As they flowed off buses and stepped out of cars, the young artists of Usdan were greeted with care and enthusiasm by faculty and staff. With maps in hand and a pep in their step, students made their way to studios. Looking around camps, one thing was clear: Usdan was back. 

Throughout the week, students were re-introduced to nature, to community, and to youth creativity in an environment that values equity, sustainability, and health and safety. 

WEEK 1 IN MEDIA

CAMP SHOTS

WHAT DO YOU SEE AT USDAN?

Each day this week, Usdan's Executive Director, Lauren Brandt Schloss, asked the students to describe what they saw. Read and listen to their perspectives below. 

------A place that is full of energy------
---------Animals---
--Beauty------------------
------------------Birds--------
---------Bugs-----
-Forest all around------------
----------Difference in leaf shape, bark texture, and height between tree species-----
--------------Friendly people-------------
-----Movement of different people doing different things-------------
---------Friends coming off of the bus-------------
---Fun-------------
--------------------------Kids everywhere going to and fro--
--Kids playing instruments-------------
-------------Talented people enjoying their day--------
------Green (it’s my favorite color)-----
----Nature activities-------------
--------------------------Shortcut paths---
-----Tree canopy-------------
-------------Slim trees---
-------Very tall trees--------------------------
-------------Many, many trees------
--A place that blends with the nature and doesn’t overtake it-------------
--------------------------Creativity-----------
---------Freedom--------
-Everything--------------------------

 

Youth Creativity

This week in the the Creative Writing studio, students wrote a community poem in response to the question: What is creativity? It perfectly exemplifies one of the themes of this summer and every summer at camp: Youth Creativity. 

Creativity is the only thing a human always has.

To be creative, imagination is crucial because without imagination you have nothing. 

Have an open attitude and form a love for individuality. 

Insight, energy and reassurance are essential for discovery. 

If you tried to be creative or tried to write a story when your life was perfect, your life is more fantasy than your story. 

Freedom to be yourself and the ability to take as much time as needed. 

To be creative, you need to know why you're doing it. 

The symbol of creativity is Usdan. Nature is all around us. 

Creativity is not limited to certain people. Anyone can be creative if they have desire to create. 

 

Calendar Highlights: Week 2

Here is what's coming up next week!

Monday, July 5

Camp closed

Thursday, July 8

Festival Guest Artist Performance: Voices of Broadway | 12:10pm, 12:35pm & 1:40pm

Friday, July 9

Festival Student Performance: Dance | 12:10pm & 12:35pm

Family members of dancers are welcome to attend. We can allow 3 family members per student performing. The performance will also be live streamed on our website. All Dance Majors will be performing on the day.

See U next week!