Cameras Will Roll at Operation Military Kids Art Camp
Operation: Military Kids (OMK) will host a multi-faceted arts workshop for children of National Guard, Army Reserve, and Active Duty soldiers on June 21 to 25 at the C.A. Vines Arkansas 4-H Center in Ferndale. The camp is one of many activities offered to military youth through age 18 in the year-round Arkansas OMK program, a partnership of Army Child and Youth Services, and the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension 4-H Program. Arkansas partners include Ozark Foothills FilmFest, Inc., the Red Cross, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Ozark Foothills FilmFest will conduct its Community Documentary Workshop with a group of as many as ten students. Working with Michael Merritt and Michad Holliday, two filmmaker/educators, the group will make a documentary film about the five-day camp. Students will receive hands-on training in all filmmaking functions as they work to create their film. The film will also incorporate the students and activities in the other workshops. Paula Morell, a widely-published writer, educator, and creator and host of Tales from the South on KUAR, will lead a creative writing workshop. Actor/educator Jason Suel, with the Tricycle Theatre for Youth (better known as Trike) will lead a drama workshop. Acclaimed Memphis-based quilt artist and educator Judith Dierkes will lead a workshop in Story Quilts.
Arkansas OMK Project Director Maureen Rose sees the camp as “a community with a shared purpose, giving a voice to military kids through the arts. We’re hoping to use the workshop film to spread the word about OMK around the state.” Ozark Foothills FilmFest president Bob Pest calls it “an incredible opportunity for the participants. We have a lot of talented artist/educators, people assembled who understand how the arts allow young people to express themselves and face their fears and concerns.”
Camp capacity is 40 students; the age range is 13-18. Some spaces are available for youth who do not have a deployed parent as part of the “Speak Out for Military Youth” initiative that seeks to foster both understanding of the sacrifices military families make and community support for those families.
In addition to the workshops, participants are given time every day for swimming, hiking, and other outdoor activities. Lodging, meals, and snacks are provided.
To register or for more information, contact Maureen Rose at 501-671-2066 or mrose@uaex.edu.
