Issue link: http://hvparent.uberflip.com/i/1074117
28 Hudson Valley Parent n February 2019 the freedom to choose what they write about and explore topics that interest them. They build confidence by writing in a variety of genres, gain new skills and develop their voices as writers." Art Buzz Kids WineAndDesign.com Wine and Design 133 Rte. 94 South, Warwick Do you have a budding Picasso on your hands? Nurture their imagination and artistic ability and enroll them in painting classes at Art Buzz Kids. The studio in Warwick has classes for children of all ages that are led by teams of friendly, patient professionals. Painting classes at an Art Buzz Kids studio are great ways to develop confidence and give your children a creative outlet (that isn't all over your walls and kitchen floor!). By ELORA TOCCI I f you've got a budding creative on your hands, the Hudson Valley is full of camps for kids looking to flex their imagination muscles. We've rounded up some great options to explore. Hudson Valley Writing Project NewPaltz.edu/hvwp SUNY New Paltz 800 Hawk Dr., Old Main 323, New Paltz For the next great American novelist, consider the Hudson Valley Writing Project's (HVWP) programs. HVWP has programs for all different age groups and writing preferences (including activism writing, playwriting, comedy and graphic novel writing and more). Sessions led by master teacher-writers take place at various museums and historical sites throughout the Hudson Valley. "This is so young writers can explore art, artifacts, and natural landscapes and make personal connections that inspire their creativity," says Diane Rawson, coordinating director of young writers' programs. That's a big plus for Alyssa Tarantino, a 14-year-old from Newburgh who has attended HVWP programs for the past four years. "Her favorite thing about the Writing Project is the diversity of its locations," says her father Matt Tarantino. "I also like seeing her engage in the community and learning while doing so." Tarantino says that his daughter's writing has improved greatly since she started attending the camp. A session at Huguenot Street even helped her discover a love of poetry and make her publishing debut. "There is a place for every kind of writer, from the reluctant to the most passionate, in our programs," Rawson says. "Children and teens are given Renaissance Kids RenKids.org 1343 Rte. 44, Pleasant Valley For creative kids who like variety, head to Renaissance Kids. This creative camp for kids ages 5 to 16 years old changes theme each week and from summer to summer, so campers can attend multiple sessions and come back every year without repeating activities. Themes include puppet theater, musical theater, arts and crafts, piano/guitar and art, claymation movie-making, and drumming. "Our camp is unique because we research and design our programs ourselves to integrate learning valuable skills and at the same time have lots of fun," says Carol Padron, president of Renaissance Kids. She says the camp has a "homey, backyard feel" and that groups are small so kids don't get overwhelmed. "I personally love how Mrs. Padron and all the teachers at Renaissance Kids let kids be creative," says Gabriela Morgan, a Poughkeepsie parent whose two children have attended Renaissance Kids for years. "They always foster the kids' own ideas and let the kids steer the course of the class," she says. Last summer, her kids attended music video production week, where they got 5 camps for creative kids The best camps to foster imagination this summer Renaissance Kids camp in Pleasant Valley provides a different theme each week. Piano-centered fun and learning is great for a musical kid! Children love colorful, hands-on crafts! A week of art-filled days at Renaissance Kids camp is great for creative kids.