Over the last five years, the Junior High School Fine Arts Camp at the Lutheran Church of Mahomet has grown to include boys and girls throughout the Mahomet community.
In 2008, Director of Music and Arts Ministry Kat Downs met with other church leaders to address the need for junior high programming within the church. Young children attended vacation bible school and high school students had band or sports during the summer months.
Unless a junior high student was in sports, Downs found there were not opportunities for those students in Mahomet.
Art student Faith Noecker said, “it’s nice to have a camp where you can express yourself and everyone doesn’t think you’re weird.”
Church leaders also wanted to get a gauge on the interests of junior high students for school year programming.
The camp began by opening to church members. Each week-long camp consists of visual arts, photography, drama, music and culinary arts.
Downs makes sure that students try new things during their time with her. This week, students have learned how to do wood burning and make cinnamon rolls. In years past they have made pizzas, learned about stage-make up, worked on monologues and danced.
“It’s easier to express what you feel, what you like, who you are through art,” said art student Emma Caparoon.
Last summer, Downs taught them how to make art from recycled objects.
A Spring Break fine arts camp evolved from this program for kids in grades 3-5.
Downs is still taking registrations for a High School Fine Arts Camp that will run from July 22-26. This will be the first year for this program.
Individual stations will be set up with different art concepts for high school students to try. They will be able to do things like basket weaving or jewelry, then come together as a group for music. As a voice and piano teacher, Downs is willing to work with students individually.
Each camper receives a t-shirt.
“It’s my favorite week of the year,” Downs said.
