CREATING HOPE THROUGH THE PERFORMING ARTS

This performing arts day camp is for children between the ages of 7-13 who have experienced the death of a parent.

Surrounded by a community of peers who have experienced similar loss, campers explore their creativity through acting, singing, and dance classes. Artistic and clinical staff lead activities that encourage ensemble work and celebrate the unique talents of each individual camper, giving them a creative voice to express themselves and building self-confidence as they collaborate to create a final showcase.

A typical day at camp includes music, theatre, and dance classes as well as sharing time and guest artists. During sharing time, adult community leaders share their experience of losing a parent and speak about how that experience impacted their life. Guest artists will vary so that students will experience a variety of art forms. Professional healing counselors from Baptist Memorial Kemmons Wilson Family Center for Good Grief provide small group counseling to the campers.

Mending Hearts Camp, now in its second year in Memphis, is building on its first year of success. In 2017, over 40 campers participated, and the results were amazing. Under new Camp Director Jamie Boller, we are making plans for 2018’s session to be bigger, better, and even more beneficial for the campers.

“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? Call 901-529-4204 or mendinghearts@orpheum-memphis.com.