Grand Center Arts Academy recently hosted its summer Arts Camp, offering students a two-week immersive experience in four artistic pathways: music, theater, visual arts, and dance. The camp culminated with beautiful performances and an artists’ showcase in GCAA's Sun Theater. The goal of the camp is to provide an economically feasible summer arts enrichment option for families, open to any student in the region entering 5th-12th grade.
Dr. Edwin Williams, GCAA Arts Camp Coordinator, emphasized the transformative nature of the camp, stating, "Arts Camp is a transcendent experience for youth interested in expanding as young artists.” Dr. Williams and Principal Tennille Epps, who started the camp, love its inclusivity and stress the expert guidance campers receive. "Students engage in fun but rigorous learning with highly qualified instructors, serving as an introduction to our young people's aptitude as potential GCAA students."
The camp was filled with enthusiastic students who found joy and growth in their artistic pursuits. Kevin B., a junior at CVPA, expressed his excitement, saying, "This camp brings you joy in the arts. I learned how to take better photos with my iPhone. If you love any form of the arts, come here."
For many first-time campers, the experience was both exciting and rewarding. Alana D., a fifth grader at The Biome School, was thrilled with her introduction to music. "I learned how to play the violin. They have sweet teachers, and they try to make the teaching fun."
Olivia B., another fifth grader from Betty Wheeler CJA, enjoyed a variety of activities. "I did dance and learned it quickly because the teachers were nice and helpful. It was fun performing in front of everyone, and I made a lot of friends. I liked singing because we sang different types of songs. I also really liked the food here." The camp provides breakfast and lunch for each student, free of charge.
AshLeah D., a junior at KIPP St. Louis High School, appreciated stepping out of her comfort zone both personally and artistically. "I learned a lot. Met new people, which caused me to get out of my comfort zone. I learned how to play a couple of songs on the violin, learned five new songs to sing, and learned how to take better pictures and view things from an artist's perspective."
Josephine P., a ninth grader at Villa Duchesne, summed up her experience by saying, "You have a lot of fun, but have fun in an educational way. You learn a lot even while playing games and being social."
Watching the students evolve and grow while engaging in new artistic endeavors was rewarding for the teachers. Sommer Harris, GCAA Dance Department Lead, highlighted the camp's unique value. "GCAA Arts Camp is the perfect opportunity for St. Louis area students to learn from professional teachers and artists as well as GCAA alum who have entered the field of the arts. It was especially exciting for me as the dance department chair to see some of my former students growing in their craft as teachers."
Beyond the immediate joy and learning, the camp offers long-term benefits for students. It keeps their minds active during the summer, helping to prevent the typical slow start in August. GCAA Art Instructor Eric Kuehn says the camp also exposes students to new concepts and techniques. "Students get the opportunity to use materials and styles not often offered at their grade level, school, or comfort level during camp," fostering creativity and innovation. Additionally, the camp promotes social connections and teamwork among peers of different ages.
The camp’s enrollment nearly tripled this year, reflecting its growing popularity, economically feasible cost of less than $50 for the two weeks, and the diverse range of students it attracts. As Dr. Williams noted, "Arts Camp 2024 has made this summer one to remember. We look forward to more memorable summers to come and are excited to enroll some of our participants as new GCAA students as early as this fall."
Grand Center Arts Academy is a school in Grand Center serving students in grades 6-12. The school offers students four pathways: music, theater, visual arts, and dance, in addition to a rigorous school curriculum. GCAA is part of Confluence Academies, a non-profit public charter school system that strives to provide the highest quality pre-collegiate education to students in pre-kindergarten through high school. Confluence is one of the largest school districts in the City of St. Louis and among the largest public charter school districts in Missouri.