A second annual arts camp for neighborhood youth opened Monday at Wesley United Methodist Church in Aurora.
“Art and Soul,” a free evening camp featuring a daily dinner and indoor/outdoor activities, was scheduled to run July 10-13. Simply Destinee, an Aurora-based dance center, was a partner with the Church for the 5:30 p.m.-to-8 p.m. series.
Michelle Curiel, Wesley director of children and family, coordinated the camp. She said attendees included 40 neighborhood children ages 4-12 and 25 adults who assisted.
She said, “This camp centers around self-love and communal love.” Congregants were invited to donate time, funds and supplies.
Curiel opened the event by leading participants in a group affirmation, “I am a gift to those around me!”
Attendees were formed into blue, yellow, and green, teams. After a pasta dinner, they marched out the Church’s northeast lawn and sat in circles for a nature celebration led by Thew Elliott, Church traditional worship director.
After the focus on nature, the teams reassembled indoors for participation at art, culinary and movement stations. Led by adults, children learned how to make frosting for cupcakes, practiced exercises and drew art projects.
—Al Benson