News

Earth Camp 2008 Is Full!

We're delighted to report that all available camper slots for Earth Camp 2008 have been filled!  Sadly, this means that we can accept no more registrations for this year's camp experience.  We are also unable to honor requests for additional weeks of camp.

Sign up for our email newsletter and announcements so that you are sure to receive notification of Earth Camp 2009 registration early!  We look forward to seeing you next year at camp!

Campers create Lava Lamps in Arts and Crafts at Earth Camp

Drum the Ecstatic International Concert

An evening with Jim Donovan and Friends

Captivating and energizing concert experience that can best be described as an exhilarating blend of the drums of early Rusted Root, the positivity of Bob Marley, and the thumping soul of an African village!

You WON"T be able to resist the rhythm!

Saturday, July 19, 2008 ~ Doors open at 7:30 p.m. ~ Concert begins at 8 p.m. 

Stocker Arts Center - Lorain County Community College

1005 N. Abbe Road ~ Elyria, OH 44035

Tickets are general admission

$22.50 for adults ~ $6 for children 12 and under

Day of Drumming Retreat registrants receive a 50% discount on adult tickets (must purchase through Common Ground)

All others, purchase tickets through Stocker Arts Center Box Office at www.lorainccc.edu

Seats are limited - Get your tickets today!

Jim Donovan and Elie Kihonia of Drum the Ecstatic

Day of Drumming Retreat

Saturday, July 19 ~ 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

  • Internationally acclaimed facilitators including Jim Donovan (founding member, Rusted Root), and Elie Kihonia
  • Instruction for all levels of experience - beginners are welcome - no musical background necessary
  • Four engaging, interactive and fun workshops
  • Sample holistic health services and vendors
  • Renew, recharge, rejuvenate!

Register on-line ~ $49 per person ~ Appropriate for ages 13 and up

Box lunches will be available

*Registrants received 50% discount on Drum the Ecstatic International Concert - include your concert ticket request (1 per registrant) with your Retreat Registration - Discounted tickets are NOT available through the Stocker Arts Center Box Office.

Click here to register for Retreat

All Others - Purchase concert tickets only through Stocker Arts Center box office at www.lorainccc.edu

Medicine for the Earth Workshop/Retreat May 30-June 1

Medicine for the Earth is the creation of shamanic teacher and healer Sandra Ingerman.  It is the work of changing our environment by tapping into our own divinity, a process that has truly unlimited potential.  Common Ground is pleased to present the weekend version of this transformational course in May 2008.  The technique of shamanic journeying is used extensively in this course.  Reading Ms. Ingerman's book, Medicine for the Earth, is a prerequisite for participation.

Led by Carol Wilde, BSN, RN, CHTP, a highly regarded pracitioner in the fields of women's and holistic health, the workshop will begin on Friday evening with an optional Introduction to Journeying for those who are unfamiliar with shamanic journeying.  The course continues Friday evening thru Sunday at noon, with ample time allotted for meditation and reflection.

All meals and overnight accommodations are "on your own" - there are ample choices for dining and overnight accommodations in the Oberlin area.  The Oberlin Inn offers a discount to Common Ground workshop participants - inquire at the time of reservation.

Take advantage of our "early bird" discount - register by May 23rd for $125.  After May 23rd, registration is $150 on an "as available" basis.  You may register on-line or, if you prefer, you may print out and complete a registration form and fax or mail to Common Ground.

Have questions or need more information?  Contact us at Common Ground today!

Save the Date!

Mark your calendar now for two exciting Common Ground events:

July 19, 2008 ~ Day of Drumming Retreat and Concert

September 26 & September 27, 2008 ~ 3rd Annual Gregg Gilder Memorial Firewalk

You'll want to mark these dates down in your calendar because these are two events you won't want to miss! More details will be posted soon - or, sign up to receive our free e-newsletter and/or join our mailing list.  Then, you'll be sure not to miss out on these exciting programs!

Environmental Art Day To Be Held May 24th!

Connect with nature, be creative and welcome spring!  Join us at Common Ground on Saturday, May 24th from 1-5 p.m. for Environmental Art Day.  Presented as a part of Spring: Rebirth, Ritual and ReCreation, undertaken by the Lorain County Sacred Landmarks Initiative, Environmental Art Day provides the perfect opportunity for the artist in each of us to come out and play! Following a short presentation on the work of artist Andy Goldsworthy, participants will utilize the landscape of our 21 beautiful and serene acres in the heart of the Vermilion River Valley to create personal and unique art using only objects found in nature.

