ACTIVITIES
Click on the activity below to view its description.
Alpine Tower
The Alpine Tower has become a great new addition to our climbing elements at Bradford Woods. Standing 50-feet tall, this vertical climbing structure is set on poles that crisscross toward the sky! Participants, both beginners and advanced, will be challenged by the pole climbs, dangling logs, seesaw log, high woozy, hanging ladders and much more. It is a great creative way to be challenged both physically and mentally while being continuously on-belay!
ANTIQUES
Discovering the Past Through Objects: Adventures of a Real-Life History Detective. Through popular television shows such as History Detectives and CSI, the public is learning more about the importance of archival institutions and the role they play in maintaining historical records. Wes Cowan, owner of Cowan’s Auctions in Cincinnati, Ohio and star of the PBS television series History Detectives and Antiques Roadshow, will offer his unique perspective on the evolving role of archival institutions and share some of the interesting adventures he has encountered.
BACKGAMMON
Backgammon is a 4,000-year-old game that has lost none of its excitement and challenge even in today’s technically sophisticated world. In fact, the affordable home computer and Internet have provided new opportunities for both competition and advances in knowledge.
Chuck Bower will teach two classes on backgammon, one for beginners (no prior knowledge required) and another at an intermediate level for those who already know how to play, but are looking to make the next step in knowledge and skill. Besides live instruction on strategy and tactics, he will give a brief introduction to the modern computer resources.
Chuck has been playing and studying backgammon for more than 30 years. He has won several singles and doubles competitions, including the Open Division of the 2002 Michigan Summer Championship, the Open Consolation at the 2006 Pittsburgh Championship, and the 2008 Illinois State Championship Doubles. He is currently ranked 35th all time on the American Backgammon Tour.
BADMINTON
From the backyard to the stadium, participants will have the opportunity to learn the basic skills of badminton, as well as develop an appreciation for the top level of play. Dawn Patel was a member of the U.S. Women’s National Team and participated in the World Championships and Pan Am Games (many years ago). She has held many clinics at national conferences.
Equipment for these sessions will be provided by Sport Designs.
BEER TASTING
Taste and learn more about the art of brewing beer from an Indiana professional. Ted Miller has been brewing professionally for 15 years. He began his career as the brewer at the Broad Ripple Brewpub in 1991, just blocks from Brugge Brasserie.
In 1995, he was recruited by legendary craft brewer Ed Tringali, who offered him a position as director of brewing operations for the South China Brewing Company in Hong Kong. During his tenure, he was awarded medals for excellence, including a 1996 World Beer Cup Gold Medal. His recipe for that award-winning ale is included in “World Cup Gold” by famed beer writer and personality, Charlie Papazian.
Ted, along with his wife and partners, opened Brugge Brasserie in 2005. In only their 5th month of operation, Brugge was awarded a silver medal at the Great American Beer Festival for their Tripel de Ripple.
BILLIARDS
Jeanette Lee, known throughout the world as “The Black Widow,” has enjoyed one of the most illustrious careers in billiards history. Repeatedly recognized by Billiards Digest as one of the sport’s most powerful people, Jeanette has claimed more than 30 national and international titles. Formerly ranked as the No. 1 player in the world, she was named the “WPBA Sportsperson of the Year” in 1998 and has earned Player of the Year honors from both Billiards Digest and Pool & Billiards Magazine.
In 2001, Jeanette was the gold medalist for the United States at the World Games. In 2004, Jeanette won the World Trick Shot Championship. In 2005, Jeanette won the China Invitational and in 2007 won the World Team Cup, Empress Cup, and the International Skins Billiard Championship with her doubles partner and husband, George Breedlove.
George, nicknamed “The Flamethrower,” has more than 100 regional event wins, placed third in the 1994 World Championship and joined the pro world tour at age 26.
Jeanette and George will teach four sessions including Fundamentals, 9 Ball Strategies and Trick Shots. They will also conduct a billiards exhibition that will showcase their extraordinary talents.
BIRDS OF PREY
Have you ever glared into the eyes of an owl, checked out the talons of a redtailed hawk or admired the wings of a turkey vulture only a foot away? Here is your chance to learn how to hold a bird of prey, such as a Great Horned Owl, and experience these magnificent creatures in person. Each participant will be on a day license under Eagle Creek Nature Center to make this possible. Enjoy this once in a lifetime experience and discover the importance of these majestic birds of prey.
