This July, Africentric Arts hosted a transformative summer camp in Stony Plain, bringing together children aged 4 to 12 for an unforgettable experience of creativity, self-discovery, and fun. Over two weeks, campers explored a diverse range of activities that helped them uncover hidden talents and build essential life skills, all while making new friends and creating lasting memories.
Unleashing Hidden Talents
From the moment the camp began, it was clear that this would be no ordinary summer experience. On the first day, we asked the children about their talents. Surprisingly, only a handful could confidently share what they were good at. This observation highlighted a growing concern in today’s digital age—children are gaining digital skills but losing touch with the fundamental building blocks of talent exploration and development.
At Africentric Arts Summer Camp, we aimed to address this gap. Through hands-on experiences in djembe drumming, piano playing, drama, debates, and arts and crafts, the children discovered new passions and honed their abilities. Each day was packed with activities designed to engage their minds and ignite their creativity.
Breaking Away from Digital Distractions
One of the most refreshing aspects of the camp was the natural shift away from electronic devices. Despite no strict rules about screen time, the children were so engrossed in the activities that they rarely thought about their gadgets. From dodgeball and soccer to team-building exercises and debates, the campers were always on the move, learning and playing in a supportive and energetic environment.
Elizabeth, a volunteer camp coordinator, noted, “The kids were so ecstatic about debates, musical performances, and playing together that they didn’t even think about their devices.” This break from digital distractions allowed the children to immerse themselves fully in the camp’s offerings and reconnect with the joy of hands-on learning and social interaction.
Fostering Identity and Community Service
A key component of our camp was helping children understand their identity and the importance of community service. Through arts and crafts sessions focused on self-discovery, campers learned about their strengths and how they could use their talents to serve others. We incorporated stories from the Bible, like the Good Samaritan and David and Goliath, to teach values and inspire the children to make a difference in their communities.
Pastor Hildah Logun of the Redeem Christian Church of God Wonderland Parish in Stony Plain emphasized, “We have to show kids why it’s necessary to serve others and the invaluable rewards that come with it.” These lessons resonated deeply with the children, who began to see themselves as capable of contributing positively to the world around them.
A Grand Finale
The camp session culminated in a talent show that showcased the incredible progress the children had made. Parents watched in awe as their children performed in front of an audience, displaying newfound confidence and skills. The joy and pride on the faces of both the children and their parents were truly heartwarming.
One mother shared, “My son came home every day talking about his friends and singing the songs they learned. He couldn’t wait to get dressed and attend camp each morning.” Such testimonials are a testament to the camp’s impact on the children’s lives.
Looking Ahead
With the success of our July session, we are eagerly looking forward to the next camp session from August 5th to 9th, which promises even more excitement and growth for our young participants. Additionally, we are gearing up for our fall classes, which will offer theatre, djembe drumming, dance, piano and singing lessons, and a leadership course for middle and high school students.
Africentric Arts continues to be a beacon of creativity and cultural education, empowering children and youth to discover their talents, embrace their identities, and serve their communities. We invite you to join us on this incredible journey of growth and learning.
For more information about our upcoming programs and to register, please visit our website or contact us at 647-694-4493.
Stay tuned for more updates and stories from Africentric Arts!
About Africentric Arts
Africentric Arts is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering children and youth through creative arts activities that reflect African culture. Founded in Toronto in August 2017, Africentric Arts provides a platform for creative expression, enabling children and youth to develop talents and gain meaningful skills for life.
