Latest news with #summerCamp
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
LSUS to host fantasy and sci-fi writing summer camp for teenagers
SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) — Young aspiring writers in Shreveport can now refine their craft. LSU Shreveport encouraging children to explore their passions Louisiana State University Shreveport Division of Continuing Education will host a summer camp for teenagers aged 13 to 18. During this camp, students, whether beginners or experienced writers, will learn various techniques to tell stories, enhancing their writing skills. The cost to attend the program is $159. It will take place from June 2 to June 5, running daily from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Only 14 slots are available for the youth camp. This year's summer camp drop-off and pick-up will be in the Technology Building, which is at the entrance of the LSUS Collaborative. To purchase your ticket, visit Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The magic of summer camp inspired Charis Cotter's new novel
Charis Cotter says some of her earliest memories are of attending summer camp as a child in Ontario. "We'd have dress-up nights and skits. I loved the skits. And singing, the singing was great. To me [it] was just magical," she said. She draws on these magical memories for her latest novel The Mystery of the Haunted Dance Hall, which tells the story of a girl who goes to summer camp for the first time and encounters a ghostly mystery. The prolific and award-winning author of children's books moved to Western Bay, Newfoundland, about 15 years ago, after spending most of her life in Toronto. She believes the move gave her the same sense of vitality she used to experience in the summers of her childhood. "Growing up in the city, but going out and being in the country, I just felt like I came alive. It was where I belonged. It inspired me," she said. Living next to a large cemetery in Toronto, and then moving into a house situated between two cemeteries in Western Bay, she has always been drawn to the sense of wonder graveyards inspire. "I always want there to be more to life than what you can see and touch, that there's something more mysterious happening, and magical," she said. In her writing, she approaches the idea of the supernatural with a sense of playfulness rather than fear. "To me it's a key to get into a child's imagination. It's with grownups, too. You start talking about ghosts, and immediately everyone is listening." Cotter has authored more than a dozen books for young readers, garnering accolades from the Newfoundland and Labrador Book Awards and the Atlantic Book Awards for children's literature, plus national and international awards. Yet, her first passion was acting, and she still brings that early love to her craft through engaging presentations. Cotter especially enjoys visiting children in classrooms. Drawing on her theatre training — she studied acting in Toronto and London, England — she presents dramatic readings in character and helps children learn to tell their own stories. Among her many personas, she has given readings dressed as Queen Elizabeth II and as a housecleaning ghost from Scottish lore. She also does creative writing workshops with school children. Two of her titles, The Ghosts of Baccalieu and The Ghosts of Southwest Arm, are collections of stories arising out of these classroom writing workshops. "I want to stimulate kids' imaginations," she said. "I want them to be creative and lose themselves in daydreams and use their imaginations because I just think it's vital to human existence and creativity." In The Mystery of the Haunted Dance Hall, the young protagonist feels different from other kids and is nervous about attending summer camp for the first time. In fact, many of Cotter's novels feature characters who feel out of step with their peers. "I think a lot of kids feel that way," she said. "I think kids can relate on some level to that feeling of not being sure of yourself and not being sure of your friends … or feeling that you're weird or different." What inspires her to write about these young characters? Cotter believes she is a 10-year-old at heart. "Everybody has an age that they are inside that's not their chronological age, it's their psychological age or the age that they operate from and see the world around them. And I always say that I'm 10 inside," she said. "There's insecurity, hesitation, but the world is opening up." Whether she's writing a new ghost story or telling tales to a room full of fifth graders, Cotter is driven by a deep empathy for the children she engages with. "I want their emotional experience of life to be validated," she said. Sometimes in a classroom setting, a child will disclose their real-life experience of grief. "Somebody will say, my father died last year, or my grandmother died. And then I have to try to respond to them in a way that isn't just playing, it's something more. And it's very moving when that happens." Ultimately, Cotter's goal is to inspire delight in her young readers. "My books are always to do with ghosts, and ghosts have to do with death. So, there is a sadness in my books. But my main purpose in writing is always to give the reader a good time, to entertain them and have fun, and pull them into another world," she said. In the coming months, Cotter will offer signing events in Newfoundland and Ontario. She also hopes to do another school tour in the fall. Copies of The Mystery of the Haunted Dance Hall are available in all bookstores. Her next local book signing will take place at Coles in the Village Mall in St. John's on Saturday, June 14, from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Download our free CBC News app to sign up for push alerts for CBC Newfoundland and Labrador. Click here to visit our landing page.
