A performing arts summer camp

Although the endless days of summer are all that kids long for throughout the school year, once summer is upon us, parents may find it quite a challenge helping kids make the most out of summer vacation.

No matter what families have planned, inevitably, there will be times when there just doesn't seem to be anything fun for kids to do. That's when a performing arts summer camp can be an exciting way to fill a week or two.

Types of camps offered are as varied as the places in which we live so this author will highlight one such camp that exists in her own 'neck of the woods'.

A week long performing arts extravaganza for ages 7 - 11 year olds was the most diverse program of its kind offered in our community. It promised kids a week long adventure into the arts...no experience necessary.

Once registration was completed, an original musical play was written for the participants, allowing each of them a solo part. The parts ranged in scope and difficulty to accomodate the age ranges and ability levels of those enrolled.

This five day camp ran from 12:00 - 4:00 daily and was jam-packed with activity:

DAY ONE

Introductions and 'getting to know you' games. Making percussion instruments out of common materials found at anyone's home. Reading through the musical play and casting the parts.

DAY TWO (wear something red day)

Improvisation and theatre game warm-ups. Simple dance warm-ups and choreography. Rehearsal (with scripts) of musical play. Introduction and learning of 2 songs for the play. Making sock puppets and sewing with a needle and thread.

DAY THREE (wear a hat day)

Improvisation and theatre game warm-ups. Work on song & dance number for musical play. Rehearsal (with scripts) of musical play. Singing (songs in musical play). Practice rhythm patters with instruments made on day one. Cut out a simple costume piece from a pattern and material.

DAY FOUR (make us laugh/tell a joke day)

Word games warm-ups. Theatrical dodge the ball. Rehearsal of play (without scripts). Rehearsal of song & dance number for play. Rehearsal of song with rhythm instruments for play. Learn to use sewing machine/serger to complete simple costume piece. Joke time.

DAY FIVE (costume day)

Rehearsal of entire musical play including song & dance number and musical instrument number. Theatre games and an improvisational game contest. Wind-up party. Final presentation for parents/grandparents at the end of the camp which consisted of the musical play featuring all the kids with their puppets and handmade percussion instruments. Everyone wore the costume item that they had made as well.

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