*From left: Expecting sisters, Juliet Wilde ten Broeke and Miranda Wilde Way (nee ten Broeke) at the Hudson Valley Beltane Festival, May 2024. Photo taken by Livia Vanaver.*

This past weekend at the end of the Beltane Festival pageant, my sister Juliet and I (both of us extremely pregnant) were unwittingly guided onto the familiar mint-green stage of Stone Mountain Farm. There — surrounded by students dressed as gnomes, fairies, sprites, and magical creatures — we were presented with flowered Beltane crowns and lovingly compiled books of hand-crafted cards, letters, poems, pictures, and blessings for our babies. This overwhelmingly thoughtful gesture, spearheaded by our Caravan parents and students, got me reflecting on the profound sense of community and intergenerational connectivity that so often defines The Vanaver Caravan.

*The surprise crowning ceremony. Photo by Noelle Volante.*

Having attended the Beltane Festival nearly every year in my life, I cherish the whimsical traditions and sense of wonder they inspire. Soon, I will welcome my child into the world and I cannot wait to bring her to this beloved festival and share all that has been passed to me through the Caravan (one day, perhaps I may even witness her donning the flowered Crown of YesterMay).

Growing up within the Caravan, there has never been a moment where I haven’t been immersed in a world of dance, music, and community. I am filled to the brim with gratitude for the lessons and values instilled in me by people within this organization. I step into parenthood feeling (almost) prepared and grounded — I trust my body, my instincts, and my creativity to guide me as I navigate the early days of motherhood. And I believe I have my lifelong experience with the Caravan to thank for this.

Today, I am heartened by the ways in which this organization is thriving. I have loved stepping into the leadership role of Executive Director, working hand-in-hand with our Administrative Director, Jennifer Cottingham, and learning from the visionary wisdom of Livia Vanaver. The organization, now 52 years old, has been experiencing a significant transformation, moving away from a founder-led structure to a more democratic leadership model.

We have recently welcomed new independent contractors — shout-outs to Shir Meira Feit, our new marketing consultant, and Zack Marshall, our new development consultant — who each bring a wealth of experience and talent to our team. This summer, we created leadership teams to run our CaravanKids Weeks and SummerDance workshops, brought in new teaching artists and faculty, and redistributed administrative responsibilities to ensure no one is overburdened during this transitional period.

Like a giant tree with a deeply interwoven root system, the organization is evolving to support and nourish the community as a whole, and that feels really good. To me, this shift mirrors the natural cycle of change we see in the world today — where the next generation brings fresh perspectives, renewed energy, and a strong sense of camaraderie and collective responsibility for the stewardship of, and care for, our world and its peoples.

*A blessing from Juliet’s student, Austin.*

As I prepare to go on parental leave this summer, I feel confident that our organization’s commitment to collaboration, inclusivity, and team leadership will ensure that the Caravan continues to change and evolve, arching naturally towards an even more humane, thoughtful, and caring space.

I am also delighted to be experiencing, firsthand, the supportive structures and strategic plans we've integrated into The Vanaver Caravan over the past two years. The Caravan ethos is one that prioritizes the well-being, happiness, and dignity of everyone involved. We are dedicated to creating an environment where respect and love guide our actions and decisions, and I feel deeply supported by this organization as I step away from my work duties, and into this new chapter of life.

I am comforted knowing that I am not alone. The Caravan community is my village, ready to support and uplift me. As we embrace this season of change, I am filled with hope. The Caravan is not just surviving; it is thriving, adapting, and growing: building a future where creativity and compassion are at the forefront, and where every child has the opportunity to grow up whole.

I, for one, am especially grateful for the opportunity raise my daughter in this vibrant community, knowing she will be safe, surrounded by love and a sense of belonging. There isn’t much more we can ask for for our children, is there?

Signing off — for now at least,

Miranda (Moo) Wilde Way
Executive Director
The Vanaver Caravan

Welcoming a New Generation to the Caravan: Maternity Leave and the Thriving Spirit of Our Community

In Loving Memory of Philip Arnoult

In Memoriam