Westminster College Preschool Lab to Host Summer Arts Camp

NEW WILMINGTON, Pa. - The Westminster College Preschool Lab and the Drinko Center for Experiential Learning will host its ninth annual summer arts camp for kids June 10-14.  The hands-on camp program encourages children to learn about the arts through visiting with guest artisans, experimenting with different mediums, and creatively expressing themselves through art.

Day one of the camp will highlight tie-dye art with Stephanie Corrette-Bennett of Westminster's Science in Motion program, who will demonstrate methods of dipping cloth and explain how dyes work.  Children will make their own T-shirts, creating marbled art and using the different colored paint washes for an ongoing ocean art project.

Day two is performing arts day. Abbey Alter, director of Walnut Lodge Yoga and Movement Center, will be guiding the children in exploring dance and creative movement techniques in Old 77 dance studio. Bottle cap shakers will add a musical component to the day.

The third day will highlight ceramic art with Dr. Summer Zickefoose, assistant professor of art at Westminster. Children will be visiting the college art department to watch pot throwing demonstrations and learn about the properties of clay. Tile creations are also part of our ceramic explorations.

Day four will focus on woodworking art with the Rev. Jim Moose of Moose Wood Furniture, who will demonstrate his craft and lead children in creating hand-made wooden boats.  Block print collages are part of the day's agenda and the group will visit the creek to float the new boats. 

Day five will wrap up the week with watercolor art led by Beverly Dorman.  She has taken numerous art classes and will introduce watercolor techniques to the children. The budding artists will practice their newly-learned techniques on their own still life paintings. The last day of camp will conclude outside with a water day on the playground.

The Westminster College Preschool Lab is a multi-purpose facility that serves both Westminster and the community.  Designed by early childhood experts, the laboratory school is committed to providing an excellent learning experience for the area's children.  The program is enhanced by the use of innovative curriculum, well-trained staff, developmentally appropriate equipment, and individual attention.  It is accredited by the NAEYC's National Academy of Early Childhood Programs.

The Drinko Center for Experiential Learning was created to enrich undergraduate education at Westminster through advancing world-class teaching as well as by participating in collaborations that address community and regional needs including strengthening K-12 education.  The Undergraduate Research Initiative provides funding for students to conduct research and to present their research at regional and national conferences. 

Contact teachers Debi Roud or Diana Reed at (724) 946-7174 for additional information or to request registration forms or visit www.psych.westminster.edu/preschool/html.  All forms must be completed and returned to the Preschool by May 27.