The Willow Springs Arts Council recently concluded its Summer Arts Camp, a three-day program that brought local youth together to explore their creativity.
The camp, which organizers said saw its registration fill quickly, took place Tuesday through Thursday at the Ferguson Building in downtown Willow Springs. Through the week, children participated in hands-on projects designed to encourage imagination, self-expression and creativity.
Organizers were able to offer this year's camp free of charge to all participants thanks to a grant provided by Pizza Americana. The Willow Springs Community Foundation also contributed by providing snacks for the campers each day.
Camp sessions were led by instructor Ginny Thomason, assisted through the week by a team of community volunteers from the Willow Springs Arts Council, Rotary Club, Chamber Ambassadors and the Willow Springs Community Foundation, as well as employees from Simmons Bank and West Plains Bank.
As a special addition to the camp, local author Lori Foster attended the opening session to personally present each child with a donated copy of her children's book, "Hank & Edna's Big Adventure.”
"The success of this camp is a wonderful example of what can happen when community organizations, local businesses, and volunteers come together to invest in our children," the arts council stated in a press release. "We are incredibly thankful to everyone who is helping to make this year's camp such a memorable experience."
Following the overwhelming community response to this year's program, the Willow Springs Arts Council noted it looks forward to continuing the Summer Arts Camp in the years to come.
