By SHANNON HAUGLAND
Sentinel Staff Writer
The return of summer youth programs at the Sitka Fine Arts Camp this past week was marked by “lots of happy people,” said Roger Schmidt.
“I keep telling everybody and feeling that this is the most important camp in my career,” said Schmidt, SFAC executive director the past two decades, “because it means the students we serve are able to return to the arts activities they love.”
COVID caused the cancellation of the nine-week camp season in 2020, but campers came back in force this year, filling the slots quickly for the reduced-capacity classes on the historic Sheldon Jackson campus.
Clearly, they were pleased to be back, Schmidt said, noting the excitement of the kids at the elementary camp last week.
“Kids playing together on a giant big grassy lawn,” Schmidt said. “That was the most wonderful thing to see – running enthusiastically to their classes; lots of happy people.”
Middle school students eat box lunches under an open-sided tent on the SJ lawn this afternoon during the Sitka Fine Arts Camp. COVID caused the cancellation of the nine-week camp season in 2020. (Sentinel Photo)
On Saturday the middle school campers arrived, with their final performances set for June 22, 23 and 24. The high school camp runs June 27 to July 11; musical theater camp, July 12-August 1; and Jazz workshop July 18-24.
Meals and a number of classes are taking place outdoors, where masks are not required. But Schmidt said everyone seems to be taking the COVID-related adjustments in stride, and in general are glad to be back experiencing the arts – and being together.
“The arts have an impact on their ability to create community and self-esteem,” Schmidt said. “Just knowing kids need to be together with one another, and seeing that, feels hopeful.”
For many students and faculty it’s the first time in over a year they have been in a live classroom for a full day. With virtual instruction, the social aspect of school was missing, and that’s what the camp is bringing back, Schmidt said.
“It’s always been the social experience – learning how to work together, learning to enjoy each other, learning to be patient with one another,” he said. “Camp on a sunny day in Sitka is the absolute perfect way to reboot the experience of being together.”
Schmidt said there have been some challenges as a result of being apart, including forgetting the energy and courage needed to participate in the arts, and what a full day of classes feels like. Some haven’t had access to music instruction the past year and are now trying to get used to performing music and theater in front of a group.
“That’s going to be a hard part of camp – you’ve got to get back to playing and sharing in front of other people,” he said.
It’s been an adjustment for the faculty as well, Schmidt added.
“Just getting the message to kids, we’re all in this together – we’re all practicing, doing our artforms again,” he said. “That’s one thing we talked about as a team: how do we create the most welcoming and nurturing environment we can, and help make kids comfortable again in groups.”
And overall, despite some of the continuing challenges of holding camp during a pandemic, it’s been going really well.
“I’m not sure if it’s something I haven’t noticed before, or I’m not used to ... but I’ve never seen kids smile so much,” he said. “It’s so great to see so many smiling faces.”
Artshares, a performance or arts lectures by faculty and staff, are open to the public 7 p.m. most evenings at the Performing Arts Center. The events during camp are free but donations are welcome, and reservations are required for the final performances.
