Itty Bitty Arts Camp | Up, Up & Away | Day 4
The day before our “big show” and these creative kids are pretty psyched. Yesterday, we had to focus on sharing. Today, it was all about how important it is to pay attention and follow directions as we prepare for the show. We talked about why practice is important (”So we’ll know what to do!” -Maera) and how, even though it’s fun, it’s also work.
Our question of the day: “What can you do to stay safe on an adventure” yielded some cool responses:
- “When you lose your suitcase or shoe you can go look in the lost and found. If you don’t find it you can ask, ‘Have you seen a shoe or suitcase?” -Rachel
- “You can have a pillow in case you fall.” -Audrey
- “Ask an adult for help.” -Shoshana
- “Swim faster than the sharks.” -Ben
- “You should stop yourself from being slippery because you lose things when you are slippery.” – Zachary
We also had an interested thing happen at the very beginning of our day. Each day, we begin with a moment of silence to calm our bodies and minds and set the tone for the day. They usually LOVE it. Today, however, a giggle fit started for the very first time. This hasn’t happened yet this summer, actually, and I am not sure what started it. But, once it started, it was very hard to stop. We used it as an opportunity to discuss what it means to find our own inner silence and calm. They really listened as I explained how important it is for all of us, no matter our age, to take responsibility for ourselves to find our calm, even when other silly things are going on around us.
I think they got it. I really do. I swear that everyone felt a little bit more self-reliant and grounded today. Which is amazing since we had cupcakes at lunch…thanks Pippa for turning 5 today!
Here are some more highlights of our second-to-last day of camp…
Spring leads the kids as they Move & Groove. She is quite magical, using all kinds of music (jazz, classical, folk and world dance) and a myriad of activities. It's fun for the rest of the staff just to be in the room, let alone the kids who are participating.
They really loved when they were able to play a Follow The Leader dance game. Everyone got their turn and they were quite successful being followers as leadership moved around the circle.
The young artists made postcards in Magic Messes of their favorite places. It was also a lesson in the postal process.
Play rehearsal is always hard work. Knowing where to go and what to say and when to do it all is a challenge for all of us, especially Itty Bitties. But, it's all worth it when the get to bring their characters and stories to life in front of their families.
Clean up after Kids Choice. Clean up time is just as important as our classes at G&R. Everyone is supported to do their part to care for the camp.
More cleaner uppers.
After Kids Choice, we line up for the neighborhood walk. Fresh air is very welcomed after a full morning of art making inside.
