Jill Hertzog, artistic director of dance with Cavod Academy of the Arts, is excited about the theme for this year's Camp Create, a summer camp experience specifically designed for teenagers and adults, those age 13 and up, with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
"We are doing 'Create With Purpose - What's your purpose?'" said Hertzog, who noted that Cavod's tagline is "Create With Purpose." "Each camper will have the chance to explore different passions and creative outlets, and we will touch on identity, how much they are loved and how much they are worth."
This is the second year that Cavod, which is located at 665 W. Main St., New Holland, will hold Camp Create. This year's camp will be held at Cavod from 4 to 6:30 p.m. starting on Monday, Aug. 3, through Friday, Aug. 7. On Aug. 7, at 6 p.m., a showcase performance will be held for family and friends of campers in Cavod Theatre, 685 W. Main St., New Holland. A display of artwork created during camp will be held at the same time. Hertzog said that the showcase is important because it gives those close to the campers a chance to be part of what the participants have learned.
Hertzog helped plan the 2019 camp, and she took the role of designing it again this year, but Jess Rajski will serve as the teacher. "(The daily schedule) will be similar to last year," said Hertzog, who noted that because Cavod is a Christian organization, each session will begin with a time of devotions and the introduction of a verse that will be the theme for that evening. Socially distanced games and times to connect and get to know each other will be part of the opening exercises. "They will take dance class," said Hertzog, who noted that the foundational skills of jazz, ballet, and hip-hop will all be included. "(We want to) keep it really fun and upbeat and lighthearted," said Hertzog. Dance will be followed by working on an art project that is based on exploring individual purpose and identity. "There will be a musical theater time," said Hertzog, noting that the segment will include a song with motion, using basic percussion instruments such as tambourine, and dance moves. "We will be integrating music (into the camp) as much as we can," Hertzog said. Camp will close with a review of the verse, show-and-tell activities based on that night's theme, and an additional game before saying goodbye.
Cavod Academy classes may run an hour or more, but during the 2019 Camp Create session, organizers found that it really worked to have a short dance class, followed by art and then musical theater incorporating dance. "It keeps the campers engaged," said Hertzog, who noted that two young, energetic Cavod students will be assisting Rajski with teaching.
The camp is following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines for all summer camps, including masks, hand sanitizing, and temperature checks. Hertzog noted that the classrooms have been outfitted with heavy duty air filters, and that it is easy to do social distancing with the small group of students attending Camp Create. More information about the camp and the academy's response to COVID-19 restrictions may be found at http://www.CavodAcademy.com.
"Camp went really well last year," said Hertzog, noting that there were few changes in the design of the 2020 camp. "The campers were so excited once they got to be on stage (at the showcase)," she said, adding that it was a joy to share with students about how God has designed and created them and tying the arts into their identities. "I feel like each student got a shining moment (at the showcase)," she said. "They are proud of themselves, and that is a good thing."
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