Kids wrap up summer camp by showcasing their talent

First-, second- and third-place
winners in each category received a prize of school supplies.

By LAUREN POLINSKY

VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER

YOUNGSTOWN — The Youngstown Park and Recreation Summer Day Camp ends Wednesday, but not before the annual talent show.

On Monday, campers from nine city parks gathered at the Sports Complex on Erie Road to perform songs and dance in front of their peers.

Parks coordinator Alicia Anderson said the show has been part of the summer program since 2003 and was developed at the request of the kids. Not only is it a fun way to spend time but it is also a way to improve children’s self-esteem, Anderson pointed out.

“We like for them to feel successful and like they are somebody, and we want them to have positive self-esteem, and this is one of the ways we can do that,” Anderson said.

Campers competed in six categories: dance, singing, rap and sing, poetry, dance and sing, or instrumental — for a total of 25 acts. They were allowed to perform solo or in a group and had a maximum of four minutes on stage. Prizes of school supplies were given to first, second and third place in each category.

Rap and sing seemed to be the most popular category and kids from ages six to 18 took the stage with confidence.

It takes guts

Clay Johnson, a counselor at the camp, was impressed by the campers’ willingness to belt out a song in front of nearly 100 peers and counselors.

“When I was that age I would have never done it. It takes some guts, and I am proud of them for doing it,” Johnson said.

Participants in the talent show were all volunteers. None of the children were required to do it, but most of them came to support their friends as audience members. They clapped their hands to the beats of new songs, such as one from the movie “Dream Girls,” and of old classics like “Amazing Grace.” The campers were allowed to choose their own songs and were given practice time at camp.

“Everything they do [at the show] has to have a positive message,” Anderson said.

The camp runs from mid-June until mid-August every summer. Children ages 4-18 can choose to go to any of the nine host parks throughout Youngstown.

The staff of 65 plans activities such as field trips and sports tournaments throughout the summer.