A Letter from our Director

Yes, indeed, there IS beauty in the world and we got to see, hear and experience it every day while we were at Agawam for Camp CenterStage 2011. Every morning we danced to that song and it was a reminder to look for the butterflies and the blue skies, which we did! While newspapers and the evening televised news are filled with what is wrong with our world, CCS is a refreshing reminder of all that is right with our world.

I saw unbargaining acts of service every day. Campers helping each other, encouraging each other and cheering for each other. I watched brothers and sisters "buddy up" at the waterfront; campers offering the last piece of lasagna to someone else; CITs leading their cabins in clean-up projects; CCS campers teaching dance moves to cancer patients; young people creating a bridge across the generations to share stories, sing-a-longs and hugs.

I saw an entire community of people who were seeking the joy every day. Joy was found by rolling down the hill; jumping in the lake; singing about a great big moose named Fred (who drank a lot of juice); roasting marshmallows by a campfire; tie dying t-shirts; lending a helping hand and giggling a lot of giggles.

I heard many kataikis and witnessed many of these goals being accomplished.

There is beauty in the world and it is my sincerest hope that you will continue to see the beauty, seek the beauty and create the beauty to be shared with all those around you. Remember to shake your booty boys and girls for the beauty in the world - and come dance with me. See you in December when we dance at the reunion!

Until next year: Aloha and Thank You!
Alexis

Parent Testimonials

"Thank you once again for an amazing camping experience for our two girls. I'm sure this email is like many others you receive. But you can never say it too many times. You are appreciated. Your time and energy is valuable and that makes it all the more wonderful that you do this for these children."

"First of all I want to tell you that Jake had an incredible time at CSS. He absolutely LOVED the musical theater class and I hope you will pass on my thanks to Brian. The kids’ performance of the first act from Into the Woods was extremely impressive (as were the other performances)! Brian obviously set the bar high and the kids excelled."

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A Memorable Camper Quote

"When I'm at CCS, I'm not homesick. But when I'm home, I'm CCS-sick!"

Guest Artists Visit CCS

This summer Camp CenterStage was honored to have several guest artists visit campus and share their skills by teaching workshops and hosting forums for all to enjoy.

PeggyRae Johnson of "Professionally Speaking" and Keene State College visited CCS and offered a master workshop on audition skills. Campers were treated to the guidance and skills of PeggyRae who has over 220 theater, television, radio and voice over credits to her name. She lead campers through a mock audition and focused on relaxation, projection, confidence and monologue analysis.

Crystal Lisbon, co-founder and Artistic Director of Astolat Arts in Boston (and last year’s Bates Cabin Counselor), joined CCS for three fun-filled days and offered a workshop on stage dialects, which created a campus of Scottish and British sounding campers. Crystal also lead a workshop in pantomime, which culminated in a standing ovation performance of a massive tug-of-war. Crystal was also able to join us for our Flashback to the Future dance!

Having just finished a year and a half international tour with the hit musical "Avenue Q", Ben Hart visited Camp CenterStage and treated us all to an outstanding performance as well as some puppetry pointers. The entire camp attended an afternoon seminar on being a working actor. This practicum featured Ben along with our very own Dance Director, Brian Swasey and Musical Theater teacher, Katie Rondeau. Later in the evening Ben helped build our campfire on the beach and joined in an ol' fashioned sing-a-long.

CCS 2011 Outreach Day

During our Community Outreach day this year, CCS campers once again shared their smiles and talents with elderly residents at Casco Inn and children with life threatening illnesses at Camp Sunshine. CCS campers were able to lead activities, sing songs, and share what they had learned at Camp CenterStage. Through song, dance, stories and play our CCS campers were selfless in their actions and true understanding of helping others in the community on this day. Campers showed great maturity and kindness throughout the day, and many shared their enthusiasm about continuing to volunteer in their home communities.

Here are a few pictures taken during this year's session. Campers and parents may visit our secure picture website to view the entire collection of pictures and videos! You must login using the password that was sent to you.

CCS 2011 Pictures

Here are a just few pictures taken during this year's session. Campers and parents may visit our secure picture website to view the entire collection of pictures and videos! You must login using the password that was sent to you.