For many students, summer offers a chance to slow down. At the Ware Center’s Arts Smarts Summer Camp, it also offered the opportunity to grow. Over two weeks, students entering kindergarten through fifth grade explored music, dance, theatre and visual arts through hands-on experiences led by professional teaching artists and Millersville University Arts Education students, while introducing campers to new skills and explored new art forms while discovering more about themselves in a welcoming environment.
Each activity gave campers a chance to think differently. Rehearsals challenged them to listen and respond to others, while art projects encouraged them to make choices and trust their ideas. Students also learned that trying something unfamiliar can be an important part of growth.
The camp concluded with a showcase celebrating what students had accomplished. Families explored galleries filled with student artwork before gathering to watch performances shaped by two weeks of practice. Each camper contributed in a way that reflected their own interests and strengths.
For many students, the showcase was a chance to share something they had created and stand proudly in front of an audience. It also gave them an opportunity to recognize how much they had learned in a short amount of time.
Arts Smarts expand opportunities for students to explore their talents, express themselves in meaningful ways and build skills that support success both inside and outside the classroom. Those experiences reflect our commitment to helping every learner discover their strengths and find a sense of belonging. For more photos, visit us on social media.