Friends and Family Handbell Camp

June 28 - July 1

Cathedral Camp and Retreat Center in East Freetown, MA

Ringers and non-ringers from 8 - 108 are welcome. 

Families are encouraged to attend. Children from 4-8 years old will participate in age related musical activities during the morning rehearsal time and will participate in workshops. Ages 8-18 are expected to attend the morning bell rehearsals (Tins) and enroll in workshops. Children under the age of 4 will remain in their parents care as there is no child care provided. All children will be under the supervision of their parent or guardian during the afternoon free time.

Dan Moore and Ed Henderson return to camp as directors for the Bronze and Copper groups, respectively. Ringers registering for the Bronze ensemble must be currently ringing level 4+ repertoire; Copper ringers must be currently ringing level 3 repertoire. Repertoire will be announced at camp.

Krishna Ersson will be directing Tins and 'never rung' groups.

In addition to our rehearsal time there will be a myriad selection of workshop opportunities.

Offerings include:

• Craft Classes
• Barbershop – for men and women
• Ringing with 6 or less
• Rhythm Games
• Cupstacking
• Ensemble Ringing
• Sight Reading
• Photography

Please indicate your preferences in the space provided when registering.

There will be plenty of free time for swimming, kayaking, touring local attractions, short drives to the ice cream shop, and evening camp fires.

"Bells for the Birds," a Variety Show, Sunday morning worship service, and a fabulous closing concert are included in the schedule. 

More Event Details

Housing and meals will be hosted by the Cathedral Camp and Retreat Center located on  Long Pond in East Freetown, MA.

Registration fee covers room, board, all on-site activities, music, and a t-shirt. Just bring your gloves, music binders, bathing suits and flip flops! You might want to consider bringing a bike to explore the center during free time.

Most  rooms offer single accomodations; there are some rooms with 2-3 beds. Please indicate your preference when registering. Preference of multi-bed rooms will be given to families with young children.

If you have a dietary concern, please indicate in the space provided on the registration form.

The tentative schedule to the left includes rehearsals, workshops and free time for activities. 

AREA ATTRACTIONS 

Yes, there is an ice cream shop a quick 3 minute ride from our venue:

Annie's Ice Cream Shack 50 Middleboro Rd, East Freetown

Nearby restaurants include: 

Nephew's Restaurant 1 Chace Road at Crossroads Plaza, East Freetown

Everybody's Pizza 54 County Road (Rte. 118), East Freetown

In addition to the onsite activities, there are area attractions a short ride away. Some are:

New Bedford Whaling Museum, located at 18 Johnny Cake Hill, New Bedford, MA 02740, approximately 20 minutes from East Freetown. See details on their website - https://www.whalingmuseum.org 

New Bedford Art Museum 608 Pleasant Street, New Bedford, MA 02740 visit http://newbedfordart.org

Buttonwood Park Zoo 425 Hawthorn St, New Bedford, MA 02740-1418  https://www.bpzoo.org

Scholarships and Financial Assistance

Area 1 has initiated a financial assistance scholarship, awarded by the Scholarship Committee covering full or partial event registration, for any Area 1 sponsored event. Please download and complete this application form and email the completed application to scholarship.area1@handbellmusicians.org.

Directors who are members of the Handbell Musicians of America in Area 1 and have never attended an Area 1 or National event may apply for the Bradford Scholarship for Directors. Choirs who are attending an Area 1 or National Event for the first time may apply for the Bradford Scholarship for Choirs.

Register Here!

All this for $315.

We look forward to having you join us for

friendly fun and ringing in a relaxing atmosphere.

Commuter rates available