In late May 2022, we will begin hosting a variety of in-person writers’ events here at the lodge in the heart of Underhill Center, Vermont.
We are restoring a former hunting lodge on approximately an acre of land located along the banks of Browns River, directly across Stevensville Road from the Town Pond – a park with two public tennis courts, ample public parking, and porta-potties. The restored, historic Underhill Schoolhouse is right next door with additional parking and the potential to host even larger scale public literary events like book festivals.
The immediate financial goal of our April fundraising effort is to acquire the tools to host meetings on Zoom even when we meet here at the Camp in person. The funds raised this quarter will help to acquire an Owl 360-degree video conferencing camera and a large screen to display the Zoom participants during any meeting that may also have live participants — hybrid meetings in other words. If Covid had any specific benefit, it is that we began using the tools we always had on hand like Zoom. Because of that, our membership has become International, and I do not wish to disappoint people who have come to count on us from far and wide.
15 Stevensville Road
Underhill Center, Vermont
V: 920.256.9449
Events at Camp Sit’N Bull in Underhill Center shall include:
- Regular onsite writers’ workshops,
- Multi-day writers’ conferences and focus groups,
- Book festivals featuring Vermont authors,
- Poetry readings,
- Unplugged music and songwriting events,
- Picnics, potlucks, and fireside chats,
- Storytelling events,
- Puppetry performances.
The lodge was built in 1985 and is constructed in classic Vermont, camp-style open architecture with log posts within a single, large, central, main room. It has a large, wood-burning, airtight, Nashua heater on a stone hearth. There is a single bedroom off one side which has become the media studio. It has a simple kitchen nook, and a small, sunken reading nook adjacent to the entrance. Across the driveway from the main building, a deck overlooks Browns River with two of the three outdoor stone fireplaces.
We have a very competent, knowledgeable, and experienced retired corporate accountant, who has agreed to accept the role of Treasurer. He will establish the non-profit status and then pursue grant funding for future events. I appreciate your engagement in whatever capacity you choose: as a writer, member, participant, or a financial supporter. The Green Mountain Writers Guild, is soon to become a registered non-profit organization with the mission of furthering the craft of writing in Vermont and worldwide.
Your support helps to make it happen.
If you prefer to send a check:
DesignWise Studios
PO BOX 18
Underhill Center VT 05490
The name on the sign, Camp Sit’N Bull is part of the classic, legacy narrative, being one of the first hunting camps established on Stevensville Road more than five decades ago. Somehow, it seems quite appropriate for writers sitting around a campfire sharing stories. I know some people may find fault with the name but we’re new in the neighborhood, and after surveying the local attitude I realized it is all about preservation. So, we will remain one of many such named bars, barber shops, and social clubs across America.
Timeline:
A step-by-step plan is being created…
- I met with the Underhill Center Town Planner to be certain that hosting onsite writing workshops would not violate any zoning rules. I was assured that we are permitted to do so.
- 100Mps WiFi is installed.
- Next step is to publish a business plan.
- Apply for a registered non-profit status.
- Pursue potential grant funding resources.
Be Well and Write On,
Stephen Kastner