Each morning of camp, the Bay City Arts Center (BCAC) adapted to what campers needed for the day. Sometimes a rehearsal room, music studio, art space, and occasionally, a very forgiving juggling arena. It didn’t feel much like a camp, but more like a gathering in the best backyard on the block.
Thirty-five students, from various places in Tillamook County, participated in BCAC’s youth summer camp: “Create, Perform, & Imagine Week” hosted June 15-19. The day camp focused on drawing and painting, performance arts, juggling, improv, and sound and technical design.
“This camp provides opportunities for kids to do arts across the visual, performing, and music,” BCAC Executive Director Lauren Sorg said. “Our kids’ programming at BCAC has really solidified and is ongoing.”
Thanks to financial support from Tillamook Family Counseling Center and a grant from the Tillamook County Cultural Coalition (TCCC), the camp was free for all attending students and was able to fund four art instructor positions.
“We provided access to so much for their young hands and minds in this third space,” Sorg said. “And we created economic development by creating jobs.”
At the conclusion of the week-long camp, students wrote and performed their own songs to an audience of friends and family.
“This is a powerful example that kids are capable and learn to have unique expressions,” said Sorg.
This past season, TCCC awarded nearly $25,000 to local projects that follow the Coalition’s priorities of education, community arts, heritage, environment, and traditions. TCCC operates as the local administer of the Oregon Cultural Trust’s program in Tillamook County.
The TCCC is currently recruiting for new board members with a passion to support the mission of expanding the awareness of Tillamook County’s unique county culture.
If you’re interested in applying, visit tcpm.org/tillamook-co-cultural-coalition.html for an application and further instructions. Applications are reviewed by the board at their quarterly meetings and applicants will be contacted afterward with the decision.
