Summer Sessions 2012

Living and Nurturing Integrity
Sunday, July 22, 2012 - 3:00pm to Saturday, July 28, 2012 - 12:00pm

 

Summer Sessions

July 22–28, 2012  •  Silver Bay, New York

Living and Nurturing Integrity

Summer Sessions

July 22–28, 2012
Silver Bay, New York

Living and Nurturing Integrity

John Cooley, clerk, NYYM Sessions Committee

In our Yearly Meeting’s Faith and Practice one of the fruits of the spirit is titled “Truthfulness, Integrity, and Communication.” Reviewing that section of F&P (pages 30–33) will help us prepare for Summer Sessions.

Friends have been concerned to communicate with integrity, to make our words and action fit the truth of our lives. We endeavor to speak the truth as we know it, honestly and forthrightly, speaking plainly from our own lives. Sometimes this practice has been difficult; sometimes the results surprise and delight us. (F&P, page 31)

As Friends, we experience God calling us to a life of consistent, daily integrity. How can we be faithful to that call, in our compromised world? If we are faithful, will the call surprise and delight us? Or do we hold back, fearing the imagined cost of being faithful?

Jon Watts calls us to be “radically authentic.” Saying what we mean and no more, acting consistently with each other in our families, in business relationships, in Quaker monthly meetings, committees and other organizations—all of this and more comes to mind with this year’s theme. What happens if radical authenticity is abused, becoming an excuse for being undisciplined and unkind?

Our plenary speakers bring a perspective to integrity from the history of early Friends and from their personal experience. Their attempts to act and speak with honesty and clarity should inspire us all to experience, express, and practice our faithwith a renewed sense of fullness.

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Silver Bay YMCA of the Adirondacks
87 Silver Bay Road
Silver Bay, NY 12874
518-543-8833

For a map of the Silver Bay Campus please click here.

Session Documents

Plenary Speakers

Jon Watts

Plenary speakers Jon Watts and Maggie Harrison have been traveling among Friends carrying a ministry of music and personal messages of the spirit. Jon may be best known for his YouTube video of dancing in meeting at Pendle Hill. Maggie has worked with Jon starting when they were students at Guilford College in Greensboro, NC. She has been doing research at Earlham School of Religion in the history of early Quakers, some of whom emphasized the importance of being clothed in righteousness by appearing in the streets with nothing else on at all.

Maggie Harrison

Jon and Maggie are talking and singing about the message “Clothe Thyself in Righteousness,” which should reinforce our theme “Living and Nurturing Integrity.” Jon also speaks about “radical authenticity.” He was featured speaker at Farmington-Scipio Region Spring Gathering in 2010. He and Maggie have visited many other Friends gatherings, and can be found in a variety of CDs, YouTube videos, and blogs. Try http://bit.ly/JlWIPS.

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Registration

Everyone Must Register

To register by mail, determine your total registration fee from the table below, fill out the appropriate registration form (adult or Junior Yearly Meeting), print it, and send it in with your registration check via postal mail to NYYM, 15 Rutherford Pl., New York NY 10003. Do not include any of your Silver Bay charges as part of our registration fees.

To register online, determine your total registration fee from the table below, then click on the “Buy Now” button below. If you choose to make a voluntary donation to the Equalization Fund (tax deductible), include the amount in your total. Enter the amount of your payment in the space provided. Please add $3.00 to your total registration amount to cover NYYM’s PayPal expense. Do not include any of your Silver Bay charges as part of our registration fees.

Fill out Adult or JYM registration form(s), save them, and e-mail as attachments to office [at] nyym.org.

Note: The registration forms open in a new window. They are in PDF format, which requires Adobe reader. If you don’t have Adobe reader, you may download it free here.

Clustering (staying in rooms that are close together) is required of all parents/guardians/sponsors and the children they are supervising. Mail or e-mail your registrations in at the same time.

Junior Yearly Meeting information can be found here.

2011 NYYM Registration Fees

NYYM registration fees (not to be confused with the room deposit for Silver Bay YMCA) must be included with the completed registration form for everyone (age three and older). Everyone (all ages) must be registered, even the under-threes.

Registration Fee Chart Until July 15 July 16–22 After July 22
Adults $40 $70 $80
Young adults 18–35 yrs. $32 $62 $72
JYM Youth (3 yrs to 17 yrs) $20 $35 $40
Family Group—2 adults & all children under 18 in room with parents $77 $107 $117
Family Cluster—2 adults & all children under 18 in 2 rooms with adult in each room $100 $130 $140
Per day fee—applicable only to all those attending less than half session $19 $24 $30
Register

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Steps to Summer Sessions

If you’re a first-timer, find a seasoned Summer Sessions attender as a mentor!

