Bard in the Yard youth drama camps are back for a fourth consecutive summer in Delta.
The camps were launched in 2018 by actor and teacher Jim Martens as a unique outdoor activity-based day camp for youth who have completed Grade 4 and up.
Jim — Delta’s own Santa Claus — is joined this year by three other instructors, Julia Nichols (first year), Tom Schultes (fourth year), and Michael Kirk (fourth year).
There are two "Bard in the Yard" camps this summer: July 12 to 16 and Aug. 16 to 20 (from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day during those weeks).
All Bard in the Yard day camps take place outdoors in Tsawwassen and there are numerous tents for any inclement weather situations as well as a dedicated washroom facility for participants.
The popularity of the camp has brought a number of students back for their second year of involvement.
“I enjoy the fun, immersive learning environment at Bard in the Yard! We do role-play games to help us with improv, we laugh a lot, and you meet lots of new friends,” said Carys Woolford. “I love that I can be creative, and the actors decide what will happen in the scenes we are performing. You learn how to project your voice, to write your own monologues and scenes, and how to express emotions on stage.”
“Our camp director (Jim Martens) never fails to show up with a positive attitude that’s contagious to everyone in his vicinity, making Bard in the Yard a happy, safe place to ‘fail fast'. In a place where everyone looks a little goofy, all pretense of ‘looking cool’ or ‘fiting in' is chucked to the side, providing an optimal environment for learning and throwing yourself into improv,” added Mara Dawkins.
Ten percent of camp fees go towards Delta Youth Theatre student scholarships. It’s another way Bard in the Yard helps to build the future arts community in the Lower Mainland.
A maximum of 16 students can register per session. Visit here for all the information and an online registration form.
