Newtown’s SMART Program To Mark 20 Years This Summer

This summer marks the 20th anniversary of the SMART (Summer Music and Arts) Summer Camp Program in Newtown.

Since 1991, as part of Newtown Continuing Education, SMART Camp has offered educational, creative, and fun summer courses for thousands of local children in kindergarten through sixth grade. Classes on art, music, science, and performance — taught by professional artists and local teachers — are offered through the camp.

To celebrate 20 years this summer, there are several new class offerings, including Small World Design, focusing on terrariums and ecosystem creativity; The Science of Art, a look at energy and other scientific themes in art projects; Textile Creations, a course on tie-dye, silk screening, and weaving; Puppet Making; Songwriting; and Vocal Performance.

 “Our plans for our 20th summer include exciting new classes with our exceptional artist instructors, camp tee shirts and other great gifts,” said Director of Newtown Continuing Education Elissa Gellis. “The creative energy and excitement is what keeps our campers coming back each year. This milestone is also a time for us to thank the community and our SMART alumni for spreading the word over the years and passing on their love for the program to siblings and friends. We offer a truly fun way to learn and explore, and is an awesome choice for children looking for summer fun that is affordable and really unique.”

In addition to lessons in “icky sticky chemistry,” jewelry making, painting, keyboarding, clay and more, SMART programs take place in an environment that is highly supervised by professional teachers and energized by Newtown High School student interns — most of whom are SMART alumni.

 “Along with our teachers, artists, and interns, the campers get to explore, create, laugh, and play in a great, safe environment,” Ms Gellis said. “That has always been a bonus about our camp — parents feel very comfortable sending their children to us knowing that they will have a blast and be well cared for. We also take time with the them on the playground for some additional fun with their classmates.”

SMART programs run from 8:30 am to 1 pm, July 5 to 29. Enrollment is for two or four weeks. SMART programs are held at Head O’ Meadow School, and are open to residents and non-residents alike.

 Session one, from July 5 to 15, is $287; session two, July 18 to 29, is $319. All art materials are included.

For more information on SMART go to www.summersmartcampct.org.