The ACT (A Comm-Unity Together) Program was created for The Larchmont Mamaroneck STEM Alliance’s Co-Op Camp which serves kindergartners through middle school.

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The first week is about introducing circle work and establishing Values and Agreements with the counselors and campers specific to each group. Those V&A hang on the wall of the classroom all summer and we revisit them when we need to. 

 

The facilitator opens each class with the Indigenous practice of non-hierarchical Circle work and closes with Circle work. In circles we can explore our authentic, personal identities through organic self expression. A group who meets in circles, comes to know each other in a way that builds deeper community. When we add Performing Arts to our circle space we create another gateway for genuine expression and exploration of our true selves. We do this through acting games, music, movement and poetry. 

 

At the core of this program is a foundation in Restorative Justice/Conflict Resolution. When conflicts need to be resolved between individuals or the collective, we have already created a space of trust and dignity for all. The consistent, daily practice of connecting, expressing and identifying who we are and how we move in the world sets the stage for finding joy, friendships and resolving issues in ways that go beyond transactions but become transformational. Using performance can make this work muscular and carried through one’s personal life journey.

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The Three Components of this Circle based Performing Arts Program are: 

• Exploring Identity (In a Space that fosters Safety) 

• Building tools for Self Expression (In a Space that fosters Trust) 

• Embracing a Healthy Community by practicing Conflict Resolution (In a Space that fosters Belonging) 

 

The Three Es! Explore who we are ~ Express who we are ~ Embrace who we are together ! 

 

Proactive Circles 

1. Check in: What are you feeling today? What was the highlight of your weekend? What are you looking forward to at camp? What are you going to work on at camp today? What are you not looking forward to? 

2. Check out: What was your favorite thing about today? What challenged you? 

3. Course Content: Concerns about an upcoming test or academics. 

4. Behavioral Expectations: Ex: Before a field trip,etc. 

5. Games: group building, ice breakers and trust. 

6. Culture Building: What can be done to improve our school?,etc. 

 

Responsive Circles 

1. Group Problem Solving 

2. Responding to something good that happened 

3. Healing a traumatic experience 

 

** If there is a group that is having major issues at camp, The ACT class can present that issue to the group. We can choose to work together, using performance and our “What Happened” / “I feel” language to learn how to repair and move forward.

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** The long term goal is that circle work, language and a culture of restoration and repair become part of the camp ecosystem.