It was designed to give children a fun place to do art, while also learning some basic coping tools from our current Resiliency program. Through art and older youth leadership we have been able to show children a number of positive outlets for their daily and disaster crisis.
We did “Yes I Can” posters on the first day to help the kids find good things that they are capable of doing for themselves and to help others.
It also helps them to think about what they want and expect from themselves.
On the second day we transform our bad experiences into something good using Play Doh. Every child is given a can of Play Doh to work with and take home at the end of the day.
They use the clay to make something that represents a bad experience and then use the same clump of clay to transform that into something that helps them or that represents a good experience since. It was incredible to witness the things that kids are willing and wanting to share.
Day three we talked about the things we are thankful for and what has helped us to make it to where we are using all different materials to make a collage. We also had a “coin contest” that encouraged the youth to make a difference in the lives of others.
Each kid brought any change they could find and added to their group’s jar. The team with the most change won a prize.
The kids raised over $55 to be put toward school supplies for students that couldn’t afford the necessary academic materials they will need for the coming school year.
They were enthusiastic and excited about contributing and learned that they can give back and help others no matter how young they are.
Youth Art Camp has been a catalyst in the community for future community organized and run programs like it. It also has created many opportunities for future collaboration and partnerships of different businesses, organizations and citizens in Hancock County.
Over 40 kids ages Kindergarten through Fifth Grade have had the opportunity to experience art, resiliency, socialization and most importantly, fun, over the last three days. Next week a new group of kids will have the same experience.
Perhaps one of the greatest surprises and successes of the YAC program has been the youth leaders that have helped with the camp. High School students from different schools and churches in the area have come out to help with the Youth Art Camp.
Each helper and a friend become partners in leading a team of kids. The older youth have really stepped up in their leadership roles and have become an irreplaceable asset to the program. Their enthusiasm, willingness and desire to help has made it obvious that the youth are really looking for something they can be a part of; they want to help in their community.
The YAC program also gave them the opportunity to interact and become involved in the well being of the next generation after them. It really gave them a chance to be positive leaders for those kids that will make a difference next. The youth have been a light in the community this week.
YAC was not only a chance for children of all different ages, from all different schools and home lives to learn about art and creativity, but it has been a safe, fun environment for them to meet peers, make friends and learn a few tools and ideas for helping them cope with different difficulties throughout the coming year.
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