HEAR YE! HEAR YE!

This is the year to visit Star Island (with significant discounts for new families and groups) and attend one of over 40 gatherings that will focus on themes as varied as natural history, international affairs, religion and health. (See sample summer programs below)

Those interested in “The Mysterious and Misunderstood World of Mushrooms” can join the Natural History conference on Star from Saturday, June 22 to Saturday, June 29 with featured speaker Dr. Rick Van de Poll. With over 30 years of experience in the mushroom field, Van de Poll will lead guests in this weeklong “mycocentric” program open to all ages.

“Gaslight: Victorian Life at the Isles of Shoals & Beyond” is the focus of the third Historic Star conference held from Saturday, August 24 to Saturday, August 31. Professional and amateur historians from the Seacoast region will gather for a week of exploration into the lives of fishing villagers and resort hotel guests of the nineteenth century. Participants will take up Victorian pastimes like seaweed pressing and croquet.

The International Affairs conference will pursue “Europe and the Eurozone: The Future of a United Europe and what it Means for U.S./European Relations” with experts in the field from Saturday, July 20 to Saturday, July 27. Heather Conley, senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies will be the featured speaker.

Star Island welcomes members of United Church of Christ congregations to join in one of two retreat weeks. Star Gathering UCC 1 meets from Saturday, July 27 to Saturday, August 3 followed by Star Gathering UCC 2 from Saturday, August 3 to Saturday, August 10. Week 1 will focus on the history of the Christian Church and week 2 workshops will plant participants in the now.

The new Mindful Health at Every Age program invites people at any stage of health and wellness over the age of 18 to spend Sunday, September 8 to Thursday, September 12 on Star Island to learn about good health resulting from a whole foods diet, mindful living, and movement. Dr. Lisa Nelson, Medical Director of the nonprofit Nutrition Center in Pittsfield, MA, and Carrie Tyler, creator of the Rasamaya Method of Movement, will lead this program. Guests wanting to stay on Star Island for the Star Island Yoga Retreat after the Mindful Health program will receive 10% off their room and board.

“Star Island provides a welcoming environment for individuals and families from mid-June to mid-September,” Star’s CEO Joe Watts said. “We are always eager for new ‘Shoalers’ to step ashore and experience our summer island.”

Star Island is New England’s most unique summer island offering programs built upon traditions started over a century ago. As a vibrant destination for families and individuals each summer, Star Island seeks to create a community that frees all who come to explore matters of consequence and gain knowledge about the world as it might ideally be. Located approximately 10 miles off the coast of New Hampshire, Star Island is part of the National Register of Historic Places. More information about Star Island’s themed programs, significant 2013 discounts and financial aid can be found at StarIsland.org.