In The Company of Women
Coming in August 2021
Hybrid Women's Conference
Coming in August 2021
Hybrid Women's Conference
Description
Workshops
Conference Leadership
Pricing
Description
Are you someone’s daughter? Are you a Sister, Auntie, Mom or even Granny? Do you long for that sense of self you once had (perhaps when you were twelve?) when you giggled with girlfriends; when you only had to be YOU? Come and be that authentic self again, … In the Company of Women.
Learn something new, re-discover joy, or safely share your grief, embraced in a friendly community of belonging; appreciated for who you are deep down, not the many roles we tend to take on as women; as nurturers, as lovers. However, you identify your sexual orientation (Gay, Bi, Lesbian, or Straight…), no matter whom you love, you are welcome here, …In the Company of Women.
You can look forward to activities such as: drumming, dancing, nature walks, yoga, sharing our stories/building connections to our deeper selves and others, leisure time, “gathering solar rays,” enjoy guest speakers and concerts; music, singing, writing workshops, and the time honored summer camp tradition of arts & crafts! Come explore and/or just BE … In the Company of Women!
The ocean waves, the intimate talks, the smiles and laughter; Ahhhh! Big Sigh. You deserve this! Magic has been known to happen during “Women’s Week.” We can truly express ourselves; and reclaim that Vital Spirit of Empowerment. Oh yes; as one participant said, “it’s like Soul Camp for the Feminine Heart!” Come relax, refresh and renew, … In the Company of Women.
Note: We believe that no woman should be excluded due to lack of funds, so we have set up partial scholarships. There is also the possibility of a shortened stay or commuting for a day or more. In other words, a “no excuses” policy… because you’re worth it! Please apply for scholarships by 7/1/20, here.
Learn something new, re-discover joy, or safely share your grief, embraced in a friendly community of belonging; appreciated for who you are deep down, not the many roles we tend to take on as women; as nurturers, as lovers. However, you identify your sexual orientation (Gay, Bi, Lesbian, or Straight…), no matter whom you love, you are welcome here, …In the Company of Women.
You can look forward to activities such as: drumming, dancing, nature walks, yoga, sharing our stories/building connections to our deeper selves and others, leisure time, “gathering solar rays,” enjoy guest speakers and concerts; music, singing, writing workshops, and the time honored summer camp tradition of arts & crafts! Come explore and/or just BE … In the Company of Women!
The ocean waves, the intimate talks, the smiles and laughter; Ahhhh! Big Sigh. You deserve this! Magic has been known to happen during “Women’s Week.” We can truly express ourselves; and reclaim that Vital Spirit of Empowerment. Oh yes; as one participant said, “it’s like Soul Camp for the Feminine Heart!” Come relax, refresh and renew, … In the Company of Women.
Note: We believe that no woman should be excluded due to lack of funds, so we have set up partial scholarships. There is also the possibility of a shortened stay or commuting for a day or more. In other words, a “no excuses” policy… because you’re worth it! Please apply for scholarships by 7/1/20, here.
Workshops
On top of the regular Ferry Beach activities - Talent Shows, Ice Cream Socials, Chapel Services, Social Hours, etc - We have a wide variety of fun workshops & activities planned for this year!
Morning Program
Sharing Our Stories, Transformations to Joy!
The Morning Program each day will be devoted to hearing someone share her/their story of transformation in the women’s circle. A supportive, sacred, safe space will be created and maintained with the guidance of a moderator. The listeners will have the opportunity to respond in smaller circles afterward. The group will then rejoin their hearts in peace, healing and gratitude in closing.
Moderator: Amy Hadley--This summer will be my 8th at Ferry Beach, and in particular, as part of the Company of Women. I always loved going to Girl Scout camp as a kid, and coming to Women’s Week eight years ago was like discovering the adult version of Girl Scout camp, only with a lot more choices and a lot fewer rules!
I’m looking forward to helping out with the morning programs this week! I’ve had a lot of experience facilitating various kinds of groups, both professionally and personally, and have been in a number of groups myself over the years. I’m currently a covenant group leader at my church in Arlington,MA.
Speaker: Mitch -- Mitch has been coming to In the Company of Women since 2007, but did miss two years in there somewhere.
Her career focus has just recently changed from working with children to totally working with adult women who have experienced trauma. The work is allowing people to heal through creative expression in the arts.
It took 40 years for her to walk back through the door of a church and actually choose to be there. This all happened after her wife Anne passed in Nov 2018 and she chose to have a celebration at a local UU church. It has become one of the best parts of her life now. Her new found passion now has been public speaking and she will grab any chance she can get to do that!