CBC
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- CBC
The magic of summer camp inspired Charis Cotter's new novel
Charis Cotter says some of her earliest memories are of attending summer camp as a child in Ontario. "We'd have dress-up nights and skits. I loved the skits. And singing, the singing was great. To me [it] was just magical," she said. She draws on these magical memories for her latest novel The Mystery of the Haunted Dance Hall, which tells the story of a girl who goes to summer camp for the first time and encounters a ghostly mystery. The prolific and award-winning author of children's books moved to Western Bay, Newfoundland, about 15 years ago, after spending most of her life in Toronto. She believes the move gave her the same sense of vitality she used to experience in the summers of her childhood. "Growing up in the city, but going out and being in the country, I just felt like I came alive. It was where I belonged. It inspired me," she said. Living next to a large cemetery in Toronto, and then moving into a house situated between two cemeteries in Western Bay, she has always been drawn to the sense of wonder graveyards inspire. "I always want there to be more to life than what you can see and touch, that there's something more mysterious happening, and magical," she said. In her writing, she approaches the idea of the supernatural with a sense of playfulness rather than fear. "To me it's a key to get into a child's imagination. It's with grownups, too. You start talking about ghosts, and immediately everyone is listening." An author and a performer Cotter has authored more than a dozen books for young readers, garnering accolades from the Newfoundland and Labrador Book Awards and the Atlantic Book Awards for children's literature, plus national and international awards. Yet, her first passion was acting, and she still brings that early love to her craft through engaging presentations. Cotter especially enjoys visiting children in classrooms. Drawing on her theatre training — she studied acting in Toronto and London, England — she presents dramatic readings in character and helps children learn to tell their own stories. Among her many personas, she has given readings dressed as Queen Elizabeth II and as a housecleaning ghost from Scottish lore. She also does creative writing workshops with school children. Two of her titles, The Ghosts of Baccalieu and The Ghosts of Southwest Arm, are collections of stories arising out of these classroom writing workshops. "I want to stimulate kids' imaginations," she said. "I want them to be creative and lose themselves in daydreams and use their imaginations because I just think it's vital to human existence and creativity." In The Mystery of the Haunted Dance Hall, the young protagonist feels different from other kids and is nervous about attending summer camp for the first time. In fact, many of Cotter's novels feature characters who feel out of step with their peers. "I think a lot of kids feel that way," she said. "I think kids can relate on some level to that feeling of not being sure of yourself and not being sure of your friends … or feeling that you're weird or different." What inspires her to write about these young characters? Cotter believes she is a 10-year-old at heart. "Everybody has an age that they are inside that's not their chronological age, it's their psychological age or the age that they operate from and see the world around them. And I always say that I'm 10 inside," she said. "There's insecurity, hesitation, but the world is opening up." Tender subjects Whether she's writing a new ghost story or telling tales to a room full of fifth graders, Cotter is driven by a deep empathy for the children she engages with. "I want their emotional experience of life to be validated," she said. Sometimes in a classroom setting, a child will disclose their real-life experience of grief. "Somebody will say, my father died last year, or my grandmother died. And then I have to try to respond to them in a way that isn't just playing, it's something more. And it's very moving when that happens." Ultimately, Cotter's goal is to inspire delight in her young readers. "My books are always to do with ghosts, and ghosts have to do with death. So, there is a sadness in my books. But my main purpose in writing is always to give the reader a good time, to entertain them and have fun, and pull them into another world," she said. In the coming months, Cotter will offer signing events in Newfoundland and Ontario. She also hopes to do another school tour in the fall. Copies of The Mystery of the Haunted Dance Hall are available in all bookstores. Her next local book signing will take place at Coles in the Village Mall in St. John's on Saturday, June 14, from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Yahoo
8 Nostalgic Southern Summer Camps That Feel Straight Out Of The Movies
There are two kinds of people in the world: those who spent their summers at camp, and those who lived vicariously through movies like The Parent Trap. Whether you were more of a Hallie or an Annie, there's no forgetting the iconic moments at Camp Walden for Girls—fencing matches in button-downs, lake dips, prank wars, and all the secrets whispered across bunk beds. Only movies with that much whimsy could make us want to pack a trunk and disappear into the woods for eight weeks. Those kinds of summers might feel like a thing of the past, but they're not gone entirely. Across the South, there are still camps that lean into the magic of handwritten letters, canoe races, campfire songs, and days so full that phones don't even cross your mind. This summer, your kids can have that dreamy, screen-free camp experience—and you might even sneak in a little adventure of your own while they're away. Here are eight Southern summer camps that deliver on old-school charm and movie-worthy moments (minus the twin switcheroo). Sapphire, North Carolina With stone gates, white-uniformed campers, and a scenic lake framed by mountain peaks, Camp Merrie-Woode is about as close as it gets to Annie and Hallie's summer paradise. A girls-only camp founded in 1919, Merrie-Woode leans into tradition with candlelight ceremonies, hand-written letters home, and skill-based progression through activities like canoeing, rock climbing, horseback riding, and theater. Tech stays home, so memories can be made. While the kids are at camp: Head to the nearby town of Highlands for cool mountain breezes, waterfall hikes, antique browsing, and elevated Appalachian dining. You can even have your own camping adventure at Outpost Inn, a summer-camp inspired boutique lodge featuring bikes, guest happy hours, and even complimentary banana bread. 