Summer camp with a new twist and shout

Ken Johnston

With summer just about here, kids across the district will be soon heading
off to camp. However one summer camp that is gaining popularity is different than the traditional trip to Sunny Cove.
River Theatre Camp of Emo is in its third year of existence and focuses on
the development of musical and theatrical skills rather than boating or
building a campfire. The program is run by well known vocalist and music
teacher Renee Martin-Brown of Emo.
A friend from Eastern Ontario who had been involved with similar camps there
helped Renee get it going here in 2002.
The camp runs for five days in July and is open to kids 8-13 years of age.
Renee says, “No experience is necessary but an interest in music or theatre
would be good.”
A typical day, which will run from 9:30-4:30, begins with 1.5 hours of
singing and drama lessons. After a lunch break choreography to the songs is
worked on. By mid-week everything should be coming together.
This year the campers will be learning six songs for a production called
“Child of the World.” “They will sing and act about what it means to be a
child of the world,” explained Martin-Brown.
The music is contemporary and most of the numbers will be sung in unison. To
cap off the camp week a special performance highlighting their newly learned
skills will be held for parents and friends.
Martin-Brown has room for 30 participants and already has several kids from
Rainy River, Nestor Falls, Emo and Fort Frances areas.
Anyone interested in the camp can call her at 482-3055. Registration forms
are also available at several locations around the district. In Rainy River
they are available at the Rainy River Record.