BAFS 7th Annual Summer Poetry Camp
July 7th-11th 2021 CE
UnCerTainTy: The Moment of Creation
It would be difficult not to recognize the recent medical & social pandemics that have shaped our culture during the past 18 months. A level of isolation inevitable crept into all our lives. BAFS closed its ‘doors’ along with the Boulder Library, and we felt it was too risky to hold classes or Camp during 2020. Most of the world did much of the same. But, what now? Again much of the planetary population feels Uncertain. But here, in our moment of unknowing, is where creativity blossoms. In our case, poems are born of their own intent, gestating in the unresolved thoughts of the author. There is much to be found in the subconscious during such social states, during such flux. At this year’s Summer Poetry Camp, we intend to tap in to our inherent mindstreams and bring forth the fruit, the poetry..
The 7th Annual BAFS Summer Poetry Camp will feature five full days of workshops surrounding this core topic at the Boulder Public Library, the Mercury Cafe in Denver, and Love Shovel Ranch in Nederland. Numerous other events such as the student feature readings, performance opportunities with Art Compost and Black Market Translation, and the notorious Drunken Haiku Competition will fill out an extended weekend of mad creativity. Be sure to read the FAQ below!
2021 Camp Instructors
Reed Bye, Matt Clifford, Jona Fine, Eric Fischman, Roseanna Frechette, Marcus If, Ira Liss, Caitlan Mitchell, Maggie Saunders, Jessie Thayer
Become a Supporting Member of the Skool!
A core principle of the Free Skool is that all of our events are Free to attend. Our instructors pay their travel costs out of pocket and we estimate will spend 700 volunteer hours on the Skool this year alone. We will not pass around donation jars at events, so a great way to show your support for the Skool is to join us as a Member. Here’s how:
Our Community, Our Patrons
We couldn’t do what we do without the support of our community. From grants and donations to fiscal and residence sponsors, all of our community supporters large and small are listed below. Without their help, we could not offer the level of 100% Free quality peer-to-peer education and public literary events that our BAFS standards demand. Honor the Patrons!
Camp FAQ
Workshops will be held at Love Shovel Ranch, the Boulder Public Library, and the Mecury Cafe in Denver. Please remember these spaces are Temporary Autonomous Zones, Autonomous as in be Responsible for yrself and others. Clean up yr trash (including All cigarette butts and bottle caps), recycle yr empties, wash yr dishes. No grease or hair in the drains, NOTHING in the toilet that didn’t come out of yr body except TP. Love Shovel Ranch rests in the heart of the wilderness; Leave No Trace. Weather permitting, workshops are held outside in the grove, so keep in mind the following :
Locations:
Boulder Public Library North Gallery Entrance Amphitheater; 1001 Arapahoe Ave, Boulder
Love Shovel Ranch 722 Caribou Road, Nederland (behind Lilac hedge)
Mercury Cafe 2199 California St, Denver, CO
Weather is looking like overcast 50% of the time, temps 65-70 degrees, probable drizzle-rain. However, keep in mind the weather Will change During the workshops, anywhere from 40-95 degrees are possible and even probable. Layered clothing is crucial to your comfort. Love Shovel Ranch is in the High Wilderness, be prepared.
Pandemic Protocols
There will be both vaccinated and unvaccinated people at Camp. There will be room to practice social distancing. We will ask that you wear a red bracelet to indicate you’d like to maintain social distance. We encourage you to exist in your own comfort zone given your risk profile.
What to bring:
- Enthusiasm!
- Pen(S!) & Paper
- Bug Spray & Sunscreen
- Water Bottle. We have fresh spring water to refill.
- Personal Fuel (Snack food, Real food, whiskey, coffee, tobacco, etc.)
- Toiletries as necessary given yr duration
- Layered Clothing. Bikini one minute & rain parka the next. Nights are chilly.
- Picnic/Pass-out Blanket
- Additional ‘camping gear’ as necessary given yr duration. Folding Chair?
- Toys, Costumes, & Curiosities
- Snacks
- Poetry Schwag
What not to bring:
Narcotics are not allowed at the Ranch. No pills, powders, daily dabbers thanks.
The Ranch is mostly young-child friendly, but not during workshops or parties.
Due to wildlife and distraction, no untrained dogs are allowed. No second chances.
Bigots of any kind are immediately ejected. No second chances.
Violence, including verbal, against any living being is not tolerated.
Styrofoam / non recyclable packaging = No Thanks.
The Ranch is 420 & booze friendly. Overuse at workshops is a distraction for everyone.
Please be polite and discrete when smoking around the Boulder Public Library.
Wish List!
- Audio/Video Recording Equipment – (wireless/)microphone!
- Snacks
- Coffee & Ciggies
- Whiskey & Weed
- Toilet Paper & Dish Soap
- White Sugar for Hummingbirds
- Food to share
- Olive Oil & Honey
Tax free donations to Beyond Academia LLC are humbly appreciated!
2021 Schedule:
2021 Summer Poetry Camp |
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| Wednsday, July | 7th | |||||||||
| 10-1pm | LSR | Zen & the Art of Uncertainty —Marcus If |
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| 2-5pm | LSR | ? —Reed Bye | ||||||||
| 6-9pm | LSR | Big Pasta Dinner —Hosted by LSR Crew |
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| Thursday, July | 8th | |||||||||
| 10am-1pm | LSR | Screaming Out of the Void — Matt Clifford |
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| 2-5pm | LSR | ? —Eric Fischman & Jessie Thayer |
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| 7pm | LSR | Burn ‘yr Poem Ceremony & Open Reading —Hosted by Thomas Ivory Jr. |
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| Friday, July | 9th | |||||||||
| 10am-1pm | LSR | Bardic Magick: Remembering the Future —Marcus If |
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| 2-5pm | LSR | Sitting with the Uncertainty: Healing Magic and Poetry —Caitlan Mitchell |
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| 6-9pm | LSR | Drunken Haiku Competition — Hosted by LSR Crew | ||||||||
| Saturday, July | 10th | |||||||||
| 10am-1pm | LSR | Shout, Share, Move, Play. Let’s Stretch Our Creativity! — Ira Liss | ||||||||
| 2-5pm | LSR | Embodied Creativity: the Language of the Body — Maggie Saunders | ||||||||
| 8pm-1am | LSR | Annual Black Market Translation Punketry Open Reading | ||||||||
| Sunday, July | 11th | |||||||||
| 10-12pm | LSR | Breakfast at LSR | ||||||||
| 2-4pm | BPL | Seccond Sunday Library Workshop (Boulder Main) — Jona Fine |
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| 530-630pm | Merc | Heart Chakrah Lines: Path of the Mystic Poet (Mercury Cafe) —Roseanna Frechette | ||||||||
| 630-9pm | Merc | Mercury Cafe Open Reading (Mercury Cafe) w/ Art Compost Band | ||||||||
