CREATING HOPE THROUGH THE PERFORMING ARTS

This performing arts day camp is for children who have experienced the death of one or both parents.

Surrounded by a community of peers who have experienced a similar loss, campers explore their creativity through acting, music, movement, and design classes. Teaching artists, supported by group leaders, facilitate activities that encourage team work and celebrate the unique talents of each individual camper, giving them a creative voice to express themselves and build self-confidence as they collaborate to create a final showcase.

Campers are also given the opportunity to experience sharing time and a variety of specials. During sharing time, adult community leaders share their experience of losing a parent and speak about how that experience impacted their life. Campers then have the opportunity to reflect in small group counseling sessions with professional healing counselors. Specials range from yoga to drumming to painting and more! Guest artists vary so that students experience a wide variety of art forms.

To best serve the needs of campers, Mending Hearts Camp is grouped into two sessions: Campers entering Grades 3-5 and Campers entering Grades 6-8.

“My father passed away unexpectedly when I was seven years old. As I grew, I realized it was my childhood involvement in the performing arts that gave me the tools to express myself, a group of supportive friends, and the self-confidence to achieve the success I have enjoyed in life. With Mending Hearts Camp, I am pleased the Orpheum can give other children who have experienced the devastating loss of a parent the same benefits of the performing arts that I had as a child.” — Brett Batterson, President & CEO

Questions? Email mendinghearts@orpheum-memphis.com.