  • Read the information on this Web page carefully
  • Decide your arrival and departure dates
  • Choose your housing preferences (p. 12)
  • Determine if you need financial assistance; if so, apply follow steps below
  • Register, either online at nyym.org or using the form on page 16
  • Send registration fee to NYYM office along with registration form
  • When Silver Bay YMCA sends you an acknowledgment of your registration, send 25% deposit to Silver Bay YMCA

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Participant Expectations

As we come together to build a spiritual community during Summer Sessions, we join together in agreeing to a set of expectations to ensure a safe and pleasant experience for all. Along with the YMCA’s guidelines, these expectations apply to all NYYM registrants for Summer Sessions boarding at the Silver Bay YMCA, as well as all day guests.

NYYM Agreements

  1. All attenders are expected to:
    • observe safety precautions such as: maintaining contact between children and parents, guardians, or sponsors at regular intervals
  2. Attenders under 18 years old are expected to:
    • register with Junior Yearly Meeting in the company of the parent, legal guardian, or sponsor
    • cluster with (sleep in a room near) the parent(s), guardian, or sponsor
    • have a valid medical consent form signed by a parent or guardian (medical forms will be mailed to JYM registrants and can also be downloaded here)
    • attend the activities of the JYM group to which assigned.
  3. Parent(s), guardian, or sponsor for a child under 18 years old assume responsibility for the safety and well-being of that person.
  4. If responsible for a child or to an adult, agree and commit to a specific bedtime and daily check-ins.
  5. If 18 years or older, register yourself and dependents with Yearly Meeting.

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NYYM Beach and Waterfront Safety Guidelines

  • NYYM guests renting SBA watercraft should stay within binocular range of SBA personnel at the boathouse, including not going behind any islands.
  • NYYM guests shall only dock rental watercraft at SBA docks unless specific arrangements are made in advance with SBA personnel.
  • Any NYYM guest renting a watercraft, in addition to SBA rules, must remain in the *Safe Bay Area unless there is a person in the craft who is minimum age 18.
  • Any NYYM guest who uses his/her own watercraft must obtain parental or guardian permission to take any NYYM guest under the age of 18 onto his/her watercraft, and is requested during such excursions to abide by the above rules.

Silver Bay Association rules also apply, and include the following:

Rules for Boat Rentals:

Sailboats (Sunfish, Lasers)

  • Everyone must pass lifetime screening test—twice around three sailing buoys, capsize and right boat (record name and date into sailing records)
  • Screening Tests—Daily 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
  • Solo—Minimum age 12

Canoes

  • Two per canoe (solo must prove proficiency)
  • Age 10–15 must stay in Safe Bay Area

Kayaks

  • Tandem—Age 10–15 must stay in Safe Bay Area
  • Solo—Minimum age 10
  • Age 10–12 may paddle next to one over 15 or must stay in Safe Bay Area

Rowboats

  • Age 8–12 rowers must stay in Safe Bay Area

*Safe Bay Area is defined as the line from tip of Slim Point to the employee area raft.

 

Beach Rules:

The following rules are posted on Bay and Slim Point guard stands and must be enforced:

  1. No “horseplay” on the docks, or in the water.
  2. No running on the dock (as posted at ERC).
  3. No diving from the sides of the ERC dock. Area marked “NO Diving.”
  4. No flotation devices allowed in bathing area.
  5. No balls or Frisbees in the bathing area.
  6. No running dives into the water.
  7. No diving from the dock or raft into water less than 8 feet.
  8. Patrons are not allowed to use whistles near the beach area.
  9. Children under 7 must be accompanied by an adult when in the water.
  10. Boating, water-skiing, or surfboarding prohibited in the swimming area
  11. No motorized vehicles permitted on the beach.
  12. No clay digging on beach or in the water.
  13. Masks and snorkels must be approved by lifeguard prior to use.

Canoe on lake

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Helpful People for NYYM Sessions

  • Display Requests: Karen Snare
  • Financial assistance: Helen Garay Toppins
  • Food-service coordinator: Martha Gurvich
  • General scheduling: John Cooley
  • Golf cart coordinator: Rose Lynn
  • Greetings to absent Friends: Kathleen Lawson
  • Interest group proposals: Section (coordinating committee) clerks
  • JYM program: Miriam McGiver, Dawn Pozzi
  • Minute editor: Barbara von Salis
  • Off-campus: John Cooley & Will Strayer
  • Silver Bay liaison & audiovisual arrangements: Martha Gurvich
  • Special needs: Martha Gurvich
  • Worship sharing groups: Kate Lawson & Claire Simon

All registration questions: Helen Garay Toppins, office [at] nyym.org; 212-673-5750; NYYM 15 Rutherford Pl., New York NY 10003.

