News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon
News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon
Brad Tisdel leads campers in song at a week-long Camp Caldera retreat.
The woods around Blue Lake rang last week with the sounds of song and children at play during Camp Caldera's ReAct! program.
Some 40 children, mostly from Sisters, attended the week-long camp where they put together art, music and drama to bring to life the book "Tandy the Penguin," written by Helen Lester and illustrated by Lynn Munsinger.
The focus on bringing a book to life reflects the camp's partnership with the SMART (Start Making a Reader Today) reading development program in Sisters schools.
The students worked all week to create a theatrical production based on "Tandy."
"It's a book that celebrates individuality, so we're encouraging the kids to celebrate the uniqueness within themselves," said camp director Kirsten Kilchenstein.
Local artist Dennis McGregor led the kids in creating the visual setting for the play; musician and educator Brad Tisdel conducted the musical element; and Kit Stafford provided theatrical coaching and direction.
Reading, art and drama are only part of the program. Outdoor activities in the spectacular setting of Blue Lake are also offered. The campers rode in paddle boats, went horseback riding and swam.
Many of the campers return year after year -- with their expenses paid through scholarships. The focus is on children in kindergarten through third grade, but older kids are encouraged to return as junior counselors.
While this camp is mainly composed of Sisters kids, there were some who hailed from other parts of the state.
Myleen Roberts, 17, came from Portland with her friend Jamilah Cash, also 17.
Myleen, who won an internship through Self-Enhancement Inc. in Portland, was chosen to play Tandy, because everyone decided she could bring out the best performances in children.
"I love kids, I'm really comfortable with kids," she said.
Jim Cornelius is editor in chief of The Nugget and author of “Warriors of the Wildlands: True Tales of the Frontier Partisans.” A history buff, he explores frontier history across three centuries and several continents on his podcast, The Frontier Partisans. For more information visit www.frontierpartisans.com.
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