterizing and preparing it for the semester
program. Please see the “Sustainability at Kroka” article
for more news on base camp development. Our big plan for next
season is the creation of a trail network and a five-color
orienteering map. Cartographer Doug Stephens is volunteering
to lead the map project.
Summer 2004 early registration deadline
December 31st
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