Could you put a “staff” byline on this article since I’m quoting myself? Thanks.
The Source
Could you put a “staff” byline on this article since I’m quoting myself? Thanks. The sounds of music, laughter, and friendship will echo across the Morgan County hillside this June as the Performing Arts Camp at Green Pastures Retreat Center revs up to celebrate its 35th year. Camp director Ken Bradbury said, “We began thirty-five years ago with two staff members, 14 campers and a picnic table. I think we had a guitar, too.” Today’s camp, emphasizing the arts in a Christian atmosphere now hosts hundreds of campers entering grades 5-12 each June with a weekly staff of over 40 counselors and instructors. The camp runs every weekend in June, beginning on June 7th. Past camps have been divided according to age groups but beginning this season each camp will be open to all students entering grade five through high school. Registration information is on line by Googling Green Pastures Meredosia and clicking on “Events.” “Our donors have been very generous,” said Bradbury. “That’s why we can keep the weekend registration fee the same at $35 per camper, and if the kids can’t afford that we’ll take care of them.” The camp begins each Friday morning and concludes on Saturday evening. PAC, as it’s known to the local youth, offers instruction in instrumental music, theatre, art, video, dance, group mime, and puppetry. Camp manager Scott Kording said, “It’s a wild weekend, I began as a camper and now with a wife and child I struggle to keep up with the energy that enters the camp each weekend.” In fact, most of the staff members at Green Pastures are former campers. Dance instructor Laura Roth began attending PAC as a fifth grader and now works at St. Louis dance school. “One of the reason I love the arts is because at PAC it’s all fun. It’s one huge support group who encourage each other to use our gifts.” Bradbury said it’s been a joy to watch the camp grow in the three and a half decades of its existence. He often thinks back to the early days when he and fellow teacher Chuck West began the camp. “Chuck and I remember when we slept in tents and danced under oak trees. Now we look at the air-conditioned lodge, the high tech video equipment and lights, with hundreds of kids and know that God has been smiling upon this idea. I think He’ll keep it up.” Any questions about PAC may be directed to Green Pastures at 584-1374 or Bradbury at 997-5521.
PHOTO 1: Green Pastures staff members Travis Deaver and John Love show them how it’s done during a performance session at PAC. PHOTO2 : Video director Joel Austin instructs his young actors for a scene at PAC camp.