The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
The Summer Drama Camp 2007 will be turning classic fairy tales upside down. With a theme of dragons and knights and princesses, camp coordinator Crystal Kolt says "the kids will be taking on challenges ad making classic stories their own." "The week is spent exploring drama and theatre," says the Flin Flon Arts Council representative. And she adds, "the kids enjoy the freedom and to be able to explore the different avenues of drama." Kolt says that the kids "love to explore and the parents just think it's great." And she adds, "it's a great confidence booster, too." While there are some definite learning techniques when it comes to theatre and the drama camp, Kolt says there are lessons the children don't even know they are learning. "It develops skills like public speaking. The children collaborate with others in their groups and they learn to take direction," says the camp coordinator. "They don't realize they are learning because we're always having fun. It's just absolute fun," says Kolt. And she says "there are really fun things for everyone to take part in." Erin Hammond and Andrea Rhynard are part of PushPlay Productions in Winnipeg. They will be coming down for the third year in a row to help teach the camp. Hammond says "it's a wonderful way to spend a week." And she adds, "there are great opportunities here for the kids." Hammond also reiterated the important skills the children learn, including self expression, communication skills, teamwork and problem-solving. "They also learn literacy skills," she says. And Hammond points out, "we look at the fairy tales and then we form them into plays, so the kids learn from that." Hammond says the camp is so well-liked by the children that there are often repeat customers. "There are a few kids who come for the camp year after year, and I think that's just great," she says. And she adds, "you do see a difference in them from one year to another because they aren't as shy and they have more confidence." Overall, Hammond says "the camp is just a great place for kids." The camp is for children ages five to 13. For the five- and six-year-olds, this year's theme is "Princesses, Dragons and Knights, Oh My!", while those seven to nine will enjoy "Adventures on the High Seas." And for the 10- to 13-year-olds it's going to be "Passport to Anywhere." The camp will run from 9 a.m. until noon for the five- to nine-year-olds. The seven- to nine-year-olds also have the option of an afternoon class, with the 10- to 13-year-olds taking part from 1-4 p.m. The camp will run from August 20-24 with early registration beginning August 3. Students are asked to bring indoor shoes for physical activity and a snack. Family and friends are invited to join the camp on the last day for a performance. For more information, including how to register, contact Crystal at 687-5974.
