New JCC Camp is First of its Kind in Baltimore

Baltimore Icons Look to Pass the Torch to a Younger Generation

By: Eli Kaufman

Native Baltimore actress and news reporter Maria Broom is one of six local teaching artists working with the Jewish Community Center (JCC) in Owings Mills for its new Performing Arts Camp, Habimah.  Campers entering grades 1-5 will learn, create and perform during two 2-week sessions.  Broom, who will be teaching a Village Dance class, will incorporate simple choreography, minimal technique, creative freedom, and music from around the world that will inspire happiness and creativity for all involved.  Students will rotate between six different specialties:  drumming and percussion, musical theater, stage combat, vocal music and village dance.  They also will experience traditional outdoor camp activities including swimming every day.

Involving the Community

At camp this summer, the JCC, an agency of The Associated: Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore, “has the honor of partnering with great arts organizations like Centerstage, Children's Chorus of Maryland and Single Carrot Theater to bring in high-caliber artists to lead our sessions, says Camp Director Gabe Lewin.  “Seeing the level of talent and professionalism that they bring sets us on a very high trajectory. Our campers are very lucky. I wish I had this kind of experience when I was a kid.” 

Starting Them Young

Lewin says the Arts and Culture department at the JCC “wanted to find a way to add a camp program to focus on performing arts and decided to start it with elementary school kids with an eye to the future as well.”  This year, 40 campers will be accepted per session.  Each session will be different so campers can sign up for both if they choose to do so. 

Sheer Excitement

Lewin believes this is a wonderful experience for campers.  “I am awestruck about the artists our campers get to work with.  They will have exposure to a Broadway dance captain, a renowned television actress and a top vocal music teacher, as well as other exciting artists from around Baltimore who are the top of their fields.”  The excitement brewing about this new camp is definitely growing.  The first session is already almost full and the second is filling quickly. 

Making it to the Big Stage

The campers will have the opportunity to perform in the Gordon Center for the Performing Arts on the Rosenbloom Owings Mills JCC Campus in front of friends and family at the end of their session.  The camp will run from July 7 – August 1, 2014.