Next week, parents need to be on the lookout for a treasure likely buried beneath gum wrappers, classroom notes and a ball mitt in their child’s backpack.
It’s the annual summer packet that lists a cornucopia of activities for area children this summer.
For the second year in a row, the Heritage Arts Camp at the Bowlus Fine Arts Center will encourage children to experience the arts and history of a bygone era with two one-week camps.
“Last year we focused on our country’s mixed heritage — the cultures of European, African American and Native Americans,” said Traci Plumlee, bookkeeper for the Bowlus and a local Girl Scout leader.
“This year, the first week centers on the entertainment arts with the second week focusing on home economics and the ground rules of etiquette,” Plumlee said.
The first week, June 25-28, will be geared for youths age 4 up through eighth grade.
The second week’s programs will include a preschool for children 3-5 as well as programs geared for children in kindergarten up through eighth grade.
All classes are in the Bowlus. Cost is $25 per session. The fee for preschoolers is $15, with their session lasting from 9 to 11 a.m. All other classes are from 8 a.m. to 11:30 and include snacks.
Beth Toland, early childhood education coordinator at Allen Community College, will assist Plumlee with the two camps.
Each day a special presenter will lead children in the activities for the day.
The first workshop will feature Ted Clous of the ACC music department teaching students the intracies of a marching band, including the history of the Iola Municipal Band, now in its 141th season.
“He’ll teach students the different roles of a marching band including what a drum major does, the importance of the bass drummers and how to keep straight lines,” Plumlee said, hoping students will get permission to use the courthouse lawn for practice.
“Their instruments may only be pots and pans,” Plumlee said, “But they’re sure to have fun.
That act is followed the second day with Regina Christenson, Iola High School English teacher, giving a drama workshop focused on silent films.
“Kids will see a Buster Keaton movie, study the different styles of acting, including mime,” she said.
Dancing, possible square dancing, will be the feature of the third day of the arts camp. “I’m hoping to find a square dancing group — complete with the fancy skirts and scarves — come perform for the students,” Plumlee said.