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Agenda Items

If you have items for the business agenda, please contact the coordinating committee clerks: Jeffrey Aaron, General Services; Amy Willauer-Obermayer, Ministry; Deborah Wood, Nurture; Fred Dettmer, Witness, or Heather Cook, clerk of NYYM, clerk [at] nyym.org; or the NYYM office, office [at] nyym.org. Contact information for the coordinating committee clerks is in the Yearbook, which should be available at your meeting.

Financial Assistance Available

July 2 is the deadline for financial assistance requests.The Equalization Fund uses contributions to help with the cost of attending NYYM sessions. The registration form in Spark and on the Web site provides an opportunity for Friends to contribute to the fund.

To apply for scholarship help, first, ask your monthly meeting and quarterly/regional meeting for support. Send confirmation from the meeting about the amount that has been asked for and granted—even if it is zero. This process can be as simple as an e-mail or note from your meeting’s clerk on the registration form, or a more formal letter. Second, fill out the Financial Assistance section of your registration form stating the amount you expect or hope to receive from your meeting. Then write in the amount you need from the Equalization Fund. Scholarships typically provide adults and children up to one-third the cost of the lowest-priced housing, but may provide more depending on the needs of the individual or family. If you have a physical condition that limits your mobility and your access to the lower-priced housing units, please give us that information on your registration form. We may be able to adjust your scholarship.

Scholarship applications, which are part of your registration form, are due in the Yearly Meeting office by July 2. A confirmation slip will be e-mailed (or mailed) to you by July 9 indicating the level of aid you will receive. If you have questions please contact the NYYM office at office [at] nyym.org or call 212-673-5750.

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On Your Way to Silver Bay

Adirondack Meeting, about an hour from Silver Bay, extends an invitation to Friends to visit meeting for worship on Sunday, July 22. This is a wonderful way to extend your knowledge of NYYM Friends and add a worshipful break to your journey.

Adirondack Friends Meeting offers programmed meeting for worship at 10:30 a.m. After worship there will be a time of refreshments and sharing.

The meeting is at 27 Saratoga Ave., South Glens Falls NY 12803. For information or directions, call Regina Haag, 518-793-3755.

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Staying on Campus

Room Reservations

NYYM will send your reservation forms to Silver Bay YMCA, which will acknowledge your room reservation and request a nonrefundable room deposit of 25% per person, to be applied to your final bill. Do not send room deposits to the NYYM office. The balance of the Silver Bay charges must be paid at the SB desk before you leave. Silver Bay cannot guarantee housing or food for those who don’t preregister.

Preference for rooms is given to those who stay for the entire week. Rooms are assigned in the order in which requests are received. It is advisable to register early. All rooms have double occupancy. Beds for children may be added to some of the larger rooms. If you require a single room you may want to consider off-campus accommodations.

If no rooms are available at your price, you may be assigned to a room at a higher price. You will receive prior notice if this is necessary. A few double beds are available in the Inn, Bayview, and Trinity. If you would like one, please indicate that on your registration form. Room reservations will not be held after 6:00 p.m. on the day of your expected arrival unless the room is completely prepaid or you call Silver Bay to notify them of your late arrival. If you need to cancel, call Silver Bay (518-543-8833, ext. 350), so your room can be reassigned.

Silver Bay room check-in begins at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 22. Checkout time is 11:00 a.m. daily. Luggage can be left in designated areas after checking out. Those not out of their rooms by 11:00 a.m. will be charged for an extra day. No refunds are issued for early departures, unless arrangements are made prior to check-in.

All rates are per person and include a 5% gratuity.

Suites in Bayview and the Inn have a surcharge of $25 per day, in addition to all other charges, if occupied by fewer than three persons.

The half-conference rate is for those attending from Sunday, July 22, to Wednesday, July 25, or Wednesday, July 25, to Saturday, July 28. The extra day rates are for those who wish to arrive on Saturday, July 21. Silver Bay does not guarantee that you will be assigned to the same room on the extra day.

Clustering (staying in rooms that are close together) is required of all parents/guardians/sponsors and the children they are supervising. Send in your registrations together.

No one should go to the Silver Bay YMCA without an advance registration with New York Yearly Meeting and assurance from Silver Bay that there is room for you.

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Lean-to and Tent Camping at Silver Bay

Are you a camper or camping family? Friends who are experienced in woodland camping may wish to consider the Silver Bay YMCA Adirondack-style lean-tos on Ryan’s Ridge, a 15-minute hike up Woodside Trail on the west side of Route 9. There are two sturdy lean-tos, picnic tables, and a privy. There is no water supply at the site, but campers may use the bathrooms and showers in the gym basement. Each lean-to can accommodate four or five people, and rental for each lean-to (not per person) is $26 per night ($156 per week).

