Hey kids: Wanna’ break into Broadway, study coral reefs, become a leader of men, make your own movie, learn a musical instrument, perform on the stage, master the balance beam, plant a garden, study digital imagery or write a song?
Summer is the time to do all that, and St. Thomas is the place. The island abounds with opportunities. The above is just a sampling. There’s much more to do.
The Source has scouted out some of the more interesting stuff to learn, bearing in mind that this is by no means a complete offering. Almost all public schools and churches offer programs, as do many civic organizations.
• The movie making program isn’t a summer camp. It’s a singular learning experience offered by the University of the Virgin Islands Reichhold Center for the Arts. The immensely popular program was created in 2001. It’s a seven-week hands-on workshop directed by Denise Humphrey co-director of the Center. Humphrey is excited about this season. "We have new software, and we’re excited to see who the new filmmakers will be in the V.I." she said. Deadline for applications to the program has been extended toFriday, June 14.
• The Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands is offering a free program for marine enthusiasts, The Coral Reef Discovery Week at the Marine Science Center at UVI. It includes a boat and snorkeling trip, kayak excursions, a behind the scenes tour of Coral World, and an above ground pizza party. It runs July 22 to July 26. Information can be obtained by contacting Dr. Marilyn Brandt, research assistant professor at the Center for Marine and Environmental Studies, at 1-340-693-1376.
• Also at UVI will be the annual 4-H Summer Academy. This six-week enrichment program for enthusiastic learners, ages 5-14, offers a wide range of activities to enhance critical thinking, problem solving, and creativity, and even learning about gardening. The fee is $200 for the first child in a family, and $150 for each additional child in the same family. Contact 1-340-693-1080.
• The Total Camp Experience, in collaboration with the Long Path/Garden Street Community Center, will offer "A Summer of Fun and Adventure." Under the direction of Jackie Nelthropp, the 10-week camp is in its fifth year. The Camp, at the Community Center, offers pottery, sports, Spanish, arts and crafts, sign language, music and field hockey for six to 13-year-olds, highlighted by Friday field trips and ice cream parties. The camp participates in the Summer Food Service Program. Meals will be provided to all eligible children free of charge. The camp is $150 per week, with discounts for more than one child. Contact Nelthropp at totalcampexperiencevi@yahoo.com
• For kids with a musical bent, the G-Clef Music Academy, under director James H. Gumbs, is registering campers for its 2013 Summer Music Camp, from June 24 through Aug. 2. The sessions will be from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Regular registration began April 15. The six-week camp for children ages 6 to 13 will teach eight disciplines of music including piano, guitar, drums/steel pan, violin and voice. It will also give introductions on the cello, woodwinds and brass instruments. Contact Gumbs at 1-340-344-6449.
• The Pistarkle Theater is offering "The Art of Audition," which will culminate in performing "Disney’s High School Musical," on July 17-21, along with several other courses. For more information on fees and registration, contact Estelle Andrew at 775-7877.
• Antilles School offers everything from technology to math and gymnastics for Antilles students only. The Technology Camp, for students entering 4th, 5th, and 6th grades, will have a week filled with exploration of digital imagery, stop-action animation, filmmaking, story boarding, and a variety of challenging, fun computer programs. The classes will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 17 through 21. $250. Contact Janie Aubain for more information 1-340-776-1700.
• The V.I. Montessori School and Peter Gruber International Academy will conduct its Second Annual International Summer Academy with a variety of classes for four different age groups. Classes range from mathemagic to sports and fitness to marine biology to song writing and more. Contact Helen Sidiropoulos at 1-340-626-5772.
• Ivanna Eudora Kean High School will offer a bridge program for incoming ninth graders from June 24 through July. Principal Sharon McCollum said a SAT preparation program is in the planning stages. Contact McCollum at 1-340-775-6280.
• For the more sports inclined, the Charlotte Amalie High School will offer a four-week Soccer Camp from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. June 24 to July 19, conducted by coach Clifton Williams. "I try to make it fun," Williams said. "The kids learn more than soccer. They learn the skills of agility and motion." Williams said that at parents’ request he can make reasonable adjustments in class times. The cost is $100 for the four weeks. Williams is a nationally certified soccer coach, licensed by the U. S. Soccer Federation.
