Enrichment & Wellness

Riverwalk String Camp

Camp: Monday, July 14 through Friday, July 18 ~ 9am to 4pm

String Ensemble Concert featuring Youth: Saturday, July 19, 10am to 12pm

Young musicians in grades 7 to 12 are invited to join us for the Riverwalk String Camp. This week-long immersive musical experience is designed to provide excellent instruction in string playing from world-class musicians, paired with mindfulness and creativity education from the Toledo Mindfulness Institute. Participants will learn lifelong skills as they work in small groups and individually with instruction and guidance from professional musicians.

Campers will also benefit from attending live performances on-site at 577, including Riverwalk’s Ensemble-In-Residence, the Orion Trio, and a sound bathing experience from Isabella Weik of the Toledo Mindfulness Institute.

The week concludes with a special concert showcasing our campers’ talents on Saturday, July 19, 10am to 12pm. All performances take place on 577’s Outdoor Stage and are open to the public.

This is a unique opportunity for student musicians to improve their playing, find inspiration, and build friendships in a holistic, supportive, and engaging environment. Join us and gain the courage to follow your dreams!

Important Class Notes:
• Young musicians must have at least two (2) years of private training.
• Musicians must submit a sample of their playing as an audio file to riverwalkstringcamp@gmail.com at the time of registration.
• Registrants will be notified of their acceptance or denial within three (3) business days. Any musician who is not accepted into the camp will receive a full refund.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Thursday, July 4

Community Instructor: Cole Habekost, Alex Munson, and Isabella Weik

Overcoming Obstacles with Humor and Hope

Explore how humor and hope can help us navigate life’s challenges with greater grace and resilience. Using a Narrative 4 story-share format, participants will have the opportunity to share personal stories of overcoming obstacles, listen deeply to one another, and build empathy and connection in a safe, supportive space.

We’ll also learn practical techniques for moving through stressful times—tools that can help shift perspective, release tension, and tap into inner strength. There will be time for personal reflection and journaling, so please bring a journal if you have one. Writing materials will also be provided.

Whether you’re currently facing a challenge or reflecting on past experiences, this class offers a space for healing, humor, and hope. Come with an open heart and leave feeling a little lighter.

Community Instructor: Risa Beth Cohen, MSEd

The Body as a Garden: Nurturing Our Inner Selves

“The Body as a Garden” invites participants to explore the idea of tending to our bodies and minds as gardens. Through breath work and yoga movement, guided conversation, and journaling, we’ll root into our bodies and tend to our inner selves. Participants will reflect on what parts of us feel grounded, what needs nurturing, and how we can bloom. Each person will also make and take home an affirmation jar.

Class Note: Please bring a journal, pen, and a folding chair or blanket for gathering comfortably outside.

Community Instructors: Mariah Maddox & Jada Harris

Mixtape: Community Singing Event at 577

A mixtape is a collection of favorite, familiar, and new-to-you songs. When cassettes and CDs were popular, people would curate a compilation of songs for friends and romantic crushes to enjoy when you’re together or apart. This program brings back a casual way for people to sing out loud together to forge connection and a sense of belonging.

This is playing, not performing! Be ready to make mistakes and watch the song leader make mistakes. Forget perfection. Forget polish. That isn’t the point. Singing together, laughing, trying something, and having fun together is the point!

Bring a friend or come alone and make a new friend. All ages and backgrounds are welcome (although kids should be accompanied by a caregiver or responsible adult 18+). Free event, with optional donation.

We’ll meet on the Outdoor Stage at 577. Don’t worry about inclement weather, we will plan to meet in Virginia’s House.

Community Song Leader: 577 Foundation Executive Director Heather Gallant

Sound Bath & Meditation

Relax into your weekend by joining us to experience the benefits of vibrational sound and meditation. Receive gentle guidance to unwind through focused breathing and meditation exercises. We’ll then relax onto yoga mats to experience the calming effects of listening to highly resonant, immersive sounds from various instruments, including crystal bowls. These sound vibrations, or sound “bathing,” promote a meditative state, allowing thoughts to quiet and the body to relax.

Leave class with an understanding of how this practice can be beneficial and how to incorporate vibrational sound into your own self-care practice. All supplies are included (yoga mats, blankets, bolsters, and eye pillows),  but participants are welcome to bring their own pillows and any other props for personal comfort. It is also recommended to dress warmly since bodies tend to cool as they relax.

Community Instructor: Pam Bortz

Intention Setting

Participants of this class will learn about the power of intention and are invited to set their own personal intention. Together, we will discuss our intentions, meditate, journal, and make customized bracelets, necklaces, or keychains by hammering our intentions into metal. All participants will receive their custom-made keychain or jewelry. Come with an open heart, ready to live an intentional life.

Completed tokens are made with metal washers about an inch in diameter and attached with string to wear as a bracelet, or can also be used as a keychain ring.

Class Notes: Participants are welcome to bring a journal, but this is not required. Some participants may appreciate the opportunity to set an intention for the school year.

Community Instructor: Risa Beth Cohen, M.S.Ed.