Closer to campus are two raised wooden tent platforms on a knoll behind the Fisher Gymnasium (near the Council Ring). Each platform is 20 by 20 feet, large enough for a family tent or two smaller ones. The rental rate is the same (per platform) as for lean-tos (see above). Bathrooms with showers are in the nearby gym basement. No smoking is permitted in these areas.

Off-campus participation rates (for use of all the other facilities at Silver Bay) also apply to lean-to and tent platform campers at a per-person or per-family rate (see Off-Campus Information–adults $22 per day, family $39 per day). Meal reservations are also separate.

Rogers Rock State Park, near Ticonderoga, is familiar to many campers from past years. Use www.reserveamerica.com or call 800-456-2267 for information and reservations. Previous campers have suggested asking for sites 226 through 236, and reserve early. Shuttle arrangements to Silver Bay may be available.

If one of these options is attractive to you—family, cluster, or several individuals who could share—please contact Will Strayer or John Cooley for more details and to find other campers for sharing space. E-mail Will at willstrayer91 [at] gmail.com, or John at jhcooley [at] aol.com.

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Off-Campus and Day Registrants

Friends camping, commuting, or taking rooms off-campus are asked to give their addresses for the week on the registration form. Otherwise, please supply this information when registering at Silver Bay. Badges are required for all attenders. Replacement charge for lost badges is $2.

People staying on campus pay for the use of facilities through their lodging costs; those living off-campus (including lean-to and tent platform), and daily commuters pay for the use of the facilities through a day use fee, paid when checking in at Silver Bay YMCA. This fee allows use of the facilities, including the swimming areas, gym, art center, and boathouse.

Day use fees for use of facilities for off-campus and day guests are as follows:

Per Day $22 per adult
  $11 per youth 6–17
  $39 per family
Per Week $132 per adult
  $66 per youth 6–17
  $234 per family
(Family is defined as members who share a household and live together as a family unit.)

Children 5 and under pay no day use fee when accompanied by a paying adult guest.

Meal tickets for the Silver Bay dining room can be purchased at the Inn front desk in advance of desired meals. The cost per meal is:

Breakfast $12.00
Lunch $12.00
Dinner $18.00

Youth ages 6–17 are half the adult rate. Children 5 and under eat for no charge when accompanied by a paying adult.

If you intend to buy meal tickets when you arrive at Silver Bay, please indicate this on your registration form.

A name badge must be worn and a meal ticket purchased by anyone staying off-campus who wants to eat in the dining room.

Note: if you are only coming one day for a meeting/event

The full day fee for off-campus attenders is $22 for adults. For our conference week Silver Bay YMCA has established a special day-use fee of $5 per person (plus any meal purchased) for persons presenting or attending a meeting on just that day and not staying overnight. A list of these participants must be provided to Silver Bay at least one week prior to the conference week, and the attender must also register at the front desk upon arrival. Silver Bay YMCA needs to know who is on campus. Send your name to Helen Garay Toppins, office [at] nyym.org or 212-673-5750, by July 15 to take advantage of this special rate. If you are on a committee that plans a one-day meeting during summer sessions, and know of someone on your committee who might be planning a one-day visit, spread the word!

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Nearby Motel Information

Silver Bay vicinity (address: Hague, NY 12836):
Northern Lake George Resort 518-543-6528
Trout House Resort 800-368-6088
Hague Motel 518-543-6631, toll free 866-543-6631
Ruah Bed & Breakfast 518-543-8816, toll free 800-224-7549
The Locust Inn 518-543-6934, toll free 888-593-7712
 
Ticonderoga vicinity (14 mi. north) (address: Ticonderoga, NY 12883):
Lord Howe Valley Motel 518-585-7454
Green Acres Motel 518-668-2240
Latchstring Motel 518-585-2875
Circle Court Motel 518-585-7660
Belfred Court Motel 518-585-7000
Super 8 Motel 518-585-2617

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2012 Silver Bay Room Descriptions and Rates

(includes facilities fee, meals, and 5% gratuity• rates per person)

The chart of room descriptions and rates is here (opens in new window).

ALERT to Guests Needing a Roommate

Silver Bay YMCA will make every effort to find a roommate but cannot guarantee to find one. Guests will be less likely to incur a single-room rate if they make their own contact for rooming together. Silver Bay will inform registrants one week prior to arrival if they are unable to find a roommate. All guests are responsible to make full payment for the period for which they register regardless of their actual length of stay; thus a remaining roommate would not be financially responsible for the early, unplanned departure of another roommate (since there is no refund for early departure). A guest who has no roommate registered will be charged for the single rate. To be sure there are no misunderstandings it is best for roommates to check in together at Silver Bay when they arrive.

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Disability Concerns at Silver Bay

Friends who indicate special needs on their registration form will receive a form from the NYYM office. The form requests specific information on your disability, which will be kept confidential. This information will help the special-needs coordinator be better prepared to meet Friends’ needs.

