The Reach for the Sky July Program provides 35 underserved children, age eight through twelve with three weeks of culturally integrated activities that will encourage self expression, confidence, and community experience. It is our feeling that by providing children with a safe environment that stresses group cooperation and collaboration each child can begin to have their own unique voice in the world of art, theater, and dance, heard and understood.
The workshop takes place the fist Monday after the Fourth of July and lasts for three weeks. The children attend Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. -3:00 a.m. at The Center for Dance in Preston with an evening performance on the last day to take place at 7:00 p.m.
Mornings begin with a group activity involving all instructors and children. Activities will range from folk dances to age old children's games and songs that are part of our multicultural heritage. The hour following will take the children in three groups to either drama, dance, or art. Lunch will follow with a nutritious meal provided by our sponsors. The children will then change class, so each day they have discovery and instructional time in each of the three disciplines. The day will end with a talk and question/answer session by various caring members of the community, the mayor, a fireman, sports figure, police officer, etc. offering their support and encouragement. The camp will be celebrated with a collaboration of disciplines into a finished, hands on production, that the children will perform for their invited audience on the night of the last day of camp.
This program is funded by contributions from businesses, groups, and individuals that see youth and the arts as a priority. Meals are provided for the children on each of the workshop days with the funding provided. If you are interested in being a sponsor, attending, donating, or volunteering to help with campers of this unique and rewarding program please contact us at ReachfortheSkyKids@gmail.com