Program Spotlight: Arts Ignite Waterloo! Summer Camp

This June, Arts Ignite returned to Waterloo, IA for the 2nd-annual Arts Ignite Waterloo! Summer Camp!

Arts Ignite, in partnership with the Waterloo Community Schools in Waterloo, IA and the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center at the University of Northern Iowa, returned to Iowa for our 2nd-annual Arts Ignite Waterloo! Summer Camp. From June 10th to June 24th, 23 migrant students increased their English language proficiency, positive interactions with their community, and core skills like confidence, and collaboration through classes in theater, dance, creative writing, and music through arts-rich learning experiences.

Led by Program Facilitator Marcus, Arts Ignite Teaching Artists Phoenix, Reuben, Angelica, Lauren worked with students on specific art projects throughout the two weeks for a culminating community event and sharing at the end of the program. The program included readings of student stories that explored obstacles and what it takes to overcome them; saw students expressing themselves creatively through song and dance in both devised and rehearsed works; and gave individual students the opportunity to demonstrate their musical abilities with solo performances of Twinkle Twinkle, Little Star on the glockenspiel and a group camp-wide rendition ‘Under the Sea’ from Disney’s The Little Mermaid. The theme for this program was to “Lead with a Spark!” Unquestionably, these young people set Waterloo ablaze with their creativity and courage.

The presentation on the final day was a highlight, seeing students take pride in the words, songs, dances, and scenes that they performed. The theme this year was “Lead with a SPARK”, and I saw many sparks of creativity lit, igniting passion for participants to create far beyond these two weeks.

Arts Ignite Teaching Artist, Waterloo 2023

Join us in supporting the growth and empowerment of migrant students in Waterloo! Your donation today will help Arts Ignite continue providing arts-rich learning experiences where young people foster confidence, collaboration, and language proficiency.