With summer in full swing, many parents are trying to keep education a priority for their children during these months before school returns.
The University of Louisiana Monroe's School Visual and Performing Arts hosts several camps designed to encourage students to continue their pursuit of art as well as academics. With many camps focusing on STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) Director of VAPA Derle Long says there is a great need to emphasize the importance of arts education as well.
"What we try and do is offer camps on the artistic side of things - the humanistic, creative approach," explains Long.
With camps already in full swing, VAPA holds a junior high band camp July 11-13. Students will have a chance to work with university students and staff to sharpen their skills and hone their craft. This camp is being sponsored by the Band House, and is therefore free to students.
The week of August 1-5 VAPA hosts an Art Camp for ages 8-16. Students will have an opportunity to explore a variety of different styles and media. From drawing, painting, ceramics, and sculpture, this camp is designed to expose students to a wide variety of styles and ways of creating art.
"We're trying to make sure that we advocate all the time for the arts - not just music, but the visual arts, dance, and theater," says Long. "That's part of our mission to reach out to this area with the resources we have here, and make sure that people know that the arts has to be a part of your life every single day."
More information about the VAPA summer camps is available at 318-342-3811 or the VAPA website.