BOXING FITNESS / INTRO TO BOXING
Hitting a boxing bag is harder than just throwing a punch. Learn techniques and tips on how to get a better workout from Hank Johnson. Hank has more than 20 years of experience in management and supervision in amateur and professional boxing. Aside from his own career, he has coached boxing in the Army at Fort Bragg, the Olympic Team in Seoul, South Korea, the Pan Am Games and the World Games.
Come prepared to break a sweat.
BRIDGE
Dennis Kasle comes from a famous Bridge playing family. At one time, he was Indiana’s youngest Life Master. He has many finishes in the top 5 in National Championship events. His father, Sidney Kasle, was one of the nation’s finest and his mother Lee Kasle won a National championship in 1959. His brother, Gaylor Kasle, is a professional bridge player who has won two World Championships and many National Championships. Both Dennis and Gaylor’s wives are Life Masters.
If you have an interest in learning the basics of Bridge or improving your understanding of the game, you may enroll in the beginner or intermediate session.
CANOEING
Explore a 110-acre lake in a canoe! Instructors will teach proper canoeing techniques, several paddling strokes and canoe safety. Once participants learn the basics, they will be able to practice them on Bradford Woods’ calm and relaxing lake.
CHEESE & WINE
Renowned as one of the cheese world’s living legends for his expertise, insight and passion, Max McCalman is dedicated to helping others understand and enjoy the unique pleasures of artisanal cheeses. As America’s first restaurant-based Maître Fromager and a Garde et Jure as designated by France’s exclusive Guilde des Fromagers, Max established the critically acclaimed cheese programs at New York City’s Picholine and Artisanal Fromagerie & Bistro restaurants. He has spent most of his professional life as a Maître d’ Hotel and Sommelier.
Max also published The Cheese Plate (Clarkson Potter Publishers, 2002), which was nominated for awards from the James Beard Foundation and the International Association of Cooking Professionals, and has received rave reviews from the food press and caseophiles alike.
CLIMBING TOWER
Designed to simulate the rock climbing experience, the wood-paneled climbing tower is a four-sided, 40-foot structure with each side varying in its angle to the ground. There is a side at 60 degrees, 80 degrees, 90 degrees and an overhang. Trained and qualified staff from Bradford Woods will assure safety is a priority!
COFFEE CUPPING
Many start the day with a hot cup of coffee, the cheapest luxury in many of our lives. But what is the difference between a great cup of Joe, and dirty brown water? Most folks don’t know beans about coffee because it isn’t a bean at all, but a cherry. Learn the surprising tale of premium coffee and about those who grow and process it. Veteran Camper Peter Beering, principal of Mission Coffee, LLC (a company formed to support medical mission work in Northwest Panama) will conduct a coffee cupping (similar to wine tasting) that will explore the differences between premium coffees around the world. This session will also include proper grinding and brewing techniques to provide the best coffee in your cup.
CPR
This 1.5 hour course offers participants the opportunity to learn basic CPR and choking rescue skills for victims ages 1 and older. The course is designed for individuals who want to learn CPR but do not need a course completion card. Presented by St.Vincent Hospital American Heart Association Training Center staff members.
DARTS
Ever wanted to improve your game, get hints from a champion or learn the basics in the game of darts? Just Darts will be hosting this informative and interactive session. Just Darts is a family owned amusement and entertainment company that has been in business in Indianapolis since 1982. Now the organization hosts darts championships, leagues and is a city leader in the game of darts.
DECORATIVE ARTS
Join us for the ART PARTY and learn why Art & Texture is the “master at creating a good time”!
This year, Mark Roger and his artists will be guiding you through the creation of one of their most popular finish techniques, the Artsy Mosaic. Incorporating texture materials and paint, this decorative technique, used on both walls and art pieces, is a dimensional texture that looks so real – people will think it’s genuine after they touch it. Even if you have never picked up a paintbrush, we guarantee you will discover your “artist within” and be amazed at the artwork you create.
