«Back to all NGI Letters

NGI Recipient: MaryElizabeth Greeley 

Session Attended: Country Dance and Song Society - American Dance & Music Week (2021)

My heart is full of the happiness and warmth I experienced this past week at Pinewoods. The week was everything I could have imagined and more. I decided to register for Pinewoods on a whim, on the day that registration was due. I was hesitant about the costs and almost turned down my chance to register because of this. When I learned about the NGI scholarship I was overjoyed because it meant that I could enjoy Pinewoods without worrying about being such a financial burden on my family when pursuing my passions.
Being given a scholarship also meant that I had a duty to give back in other ways, whether to CDSS or another dance community.  Whether it was a new song or a type of dance, or even just another advocate for gender-neutral calling, I wanted to use this experience to have a positive impact on my local dance community. I also made sure to make a small donation to CDSS through the auction and by becoming a Circle of Friends member of CDSS. I came away from the auction with a gorgeous skirt and dress and it was always a joy to have Gaye Fifer come to my table and encourage me to become a CDSS member. I experienced the best of both worlds.
Thank you again to the scholarship committee and all of the generous donors to these scholarships. I could not have asked for a more magical time. I would tell anyone wondering whether Pinewoods camps are financially right for them that they are worth every single penny!