100 Merrie-Woode Rd, Sapphire, NC 28774; 828-743-3300 Plan Your Trip Lake Wylie, South Carolina Camp Thunderbird has welcomed kids to the shores of Lake Wylie since 1936. The days at this co-ed camp move at the perfect summer pace—sunlight sparkling on the water during sailing and canoeing, camp-wide games that fill the afternoon with laughter, and evenings spent gathered around the fire sharing stories and songs. The camp's flexible sessions, from day to overnight programs, make it easy to fit into any summer schedule. While the kids are at camp: You can be at camp, too! Parents can join in on the fun during Family Weekend Camps—special weekends where families can unplug with zip lining, canoeing, pony rides, and more. The all-inclusive weekends include private cabin stays, all meals, expert instruction, and a mix of independent and staff-led activities for all ages. If camping isn't calling your name, Charlotte, North Carolina is just 20 miles away. 1 Thunderbird Ln, Lake Wylie, SC 29710; 704-716-4100 Plan Your Trip Mentone, Alabama These faith-based girls' camps in the mountains of Mentone still lean into the rhythms of an old-school summer. Days are filled with horseback rides through wooded trails, canoeing on the Little River, archery practice, and tie-dye under the trees. Evenings end on a peaceful note with activities like candlelit vespers. Camp DeSoto hosts month-long sessions, while nearby Camp Skyline offers flexible session lengths from two to eight weeks (with discounts for campers attending multiple sessions). While the kids are at camp: Explore the artsy enclave of Mentone—home to mountain cabins, galleries, and the beloved Wildflower Café. Book a stay at Mentone Inn, then hike to DeSoto Falls or Cloudland Canyon for Appalachian views. 264 Highway Above the Clouds, Mentone, AL 35984; 256-634-4394 4888 AL-117, Mentone, AL 35984; 256-634-4001 Plan Your Trip Mills River, North Carolina Perched atop Old Forge Mountain, this co-ed, tech-free camp blends classic camp traditions with just the right amount of adventure. Campers spend their days kayaking on the South Mills River, scaling the climbing wall, tubing, horseback riding, and even trying their hand at flint-knapping (making tools from stone). Evenings bring the magic of Highlander's signature programs—think talent shows, campfires, and spirited cabin competitions. There's a rhythm for every family, with options ranging from 8-day intro stays to 2- and 4-week sessions. While the kids are at camp: Venture to the nearby town of Hendersonville, where you can stroll along Main Street's charming shops and eateries, visit local apple orchards, or catch panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains at the Jump Off Rock overlook. When it's time to rest, head back to Mill River for a charming stay at the Bed & Breakfast on Tiffany Hill. 42 Dalton Rd, Horse Shoe, NC 28742; 828-891-7721 Plan Your Trip Mt. Berry, Georgia With rolling hills, winding trails, and a backdrop that looks straight out of a vintage summer movie, the WinShape Camps at Mount Berry effortlessly channel golden-era camp energy. These faith-based camps—one for girls, one for boys—run in parallel but separately, each offering its own blend of tradition and adventure. Days are screen-free and full of classic camp moments: canoeing on quiet lakes, themed dress-up nights, and pottery and archery under the pines. Campers can join for day programs, overnight stays, or even bring the whole crew for a family camp weekend. While the kids are at camp: Join the camp for mom/daughter weekends, or have your own getaway in nearby Rome, Georgia. Stroll through the shops downtown, hike the historic Jackson Hill Trail System, or even spend the night under twinkly lights in the Black Bear Treehouse by Treeline Vacations. 2277 Martha Berry Hwy, Mt Berry, GA 30149; 844-972-2677 Plan Your Trip Trinity, Texas Camp Olympia feels like a nostalgic summer camp at its best—lively, adventurous, and easy to forget phones ever existed. Located on Lake Livingston, this co-ed camp draws thrill seekers with a lineup of activities like wakeboarding, ziplining, horseback riding, and a ropes course. With sessions ranging from one to four weeks and options for day camp or overnight stays, families can tailor the experience to fit their summer schedule. Keep an eye on the special events calendar for family weekends. While the kids are at camp: Explore Trinity's small town charm, or enjoy your own lake getaway with a 50-minute drive to Conroe, Texas, where Lake Conroe is cozied up next to a lively downtown filled with galleries, antique shops, and food spots. 