A&T’s unique specialty is incorporating classical, decorative painting techniques with furniture finish disciplines. Teacher Mark Roger is a recognized national speaker. He left corporate life six years ago and opened his Village of WestClay Studio, as an artist collaborative, specializing in wall finishes, furniture refinishing and art parties. He is WestClay’s Artist-in-Residence and teaches decorative painting in his WestClay Studio and for Sherwin Williams. With Mark’s high energy and hands-on approach, you will leave class believing that you, too, could be an artistic master.
FLY FISHING
Through hands-on fly fishing casting instruction provided by local expert Jon Widboom, participants will be schooled in the magic of fly fishing. Widboom has been fly fishing around the world for more than 30 years, including Africa, Asia, Europe and South America.
FOOTBALL – HOW TO WATCH FOOTBALL
Learn how to watch a football game from Indianapolis Colt Ken Dilger. He spent his first seven NFL seasons as a tight end with the Indianapolis Colts (1995-2001) and his last three seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2002-2004). Throughout his career he accumulated career totals of 356 catches, 4,099 yards and 24 touchdowns. This Indiana native will teach you how to watch a game like a pro.
GOLF
Sharpen your golf skills with one of the finest amateurs in the Midwest. Carmel resident, Nancy Fitzgerald is an eleven-time Indianapolis Women’s City Champion, and eight-time medalist. She is a three-time winner of the Crooked Stick Women’s Invitational and holds the women’s course record at Crooked Stick, a 66. She has won numerous State and amateur awards. At the national level, Nancy has played in the USGA Amateur tournament many times, as well as, the USGA Mid-Amateur. She won the USGA Senior Women’s Amateur Championship and was runner-up twice. Nancy has been inducted into the Kalamazoo Golf Hall of Fame and the Indiana Golf Hall of Fame. She will be teaching basic swing fundamentals, driving and chipping.
GOURMET COOKING – Grilling
Explore proper grilling technique as well as demystifying the differences between barbecuing, grilling and smoking. We will discuss regional variations of barbecue. Campers will prepare a lunch solely on the grill, and we will discuss how full meals can be prepared without even dirtying your kitchen!
Indianapolis’ own Neal Brown, the self-proclaimed “off-the-wall” chef will teach this session. Brown was born in the Baton Rouge/Lafayette area of Louisiana, but grew up in Noblesville.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Indiana University and an associate’s degree in culinary arts from the prestigious Johnson & Wales University in Charleston, S.C.
GOURMET COOKING –
Three Course Menu
Join Chef Oliver from The Personal Palate to learn and sample a three course light summertime menu that includes items that are convertible to a reception style event. Learn techniques for making delicious, light vinaigrettes, crusting cheese with nuts, searing delicate seafood and making the simplest concepts extraordinary.
Chef Oliver prides himself on interacting with his clients and his ability to communicate concepts and instruction. Drawn from commercial kitchens by a desire to interact with those tasting his food, Chef Jon Oliver launched The Personal Palate in 2006.
Having found his passion, he attended the prestigious Johnson and Wales University to earn his culinary arts degree. He spent time in the kitchen at the exclusive Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa in Asheville, North Carolina, before returning to Indianapolis. He was most recently Executive Chef at the University Place Conference Center and Hotel. Under his leadership, the restaurant received consistently exceptional reviews.
GUITAR – LEARNING THE BASICS
Have you always wanted to play a guitar? Learn the basics from Steve McNear and camper Eric Ellsworth. Both guitar hobbyists will be on hand to teach campers the introductory skills needed to take guitar playing to the next level.
Steve McNear, CEO of Quest Information Systems, Inc., has been playing guitar for more than 30 years in styles as varied as folk, country, bluegrass, rock, blues and jazz. He has performed as a solo act and as the leader of a progressive bluegrass band. He is currently studying with well-known Indianapolis jazz guitarist Bill Lancton.
Eric J. Ellsworth played in several bands after playing guitar in college. He has played in YMCA events around the country. His primary style is folk music. He was named the president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis, by its board of directors on Nov. 14, 2005. Ellsworth came to Indianapolis from the YMCA of Greater Charlotte (N.C.). Prior to his work in Charlotte, Ellsworth, a native Hoosier, was the CEO of the YMCA of Southwestern Indiana, serving a five-county area out of Evansville from 1989 to 1994.