There will also be opportunities for Friends to be special-needs volunteers. A checkbox for volunteers is on the registration form.

Housing

There are five mobility-accessible sleeping rooms, with bathrooms, in the Inn that are reserved for those using wheelchairs (and their roommates). One-tenth of the rooms in the Inn will be reserved for people who, for any reason, find it physically difficult to room elsewhere. These rooms will be held only until July 1 and then will be released for general availability.

If you have a disability or illness that makes it hard for you to climb hills or steps, please make sure that you sign up early and request one of the reserved rooms. Financial assistance is available from the Equalization Fund.

Friends who are unable to transfer themselves to and from wheelchair/bed, etc., and require special assistance with dressing, bathing, or other personal needs must arrange this assistance on their own and must have the person assisting stay in their room. The caregiver must be in attendance for the length of the stay of the person they are helping. Silver Bay will offer a special reduced rate for the person assisting.

Worship and Meetings

The people who set up the worship-sharing groups need to know if you have hearing or physical problems so that note takers can be provided or accessible locations allocated. Please indicate on your registration form if you require such assistance.

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Food Service at Silver Bay

Woman coocking

Friends, please remember that in order to enter the dining hall at Silver Bay, you must be wearing your name badge.

Meals begin with dinner on Sunday evening and conclude with lunch on Saturday. If you plan to arrive at Silver Bay early enough to have lunch on Sunday, you must make arrangements with Silver Bay YMCA in advance to purchase this meal, which is not part of the conference package.

Silver Bay will provide standard and vegetarian menu choices for each meal. Vegetarian meals will include eggs, milk, and cheese but no meat or fish. Silver Bay cannot accommodate “specialty” diets. A full salad bar will be provided at both lunch and dinner. If you are a vegetarian, please indicate this on your registration form, so that Silver Bay can be prepared.

For those who have other special dietary needs, it is recommended that you bring your own food. Silver Bay will provide refrigeration. A refrigerator will be made available in the dining hall for baby food, etc., for use during meal times. It will not be available after 7:00 p.m. Cooking facilities for those with special dietary needs (though not for campers) will be available in Paine Hall—1st floor off rotunda. The Silver Bay cooks will not add salt to either the regular food or the vegetarian food. Salt shakers will be available on the tables.

The dining hall will open at 5:00 p.m. each day for dinner. This is to help ease the way for families with small children and Friends who are physically challenged, along with their helpers, in the hope these Friends will have the time and space to get their meals and settle in before the larger group steps into the line. In light of this, we ask that you please extend the courtesy of allowing these Friends to go to the front of the line at all meal times and remind them to feel comfortable stepping up. We also encourage all of the community to lend a hand to anyone who might seem overwhelmed and in need of help carrying plates/bowls, etc., getting drinks, or navigating the busy dining hall. Mealtimes can be stressful for the youngest among us, our physically challenged friends, and their families and helpers. Your kindness will be deeply appreciated.

The food service coordinator is Martha Gurvich.

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Driving Directions

Silver Bay is on the west side of Lake George about 90 miles north of Albany. Leave the Northway (Highway I-87) at exit 22, 23 or 24.

At exit 22: Take a left onto Rt. 9. Go thru village of Lake George. At the north end of village take a right onto Rt. 9N. Go through Bolton Landing, then go approximately 13 miles. At Silver Bay Road, go 1/2 mile to the Inn.

At exit 23: Take a right off exit onto Bolton Road all the way to the end of road. Turn left onto Rt. 9N, through Bolton Landing and 13 miles towards Hague. At Silver Bay Road, go 1/2 mile to the Inn.

At exit 24: Take a right off exit. Go 4 miles east to Rt. 9N, then left (north) on 9N for 13 miles. At the Silver Bay Road, go 1/2 mile to the Inn.

If pulling a trailer, take exit 25 and go toward Hague through Brant Lake. Turn south on 9N in Hague Village. There are steep hills when using exits 22, 23 and 24 and going north on 9N.

Driving time is 1 1/2 to 2 hours from Albany; 4–5 hours from New York City; 6–7 hours from Buffalo. Those needing more explicit or alternate directions may contact Silver Bay.

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Public Transportation

By train: Take Amtrak’s Adirondack to Ticonderoga (800-523-8720 or 800-872-7245).

Bus service: Adirondack Trailways (800-225-6815) from New York or Albany to Lake George Village. See below for transportation from Lake George Village to Silver Bay.

PLEASE NOTE: Silver Bay does not provide shuttle service to and from Silver Bay.Below is a listing of vendors who can provide this service.

