Boo Camp Venue | Registration Information | Registration Form | COVID Policy
Boo Camp 2024: October 25-27, 2024
Registration Open Now!
Calling by Jacqui Grennan with music from Panda Stomp (Jacob Chen, Sarah Bellows, and Cecilia Vacanti) and the Cheap Shots (Pat Aruffo, John Brinduse, Bill Balassi, Peter Esherick, Dave Para, and Erika Gerety)!
It will be hosted at the beautiful Manzano Mountain Retreat in Torreon, NM (~1 hour from Albuquerque & 1:45 from Santa Fe) with luxurious cabins or options for tent or RV/Van camping.
What is Boo Camp?
Boo Camp features local and national callers and bands. The schedule could include concerts, contra dancing, couples dancing, singing, jamming, camp gathering, silent auction, and the much adored Boo Ball.
Cost of Boo Camp
The full cost for Boo Camp, staying in cabins for the full weekend is $350, however there are many a-la-carte options including $85 for the full day on Saturday. We offer work trade scholarships for discounts to those attending the full camp, you can chose that option during camp registration.
See Registration Information for a full list of sleeping, meal, and a-la-carte options!
Schedule
Boo-Camp-Schedule-2024Caller
Jacqui Grennan
Jacqui Grennan started contra dancing in Los Angeles, CA, in 2009. Since then, she’s taken a deep dive into folk dancing, first as a contra caller, then choreographer (many of her dances were called at FolkMadness 2024!), then English Country Dance caller and choreographer, and now taking on the challenge of learning modern western square dancing. These experiences of trying new things at different skill levels has enhanced her ability to consider different ways of teaching and learning. She is known for her clear and caring teaching with a stage presence that is a blend of calmness and dynamism. She knows what dancers want, and knows how to make it happen, seeing herself as the host of a party who wants to help everyone have a good time. When Jacqui isn’t calling or dancing at contra dances and English Country dances around the nation, she likes to host BBQs at her home, learn various musical instruments, hang out with her cat, and work on home projects.
Bands
Panda Stomp with Cecilia Vacanti
Cheap Shots
“Cheap Shots” is an energetic acoustic band that draws upon an eclectic mix of Old Time, Celtic, Contra Dance, Folk, Country, Blues, Bluegrass, and Swing. Intertwining instrumental and vocal music (including original songs), the band features hammered dulcimer, fiddle, guitar, mandolin, banjo, bass, piano and the occasional Bodhran (Irish drum). Cheap Shots won the Old Time Band contest at the 2006 Santa Fe Bluegrass Festival. “Cheap Shots” has been together since longer than any of us can remember. For contra dances, the band plays a mix of New England and Southern style contra music, with occasional Swing or International sounds as well. Many of the band’s members are also contra dancers, so they incorporate the cheap tricks that make dancing look and feel especially enjoyable. Our latest cheap trick was to add Dave Para to the mix. We cemented the arrangement by having him marry our bass player on November 8, 2020.
Sound Tech:
Steve Hunyady has been doing sound since 2015 as a retirement hobby. He is a favorite in Albuquerque and Socorro and we’re excited to have him on board for Boo Camp again!
FAQs
Q: What terms will be called?
A: Most of the country is moving in the direction of gender free calling and Boo Camp is going to follow this trend. All calling at Boo Camp 2024 will be Larks and Robins, read more details about these terms here.
Q: Can I register for part of the weekend?
A: Yes, a la carte registration will be available as soon as registration opens! There are options for dance events and meals. We encourage you to register in advance so that we know how many people to expect.
Q: What is the COVID policy?
A: We will follow FolkMADS COVID Policy with no specific restrictions. If you are sick before camp please do not attend reach out to organizers for options about registration.
Q: What meals will be provided?
A: As is Boo Camp tradition, we will have a potluck dinner on Friday night to kick off the event! Then, we will have Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner provided on Saturday and Breakfast and Lunch provided on Sunday.
Q: Are there policies for dancers behavior?
A: Yes, all FolkMADS events use the same Dancers Code of Conduct. In summary, we want to cultivate a dance community which is welcoming and comfortable for dancers of all identities and abilities. If anything makes you feel uncomfortable the organizers want to know. Please check out the link for more details.
Q: What do I need to bring?
A: Items might include food for a potluck, silent auction item, and costume for the Boo Ball, linens (including bedding, towels, and pillows), water bottles, comfortable shoes for dancing. More details will be available closer to the event.
Q: Can I bring pets?
A: In short No. The official Manzano Mountain Retreat Policy on animals is:
No pets of any kind, whether mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds, fish, rodents, insects, arachnids, or any other form of animal life whatsoever are allowed, unless the animal is an assistive animal of a disabled person. MMR requires satisfactory proof of need for an assistive animal as permitted by law, establishing what service the animal provides. Proof of disability is not required.
Boo Camp Archive
2023 Info
2022 Info
2018 Info; 2018 Schedule
2017 Info; 2017 Schedule
2016 Info; 2016 Schedule
2015 Info; 2015 Schedule
2014 Schedule 2014 Camp Details
2013 2012 2011
2010 2009 2008
2007 2006 2005
2004