JEWELRY MAKING
Can any woman ever have enough jewelry? Here is your opportunity to have fun, unleash your creativity and take home your own unique bracelet and earring ensemble. You will play with a variety of beads and sterling silver elements and learn how to bend, forge and link the basics of beaded wire jewelry.
Kimberly Conrad has an MFA in Jewelry and Metalwork and has exhibited her jewelry internationally. She has taught in England and in the United States. Kimberly is currently teaching at the Indianapolis Art Center.
MAGIC
Amaze your friends with magic tricks involving cards and objects from your home. Watch “Magic Mike” Thompson, professional magician, and learn the techniques as he reveals his secrets.
MANICURE
Pamper yourself with a manicure.
MASSAGE
Whether you like sports, deep tissue or just a relaxation massage, our certified massage therapy staff will be on hand to soothe the sore muscles you may get during all of the fun activities available at Mickey’s Camp. Never had a massage before? This is the perfect opportunity to try one! All members of our professional staff are equipped to handle the first time client or the massage veteran. Treat yourself!
MEDICAL MYTHS
Want to know if drinking eight glasses of water is necessary? If you shave your head, will your hair grow back? Ever wonder if eating turkey really makes you tired? Find out about these myths and more.
Aaron E. Carroll, M.D., M.S. is an associate professor of pediatrics and the associate director of Children’s Health Services Research at Indiana University School of Medicine. He is also the director of the Center for Health Policy and Professionalism Research. His research focuses on the study of information technology to improve pediatric care and areas of health policy including physician malpractice, the pharmaceutical industry/physician relationship, and health care financing reform.
Dr. Carroll is also the co-author of Don’t Swallow Your Gum: Myths, Half-Truths, and Outright Lies About Your Body and Health, which will be published by St. Martin’s Press in May, 2009. His work has been featured in The New York Times, USA Today, The Los Angeles Times, Newsweek, and many other national publications. He has appeared on Good Morning America, CBS Evening News, and ABC News Now.
NATURE HIKE
WILD EDIBLES: You can eat wild plants? The primary objective is to increase awareness of wild edible plants available in south central Indiana. At the conclusion of this session, participants should be able to identify those plants found and discussed, know which part of the plant is edible, and may learn how to use them to prepare food.
WINGS IN THE WOOD: What makes a bird a bird? Enjoy an introduction to bird adaptations and bird identification as you investigate a variety of bird habitats at Bradford Woods. Common local birds will be identified by using field observation techniques and proper use of binoculars and field guides.
ORIENTEERING
Participants will learn the basic skills of orienteering. Using a map and compass, participants will navigate to specific points and complete various tasks. This is a skill that is being left in the wake of GPS systems. Wouldn’t it be great to teach your children or grandchildren the “old fashioned way?
PAINTING
Art heals, informs, transforms and inspires. Come try your hand at painting still life in pastels with Indiana legend, Nancy Noël. As a philanthropist and painter, she captures the essence of her subjects, depicting them with reverence that quiets the mind and comforts the heart. Noël’s timeless paintings describe a world both natural and mystical with a finesse that speaks directly to the soul. Sensitive portraits of animals and Amish children made Noël a household name. The intimacy of the Amish children portrayed is not seen in mainstreamed American culture. In contrast, the African series demonstrates a unique versatility bringing us face to face with the haunting charisma of a diminishing culture. At the same time, Nancy’s angelic messengers float ethereally on canvas, all asking the viewer to see beyond the paintings into another dimension; encouraging us closer to our divinity in celebration of who we are. Whether you have painted before or not – come learn the fundamentals of painting. Also, if you have that piece that you are stuck on or want critiqued – feel free to bring it to class.
PAMPER PLATFORM
The Pamper Platform, which is also called the “Leap of Faith” is a 30-foot platform jump. What a great way to push yourself to achieve your individual goals. Participants will climb the pole using steps and staples to end at the top platform. While being safely cradled in a full-body parachute harness and attached to ropes, participants will announce
1-2-3-JUMP!
PHOTOGRAPHY
Pamela Mougin is a world-renowned photographic artist living in London. Striking, original and refreshingly honest, her photography represents art in its truest form. Her canvas is a camera lens; her drive is pure passion; her medium – the texture and nuances of life itself. Her work touches the lives of others by capturing beautiful images of moments, expressions and special relationships. She is hired and collected by celebrities such as Donald Trump, Eddie Murphy, Ronnie Lott, Sheryl Crow and many pro athletes.
