CAMP session focuses on arts and spirituality

ALLENTOWN - Not all camps are about pitching tents and roasting marshmallows.

The Christian Arts and Music Program (CAMP) integrates the arts and spirituality into community service projects. A new six-week session of the midweek program begins on Wednesday, April 18, and will run through May 23.

CAMP is sponsored by the Community Christian Choir (CCC), according to Pat Weitz, of Hamilton, the choir's director.

Since September, the CCC has been in the process of developing a Christian arts center in the Allentown area. It has run the CAMP program to give residents a glimpse of what their vision for the center's program entails.

Area children have already participated in 20 weeks of CAMP, which exposes them to a variety of arts through instruction from local artists. In addition, the program teaches biblical principles. As part of the program, Weitz also gives a music lesson once a week.

The upcoming session of CAMP will be held at the Allentown United Methodist Church, located at 23 Church St.

The program is open to 6-year-olds to sixth-graders, regardless of church affiliation. It will run from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesdays, with a gathering time from 4:15 to 5 p.m. for homework, miscellaneous activities and a meal. There is a nominal fee to help defray expenses. For additional information, visit www.ccchoir.com, or contact Pat Weitz at (609) 587-7076 or plweitz@optonline.net.