Camps for Aspiring Artists Occupy Children During the Summer Months

by: Stephen Daniels

Html View | Print View Total views: 1 Word Count: 448
Date: Thu, 1 Jul 2010 Time: 4:30 AM - 0 comments

Summer camps offer aspiring young artists numerous opportunities to grow as individuals, make new friends, and explore interests far more than the school year provides. For children with artistic interests, summer arts programs are an excellent opportunity for learning new skills and getting one on one time, often with industry experts. Unleashing the creative spirit in youngsters is the driving force behind these summer programs. Across the country, summer arts instruction is offered, either during the day or at over-night summer programs that can last from several weeks to the entire summer break.

A specialized dance camp is an excellent choice for children that are serious about pursuing a career in dance. Both private and group instruction is available, and most programs offer weekly performances. Classical and modern styles will be introduced and practiced, including ballet, hip-hop, modern/contemporary, tap, swing, ballroom and musical theatre. Many dance programs take their instruction a step further by encouraging children to try their hand at choreography.

For those with a passion for performing arts, finding a summer camp that offers a theatre program will award children with the confidence and skills they need to follow their dreams. Summer theatre programs for kids are often run by professional directors and production staffs, and can give beginners and established performers alike an opportunity to take center stage. Because most of these programs do not require auditions, children can gain the skills they need in a less competitive and lower stress environment.

For the fine arts enthusiasts, summer arts camps provide a chance for budding or experienced artists to have access to tools, materials, and instruction that are otherwise difficult and costly to find. Many fine arts programs offer children a chance to study drawing, painting, sculpting, metal work, digital and multimedia design, and ceramics. Kids have a chance to explore their own artistic paths and get individual attention from skilled artists to develop their skills in many areas. Offering instruction in the multiple genre exposes children to different types of art, while affording the opportunity to socialize with like-minded kids. Gallery showings provide an opportunity to show off their creativity, while building self-confidence in their work.

While many programs for young aspiring artists offer traditional summer camp activities such as hiking and swimming, in addition to their creative specialties, one of the most beneficial aspects to sending your child to a summer arts program is the high counselor to camper ratio. Nevertheless, the exercise, as well as the interaction with the kids in other specialties provides the complete combination of artsy and active environment that all kids need during their summer months.