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12 Hudson Valley Parent n May 2016 Starting early According to Katy Fernandez of the Be Creative As Possible program in Beacon, artistic camps offer a vari- ety of experiences for young people. "[They] allow children to be immersed in unique environments that are dedicated to creativity, exploration, and fun," she says. "The type of connection and learning that happens in that type of atmosphere really resonates with children." For the young thespians If your child seems to live in their own little fantasy world, consider that a good thing when it comes to drama camp. For example, The Way- finder Experience in Kingston is a live-action role-playing camp where all kids need to participate is their imagination. Day camp sessions are available for campers 8 and up and overnight sessions that delve more into specific themes for ages 11 and up are available. Pied Piper Youth Theater Camp will host a variety of week-long sum- mer options, including Fairy Tale Fun that acts out stories like Jack and the Beanstalk, Hansel and Gretel and the Three Little Pigs. The Voice Theater in Woodstock offers two one-week sessions in July that incorporate acting, theatre games, the speaking voice, move- ment, improv and physical theatre to work on skills that develop attention spans, focus, independent inquiry, concentration, confidence and col- laboration. The sessions are for ages 9-12 and 13-17. Dance, writing and music The Orange County School of Dance in Monroe offers day camps By LISA IANNUCCI L ast summer, Traci Suppa's daughter, Emilia, spent a week at the Pied Piper Youth Theater day camp in Stormville. It was Emil- ia's first experience participating in theater and she was a bit unsure and shy on the first day. By the end of the week, the 8-year-old had made new friends and was much more confident. "On the last day, the kids put on a performance for their families, and she was obviously comfortable on stage by that point," Suppa says. "I think the biggest value in arts camps is boosting kids' confidence in their artistic abilities." Camps that specialize in the arts also tap into kids' creative side - whether it's drama, art, dance or music. for ages 9-12 and 13-18 for ballet, modern, jazz or repertory study as well as camps for ages 5-9 that in- clude art, piano, dance and singing. They also offer theater camp for middle and high school students. An African Drum/Dance Workshop is also held once a week for six weeks. For kids who would prefer to sit down and put pen to paper there's the Hudson Valley Writing Project at SUNY New Paltz that features week-long daytime writing intensive programs for campers as young as 7. The program participants will trek over to Storm King Art Center, the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor, the FDR Presidential Library, the Vanderbilt Estate, Historic Huguenot Street, Eleanor Roosevelt's Val-kill and even the Hudson River for a little writing inspiration. Kids who love to make music might enjoy programs like Stringen- do Summer Strings - a day camp that combines classical string orches- tra study, traditional fiddle music, and regular old fun for children from Summer fun! Creative programs for young artisans (Continued on Page 14)