Remember the good ol’ days of summer camp? If it’s been too long since you’ve enjoyed one, the Alden B. Dow Home and Studio has a unique opportunity for you to participate in a two-day
adult summer camp next month.
From Sept. 19-20, adults can enjoy canoeing around the pond, exploring and reflection within the home, studio, and grounds. Campers have access to the Alden B. Dow Archive of original drawings, correspondence, project files, publications, photos and films by Mr. Dow. They’ll also have time to collaborate and complete design projects, and enjoy coffee, lunch, wine and cheese on the porch.
Craig McDonald is the executive director of the Alden B. Dow Home and Studio in Midland, and says the adult summer camp is typically offered once or twice a year.
“It’s an opportunity for adults of all ages to be campers, to come and immerse themselves in the Alden B. Dow Home and Studio, and the work he has created,” McDonald says. “It’s about coming to this inspirational place to invigorate or reinvigorate their own creativity and ingenuity.”
Part of Dow’s principles included the notion that the physical environment impacts a person’s creativity and productivity, and that having time to space, create, examine, research and reflect was beneficial.
McDonald says the camp has been going on about a decade, and campers from previous years enjoyed the unique experience over the years.
“We get such positive feedback about it, and sometimes campers even want it longer,” McDonald says. “They love the opportunity just to be in the building. We canoe with them around the building, and they see the relationship between structure and environment.”
The camp is designed for adults of all ages, and McDonald says the camp is suitable for anyone, not just those with design, architecture, or art backgrounds.
“You don’t have to have design knowledge or consider yourself a designer, or even artistic,” he says. “Maybe it’s about getting more in touch with what your creativity is: writing, drawing, math, science, etc. because we’re all creative, and it comes out in different ways.”
Many adults are not given the opportunity, time or permission to be creative in their busy routines, but this camp hopes to provide a unique retreat of sorts. It’s also a way to provide continuing education for adults, rather than just educational opportunities like summer camps traditionally targeted to younger students.
The adult summer camp runs Thursday and Friday, Sept. 19-20 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and costs $220 per person. Registration is limited, and is available
online. The camp is limited to 15 people. Coffee in the morning, lunch on the terrace, wine and cheese are provided on the porch.
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