Programming

To meet needs for choice, freedom, variety and meaning, the OBC Weekend features Community Sourced Programming (CSP), an adaptation of Open Space Technology (OST), as the framework for all programming.

Community Sourced Programming

Community Sourced Programming (CSP) at Family HEART Camp is a programming structure that provides an abundance of content choices for participants of all ages. Each day begins with a whole camp gathering for community building and activity planning. In these gatherings, both staff and campers have the opportunity to plan the activities that will take place throughout the day. Each program session offers multiple activity options, allowing the camp community to collaborate in creating camp activities in which both children and parents are excited to participate.

Experienced NVC leaders help infuse the community with a rich experience of the values at the core of Family HEART Camp and the communication skills that help us all realize those values. Staff members design and lead activities based on the interests expressed by the campers. CSP programming also allows campers the opportunity to lead sessions, if they so choose. Staff members support camper leadership and are ready to actively assist whenever necessary.

CSP programming also respects the personal choice of all campers. Campers of all ages have the freedom to choose the activities to which they are most drawn, including the option of changing activities at will. Session participants can also influence the leadership of any activity, practicing authentic, respectful communication to help the leaders think flexibly about how to proceed. Some activities are focused on having fun, some on learning new things, but all of them underscore the FHC values of Harmony, Ease, Authenticity, Respect, and Trust. Because the whole camp community collaborates in creating the camp program, campers can trust that their needs will be addressed. This collaboration supports everyone at camp to feel a sense of inclusion and belonging.

Potential Offerings

While each camp's Program Team is generally responsible for making offerings during CSP sessions, this is a community framework and anyone in the community may make additional offerings. CSP helps us provide abundance of choice for participants of all ages.

Here is a small sampling of sessions which might be offered:

• Introduction to NVC
• Field Games, including Capture the Flag, Soccer, Wiffle-Ball and Ultimate Frisbee
• Connecting with Feelings through Bodily Sensations
• Improv Games
• Loving-Kindness Meditation
• Crafts such as plaster masks, "Oobleck," painting and drawing, play-doh
• Making Family Agreements
• Making Fairy Houses
• Facilitated Listening Circle
• Taking NVC to the Street

To learn more about CSP, please contact us.

Community Gatherings

The very center of what we are seeking at the One Big Circle Weekend is the experience of meaningful community. To this end, we will regularly gather as a community throughout the weekend. These gatherings will typically begin with the sound of the drum gathering the community together, followed by some group games, checking in with what is alive in our circle, and then specific activities. Here are some examples of what we might experience all together in our community circles:

• Opening and Closing Ceremonies
• Introduction to CSP and CSP Marketplace
• Mournings and Celebrations
• Community Social Gathering - perhaps a bonfire?

See below for an overview of a typical weekend schedule. Please note that the schedule may vary depending on location.