VIDEO: We can’t wait to see you at Smirkus Camp!
Head Coach Doug Stewart and Assistant Camp Director Amira Silverman had Smirkus reunion in Valencia, Spain last week and they had this message for you!
5 Lessons I Learned at Smirkus Camp
Editor’s note: This story first appeared in Circus Talk online on January 6, 2020 and was written by Ivy Blake 5 Lessons I Learned Growing Up – and Then Working at– A Circus Camp It’s rare that we get the chance to interact with the same institution from many positions. Circus Smirkus camp, the sleep-away summer camp run by the youth circus of Vermont Circus Smirkus, is one of those rare establishments that actively hires former campers to be on staff as coaches and counselors. I have now had the privilege of inhabiting all three of these roles: a camper from 2006-2012, a counselor in 2014…
Head Coach Josh Shack Explains It All For You
Director of Programming Josh Shack has held many positions at Circus Smirkus. He was a camper, and then performed in the Big Top Tour, he’s been the tour production manager, as well as a residency artist. Last summer he added a new title to the mix: Advanced Camp Head Coach at Circus Smirkus Camp. This year, he’s working on developing new curriculum for the Advanced Performance Camp Programs for campers who are training at the highest level. “Smirkus is known for its performance,” Josh says, “and so I want to make sure our campers are getting the chance to really…
Green Mountain Knitting Guild Retreat
Smirkus Camp can be the perfect place for your retreat! Just ask the Green Mountain Knitting Guild! This group rented the Smirkus Camp facilities to run their weekend workshop; the common area was set up for their knitting circle, the dining hall and kitchen perfect for crafting their custom dyes (and the all important meal times!) and everyone had cost-friendly sleeping quarters. All set as the fall foliage was beginning to turn into a vibrant riot of color.
Star Drops in the Tents
Editor’s Note: This post was written by Camp Communications Intern Magdalene McCaffrey Under the blue and white stripes of Mamma Mia’s copula, the red, green, and pink silks are attached to the rigging hooks. In billowing lines, they’re pulled and secured as campers file into the tent. The campers take off their shoes and step onto the trocellen mat to sit on the ring curb. Coaches lead the kids in stretches as the rigging is finished, then they step into the center of the ring and pull themselves onto the silk. “We’ll be working on our star drops today! So let’s go over how to set…
Having a Ball at Camp
Editor’s Note: This post was written by Camp Communications Intern Magdalene McCaffrey “All right! Everybody grab a second ball and we can work on the next combination,” the class rushes to the front of the tent to the waiting carton of various juggling balls. A warm wind blows under the lifted walls of Lottie as the campers reassemble on the mats in varied lines. Grinning some begin to toss their balls, feeling the weight before coach Book Kennison has a chance to example the new combination. Some fall to the mat with light slaps and giggles fill the tent. “Okay,…
We Are Off to a Wonderful Start
Editor’s Note: This post was written by Summer Camp Director William Forchion Summer 2019 has begun. We have welcomed one session of adult campers and two mini sessions of Smirklings. Most recently we welcomed our beginning circus campers. It is an honor to step into the role of Camp Director and Chief Miracle Conjurer. Arriving in early June, it was a pleasure to see the tent crew do their magic setting up the tents. First Mama Mia went up followed quickly by the raising of Natalie then Ruby and Flo. And just like that Greensboro, VT once again becomes a circus oasis. Seeing…
Smirkling Camp Kick-Off
Editor’s Note: This post was written by Camp Communications Intern Magdalene McCaffrey Smirkus Camp welcomed in our youngest campers to Smirkling Camp 2019, bright and early Friday, June 15! 70 campers, accompanied by their grownups, arrived and started off the day with registration and hula-hooping before the grownups said goodbye for the weekend. Campers gathered in the Balance Barn for introductory games and fun before the first sessions began at 10am. Assigned to color groups called Purple, Red, Blue and Green, the campers rotated between juggling, acrobatics, aerials, and clowning until noon. Each group had a chance to try out each skill before…
Summer Starts with Smirkus
Editor’s Note: This post was written by Camp Communications Intern Magdalene McCaffrey Smirkus Camp sessions have officially begun! This season was kicked off by Adult Camp, a session open to those from age 21 and beyond for a weekend full of workshops, activities, and campfires. After a week of cleaning, tent raising, and loading in, the campus went from a quiet oasis to a circus paradise. Thursday, Summer Camp Director William Forchion and Assistant Camp Director Amira Silverman welcomed in campers with this session’s coaches to start off the weekend in the Balance Barn. Campers went to dinner and then had time to settle in….
Letter from the Head Coach
Hello! My name is Doug Stewart and I’m thrilled, honored and extremely humbled to be taking on the role of Head Coach this summer at Smirkus Camp. My journey through the circus world started 10 years ago at Smirkus Camp. I cannot think of a better way to celebrate my 10th year of circus than returning to where it all started. For those who don’t know, here’s a little bit about me. When I was 10 years old I saw the Circus Smirkus Big Top Tour for the first time and instantly became obsessed. After begging my parents, I got to run…