Mitch is a collage artist and makes stamp-based note cards. Since the passing of her wife, she is doing a series of art pieces that incorporates poetry she has written during this grieving time. She has been using art and music to help her to stay calm and also to heal during this time.
Speaker: D’Vorah— D’Vorah Kelley has attended Women’s Week every year since the very first year, led workshops for three years, and was a co-coordinator for two years. She is excited to be part of the 2020 Women’s Week and looks forward to Sharing her Story.
She was ordained in 2010 by the Chaplaincy Institute of Maine (Portland), is an Interfaith Community Minister from Keene NH and has offered services, workshops, and ceremonies in the New England area. She was fortunate enough to serve as Minister of The Week at Ferry Beach for five years. She is passionate about co-creating ceremonies and rituals that celebrate Sacred Spirit!
Speaker: Tobi--Tobi, age 78, has been coming to Ferry Beach Women’s Week for 20 years. She has advocated for women for most of her adult life. She volunteered at Rosie’s Place, a homeless shelter for women in Boston. She worked for 15 years at Mass General Hospital in women’s health. She hopes to continue her advocacy for elderly women in the near future.
Speaker: Nancy--Nancy Cunningham has been part of In the Company of Women since it began. Nancy first visited Ferry Beach as a newly single mother 40 years ago and liked it so much she has returned almost every summer since! It has been part of so many changes in her life. During our week she looks forward to giving and receiving enough hugs and laughs to sustain her (and us) through whatever the coming year may bring.
After raising her 3 children and a career in human resources, Nancy moved to Maine in 1988 and worked for more than 20 years as a tax professional with H&R Block. These days you'll find her singing, a lot! In 3 choral groups including Harbour Singers, a hospice choir. Also exercise classes to be sure to take advantage of her new knees.
The Morning Program each day will be devoted to hearing someone share her/their story of transformation in the women’s circle. A supportive, sacred, safe space will be created and maintained with the guidance of a moderator. The listeners will have the opportunity to respond in smaller circles afterward. The group will then rejoin their hearts in peace, healing and gratitude in closing.
Moderator: Amy Hadley--This summer will be my 8th at Ferry Beach, and in particular, as part of the Company of Women. I always loved going to Girl Scout camp as a kid, and coming to Women’s Week eight years ago was like discovering the adult version of Girl Scout camp, only with a lot more choices and a lot fewer rules!
I’m looking forward to helping out with the morning programs this week! I’ve had a lot of experience facilitating various kinds of groups, both professionally and personally, and have been in a number of groups myself over the years. I’m currently a covenant group leader at my church in Arlington,MA.
Speaker: Mitch -- Mitch has been coming to In the Company of Women since 2007, but did miss two years in there somewhere.
Her career focus has just recently changed from working with children to totally working with adult women who have experienced trauma. The work is allowing people to heal through creative expression in the arts.
It took 40 years for her to walk back through the door of a church and actually choose to be there. This all happened after her wife Anne passed in Nov 2018 and she chose to have a celebration at a local UU church. It has become one of the best parts of her life now. Her new found passion now has been public speaking and she will grab any chance she can get to do that!
Mitch is a collage artist and makes stamp-based note cards. Since the passing of her wife, she is doing a series of art pieces that incorporates poetry she has written during this grieving time. She has been using art and music to help her to stay calm and also to heal during this time.
Speaker: D’Vorah— D’Vorah Kelley has attended Women’s Week every year since the very first year, led workshops for three years, and was a co-coordinator for two years. She is excited to be part of the 2020 Women’s Week and looks forward to Sharing her Story.
She was ordained in 2010 by the Chaplaincy Institute of Maine (Portland), is an Interfaith Community Minister from Keene NH and has offered services, workshops, and ceremonies in the New England area. She was fortunate enough to serve as Minister of The Week at Ferry Beach for five years. She is passionate about co-creating ceremonies and rituals that celebrate Sacred Spirit!
Speaker: Tobi--Tobi, age 78, has been coming to Ferry Beach Women’s Week for 20 years. She has advocated for women for most of her adult life. She volunteered at Rosie’s Place, a homeless shelter for women in Boston. She worked for 15 years at Mass General Hospital in women’s health. She hopes to continue her advocacy for elderly women in the near future.
Speaker: Nancy--Nancy Cunningham has been part of In the Company of Women since it began. Nancy first visited Ferry Beach as a newly single mother 40 years ago and liked it so much she has returned almost every summer since! It has been part of so many changes in her life. During our week she looks forward to giving and receiving enough hugs and laughs to sustain her (and us) through whatever the coming year may bring.
