NEWBERRY — St. Luke’s Episcopal Church recently wrapped up its 2017 Summer Arts Camp where children took part in activities such as writing, music, arts and crafts and drama over the duration of the camp, which began on June 26 and concluded on June 29.

“In these following years, I’ve worked with literature and poetry. Usually it’s the same group of children that we appeal to. We then had a minister visit who had experience in drama and I figured let’s capitalize on this and expand our program,” said Joanna Innes, who taught writing at the camp.

Innes said the children were particularly interested in drama, saying that it incorporates music, writing and visual arts all in one, which helps stimulates the children’s minds.

“Over the years, we’ve just added things because the Wagner’s did music at the church, so it was natural for them to do music. Different people have participated in the dramas and we’ve been able to continue writing workshops and other activities,” said Innes. “One of the big points of this is not that it’s just a church focus, but it’s for the community to come together with their talents and their interests and I appreciate that fact.”

Throughout the camp, kids took part in music to prepare to sing in the finale, but also attempted to create their own song and putting it on paper and in notes. They also worked together to create a drama they performed during the finale.

The activities throughout the week were based on the theme of “You are the salt of the Earth and the light of the world” from Matthew 5:13-15.

“This year the theme was from Matthew 5, which tells us we are the salt of the Earth and light of the world. So we give them that to kind of guide them through and inspire them and to remind them that we are a faith-based program that is rooted in the Bible,” said the Rev. Elizabeth Morgan. “We hold up the values of Christ, and people that are involved in the church know those values so it is shared in a way more than just saying you should do something because the Bible says so, they see it in action and see that adults care and are concerned about them.”

Participants in this years camp were Kelsey Buckley, Tyler Buckley, Kenton Caldwell, Kevyn Madison, Serenity Pratt-Hall, Kenneth Whitesides, Hannah Wilkes, Luke Wilkes, Tiffany Wofford and Trinity Wofford.

Arts and crafts that the campers made under the instruction of Sylvia MacFarlane.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/web1_Church3.jpgArts and crafts that the campers made under the instruction of Sylvia MacFarlane. Kelly Duncan | The Newberry Observer

Dr. John Wagner and his wife Bobbie Wagner leading music.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/web1_Church1.jpgDr. John Wagner and his wife Bobbie Wagner leading music. Kelly Duncan | The Newberry Observer

Joanna Innes talking with the kids.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/web1_Church2.jpgJoanna Innes talking with the kids. Kelly Duncan | The Newberry Observer

By Kelly Duncan

kduncan@civitasmedia.com

Reach Kelly Duncan at 803-768-3123 ext. 1868 or on Twitter @TheNBOnews.