Artistic sparks are bright and electric in the eyes of a child. A summer tradition for families in Prince George is enrolling kids in the Summer Day-Camp of the Arts provided annually by the Community Arts Council at their arts facility at Studio 2880.
This year, post-secondary students Samantha Scott and Kristie Girard are working phones and crunching ideas over Studio 2880 desks getting ready for six weeks of arts, crafts, music, hands-on experiences, indoor and outdoor time, physical activity and creating nothing more important than good times.
"The kids are always adorable, but Kristie and Samantha are adorable, too. They are wonderful girls, both with strong arts backgrounds, and they are going to be positive leaders of our day-camps," said CAC spokesperson Lisa Redpath.
Scott, 18, is a UNBC student. "I started off taking the international studies program and I'm interested in I.S. and anthropology," she said.
Girard, 21, attends UBC's political science program in Vancouver and with one semester left for her undergraduate degree, she is scoping out the hometown university for potential masters programs.
"I was an obsessive artist as a child," said Girard. "I've gotten away from it, but I'm hoping this summer will inspire me again."
These are, said Redpath, good class leaders if your kids attend these sessions for only a small portion, but fine role models if children are with them for extended periods. Some kids could potentially attend for all six weeks.
The day-camps are open to those aged 6-11, and each week is $180 with discounts available for siblings and those who sign up for all six sessions. Campers are to bring their own lunch and take part in the programming from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The first camp gets underway July 4-8 and each day has a culinary arts theme (kids don't have to pack a lunch for these days). The weekly themes thereafter are: Ooey Gooey & Slimey, Amazing Race, Wizards Week, Pirates, and the final session from Aug. 8-12 is an encore of the theme deemed to be the favourite as the summer unfolded.
"We are doing at least two crafts per day, and the activities will reflect what they are learning about for that theme," said Girard.
"We will also have a field trip each week to somewhere that reflects the theme," Scott added.
Both these students are former PGSS graduates and both of them worked part-time at the same arts and crafts store, Michael's, but never crossed paths until now.
For more information or to reserve spots in the Summer Day-Camp of the Arts, call 250-562-4526.
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