After raising her 3 children and a career in human resources, Nancy moved to Maine in 1988 and worked for more than 20 years as a tax professional with H&R Block. These days you'll find her singing, a lot! In 3 choral groups including Harbour Singers, a hospice choir. Also exercise classes to be sure to take advantage of her new knees.
Afternoon Programs
Shamanic Journey--Jody Breton will lead our group in 2 afternoons of shamanic journeys.
Jody Breton—Jody Breton brings to her Shamanic Healing & Teaching practice three decades of study of ancient healing and spiritual pathways. In the earliest years of her practice Jody began her journey into Shamanism when she met and studied with her first teacher and mentor in 1995. To this day she continues to participate in the ceremonies and lifeways of her teachings.
Jody enjoys sharing her knowledge of the shamanic life-way in small workshop settings and in one on one mentorship programs of her design teaching relevant, everyday uses and practical applications of an ancient, multi cultural spiritual practice which supports the enrichment of all aspects of our lives.
Improvisation Workshop--Erin Curren will lead a joyful two hour improvisation workshop chock-full of fun, games and insightful learning about ourselves and others!
Erin Curren—Teacher, artist, performer, dancer, most of all I am a lifelong learner. I love creating, and inspiring people to connect on a deeper level with their bodies, hearts and one another. Nothing brings me greater Joy than seeing the smiling faces of my students as they play and let loose, surprising themselves!
Sherry’s Journey Dance--Sherry Lundquist will lead us in journey dance
Sherry Lundquist—Ferry Beach has long been integral in my spiritual life and it has been a joy to be part of In the company of Women for the past 16 years. I have laughed, cried, created, sung, danced and grown with y'all- my circle of sisters. This year I am honored and grateful to offer Sherry's Journey Dance, a 90 minute exploration of gentle movement, play, joy, connection and of course, the always popular dancing with scarves. We will tell our stories using our bodies and breath. (There will be a time for integration and processing so we will not be dancing for 90 minutes! ) All are welcome to join in, even if you don't think you are a "dancer". There are no steps to learn and no wrong way to do it. All you need is an open heart and a willingness to explore moving in a loving circle of sisters. Chairs will be available and there will be no judgment, only love. Come join us on the dance floor! See you there.
Book Discussion Group--Sharon Rascka will lead a book club style conversation
Sharon Rascka—Join Sharon in a book club style conversation centered around Anna Quindlen’s Lots of Candles, Plenty of Cake. This book is a compilation of short essays in which the writer discusses friends, faith, loss, mothers, marriage and other topics. I hope that this memoir will inspire us to connect some of her thoughts to our own lives, experiences and stories. As a life-long reader and many decades of teaching English, I love sharing ideas about life and our own experiences and hope to spend a few hours doing just that with the women of Women’s Week at Ferry Beach. The only requirements are reading the book before we meet and a desire to join in on the conversation.
Creative Arts—Many gifted artists will lead art making and crafts in the afternoons, such as: tin ornaments, fleece blankets (for donation), knitting for beginners and the Women’s Wisdom Oracle Deck project.
Mitch Beck and Amy Hadley--Creating tin ornaments-- Tin Christmas ornaments are a holiday tradition in NM. We will create our own colorful ornaments with themes around Ferry Beach as a reminder of all we love about this special place. They can be hung as a daily reminder of all the things we love along with the special friendships we collect along the way.
Maryann Ficker--Women's Wisdom Oracle Deck: We are the oracle! Let's channel our collective wisdom to create a deck of cards that can be used as an oracle for divination or just for a bit of common sense (similar to Tarot or Angel cards.) After a brief meditation, we will pair off and ponder a question to uncover our individual wisdom in words. Then, we will each create a collage inspired by that wisdom. After the workshop, I will scan the results and send them out to be commercially printed as a deck of cards. You will be able to order as many decks as you want (for the cost of printing and shipping) to keep, to give away, to sell or to fund raise.
Maryann has been coming to Ferry Beach, for about 12 years. She has happily (and sometimes gleefully) led many art and craft workshops over the years during ITCW. She is a New Jersey artist. She is currently creating a deck of divination cards from portraits and interviews. www.maryannficker.com or on instagram: @maryannfickerart
Eileen Cummings--Knitting Basics-- Eileen, will teach you the knitting basics to craft a simple scarf. More advanced knitters are also welcome!
Jane Hucks--Knotted Fleece Blankets--Need a kindergarten level craft project? This one’s for you! Can you tie a knot? We will assist you! Blankets will be donated to a local charity.