Friends using public transportation to travel to Yearly Meeting who are interested in making arrangements to share a shuttle bus from Ticonderoga on opening and closing days of Summer Sessions are invited to contact Will Strayer at wstrayer91 [at] gmail.com

Transportation Information

From: Nearby Locations (cost per car)
Adirondack Cab Co. 518-585-2222
Ticonderoga Train Station $ 30
Lake George Village 50
Ticonderoga 30
Glens Falls 60
Plattsburgh 100
Burlington, Vermont 100
From: Albany Airport or Albany Bus Terminal
Number of passengers 1 to 3 up to 6
Adirondack Cab Co. 518-585-2222 135  
Todays Limousine 518-452-4242 160+tax 175+tax

Ask for Silver Bay rates. If you are traveling with others the rate can be divided by the number of passengers being transported.

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Yearly Meeting Schedule at a Glance

The Yearly Meeting Sechedule at a glance is here (opens in new window).

 

Junior Yearly Meeting

JYM Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome young Friends and parents/guardians to Junior Yearly Meeting (JYM).

Here are some basic things for everyone to remember:

Little kids ready to swim

When you arrive at Silver Bay YMCA you must check in with Silver Bay and get room assignments, and then proceed to the JYM registration area in Gullen Lounge in the Inn. JYM registration will be open from 4:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Sunday. Those registering Monday morning or later should go to the JYM office on the upper level of the Boathouse. Please bring your child’s relevant medical history, parental consent forms, and a record of any allergies.

Where does my child go? Each JYM group is based on the grade the young Friend will be entering in the fall, from 1st–12th. Each group meets in the same space every day. These spaces will be posted at JYM Registration.

For children from infancy through those entering kindergarten, Monday through Friday mornings Silver Bay offers childcare, which is supplemented by a JYM volunteer. The fee to Silver Bay for this service is covered by the Yearly Meeting.

When does JYM meet? The JYM program meets Monday through Friday from 8:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Please make sure that your child gets enough rest every night to be able to participate effectively in his/her JYM group each morning. Parents/guardians/sponsors of children age 8 and under are expected to drop off their children promptly each morning. If your child will not be attending group on a given day, please notify the group leaders or the JYM coordinators. Unless you are notified otherwise, all JYM groups will join the Yearly Meeting in the Auditorium at 12:00 and will stay together until the end of Community Worship at 12:15 and will be dismissed from there. Children in 1st and 2nd grade group and in 3rd and 4th grade group will not be dismissed from group until the designated adult picks them up. Parents and guardians please let the group leaders know in advance if you wish them to release your child to someone other than yourself.

Morning worship sharing for teens. Young Friends entering 10th to 12th grades are invited to attend adult worship-sharing groups from 9 to 10 a.m. and should indicate their choice on their registration forms. They are expected to join their JYM groups right after worship sharing.

Afternoon and evening childcare.JYM provides cooperative childcare for children up through the age of 10, with JYM volunteers and JYM parents, every day during committee meeting times and evening session times. These times will be posted at JYM Registration and in the weekly Program. Evening childcare ends 15 minutes after the end of evening programs. All the PM childcare sessions rely on volunteer help. There must be one adult for every four children. Two volunteers from JYM will supervise each session. You can sign up to help, during JYM registration or at any time with the JYM PM childcare volunteers. We thank you in advance for helping to provide care for all of the children in our community.

How do I know where my child is during the day? During official JYM sessions they should be with their JYM groups. If your child’s group will leave their regular space on a given day for a special event, you will be informed, and/or a notice will be posted on the door of the regular meeting place. Any child not attending an age-appropriate JYM group must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or parentally designated adult companion during JYM session times. Parents/guardians/sponsors are responsible for JYMers whenever they are not with their JYM group or JYM childcare. We suggest that you have a regular check-in time and location for the young Friend(s) and the parent/guardian/sponsor to connect each day.

Which group will my child be assigned to? The JYM groups are organized by standard public school grades in an effort to build on the strengths and needs of our children. Experience has shown us that placing children in groups with attenders years older or younger than they are does not work well for community building. Although it is tempting to ask that siblings who are assigned to different groups be placed together, we have found that this is usually a hindrance to both the children and the JYM group.

Erica and Annalee Jackofsky
Erica (top) and Annalee Jackofsky

Can the JYM volunteers provide for my child with special needs? If your child wishes to attend JYM and needs a very high level of individual attention because of a physical or developmental handicap, please plan to participate with them in the program. The JYM program does not have enough volunteer staff with special training to provide for all special-need situations. Please contact the JYM coordinators if you have questions about your child’s participation.

Can my child go to Silver Bay without me? If your child is under 18, she/he may attend Silver Bay with an adult sponsor. The sponsor should be designated by the parent or legal guardian and must be at least 10 years older than the young Friend they are sponsoring. The sponsor and the child should know each other reasonably well. When you register your child to attend Yearly Meeting you will need to indicate who their sponsor is, send your child’s registration in with that person’s, and indicate that they will be clustering (rooming near each other). You will need to send a completed medical-information form with your child, to be turned in at JYM registration.

