Learning diversity through creativity

The camp stresses that the arts are invaluable in any child's development.
By MATT BIXENSTINE
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
YOUNGSTOWN -- For the moment, Eugene Marerro, 8, Abigail Fisher, TerAsia Bradshaw and Jonta` Liggins, all 9, are a lost child, two celebrities and a window washer each stuck in a hotel elevator.
The quartet is among approximately 75 campers participating in the Butler Institute of American Art's Summer Arts Day Camp at Butler's Youngstown location, 524 Wick Ave.
At least temporarily they have forgotten they are still in the camp's drama class.
Down the hall, campers are using paper plates, pipe cleaners and yarn to construct lady bugs -- the official state insect-- in honor of Ohio's Bicentennial. Upstairs, still more campers are singing a song about the six American Indian tribes from Ohio or attempting to imitate shapes in paintings with their dance movements.
"Everybody has talent latent within them," camp director Mary Ellen Hoffman said. "We're just giving them a chance to draw it out."
Encouraging diversity
The eight-day camp is intended to provide a diverse group of children ages 8 to 12 a hands-on experimental approach to drama, visual art, music and dance. Thirty of the campers come from economically disadvantaged families. Fifteen are either mentally or physically challenged. Only the remaining campers paid the $100 fee for the camp, which is funded primarily by foundation grants.
"They [the various campers] interact with people they probably don't come in contact with much during the school year," Carole O'Brien, Butler education director, said. "Great friendships are formed because of that."
The camp originated 15 years ago when O'Brien saw a need for more area camps devoted to physically handicapped individuals. She extended the idea to incorporate other children who might not otherwise receive opportunities to attend summer camp activities.
"For many it is their first time in a museum," O'Brien said. "They are enthused and come back with their parents."
This year's camp features a field trip to the Mahoning County Experimental & amp; Educational Farm in Canfield and daily guest speakers, including a black storyteller, a folk singer and a face painter. Fittingly, this year's theme is Ohio's Bicentennial.
Teachers learning
Several area school teachers and about 20 volunteer counselors, many of whom are high school students doing service for National Honor Society, are helping run the camp. Many find the experience rewarding and return year after year. Drama instructor Kathy Gabriel, who formerly worked for the Youngstown City Schools and Arts/Excel in Trumbull County, called her 12 years of participation, "A highlight of each of my years as a teacher."
Westminster College student Nick Turko has participated as a counselor each of seven years since he first used the service to fulfill a high school graduation requirement.
"Everyone should experience the arts in their life," Turko said. "A lot of people wouldn't have a chance if they didn't come here."
mbixenstine@vindy.com