Jody Breton—Jody Breton brings to her Shamanic Healing & Teaching practice three decades of study of ancient healing and spiritual pathways. In the earliest years of her practice Jody began her journey into Shamanism when she met and studied with her first teacher and mentor in 1995. To this day she continues to participate in the ceremonies and lifeways of her teachings.
Jody enjoys sharing her knowledge of the shamanic life-way in small workshop settings and in one on one mentorship programs of her design teaching relevant, everyday uses and practical applications of an ancient, multi cultural spiritual practice which supports the enrichment of all aspects of our lives.
Improvisation Workshop--Erin Curren will lead a joyful two hour improvisation workshop chock-full of fun, games and insightful learning about ourselves and others!
Erin Curren—Teacher, artist, performer, dancer, most of all I am a lifelong learner. I love creating, and inspiring people to connect on a deeper level with their bodies, hearts and one another. Nothing brings me greater Joy than seeing the smiling faces of my students as they play and let loose, surprising themselves!
Sherry’s Journey Dance--Sherry Lundquist will lead us in journey dance
Sherry Lundquist—Ferry Beach has long been integral in my spiritual life and it has been a joy to be part of In the company of Women for the past 16 years. I have laughed, cried, created, sung, danced and grown with y'all- my circle of sisters. This year I am honored and grateful to offer Sherry's Journey Dance, a 90 minute exploration of gentle movement, play, joy, connection and of course, the always popular dancing with scarves. We will tell our stories using our bodies and breath. (There will be a time for integration and processing so we will not be dancing for 90 minutes! ) All are welcome to join in, even if you don't think you are a "dancer". There are no steps to learn and no wrong way to do it. All you need is an open heart and a willingness to explore moving in a loving circle of sisters. Chairs will be available and there will be no judgment, only love. Come join us on the dance floor! See you there.
Book Discussion Group--Sharon Rascka will lead a book club style conversation
Sharon Rascka—Join Sharon in a book club style conversation centered around Anna Quindlen’s Lots of Candles, Plenty of Cake. This book is a compilation of short essays in which the writer discusses friends, faith, loss, mothers, marriage and other topics. I hope that this memoir will inspire us to connect some of her thoughts to our own lives, experiences and stories. As a life-long reader and many decades of teaching English, I love sharing ideas about life and our own experiences and hope to spend a few hours doing just that with the women of Women’s Week at Ferry Beach. The only requirements are reading the book before we meet and a desire to join in on the conversation.
Creative Arts—Many gifted artists will lead art making and crafts in the afternoons, such as: tin ornaments, fleece blankets (for donation), knitting for beginners and the Women’s Wisdom Oracle Deck project.
Mitch Beck and Amy Hadley--Creating tin ornaments-- Tin Christmas ornaments are a holiday tradition in NM. We will create our own colorful ornaments with themes around Ferry Beach as a reminder of all we love about this special place. They can be hung as a daily reminder of all the things we love along with the special friendships we collect along the way.
Maryann Ficker--Women's Wisdom Oracle Deck: We are the oracle! Let's channel our collective wisdom to create a deck of cards that can be used as an oracle for divination or just for a bit of common sense (similar to Tarot or Angel cards.) After a brief meditation, we will pair off and ponder a question to uncover our individual wisdom in words. Then, we will each create a collage inspired by that wisdom. After the workshop, I will scan the results and send them out to be commercially printed as a deck of cards. You will be able to order as many decks as you want (for the cost of printing and shipping) to keep, to give away, to sell or to fund raise.
Maryann has been coming to Ferry Beach, for about 12 years. She has happily (and sometimes gleefully) led many art and craft workshops over the years during ITCW. She is a New Jersey artist. She is currently creating a deck of divination cards from portraits and interviews. www.maryannficker.com or on instagram: @maryannfickerart
Eileen Cummings--Knitting Basics-- Eileen, will teach you the knitting basics to craft a simple scarf. More advanced knitters are also welcome!
Jane Hucks--Knotted Fleece Blankets--Need a kindergarten level craft project? This one’s for you! Can you tie a knot? We will assist you! Blankets will be donated to a local charity.
Daily Circles
from 4-5 pm. each day several groups continue to meet.
Wise Women- group will be facilitated by Christine Krom.
Christine Krom- Christine is a wise crone who has been coming to FB practically every summer since 1993. No matter what the plans are for Women’s Week, she returns every year to renew her soul. She enjoys seeing the many women friends she has made here over the years, as well as making new ones. She considers Ferry Beach her spiritual home.
