Organizers find ways to continue programs by scaling back or going virtual Photo courtesy of Tree Trekkers
Written by MEG H. PARTINGTON COVID-19 put a damper on camps in 2020, but the spirit of exploration was not doused. In the Tri-State area, many organizers found ways to continue their summer programs by either scaling back or moving them to the virtual world. With vaccines available now and the spread of the coronavirus seeming to slow, camp staffers across the Tri-State are optimistically planning fun, enriching activities so youths can recapture the magic of summer. Here’s a sample of the possibilities that await.
SUMMER CAMPS While Maryland’s COVID-safety requirements did not require face masks at the time, they were used during rehearsals, but not performances. The performances that capped the end of the camps were not in front of live audiences, but streamed live on social media. Soto is hoping that this summer, the young actors and actresses who take part in ACT camps can share their culminating shows with people sitting
in front of them in the same room. The art camp that is typically held at Doub’s Woods Park in partnership with Washington County Parks & Recreation will take place indoors and outdoors at the ACT site on Florida Avenue in Hagerstown for those in grades one to eight. A performing-arts camp for grades one to 12 will be at the ACT facility and will conclude with a variety show, Soto said.
No stopping the show Creative thinking and the ability to quickly adjust to curveballs allowed Authentic Community Theatre Inc. to hold its summer camps in 2020. “It was a little bit difficult and a little bit different than we’re used to,” said Britney Soto, office administrator and treasurer of ACT’s board of directors.
Children perform “Alice in Wonderland” during Authentic Community Theatre’s ACT 2 Week Intensive camp in 2020. Submitted photo
