CAMP SUIGETSU 2002 REVIEW
by Sensei Laura Rebecca, Suigetsu Dojo
Photo Credits: Sensei Melanie Fine

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This year's second annual Camp Suigetsu, hosted over Memorial Day weekend by Suigetsu Dojo, was a tremendous success. 186 people attended the camp, and all had a great time. Sensei Dara Masi and Sensei Melanie Fine made several adjustments to this year's camp based on last year's success and the feedback of participants. It was hard to believe all the fun we had in the short span of four days.

One of the new cabins at camp this year!

Campers could arrive on either Friday or Saturday for camp this year. Each were housed in cabins and could select to have a private cabin or share a cabin with another family. The cabins this year were a great improvement over last year's cabins, and most were brand new! In addition, campers could also choose to stay in single hotel style rooms. Everyone was very happy and comfortable in our new accommodations.

After being nearly washed away with rain last year, this year's much more cooperative weather is worth mentioning. Aside from occasional misty moments, the warm sun shone and cool breezes blew during most of the weekend. Camp Suigetsu is about everybody who attends having something to do. There were 11 class sessions during the weekend. Each class session consisted of 4 options: a martial arts class for adults, a martial arts class for children, an activity for adults, and an activity for children. There was always something for each person to enjoy! Of course first and foremost, Camp Suigetsu is about us sharing and learning as martial artists. In addition to fascinating martial arts training though, there were activities for everyone.

Camp Suigetsu families enjoying the beautiful open space at camp.

I had the opportunity to train with Soke Chaka Zulu and Kyoshi Zosia Gorbaty and their students from the Zujitsu Federation. Not only were the concepts interesting and effective, it was a pleasure to work with the Zujitsu students and teachers, who were extremely helpful and patient. Other workshops included Iaido sword training for both adults and children, taught by Sensei Masi; Tai Chi with Senei Barbara Feldman, weapons training with Sensei Laura Holmes; and a vigorous Teen Sumo Tournament, run by Sensei Melanie Fine and Sensei Lauren Wheeler. For the non-martial artists among us, there was Stress Management and Meditation, led by Laura Fine, and a number of sports workshops such as softball, soccer and deck hockey taught by the many parents from Suigetsu Dojo.

Sensei Barbara Feldman teaching
the children Chi Kung Animal Frolics.

Students practicing Tai Chi at the outdoor
fieldhouse in the woods.

LEFT:
Sensei Laura Holme's knife fighting class.

RIGHT:
Kyoshi Zosia Gorbaty working with the children on falling practice.

In addition to classes, there were other social activities. Worth noting were the Afternoon Tea (held by the bank of the beautiful lake at Camp Iroquois Springs) hosted by Liz Stevens, and an Adult Social on Saturday evening, beneath the tiki-lanterns hung by hostess, Claire Bellerjeau. We also had late night movies and a bonfire (complete with roasted marshmallows)!

Lauren Wheeler and the DCSDKA
Peaceful Warriors Teen Group.

Many campers enjoyed the lake with beautiful views and boating classes.

Camp Suigetsu truly had something for everyone, and there were indoor and outdoor activities for the whole family. If you didn't get to attend this year, plan to spend your Memorial Day weekend next year at Camp Suigetsu---you'll come home with guaranteed memories!

One of the many delicious meals at camp!

The teens having fun at the Teen Sumo Tournament.

The Suigetsu Dojo Teen Demo Team posing for a photo opp after their great Talent Show demonstration.