What is clustering? People in a “cluster” are assigned rooms in the same building, on the same floor, in close proximity to one another. Clustering allows children and their parents, guardians, or sponsors to check in with one another and communicate responsibly. You must request clustering when you register for Summer Sessions at Silver Bay, and if feasible, send in the clustering registration forms together

What do I need to bring? If you register early, JYM volunteers working with your group will send you a letter explaining what you will be doing in your group and listing certain things they think you may want to bring with you. We suggest that everybody bring along a beach towel, bathing suit, sunscreen, and sturdy shoes and rain gear. The weather at Silver Bay is unpredictable and can be quite cool. Be prepared for this by packing some warmer clothing (for example, long pants, sweatshirts, windbreaker).

All families are asked bring a can of juice and healthy non-sugary cracker snacks, for our JYM groups to share during snack time. These contributions can be brought to the JYM registration area or JYM office in the Boathouse.

Who do I talk to if I have any questions? The JYM coordinators, Miriam McGiver and Dawn Pozzi, are available to answer questions about JYM during our week at Silver Bay Monday through Friday, from 8:30 to 12:00 noon, in the JYM office on the upper level of the Boathouse. You can also go to the clerk of the JYM committee, Peter Close, or the NYYM conference office in the Inn. If you cannot find us and want to leave a note, there is a message board in the Inn for that purpose.

Volunteering with Junior Yearly Meeting

JYM volunteers give their time to the Yearly Meeting at Summer Sessions at Silver Bay working with the youth in grades K–12. Volunteer group leaders plan and carry out a program, prepared at the June JYM Planning Weekend at Powell House. JYM group leaders also provide afternoon and evening childcare (referred to as PM Childcare) for children through age 10, during committee and session times Monday–Friday. Financial assistance is made available to JYM group leaders.

Silver Bay’s morning childcare program is always happy to have a Friendly adult presence, as are the afternoon and evening childcare programs offered by Junior Yearly Meeting. You can sign up to help, during JYM registration or at any time with the JYM PM childcare volunteers. We thank you in advance for helping to provide care for all of the children in our community.

If you are interested in serving the Yearly Meeting as a JYM volunteer in future years, please speak with Miriam McGiver or Dawn Pozzi, coordinators of JYM 2012.

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Bible Study at Summer Sessions

Margaret Webb

Margaret Webb, of Binghamton Community Friends Meeting, will be our Bible study leader at Summer Sessions. This year we will consider selections from both the Old and New Testaments and will look at the general theme of “nurturing integrity.” The Bible study will be interactive—so make sure to bring your Bible and your questions! Our time together will include large- and small-group discussions and activities.

Margaret Webb is a member of Binghamton Community Friends Meeting but is currently working as an intern associate pastor at Covenant Presbyterian Church of Trenton, NJ. In the fall of 2012 she will be starting her third and final year of the Masters of Divinity program at Princeton Theological Seminary. She earned a BA in Religious Studies from Earlham College, where she facilitated interfaith-dialogue groups on campus and was part of the leadership team for the weekly college Meeting for Worship. Margaret has cofacilitated a number of youth retreats for the Young Friends in Residence program and is currently serving as a co-opted member of NYYM’s Ministry and Pastoral Care Committee. Margaret loves feminist and process theology, bubble tea, medieval female mystics, and the TV show Doctor Who. She lives with her husband, Christopher, in Princeton, NJ. They are expecting their first child in June 2012.

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About Fundraising During Summer Sessions

John Cooley, clerk, Sessions Committee

The Fun(d)Fair, sponsored by Young Adult Concerns Committee on Wednesday afternoon, includes a variety of activities, all of which are to raise money exclusively for the causes designated (Powell House and Sharing Fund). Participants must pay individual vendors or activities with tickets that are sold by YAC at the Fair. The Tagless Tag Sale (operating at the same time under separate sponsorship) can accept cash as well as tickets, and all of the receipts are for Powell House and Sharing Fund. Café Night on Thursday, sponsored by the JYM high school group, raises contributions only for Powell House and Sharing Fund, in equal shares.

Anyone who is raising money for a Quaker-related cause (e.g., AFSC, AVP, BQEF, BQL, FCNL, Friends Peace Teams, Quaker Schools, a new meetinghouse) may include appeals at their display spaces, such as invitations to send or pledge money. If another type of fundraising activity is contemplated, like selling cards, photos, books, or crafts from a place of Quaker mission or outreach, you are requested to contact the clerk of Sessions Committee to discuss guidelines.

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An Invitation to Facilitate Worship Sharing

Claire Simon & Kate Lawson, Worship-Sharing coordinators

As is traditional, we are planning for worship sharing during Summer Sessions at Silver Bay, and we would like you to consider facilitating a worship-sharing group this summer.

