Alec carving
Gusties Dawn Comstock, Sofie Ågren, Lizzy Brauer and Alec Iverson, as well as, Professor Glenn Kranking spent the first weekend of spring semester at the Annual Scandinavian Studies Retreat at Beaver Creek Reserve in Fall Creek, Wisconsin. Over 60 students, professors, and interested individuals attended the retreat in its 40th year. Colleges and universities represented included: Gustavus, Minnesota State Mankato, Augustana, Concordia Moorhead and the University of Wisconsin Madison.
In memory of the late Norden Folk President Jerry Revelle, the retreat participants named the outdoor competitions for him, i.e., “The Jerry Revelle Axe casting and spark sled race competitions.” Jerry died on January 4, 2013. He had served on the Norden Folk board for many years, perhaps exceeding a decade.
A big thanks to the University of Wisconsin Madison and the Norden Folk Midwest Institute of Scandinavian Culture for organizing this year’s retreat.
The whole group
Highlights of the weekend:
- Lectures on topics on university life in Finland, the Swedish forestry industry, analyzing Finnish swearing, Fulbright Scholar experiences in Iceland, skiing in Scandinavia, and Norwegian folk art
- Axe throwing
- Wood carving
- Scandinavian inspired cuisine and FIKA
- Accommodations in cabins nestled in the woods
- A trip into Eau Claire to visit the local Scandinavian shop
- Kicksled racing (Dawn Comstock placed second!)
- Nature walks
- Band weaving
- Meeting other students interested in Scandinavian Studies
By Dawn Comstock, ‘13
Photos courtesy of V. S. Arrowsmith