723 Olympia Dr, Trinity, TX 75862; 936-594-2541 Plan Your Trip Alderson, West Virginia This all-boys camp knows all about classic summers. Established in 1898, it's the oldest privately-owned summer camp in continuous operation in the United States. Boys aged 7-15 choose from a variety of activities, including archery, rock climbing, canoeing, and team sports like basketball and soccer. For older campers, the Leadership Academy provides a three-week program focusing on outdoor adventures and leadership skills. Camp sessions are available in 20-day, 40-day, or full-season options. While the kids are at camp: Spend time exploring Alderson and the surrounding Greenbrier Valley, where scenic drives, quiet river views, and farmers markets are abundant. Nearby Lewisburg—a small town with an artsy streak—has plenty of galleries, bookstores, and cafes. And if you're in the mood for a splurge, The Greenbrier resort isn't far, offering spa treatments, golf, and a peek into old-school Appalachian luxury. 100 Camp Greenbrier Dr, Alderson, WV 24910; 304-445-7168 Plan Your Trip Millboro Springs, Virginia This small retreat tucked away in the Allegheny Mountains is the hidden gem of summer camps. An all-girls camp along the Cowpasture River, Camp Mont Shenandoah emphasizes tradition, community, and the joys of screen-free living. Campers engage in activities like canoeing, archery, tennis, and arts and crafts, all set against a backdrop of rustic cabins and tall pines. Friendships are fueled by campfires, songs, and candlelit reflections. While the kids are at camp: Fall in love with the charm of Bath County, known for its natural springs, scenic hiking trails, and historic sites. Visit the nearby town of Warm Springs to enjoy local eateries and shops, or unwind at the renowned Warm Springs Pools for a relaxing dip in mineral-rich waters. 218 Mont Shenandoah Ln, Millboro, VA 24460; 540-997-5994 Plan Your Trip Read the original article on Southern Living
Fox News
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Fox News
A bold move to rescue Chicago's youth from leftist dependency
Print Close By Corey Brooks Published May 13, 2025 Most of the youth I mentor on the South Side of Chicago come from the projects and from single-parent households. The sad reality is that the government plays a big role in the lives of these kids, from food on the table to the kind of education they receive. No child in America should have to grow up with this kind of dependency on a faceless bureaucracy — every child deserves to grow up in a world of true opportunity where they have a shot to make themselves into somebodies. That is why I am launching an unprecedented summer camp initiative that is designed to end this cycle of dependency for once and for all. The camp — "Secure the Bag: God's Way—Small Investors, Big Futures" — will directly challenge the destructive victimhood narrative of the Left and steer them toward the American Dream, where they will learn how to seek and create their own opportunities. Most of these young children have no idea that living a life of dependency on the government is not normal. Some of them come from families that have had five or seven generations on the government dole. The first thing we plan to do is disabuse them of that notion that this way of living is normal. CAPTAIN AMERICA AND THE FIRST TWO LESSONS I TEACH MY KIDS ON CHICAGO'S SOUTH SIDE While Chicago politicians debate endlessly about solutions, this summer we will teach our youth that conservative or American values are the ones that truly lift individuals out of poverty. We will teach them the values of hard work, personal responsibility, entrepreneurship, and faith-based stewardship. At our camp this summer we will educate young minds on how government checks along with handouts have never lifted anyone out of poverty permanently. They instead trap their families and communities in endless cycles of dependency where there is little dignity to be had. We will educate these young minds on how government checks along with handouts have never lifted anyone out of poverty permanently. They instead trap their families and communities in endless cycles of dependency where there is little dignity to be had. Worse, the habit of ambition and aspiration is never learned. Our youth must learn to reject the false promises of the radical left and instead choose the path of freedom, self-reliance, and their God-given potential. I know freedom is scary for many. It exposes the flaws within us. But that is what this camp is for. So we can see where we stand today and begin the work to improve ourselves so that we may one day have the strength to not only create our own opportunities but pursue them with the resilience and faith that is needed to turn them into reality. CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINION Tasha grew up in this world of dependency and her upbringing has not been an easy one. Her father was killed by a bullet and her mother works two jobs to provide for the family. Tasha admires her mother's strength and courage and she dreams of giving back to her mother and lifting her family out of poverty. See? She has the dream. A dream that is so natural to most of us if we were to find ourselves in her shoes. But Tasha doesn't know where the pathway to opportunity is. That is why I created this camp for kids like Tasha. For the entire summer, she will learn that she is capable, valuable, and designed for greatness. We will tell her that she must refuse to allow herself to be defined by tragedy or dependency. Her life must not be wasted. Faith and self-reliance will instead be her guiding lights. Today, more than ever, America stands at a crossroads. We can continue to fund failed government programs that breed poverty and all the ills that come along with it or we can invest directly in individuals like Tasha. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP It is my hope that you will support our camp with your prayers and anything else you feel called to do and help us change the culture in our country by installing the American values of faith, hard work, and education as the true pathways to a life of opportunity. Stand with us. Help us secure the bag, God's way. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM PASTOR COREY BROOKS Print Close URL