“When I’m shooting, I honestly forget that my arm is attached to my camera,” Mougin says. The Hasselblad I use is really just an extension of me. I wouldn’t change what I do for anything. My professional life mission is always to create images that invoke something special.”
TOPIC: BE IN CONTROL OF YOUR IMAGES. Pamela plans to share the secrets of “How to capture better pictures.” She will begin the discussion with the important elements to consider in capturing imagery, as well as avoiding common pitfalls. She will share a collection of her current work and insights into how she created them.
She will then stage three real-life example situations in the classroom: one portrait, one landscape and one moving subject to demonstrate the thought process behind how to capture each situation using the important elements. As these situations come up after the class, attendees will be able to use this new awareness in improving there own pictures. Her goal is for the attendees to recognize that they indeed have the ability to be in control of the quality and outcome of their own photographs.
“What happened? It just didn’t turn out like I thought.” How many times have you been disappointed in how your pictures came back, nothing like you recalled the moment? The last 20 minutes of class will be focused on “pictures gone bad.” Pamela will uncover answers and solutions. Campers are invited to bring there own pictures (good or bad), and especially images that did not turn out like they wanted if they would like to know “why?”
POKER
Sharpen your poker skills with two of poker’s greatest instructors/players. Jan Fisher started her poker career in 1977 when she became a poker dealer. Having dealt in many of the cardrooms in Las Vegas, Fisher moved on to semiprofessional playing and poker management. She serves as a partner in Card Player Cruises along with Linda Johnson and Mark Tenner. She also hosts and directs the semi-annual Eureka Open poker tournament, held at the Eureka Hotel and Casino. She is a founder of Tournament Directors Association and has served as tournament director for the highly successful PartyPoker.com Million events. Jan wrote the Poker 101 column for Card Player Magazine for more than 10 years and currently writes for Poker Player Newspaper. She is on the Board of Directors for the Poker Players Alliance and co-hosts the annual World Poker Players Conference.
Linda Johnson began her career in poker as a professional poker player in 1980 and supported herself exclusively by playing poker from 1980-92. She was the second woman in history to win a gold bracelet at the World Series of Poker and has won more than 100 poker tournaments including the 2005 California State Ladies Poker Championship. Nicknamed the “First Lady of Poker,” Linda’s accomplishments in poker are extraordinary. She has co-written two poker books and has written a column for Card Player magazine for 16 years. A partner in Card Player Cruises, Linda has taught thousands of people to play poker on cruises and has lectured about poker at many casinos around the country. Linda can be seen on the Travel Channel twice a week in her role as studio announcer for the World Poker Tour, which she helped to establish. She was inducted in the Women Poker Hall of Fame in 2008.
Beginners can learn some basic rules of the game and a little bit of strategy, etiquette and terminology. The intermediate session is for those campers with some basic poker knowledge and some playing experience. Campers will learn strategies such as the power of position at the poker table, betting and raising amounts, aggression, tournament tips, the mathematics of poker and bluffing hints. Come learn how you can have the edge in a poker game!
POKER TOURNAMENT
Join in the fun and participate in the third annual Mickey’s Camp Poker Tournament. The tournament will be led by poker experts Jan Fisher and Linda Johnson. Come try to win the coveted trophy and bragging rights for next year. NOTE: Anyone wishing to participate must have experience playing poker or must attend the beginning poker session at Mickey’s Camp.
POLE DANCING
Join in and learn the newest aerobic craze – pole dancing. This energetic, fun, class will not only teach you a skill you may not have tried before, but will also be a great workout. Lisa Trudeau will be on hand to teach this class – so come prepared to sweat!
POLICE TRAINING EXERCISE
The PRISim is the state-of-the-art simulation system with tools to enhance an officer’s judgment, speed of engagement and accuracy. The PRISim offers the most realistic use of force training available. The PRISim, with its “Shoot-Back” cannon, offers law enforcement the realism and intensity of force on force training within a controlled environment. This allows the officer to make decisions about the use of force and what degree of force to use, at real-time speed, and then answer for his or her actions. Individuals who go through this training will experience racing hearts, elevated blood pressure, loss of dexterity and tunnel vision. PRISim simulations encountered in this training are designed and intended to be non-contact/non-physical. Afterwards, there will be an opportunity for a Q and A session with officers to answer any questions participants may have concerning the law enforcement world, and/or personal safety aspects.
