(Photo: Renaissance Adventures)
A look into local creative summer camps
Renaissance Adventures stands out as a beacon for kids seeking an extraordinary summer experience. (Photo: Renaissance Adventures).
n the picturesque landscapes of Colorado, unique and exciting opportunities await kids that can foster their creativity and develop essential social skills. Summer camps like Renaissance Adventures and Boulder Performing Arts Co. offer immersive experiences that go beyond traditional activities. These camps provide a haven for young minds to explore the realms of fantasy and develop crucial social and emotional skills.
Renaissance Adventures stands out as a beacon for kids seeking an extraordinary summer experience. Offering a variety of programs, including Adventure Quest, Star Quest, PlayQuest, and specialized teen programs like Tabletop Games and Knight CIT, this camp caters to diverse interests within the geek community.
The Adventure Quest program takes campers on an exhilarating journey through a fantasy world. Guided by expert game masters and story crafters, participants not only play tabletop role-playing games but also actively contribute to the creation of the narrative. The emphasis on collaborative storytelling fosters teamwork, critical thinking, and imaginative problem-solving – skills that extend far beyond the game table.
Star Quest, another offering from Renaissance Adventures, propels campers into the cosmos, exploring intergalactic adventures. The program encourages kids to stretch their creativity by delving into the science fiction genre. Through engaging activities and quests, campers develop a range of skills, from communication to strategic thinking.
For teenagers, Renaissance Adventures provides specialized programs that delve into the world of tabletop games and leadership development. The Knight CIT (Counselor-in-Training) program empowers teens to take on leadership roles, honing their organizational and mentoring skills.
But it’s not just about games and quests. Research from Foundry10 emphasizes the importance of tabletop role-playing games in building social and emotional skills among youth. These games provide a unique platform for participants to navigate social dynamics, express creativity, and develop empathy. Foundry10’s findings support the idea that the collaborative and imaginative nature of role-playing games contributes positively to social skills development.
On the other side of the spectrum, Boulder Performing Arts Co. offers a different avenue for geek kids to explore their passion for creativity. With camps running Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., participants engage in various performing arts activities. From acting and directing to operating cameras and creating sets, campers get hands-on experience in the world of performing arts.
Campers at Boulder Performing Arts Co. receive a digital copy of their movie, showcasing their talents in acting and filmmaking. The camp provides costumes, and students actively contribute to set and prop creation, adding a layer of personalization to their artistic endeavors.
Aspiring young artists are encouraged to bring snacks, a water bottle, and lunch, creating an environment where they can focus on honing their skills without worrying about logistics.
Renaissance Adventures and Boulder Performing Arts Co. provide a unique platform for kids to not only embrace their passions but also build the social and emotional skills that will serve them well beyond the summer months.
By Ben Haney, Raised in the Rockies
