The Gazette

What do you get when you take ten children, ages six to eight, three very talented arts, dance and drama instructors, music and art from the "Lion King", assorted assistants from CSUMB, mix thoroughly for five days, three hours per day? As one parent put it "In a word - fabulous!!...I was impressed by the ability to provide the kids of different ages with challenges suitable to their ages (i.e., learning lines for the oldest set). Price point - a deal at $80." Another parent said, "Thank You so much. My daughter is very quiet but has a strong personality, and this helped her show it." The one week Arts Camp sponsored by Marina Youth Arts met its goal of bringing together children with highly qualified "Arts" instructors who believe in teaching "Life lessons through Arts lessons." It doesn’t hurt that a lot of fun is had by all who participated! "My kids loved it and Ryan (a boy who does not like anything perceived to be "girl stuff") rated it one of his "best of summer" and wants to return next year. I note here that you have now bumped Whispering Pines

off his return list" reported a very satisfied parent.

During the week of August 3rd through the 7th, a program of (activities) were presented daily in three one-hour sessions at the "scout house" in Gloria Jean Tate Park in Marina.

Kelly Pelton, affectionately known as Miss K with her students, put the program together and truly enjoyed the process. "I immediately brought the students out of their shells the first morning by bringing out the music instruments and harmonizing our beat with that of the Lion King soundtrack. From there, we were loose and the creative process flowed effortlessly." Victoria McCaffrey, as well as three assistants- Katerina Flores a Junior at Notre Dame High School, Sara Rowe a student at Cabrillo College and Claudia McCaffrey, met with the group of 10 every day for an hour. During their time together they discussed how to bring their production of Lion King to life. They began the week by designing and painting a jungle stage set, created from cardboard, ducted tape and alot of creativity. When all was said and done, students had their masks as wonderful momentos of their time at camp. Even a few students couldn't help but ask to take home the palm trees and rocks which they had designed throughout the week. Ms. Heidi Humphreys, local ballet instructor, worked with the children to put together fun dance routines to go with drama, costumes and sets, and music. In an age-appropriate way, the children learned the skills of dance, singing, and painting along with working toward a common goal, cooperation, commitment and having a great time doing it.

MYA has partnered with the City of Marina for a variety of Art in the Park projects including sock snowmen for the childrens Christmas Party, Easter baskets made from plastic milk cartons at the Bunny Breakfast and pinwheels at the Festival of the Winds. We also have an ongoing Drama program at LA middle school and are in preparation for our next Talent Showcase in partnership with CSUMB.

Marina Youth Arts is a non-profit, 501(c)3, organization dedicated to bringing together children in the Marina and surrounding areas with highly qualified instructors in the various Arts, such as, music, dance, drama, and fine arts. MYA gets its funding through non-profit grants and memberships in its organization. Memberships in MYA are:

Individual: $25

Youth: $15

Family: $45 (youths in that family receive a 10% discount on MYA activities)

Group: $100

Activity Sponsors receive recognition in our performance programs and other materials. Benefactors ($500) also receive two free tickets, and, Partners ($1000) four free tickets to all performances for one year.

For information about MYA programs and becoming a member, call 831-883-3968.