“Unlimited positive energy” is how Creative Kids Camp starts off the summer every year. That is the camp’s motto, according to Performing Arts Coordinator Chris Cherry. The camp joins six others being run by Greenbelt Recreation this year. “There’s a real theme of community in the camp,” said Cherry, who is back with the program for his 23rd summer. “It’s a place where the kids really feel accepted for who they are and where they can explore their creativity,” he added.
The camp is in the second week of its first session. A total of four sessions will run for two weeks at a time each at the Community Center. The camp runs inperson Monday through Friday for two hours in the morning, and then moves online in the afternoon from the campers’ own homes. Campers get to participate in visual arts, drama, music, dance and even circus activities. There is also an online option for families who wish to participate in camp entirely from the comfort of their residences.
Cherry said the camp has been carefully planning the re-opening of Creative Kids Camp all year, mentioning that campers are split into four groups that do not interact with other groups for the duration of camp. He added that many of the staff members were campers first and have come up through the program. Camp manager Izzy Springer says, “I have been with the camp since I was a small child and came back as an intern when I was 15.” Now 22, she says she has worked at the camp every summer since. “It’s just such a great community of people and I’ve met some of my closest friends through this,” she added.
For more information on Creative Kids Camp and other Greenbelt day camps, call 301-397-2208 or 301-397-2200. Registration forms for camp sessions can be found under Summer Camps 2021 on the city website, greenbeltmd.gov.