Worship-sharing groups meet Monday through Friday, from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. There is also an afternoon worship sharing group meeting on Tuesday and Thursday during rest-and-renewal time. On Saturday morning, Friends will be encouraged to participate in the final meeting for worship.

General worship sharing will be offered as in the past. In addition, there will be a number of special groups: Adults with young children; Caregivers; Conflict Transformation; Earthcare; Grieving; Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender; Men; Racial Healing; 12-Step; Women; Afternoon (two times only).

Worship sharing provides an opportunity to worship together near the beginning of the day, setting the tone for other activities as the day unfolds. Sharing insights, experiences, and prayer together refreshes the spirit. Your contribution, opening participants to be a channel for the Holy Spirit, would be invaluable.

We would like to have two leaders for some worship groups. This helps share the responsibility for planning and conducting the sessions. If you are an experienced leader, you may be willing to mentor someone who is less seasoned. If you have not had the opportunity to lead others in worship in this way, working with someone may help you feel more comfortable in the role. Suggestions for someone you would like to work with will be welcome. If you prefer to work alone, that is fine as well. Also, if you know someone who might be interested, please let us know.

All leaders are scheduled to meet on July 22, Sunday afternoon, at 5:00 p.m. to receive group lists and locations, ask any questions, and share concerns. We are working to make locations appropriate for special needs, such as a place for children where noise will not bother others, accessibility concerns, etc.

Please reply as soon as possible via email to Claire Simon, quakerartist [at] verizon.net, and to Kate Lawson, quakerkate [at] aol.com.

We hope you will feel led to contribute to Yearly Meeting in this way. If you let us know that you would like to be a leader, we will send suggestions about the format and topics in advance.

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Interest Group Proposals

Interest groups are educational opportunities about a topic or activity of importance to Friends. This year they will be held on Tuesday and Wednesday from 7:45–9:15 p.m.

Those interested in facilitating an interest group should send their proposals to the appropriate coordinating committee clerk by June 24.

This year we will be trying out an electronic form to aid in coordinating interest group proposals. If you have access to a computer, please use the following link to find the form: http://bit.ly/JixnWv.

Will Strayer or Martha Gurvich will be glad to help anyone who either doesn’t have access to a computer or is having trouble with the form. Don’t hesitate to contact us with comments or questions as we work with this new method. Our goal is to support your presentation.

For details, please see June InfoShare. Any questions, contact nyym.interest.groups [at] gmail.com.

Healing Work at Silver Bay

Buffy Curtis and Healing Center Support Committee

Sproul Pavilion will have regularly scheduled hours for healing work again this year at Summer Sessions. The Healing Center is under the care of the Committee on Worship at Yearly Meeting Sessions.

We are calling for Friends who work in the healing arts or are interested in helping with healing work. We are looking for volunteers who would offer their skills in the healing arts or support the work by greeting and scheduling. Skills can include energy work (Healing Touch, Reiki, Therapeutic Touch, etc.), massage, Rolfing, craniosacral, spiritual counseling/direction, or other areas of healing work. Friends should have training with qualifications or experience to practice. Friends who are called to the work are welcome to “buddy” with other practitioners as possible. We will need people to meet and greet and help match those desiring work with the practitioners available. Those wishing to hold the space in prayer are welcome indeed. It is yet another extension of worship, after all.

Please contact Buffy Curtis, havehelpinghands [at] gmail.com; 508-566-6639 (cell) to offer your assistance, make suggestions, or let us know what else you need. We plan to talk and meet with volunteers on Sunday night of Silver Bay sessions to organize and clarify details. We look forward to hearing from you. Look for us at the Healing Center.

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Golf Cart Drivers Needed

Silver Bay is a beautiful place, but for some Friends, it is challenging to walk up and down the hills and from one meeting place to another. As in previous years we will have golf carts to help Friends get around. We need volunteers to drive the carts. Are you 21 or older with a valid, clean driver’s license? Those are the requirements to volunteer as a part-time golf cart driver. Driving the cart is easy, fun, a great way to serve the community, and a wonderful way to get to know Friends of all ages you might not otherwise meet. If 40 NYYM Friends each volunteer to drive for two hours during the week, we will be able to maintain the level of golf-cart service we want to offer. To commit to driving for two hours or more, please contact Rose Lynn c/o Quakerkate [at] aol.com.

12-Step Meetings

This year meetings will be 6:30–7:45 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and 10:00–11:00 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday.

Nurture Coordinating Committee has oversight of this but needs to hear from people who would be willing to take responsibility for one or more of these meetings. To volunteer, please contact Boyce Benge through the Yearly Meeting office, office [at] nyym.org or 212-673-5750.

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