Summer 2025
Welcome Letter
Our theme this year is
"Love Out Loud"
Our theme for the Summer 2026 is “LOVE OUT LOUD” It will focus our attention on understanding and sharing about who or what you are passionate about, how and when we express our love, what holds us back, what moves us forwards. Throughout the week we’ll explore how we listen, respond and grow through expressions of loving out loud.
Expect engaging workshops, sacred circles, movement and music, laughter, and deep conversations — all centered around the journeys that shape who we are. Whether you’re returning after many years or arriving for the first time, this is your invitation to show up fully and discover what’s calling you now.
Arrival Day Check-in Details
DATE : Saturday, June 20th – 1:00 to 5:00
LOCATION: Grandin/Time Out Cafe. Everyone must check-in.
FEES: All outstanding balances are due at check-in via PayPal or checks made out to “The Northfield League”.
Important Names to Know
- Executive Committee (Troika): Pierre Ragot, Nancy Taylor and Bill Milford
- Program Co-Chairs: Kathy Lowe and Peter Bloch
- League Officers: Wendy Desmarteaux, President; Caroline Jestin, Secretary; Ron McClain, Treasurer; Tracey Briscoe, Registrar
- Youth Program Coordinator: Keri Pitcher
- Workshop Coordinators: Gail Ferris and Frank Grillo
Location and Directions
Northfield-Mt. Hermon School
ADDRESS: One Lamplighter Way, Mount Hermon, MA 01354
TELEPHONE: 413-498-3610
Directions
From Eastern MA: Follow Route 2 west to Route 63. Go north on Route 63 for approximately 8 miles to where Route 63 merges with Route 10. Turn left on Route 10 south and drive 1.7 miles. (You will cross over the Connecticut River.) The Northfield Mount Hermon School entrance is on your left.
From I-91: Take Exit 50A if you are traveling north, Exit 50 if you are traveling south, and follow Route 10 north for 2.8 miles. The Northfield Mount Hermon School entrance is on your right.
Room Info
Most rooms are doubles, (there are some singles and triples).
Bring bedding: linens, pillows, blankets and towels. (Bring twin bed flat sheets. Do not bring fitted sheets, as the beds are extra long).
You may also want: fan, clothes hangers, reading light, extension cord, alarm clock, etc.
We cannot be responsible for valuables taken from the rooms because unwanted entrance to your room cannot be controlled.
IMPORTANT PLEASE DO NOT LOCK YOUR DORM ROOM!
Scent-free Policy
We have a scent free policy (please no perfumes, soaps, cologne, hair spray, lotions, laundry detergent, dryer sheet scents, etc.).
We have members of our community who are extremely sensitive
Packing Stuff
- folding beach chair for conference hour and families (one that is low to the ground, if possible)
- water bottle and coffee thermos
- first aid supplies
- bedding (see Room Info)
- umbrella/raincoat
- yoga mat/blanket/cushion
- bathing suit, towel, sunscreen, picnic blanket
- mosquito/tick repellent & tweezers
- flashlight
- books, journal, pen
- iPods and musical instruments
- cards, games, puzzles
- tennis racquets, soccer ball, frisbee, softball, glove
- item for the altar
- poems/readings to share at Sacred Circle
- talent show props/accessories or creative writing
- basket for Auction and treats for Coffee House
Clothing
Dress is casual for all events – here are a few suggestions. Weather can change from very hot & sunny to cold & wet. Be prepared!
- pants, shorts, T-shirts, sweaters, sneakers, sandals
- sunhat, raincoat, umbrella
- loose, comfortable clothing for dance and movement workshops
- costume for theme dance
- tie dye workshop : bring all things white or light colored. For example but not exclusively: white tee shirts, sock, sheets, etc.
Families with Small Children
Parents of small children will need to arrive with whatever special requirements they need for their children:
- highchair
- rubber sheet or small portable crib
- toys
- special foods
Evening Activities
We have our Opening Ceremony Saturday Night. We gather, hug, connect and reconnect, set the tone and intention for our week. Location TBD.