Participants are encouraged to bring a camera to document their creations.  Registration is $10.  Register by calling Common Ground at 440-965-5551.

We Are Now Hiring For Earth Camp 2008!

Common Ground is pleased to have selected a wonderful group of individuals for the Earth Camp staff. Currently, all positions have been filled except lifeguards. If you are interested in applying for what has frequently been called "the best job ever," please click here to learn more.

PLAGUE AND THE MOONFLOWER coming to the U.S.

Common Ground is pleased and honored to be working with Moonflower Productions International to help bring "Plague and the Moonflower" to New York City in April 2009. This widely acclaimed oratorio captures both the despair and the inspiration thrust upon Earth's inhabitants by the prospect of a dying planet.

In this seminal work, prolific English composer, conductor and virtuoso instrumentalist Richard Harvey interweaves narration, solo vocal and guitar performances, and choruses of children and adults - as many as 100 voices - to convey the spirit of Ralph Steadman's powerful libretto.  To learn more about this environmental conscious-raising performance and how you can purchase limited edition prints of Ralph Steadman artwork to support the project...

Presented with the projection of Mr. Steadman's vivid paintings, "Plague and the Moonflower" illuminates the hapless waste and destruction we fuel with apathy while a sustainable Earth fades from the futures of our children. Yet it is the child in the parable who, like a rare botanical species, Moonflower, transforms the dark side of human nature into a tender, but strengthened resevoir of hope.

World renowned artist Ralph Steadman has graciously donated limited edition prints of his powerful artwork to Moonflower Productions International to sell with all proceeds going to support the project. To view and purchase Ralph Steadman artwork, visit http://www.ralphfancygoods.com/plague/

Are you ready to drum in the New Year?

We are excited to announce the 2008 schedule for one of most popular Body, Mind, and Spirit programs. Come and join us for another great year of fun, creativity, and personal growth with Common Ground's Community Drum Circle.

Drumming is an ancient musical tradition that many cultures around the world use to energize, build unity, focus attention, relax, and heighten creativity.  A community drum circle is a group of people who come together to make in-the-moment music.  No musical experience is necessary and beginners are always welcome.  A facilitator will be present to help participants feel comfortable and learn basic drumming techniques.  Bring your own drum or feel welcome to use one of ours.  No need to register – Just show up!  Community Drum Circle is on the third Wednesday of each month from 6:30pm – 8:30pm. 

 

 

Community Drumming Schedule for 2008. Hope To See You There !!!

 

Date       Facilitator      Date             Facilitator


January 16th       Mike Charavell                July 16th               Mike Charavell       

February 20th     Ed Boas                         August 20th           Ed Boas

March 19th         Mike Charavell               September 17th     Mike Charavell                   

April 16th            Ed Boas                        October 15th         Ed Boas

May 21st             Mike Charavell               November 19th       Mike Charavell                   

June 18th            Ed Boas                        December 17th         Ed Boas

   

Fee:   This is a Community Drum Circle and is free and open to the public.  We ask that participants consider donating $10 each night to financially support the facilitator and help cover some basic Common Ground expenses.

 

Ed Boas - Ed combines twenty-five years of corporate business experience with his lifetime passion for drumming into drum circle facilitation, a unique and empowering form of communication.

 

Mike Charavell -  Mike first discovered drumming in 1998 and has been building his own drums since 1999. He has played with a few area groups and spends most of his free time with a drum in hand learning new ways to play it. He facilitates Drum Circles both publicly and privately.  Mike is always ready to learn, play or teach.

Earth Camp Annual Report 2007

Each year after camp ends we publish an Earth Camp annual report which breaks down demographic information about campers, lists staff and CITs, and expresses gratitude to the many organizational, corporate, and individual sponsors who made it possible for so many children to attend. Earth Camp 2007 was a huge success and there are many people and organizations that made it happen.

Click here to take a look at the 2007 Earth Camp Annual Report in PDF format!

Parents, you will be receiving a paper version of the annual report in your mailbox soon along with a survey to be filled out and returned. We value your opinion greatly and appreciate your time in filling out the survey.