A few summers ago, Traci Suppa’s daughter, Emilia, spent a week at the Pied Piper Youth Theater day camp in Stormville. It was Emilia’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.
Here are 11 local creative camps your kids will love!
Be Creative As Possible – Beacon; 845-905-2338
Camp at Gold’s Gym – LaGrange; 845-926-7829
The Art Effect – Poughkeepsie; 845-471-7477
Hudson Valley Writing Project – SUNY New Paltz; 845-943-8437
Orange County School of Dance – Monroe & Highland Mills; 845-782-2482
Pied Piper Youth Theater – Stormville; 845-878-9780
Stringendo Summer Strings – Poughkeepsie; 845-264-1206
The Voice Theater – Woodstock; 845-679-0154
The Wayfinder Experience – Stone Ridge, Saugerties, Kingston & New Paltz; 845-481-0776
The Vanaver Caravan – Stone Ridge; 845-256-9300
Beacon Art Adventures – Beacon; (845) 218-1593
Lisa Iannucci is a freelance writer who lives in the Hudson Valley.