Lions and tigers and bears—oh, my!
Camp inspires kids' imagination
PHYLLIS SALMONS
The Daytona Beach News-Journal
CORRESPONDENT
 Marian Strong Tomblin |
DAYTONA BEACH — Lions, and tigers, and bears, oh my! Most of us probably remember those timeless words from the Wizard of Oz.
Children today likely would change the chant somewhat. The pupils enrolled in the Museum of Arts and Sciences’ Summer Camp, “So You Want To Write A Book,” suggested that “Wizards, and fairies, and sharks, Oh my!” might better reflect characters of interest to children in the 21st Century.
The Museum of Arts and Sciences’ Summer Camp Program is celebrating its 22nd year and features 37 unusual art, history and sciences summer camps.
Pupils from 6 to 14 years old attend the camps at the museum, at 352 S. Nova Road in Daytona Beach.
Three of the camps were specially designed for children who are interested in honing their writing abilities.
Local historian and published author Marian Strong Tomblin led the “So You Want To Write A Book” camp during the first week of July. She shared writing tips and inspired the pupils to think of adjectives that are out of the ordinary as they toured the African Mask exhibit at the museum.
“At the end of the week, pupils will have written their very own book to take home,” said Mary Wentzel, curator of education at the Museum of Arts and Sciences. “This program, along with the Young Writer’s Camp and the Printmaking Workshop, are taking place this summer to teach children how to write and introducing them to the wide range of careers available for writers.”
Zachary Kometas, 9, a fourth-grader at Port Orange Elementary, said, “The book I am writing is about a sea creature from the Jurassic period. The adventure begins when my creature gets into the shark exhibit at Sea World. You’ll have to read my book to find out what happens.”
“My book is about a 12-year-old wizard and his adventures,” said Kaylei Barrett, 10, a fifth-grader at Port Orange Elementary. It is easy to see what inspired her. “At home, I am currently reading the sixth Harry Potter book,” she said.
For more information about summer camps, call curator of education Mary Wentzel at the Museum, (386) 255-0285.