On the floor, clockwise from left, Macy Wilbanks, Alexandria Hunt and Corey Frazier make a scene during the “death game”. In this game, all of the participants stand in a circle and must randomly look at another person on the count of three. If two people happen to look at each other, they have to perform their best death scene. The game is a part of the drama section of Gordon Central’s Performing Arts Camp. (TRICIA DILLARD/ Staff)
“When I’m on stage, I’ve learned it’s silly to be scared. I’m not going to be scared anymore. I learned that it’s OK to be loud and silly and have fun,” Dodd said.
Dodd was one among many youngsters who attended Gordon Central’s Performing Arts Camp 2010 from June 7 through June 11 at the school.
Kim Watters, camp founder and director, offers a variety of small group classes and workshops for children interested in music and the performing arts each summer. The focus is on learning beginner to immediate skills in dance, drama, song and guitar.
Friday, June 11, was the last day of music camp and 50 students in elementary through middle school wrapped up the week with a special performance at Gordon Central High School.
“I think students don’t find it competitive, but empowering. With today’s presentation they have the opportunity to ‘test’ what they have learned,” said Watters.
Coen Marcus, 9, said he enjoyed the camp for one specific reason:
“Guitar,” Marcus said. “I love guitar.”
He outlined three things a kid should consider before asking a parent to purchase an acoustic guitar for them:
“You probably should like music. You’d probably have to be the most calmest person and a person who can stand loud stuff,” he said.
Party in the U.S.A is one of Elizabeth Cohea’s favorite songs and in the dance and drama class, the 9-year-old learned some dance moves to accompany the song.
“We had fun and played lots of games,” she said.
Gordon Central’s Performing Arts camp was staffed by 30 student volunteer counselors.
“They gain nothing from this, but they see it as a good starting point and are happy to help out,” Watters said.
Watters said it works out as an advantage of the volunteers and campers.
“One reason I use them is because they are so close to the campers with a seven or eight year age difference,” she said.
Watters mentioned that Jamie Dodd, a Rhinehardt College graduate, was one of her first campers when she began the program years ago. Dodd came home and volunteered as a counselor.
“They feel ownership to the camp and many have already asked if they can be a counselor next year,” she said.
The camp is a fundraiser for Gordon Central High School’s chorale — bringing in approximately $2,000. The money will benefit students who will travel to the British Isles in the summer of 2011 for a musical tour.
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