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If there is anything certain about our future it is this: we are entering a period of rapid change—so rapid, in fact, that it’s unprecedented. All around us, our environment, resources, financial systems, and political systems are in chaos. And unlike many generations before us, we don’t have a clear view of what’s in store for ourselves and our families, or how to prepare for it. But there’s a silver lining to the dark clouds: all the disruptions we’re experiencing give us a chance to make a transition—to build the kind of communities, and the kind of world, in which we want to live.

Many of us are facing change in our personal lives, too. Some of us may be seeing our nests grow empty as children grow older. Others may be just starting families, facing retirement, launching new careers, or—in these rough economic times—leaving old ones. There are so many ways our lives shift. Change does not have to be frightening. It can lead to renewal.

That’s why our 2012 All Star Family II theme is Transitions: Building Resilience in Changing Times. During the week guest speaker Philip Ackerman-Leist will show us how communities are banding together to build resilience–creating local food systems that can sustain them; developing plans for secure, safe and renewable energy supplies; strengthening their local economies; discovering simplicity; and reconnecting with neighbors in whole new ways.

Ackerman-Leist teaches environmental studies at Green Mountain College, where he directs the Farm and Food Project. He is also author of Up Tunket Road, the inspiring, honest and at times humorous account of his own efforts to build a sustainable life. For seven years he and his wife lived without electricity or running water in an old cabin in the beautiful but remote hills of western New England. Slowly forging their own farm and homestead, they took inspiration from their experiences among the mountain farmers of the Tirolean Alps and were guided by their Vermont neighbors, who taught them about what it truly means to live sustainably–not only to survive, but to thrive in a fragmented landscape and a fractured economy. Ackerman-Leist is also author of an upcoming book on how to build local food systems.

Throughout the week—in evening candle light chapels, or just rocking on the porch—shoalers as well as our minister of the week will also lead discussions on personal transitions and personal resilience. And, as always, our children will enjoy our fabulous children’s program, complete with art and music instruction, visits to the marine lab and nearby Smuttynose Island, and plenty of time for a variety of fun activities, such as the Children’s Stunt Show and the Great People Hunt. We hope you and your family will join us for an unforgettable week.

Registering for this conference

How to register

1. Download the 2012 Registration Form.
2. Fill out both sides of the registration form.
3. Send to the Conference Registrar as directed below, along with one check for the Room and Board Deposit and Conference Programming Fee (both specified above).
4. The Conference Registrar will be in touch with you after your registration is received.

Make the check out to: All Star II Conference
Registrar: Ron Cordes, email hidden; JavaScript is required, (781) 275-6181, 3 Jeffrey Circle, Bedford, MA 01730

Financial Aid: Available through the The Ginny Levine Shoalership Fund. Visit our website or contact Mary Ellen Mellen, (802) 795-0033, email hidden; JavaScript is required. All inquiries/awards are kept confidential.