Song and Story Fest 2026

Ohio Valley Song & Story Fest:
Can We See a New World Coming?

July 5-11, 2026

Inspiration Hills, Burbank, OH

A unique Family Camp in the glacial valleys of northern Ohio

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“I see a new world coming when everyone is free!
And all shall be God’s people in justice, love and peace!”
– Beyond a Dying Sun, Hymnal 323, by Steve Engle

Can you see a new world coming in these bleak times of greed,
self-destruction and fear? When our neighbors are being abducted
by ICE, our laws broken by the President and his disciples, our international reputation in shreds and our nerves are on edge –
Can we envision a different world, a new and better community where everyone is free, enjoying justice and love and peace?

We sang the blues last year and searched the stars for how to find our way forward. Now it’s time to envision what a new world might look like and what we need to do to sing and speak it into being.

At the Fest, through music and stories and community interaction, we open ourselves to the holy so that our life and work is guided by the energizing Spirit of Life.
We want to help birth and become God’s Beloved Community.

Join us for this 30th annual gathering as we invite the Lord of the Dance to lead us all, wherever we may be, in seeing “Beyond a dying sun” and hearing a voice call out, “God’s dwelling place is with you till the end!”

Storytellers and Workshop Leaders:

Susan Boyer    Deanna Brown     Anna Lisa Gross
Kathy Guisewite     Doe Hoyer
Jonathan Hunter    Jim Lehman

Campfire, Workshop, and Concert Musicians:

Rhonda & Greg Baker     Hannah Button-Harrison
Louise Brodie    Erin & Cody Flory Robertson
Friends With the Weather  Katie Loomis-Adams   Mike Stern
Tim & Byron Joseph & Marlene Wood

An Intergenerational Camp for All Ages - 

Single persons and families of any size and shape will enjoy this combination of performance and participation in the woodlands of northern Ohio.

Mornings  -  Intergenerational gatherings and worship will be followed by workshops for adults, children, and youth to help us:

• Reconnect with the God of all creation and with each other
• Tell the stories that make for peace and rekindle faith
• Sing the words of our hearts 
• Root and ground ourselves in the Jesus Way
• Move in time with the Spirit of Life
• Remember that we are beloved
• Celebrate peace, creation, and life
• Dance in circles, lines, and squares
• Learn the skills of peace-making and justice-seeking

Afternoons - Free for family time, recreation, nature walks, story swaps, and music making.

Evenings - Campfires, snacks, and concerts or a folk dance.  

Song & Story Fest #30

This is the thirtieth summer in a row for these Song and Story Fests and our fourth visit to Inspiration Hills, the Church of the Brethren camp for northern Ohio.  We will be gathering the week after Annual Conference in Fort Wayne, IN.  We will begin Sunday evening, July 5, with supper at 5:30 pm, an opening campfire, and some music and dancing. The Fest will close Saturday morning, July 11, after breakfast, worship, and hugs.

On Earth Peace co-sponsors the Fest, providing leadership, administrative support, and liability insurance coverage. “Inspiration Hills will be held harmless in case of accident, injury, or death during this event.”

Inspiration Hills lies along Killbuck Creek in the northwest corner of Wayne County on Ohio Rt. 604, a few miles south of I-71 and Burbank. This glaciated area of woods and farms offers a variety of terrains and a multitude of plant and animal life. Hiking trails wander through dense stands of native hardwoods, transitional forests, groves of pine and deep ravines carved in limestone shale. A small human-made lake provides for swimming and boating, and there are plenty of opportunities for 4-square, beach volleyball, softball, and more. Photos and additional information about Inspiration Hills can be found at www.inspirationhillscamp.org. Andrew Kauffman is the Camp Director and the phone number is 419-846-3010 if you need additional information or assistance.

Housing will be in lodges and cabins on bunk beds, though you may choose to bring a tent, and there is room for a few RVs without connections. Plan on sharing cabin space with other individuals or families, so please, on your registration indicate anyone with whom you want to share space. Please bring your own bedding and towels as the Camp doesn’t provide these. Hot showers are provided in common bathrooms. There are no motel style rooms onsite for those with advanced age or special needs, but distances are short, bathrooms are close, and we can reserve you a lower bunk. Motel lodging is available in Wooster, Ohio.  

Food - Vegetarian and gluten-free options will be available at all meals.  If you have special dietary needs, please note them on your registration, but do not expect to have individual exceptions made just for you. Contact Tina Rieman with any questions (510-778-4484). Bring a new table grace to add to our repertoire.

Craft Projects  - Contact Mikah, [email protected], if you have a good craft project to share and lead.  We can reimburse you for materials.

Registration and Fees 

Registration includes all meals, on-site facilities, and leadership and is based upon age.  Children 5 and under are welcome, no charge.

Adults                      $450
Teens  13 - 19         $270
Children 6 - 12        $180

Maximum Total Fee per Family  -  $1150

Please register now and remit the entire fee by June 1. Registrations after June 1 should add 10% as a late fee.  No discount for off-site, tent or RV housing.

Daily Fee (if coming for 4 days/nights or less) - $60/adult, $40/teen, $30/child, $150/family, includes all meals and program. Lodging is an additional $20/night/person.

We want you to come, regardless of your finances.  We will work with you.  Contact Ken at [email protected] or 814-571-0495 for help.  Everyone – if you are willing to contribute to our help fund, add your contribution on the registration fee tally.

Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScQQFfEWeUTiXcWcw1hcGcDUUSpEzNX9wH4IPKWgCjuw-ZBTw/viewform 

and pay on-line

Or 

Send a check to the address below:

On Earth Peace, P. O. Box 188; New Windsor, MD  21776

[email protected]

For general questions, email the Song and Story Fest planning committee at [email protected] or call Tina at 510-778-4484.

For additional information or with program questions contact:

Ken Kline Smeltzer, Director, 1452 Willowbrook Drive, Boalsburg, PA 16827-1668

814-571-0495 (mobile); or [email protected] 

We expect a high turnout, so be advised to register early!

If you live nearby, please bring a lawn chair to sit on. 

Travel - Email Ken if you would like assistance with ground transportation from an airport or Annual Conference.  Check the Camp website for driving instructions.

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