Queer Women- Carolyn Cronin will facilitate. Carolyn has been attending ICOW since 2014 when she was thrilled to meet Carolyn McDade and find a new spiritual place in Ferry Beach. A cisgender, lesbian, queer women, she has facilitated many small groups where members share their stories and practice deep listening and connection with others. She has facilitated the "Queer Women Circle" since 2017. A lover of the outdoors, Carolyn’s other passions include singing and dismantling racism.
Free Spirits- Leah Goat will lead.
Leah is a former morning track leader and coordinator at FB and has been facilitating afternoon discussion groups for several years. In the past she has served on several boards and chaired her local planning commission. She participated for years in a local women's group at her church and is a founding member of a community women's group. Her passion is gardening, which she does at 2 churches and at home. She lives in Hanover, NH.
Healing Sea- Sally Page facilitates this open 12 step recovery meeting available to all women on campus from 5-6 pm daily.
Sally has been enjoying Ferry Beach for over 30 years and just got her 45 year medallion in AA. Sally also has OA and Alanon affiliations and feels that 12 step programs offer a way of life that is second to none. She believes the world would be a better place if a 12 Step way of life was available to all.
Christine Krom- Christine is a wise crone who has been coming to FB practically every summer since 1993. No matter what the plans are for Women’s Week, she returns every year to renew her soul. She enjoys seeing the many women friends she has made here over the years, as well as making new ones. She considers Ferry Beach her spiritual home.
Queer Women- Carolyn Cronin will facilitate. Carolyn has been attending ICOW since 2014 when she was thrilled to meet Carolyn McDade and find a new spiritual place in Ferry Beach. A cisgender, lesbian, queer women, she has facilitated many small groups where members share their stories and practice deep listening and connection with others. She has facilitated the "Queer Women Circle" since 2017. A lover of the outdoors, Carolyn’s other passions include singing and dismantling racism.
Free Spirits- Leah Goat will lead.
Leah is a former morning track leader and coordinator at FB and has been facilitating afternoon discussion groups for several years. In the past she has served on several boards and chaired her local planning commission. She participated for years in a local women's group at her church and is a founding member of a community women's group. Her passion is gardening, which she does at 2 churches and at home. She lives in Hanover, NH.
Healing Sea- Sally Page facilitates this open 12 step recovery meeting available to all women on campus from 5-6 pm daily.
Sally has been enjoying Ferry Beach for over 30 years and just got her 45 year medallion in AA. Sally also has OA and Alanon affiliations and feels that 12 step programs offer a way of life that is second to none. She believes the world would be a better place if a 12 Step way of life was available to all.
Evening Activities
Evening Activities to include: movie night, campfire, talent/no-talent show, Saturday night concert by Pat Wictor (with Circle of Music), Women’s Trivia contest and coffeehouse!
Conference Leadership
Coordinators
Eileen Cummings is fairly new to In the Company of Women, but she is excited to be co-coordinating the 2020 conference. After visiting Ferry Beach for a weekend, she fell in love with FB.
Eileen is a crazy knitter. She works as manager of information technology for a small trust firm in Boston, MA to pay for her huge yarn stash. She has been seen knitting everywhere- on charity walks, at the symphony and even in a jury box.
Eileen is a crazy knitter. She works as manager of information technology for a small trust firm in Boston, MA to pay for her huge yarn stash. She has been seen knitting everywhere- on charity walks, at the symphony and even in a jury box.
Jane Hucks has been coming to Company of women since 2006. The Company of Women was an essential support after she came out. After retiring from public school teaching in 2014, her new life is ever growing with new friendships, connections, service work and volunteering!
Jane has lived in Haverhill, MA since 1993. Various callings include: providing accompaniment for immigrant friends; leading yoga; visiting hospice patients; working with community groups for social justice; helping friends and birding/nature travel.
Jane has lived in Haverhill, MA since 1993. Various callings include: providing accompaniment for immigrant friends; leading yoga; visiting hospice patients; working with community groups for social justice; helping friends and birding/nature travel.
Pricing
Pricing (Includes Conference Fees and Meals) |
Stay tuned for 2021 pricing information. |
Lodging |
Lodging Prices Vary. See our Lodging Page for pricing information. |
Membership |
Individual Membership: $30 Family Membership: $50 Membership must be paid to attend any Ferry Beach program and is due annually. See our Membership Page to learn more and to purchase or renew a membership. |
Meals |
See our Dining Center Page for menus and pricing. |
Or Call 207-282-4489 x1 to Register by Phone