This is the time our community gathers together to share readings, prayers, songs, dances, and other inspirations from various spiritual faiths and traditions, etc. Please bring a special/sacred object for our altar.
You can bring your ideas to the daily Sacred Circle planning meeting.
Location: one of the small dining rooms.
Every evening around 8 o’clock we gather for Club Northfield. We talk, play games, watch televised games, hang, create and more!
Snacks and drinks are available for purchase.
Location: Grandin/Time Out Café.
Your poetry! Your prose! Your words!
An opportunity to share your original work, to hear your friends read, and to have a cup of coffee and a nibble or two of some yummy fresh baked treats.
The three tiered schedule:
- child appropriate
- mature
- avant garde – late night
Performances are limited to 5 minute each.
Location: Blake
Special Sacred Circle: a community sing-a-long!
Please bring your musical instruments and your voices to this special evening of Song and Dance and whatever else shows up!
Location: Rainbow Point (behind the chapel)
Steve Schuch and Jonathan Kruk will enchant our youngest (and youngest at heart) with their wonderful blending of stories and songs.
We will end early to facilitate an appropriate bedtime.
Location: Family Dorm
Skits, music, drama, and things that can’t be categorized or even explained…. you will see it all!
Come prepared with props and accessories to showcase your talent.
Performances are limited to 5 minute each. No repeat acts from the Coffee House. Sign up early as there are a limited amount of spots.
Location: Rhodes Auditorium
We end our week with our annual night of dancing, laughs and photo ops.
2025 Theme: Come as Your Own Superhero
Get decked out and be ready to strut your stuff while you dance and sing the night away! Best costume wins a prize!
Location: Blake
Bring instruments (drums, guitars, rattles, percussion instruments, etc.) for spontaneous music making and for Singing on Rainbow Point!
Workshops
Workshop Leaders: Please make copies of any handouts you may need before your arrival. You will have a workshop leader meeting on Saturday, arrival day. Location TBD.
Workshop Attendees: Please read this Summer’s Booklet with its list of workshops and what may be required as a participant.
Technology Guidelines
Our goal is to be unplugged. We hope that everyone can work together toward this end.
Phones must be off for all community gatherings, please (Conference Hour, Families, Sacred Circle, Rainbow Point, Workshops, etc.).
Please use your cell or computer in a private space.
There is free Wi-Fi in many campus locations.
Newcomers
Are you a Newcomer? Do you know anyone at Northfield?
If so, we hope you filled out this information on the Newcomers Form. Please fill it out if you have not already done so.
You will have a Newcomer’s meeting on Saturday, arrival day. Location TBD.
And don’t forget to be a newcomer’s friend – sign up to help oriented our new participants.
Be Tick Wise!!
This is a rural campus and some ticks may be present. A small percent of deer ticks carry Lyme’s disease.
You might consider these tips when you pack for walks in the woods or deep grass: wear light colored clothing, long sleeves and pants (tucked into socks), hair covered, braided or tied. Check yourself for ticks after an outdoor adventure.
You can spray yourself and/or your clothing with a store bought tick repellant or make a homemade recipe.Just in case there is need to remove a tick which has lodged itself, pack a pair of tweezers.
Fundraising - Silent Auction
To raise money, we hold a silent auction. Consider donating and bidding for this kind of opportunity:
- Use of your home or vacation home
- A work of art or handmade clothing/item
- Food item, book or surprise item delivery
- Handyman for a day
- Concert / theater tickets
- Professional services/consulting
- Host a weekend in your city.
Fundraising - Baskets for Sale
Our annual basket sale raises funds for our community. Please feel free to create a theme-related basket such as:
- Arts & Crafts
- Food products
- Knitted items
- Local/geographical products
- Children’s toys, etc
- Your innovative ideas
This is an activity for all! you can create your own basket, join in on a group basket and or bid on a basket! For more info please contact us.
Closing Morning
FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2025: The Conference ends after breakfast and general cleanup of dorm rooms and common areas. Everyone must leave by 10:00 a.m.
Please make sure you pick up all your belongings from everywhere on the campus and help restore order to our public spaces.