Come experience what you won’t see on the news!
RADIO CONTROL AIRPLANES
Learn how to setup and fly radio control airplanes. The best instructors from our seven area clubs will be on hand to teach you the basics. Try out the hobby that’s been around since WWII. Enjoy all the thrills of piloting a plane with your feet on the ground. The session will be concluded with a brief air show by high performance R/C aircraft.
RAFT RACING
Raft racing is an intense activity in which participants are sure to get wet! The participants will arrive on the far side of the lake by pontoon boat and will be left with the basic supplies needed to build a raft. The supplies may include 55-gallon drums, lumber of varying sizes and lengths, different lengths of rope, and perhaps a paddle or two. The task of the team is to construct a seaworthy raft capable of carrying the entire team across the lake in a single trip and arrive before the other teams. This activity requires a little bit of strategy and a whole lot of positive thinking! You may form your own team of 6 members or allow camp to make an assignment.
RIFLE / PISTOL
The Shelby County Sports Shooting Club will help you explore the long and short of shooting sports. Beginning with the long guns, you’ll learn the parts and operation of rifles, the different calibers and their uses, and have some fun knocking down steel targets. You’ll also explore and shoot some handguns (pistols), including revolvers and semi-automatics.
SELF DEFENSE
Everyone can use some self-defense advice. It never hurts to know some basics if you run into a situation where you need to defend yourself. Jerry Hansman will lead this informative session. Shihan Hansman began his Martial Arts training in 1977 as a wrestler. In 1981, while at Carmel High School, Shihan Hansman began training in Shorei Goju Ryu under Kyoshi Doug Adamson. Upon graduation, Shihan Hansman entered the United States Marine Corps where he served in posts around the world. He trained a small group of Sierra Leonean Army members in self defense during a joint training exercise and taught a women’s self defense course at the American Embassy while in South America. He was in charge of the Marines training program and implemented Martial Arts as part of their training.
In 1992 Shihan Hansman joined the Indianapolis Police Department as a Patrol Officer and in 1997, received IPD’s highest honor, the Medal of Valor from Mayor Stephen Goldsmith. He also twice received the Medal of Bravery from the Indiana chapter of the American Red Cross. Since his return to Indiana, he has won numerous awards and honors in both Kumite and Kobudo.
SHOTGUN
The Shelby County Sports Shooting Club will teach you how to shoot a shotgun. You will learn that a shotgun throws a “charge” of pellets at a moving target, rather than a single bullet at a still target. Using a 20-gauge shotgun, you will learn the parts of the firearm and the ammo, as well as how to point and shoot, pattern, and how to hit that elusive flying clay target. Depending on how good your shot is, you may progress to official trap shooting for a little friendly competition.
SWIMMING – OPEN POOL
Not in the mood to take in an activity? Then why not just hang out at the pool! We will have open swim times for some relaxation time in the sun.
WATER AEROBICS
Come cool off in the pool while exercising in a low impact way. Bill Parrish will be on hand to teach the fundamentals of Water Aerobics.
WINE TASTING
Jill Blume has been a member of the Purdue Wine Grape Action Team since 1996. As the Enology Specialist for the Indiana Wine Grape Council, she is responsible for enhancing the quality of Indiana wines through workshops, sensory evaluations and laboratory analyses. Jill works closely with Purdue students in the Department of Food Science to produce research wine. She is also Executive Director of the Indy International Wine Competition and assistant instructor for FS470 Wine Appreciation. In the spring of 2007, she traveled to Italy with 20 Purdue students to experience wine, food and culture. Jill is also the wife of a part-time fisherman and the mom of two daughters.
YOGA
Since 1981, Miriam Resnick has been a student of the body and its movement. After many years working for others, she opened Mindful Movement Studio in May 2005. Through her many years in the fitness industry, Miriam has worked with hundreds of people and has many certifications including ACSM, Pilates, Yoga, Gyrotonic® and Gyrokinesis®. Introducing the yoga principle of breath led movement, you will explore yoga poses while you listen to your breath, bringing harmony to mind and body. This class is appropriate for all ages and levels of fitness.
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