Kids discover their creative energies
& their Creator’s love
 Ambridge Arts Camp is a program of Ambridge Youth Ignite, a year-around program that seeks to meet the needs of the youth in Ambridge and helps them to become engaged members of their community. Kayleigh Shebs, graduate of the Josiah Project and Director of the Arts Camp this summer, shares how God is reaching young people through the arts.
What do you get when you combine 6 weeks, 15 colors of paint, 30 homemade drums, 2 plays, and 30 awesome kids? Ambridge Arts Camp!
Ambridge Arts Camp is in its second summer of ministering to youth in Ambridge, PA, in conjunction with Ambridge Sports Camp (pioneered by Josiah Project graduates Eric and Shea Geisbert in 2004). The two programs merged to form Ambridge Youth Ignite in the winter of 2007. The Mission of Ambridge Arts Camp is to help the kids of Ambridge get off the streets and away from their TVs to discover the power of their creative energies and the love of their Creator.
Through Arts Camp, kids get to experience drama, fine arts and music from the perspectives of actor, artist and musician. Not only do kids get to learn about arts through hands-on activities, they also get to create their own art, music and plays.
Each session the kids also participate in a community project. We strongly believe in the power of God and art to transform communities, and we give our kids a chance to bring the arts to Ambridge through a Community Showcase. Each Community Showcase features a presentation of an arts project that has been created for the Community. These events are held at a park in the center of town and the entire community is invited.
On Thursday nights, we have a chance to share with the kids the love of their Creator. We have a Pizza in the Park night, where kids can come for some free pizza, fun games, and the chance to hear the testimony of one of the camp coaches. God has really moved in this time, and it is exciting to see seeds of the gospel being planted in the hearts of the kids.
 We have been fortunate to build an even stronger relationship with the youth of Ambridge who returned from last year’s camp. It has been neat to see their appreciation for the arts grow. Some of our kids have discovered a real talent for fine arts and drama! It is an honor to be a part of their journey. Here’s what they have to say, in their own words:
“I love Camp! My favorite thing is when we were pantomiming. We learn a lot about theatre and the different parts of a stage and about blocking. I meet lots of new friends and it gives me something to do.” -John V, age 11
“At the end of the school year I was so happy because I got to go to 6 weeks of Arts Camp with my cousins and my brother. I was so happy to see the coaches again, and I was even happier because there was going to be a play. I hope that Arts Camp is here for a long time.” -Emily B, age 9
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