The L.E.A.F. Initiative is a Commonwell program to support capacity, resiliency and growth in the communities we call home.

The Grove Summer Camp

27 Veterans Way Fenelon FallsK0M 1N0

What is this project about?

In Summer 2024, The Grove Theatre will launch its Education Department beginning with 4 weeks of Summer Camp over the months of July and August. We are excited to be realizing our vision of providing theatre education to our community, empowering young people to express themselves more fully through art and encouraging the spirited pursuit of knowledge, self-discovery and joy through the arts.

Ages 5-10: One week of day camp led by professional teaching artists. In a fun and creative environment, campers develop theatre skills, gain confidence and develop social skills through collaboration and performance! Professional teaching artists lead four separate classes focused on acting, singing, and dance, with one specialty class that varies from session to session (i.e. improvisation, fight choreography, stage makeup, and puppetry). The week will culminate in a showcase performance of the play for friends and family!

Ages 11-15: Campers will be cast in, and rehearse, a musical that will be performed at the end of the two week session. Throughout the rehearsal process, professional guest artists will be brought in to mentor and work with the campers on audition technique, acting a song, character movement, dance, and more. Campers develop theatre skills, gain confidence and develop social skills through the development of a musical.

Ages 16-18: A unique summer internship experience for teens! As teacher’s assistants, this internship experience allows teens the opportunity to learn from theatre professionals about the art of theatre creation while also learning camp counselor skills. This is a fun and creative environment that fosters leadership and communication skills in teens while also being in a space of play and creative expression. This program qualifies for the Summer Cooperative Education Credits through the Trillium Lakelands District School Board. Teens will have the opportunity to meet and work with professionals. At the conclusion of the program, interns will receive letters of recommendations and references to help them in their future job searches and they may apply for available paid summer employment with The Grove Theatre.

Inclusion for All – The Grove Theatre prioritizes inclusion for everyone. The Grove is dedicated to the creation of a supportive, safe environment for children with special needs, with a focus on self-expression, social skills, and having fun with their peers. Aide support is available upon request for a limited number of campers.

The-Grove-Theatre-Summer-Camp-Fundraising-Flyer.pdf

Why is this project important to the community?

Currently, in the Kawartha Lakes region, there are limited summer programming options for children, particularly in the area of performing arts. Many of the existing choices predominantly revolve around dedicated sports or academic programs, which may not align with the preferences or needs of all children. The Grove Summer Camp aims to bridge this gap by providing an alternative opportunity for the youth in our community. We have already received overwhelming feedback from parents and grandparents looking to register their children. “What an opportunity for kids who are not necessarily into hockey or baseball or football. My husband was a duck in his 4th grade school play and he still talks about it to this day. With my little guy… we would love to have the opportunity to enroll him in something like this… it’s really wonderful in terms of broadening the community's horizons. It’s really important” Stefanie F. The Grove’s summer arts programming extends beyond singing, dancing and theatrical performances; it plays a pivotal role in nurturing essential competencies among our young participants. These competencies include empathy, discipline, collaboration, mental agility, and presentation skills. Performing arts contribute to the development of important academic skills such as memorization and time management and, furthermore, the physical aspect of performing arts encourages fitness, with campers engaging in choreography and rehearsals throughout the day.