What does the 2020 Covid19 Summer look like for Kids?

Wondering what Covid summer 2020 will look like for your kids? Why not sign them up for Brookline SmartSummers, an enrichment program for children providing themed offerings to a wide range of students from the Brookline community that gives them a chance to explore different topics while making new friends.

The program is in its 25th year providing summer fun for kids ready for a change. Brookline SmartSummers Theater Arts Program, now in its 16th year is planning a zoom of an array of classes! The Theatre Arts Program run by Daniel Lipton, a second grade teacher at CCS, and staff are professional artists and educators in and around Brookline. The creative team is planning for another summer of theatrical engagement.

Many of its staff (such as Georgia Lagadinos, Jon Weinberger, and Maraux Skalecki) have deep roots in the Brookline Public Schools and have been with the program for over ten years. According to Monica von Huene, SmartSummers Program Coordinator, “In typical summers, we create original musicals and perform them, build websites that showcase a wide array of computer skills, introduce young artists to new levels of creativity using a variety of mediums, play basketball, put on puppet plays, speak Spanish, and more! This summer, due to coronavirus, we are planning to take the programming online.”

Registration can be found at brooklineadulted.org, https://sites.google.com/site/smartsummerstheaterarts/home, or by emailing theaterartscamp@aol.com. It’s Facebook page is Brookline SmartSummers Theater Arts Program or find them on twitter at https://twitter.com/TheaterArtsCamp.

Huene, says, “The majority of our programming will take place on Zoom in July and August, although we will keep some of our August in-person programs available for registration. All of our online classes are approximately an hour long, and families can choose whether to join one class only, or make a day of it. Whether students are taking one class or many each day, each themed program will build toward a final project or showcase of some sort. SmartSummers has always prided itself on being an enriching opportunity. We hope to continue with that programming goal.”

Want a taste of Lipton’s theatre program? An open house will be announced, and anyone interested can contact Lipton at theaterartscamp@aol.com. Feedback sessions for families are being planned in as well since this type of programming is new, and according to Lipton, “We want to give families a chance to offer feedback so we can tweak things as needed and give the best possible summer experience.”

Classes will include playwriting, songwriting, yoga, choreography, music, improv, art, costume design, and more. Kids will be working on writing musicals based on books by Roald Dahl. At the end of each day, students will do a work share to show what they have done in each class. Talent Shows, Family Improv Nights, and other special events will also occur in each of the two week sessions. All programs meet Monday-Friday for one or two weeks from July 6-August 14, 2020.
Lipton says, “Though online teaching will have its challenges, we are working hard to think outside the box to make sure all activities are doable and engaging for all students. Our classes are divided by age group (ages 5-13). In a typical summer, we have up to 100 kids joining us (approximately 30-50 each session).

We hope that this summer's program will offer a rich theater experience and give kids and families some fun arts enrichment. In theater arts, the idea is that the classes will be on zoom and broken up with breaks in between classes. Parents can sign up for all or part of the day.” He also says that in order to be “conscious of too much screen time, we will do activities that include lots of movement, mindfulness, and social interaction.”

When asked about the supply list for SmartSummer Lipton says, “At least for theater, there will be suggested supplies to order. We might have some materials created for pick up but that’s to be decided, but we will try to use as much as possible materials around the house and try to be sensitive to the fact that some might not have all the supplies. We will make sure everyone can access the activities with whatever they have.”

If the Governor lifts the stay at home order at the end of the month, SmartSummer has a back-up plan ready if it is deemed safe and realistic to meet in person. “As of now that seems unfortunately unlikely, but programming in person or a mix of in person and online is something we are ready for but assuming will not be realistic.”

A Sampling of Some Classes:

The Crafty Artiste: Online! for ages 7-12
Stephanie Goodman, Director
Join us for days of artistic expression and do-it-yourself activities! We will spend time making mosaics, decorating bird houses, drawing portraits, sculpting, playing guessing games, and more. Inspiration for our projects will be pulled from artists and cultures from around the world. Pick all classes to enjoy a full day art experience or choose just the classes that appeal to you. Projects will differ from week to week and will be thematically focused. If you choose to take multiple classes each day, our conversations and projects will build toward a final Friday showcase.

While selecting your art classes, please note the fiber arts and sculptural class includes a multi-day project that will be worked on throughout the week while the painting, paper, and miscellaneous classes include projects that range from one to three days. Students will be given a supply list prior to the program starting, and we will offer supplements that we will mail or drop off. The entire family is invited to join us for a daily art showcase where students can share their projects with fellow program participants.

WEEKLY THEMES:

• July 6-July 10: Natural Wonders Week
• July 13-July 17: Out of the Box Week
• July 20-July 23: Inspiration Week
• July 27-July 31: Magical Journeys

SAMPLE SCHEDULE
Fiber Arts: Monday-Friday 9:00am- 9:45am
Paint Projects: Monday-Friday 10:15am-11:00am
Build It!: Monday-Friday 1:30-12:15pm
Guinea Pig Hour: Monday-Friday 2:15-3:00 pm
Daily Showcase: Monday-Friday 3:30-4:00pm

CyberSummer: Online! for Ages 7-13
Ages 7-10: David Youkilis, Director and Bob Miller, Lead Teacher
Ages 10-13: Jesse Kirdahy, Director and Eric Hansen, Lead Teacher

Up your computer know-how and spend time with your peers! Both beginning and more experienced techies can learn to design websites with sounds, photos, movies, and colorful text, direct commercials and movie trailers, develop animations using stop motion software, experiment with green screen special effects, explore especially designed Minecraft games, create and code games and more. Experienced computer users will deepen their knowledge and hone more practical skills while shooting music videos, making posters, producing animations, and taking on coding challenges. Minecraft, time in the scene shop, and CAD programs will also be offered. Please see the list below and pick all classes to enjoy a full CyberSummer experience or design your day by choosing individual classes.

SUMMER SESSIONS
July 6-July 17: Session 01
July 20-July 31: Session 02
August 3-14: Session 03

SAMPLE SCHEDULE
9:00-9:50am- Minecraft
10:00-10:50am - Create a Website
10:00-10:50am - Scratch Mazes and games
11:00-11:50pm - Make a Commercial or Movie Trailer
11:00-11:50pm - Coding Options
12:00-12:45pm- Tinkercad / 3D Design
1:15-2:30pm- Scratch Mazes and Games
2:45-3:30pm- Animation
2:00-2:45- WeVideo / Computer Animation
2:45-3:30pm- Graphic Design
3:30-4:00pm- Daily Check In and Extra Help. Final Friday Presentation.

Theater Arts Program & Theater Arts Jr.: Online! for ages 5-12
Daniel Lipton, Director
Join us and explore the world of theater. This virtual performance program offers young entertainers a chance to explore the world of theater. We’ll participate in engaging acting, music, dance, and set design classes. Students will learn dialogue and choreography and help create scripts, sets, and musical numbers based on stories by Roald Dahl.

Please see the list below to see class offerings. Students will be given a supply list prior to the program starting, and we will offer supplements that we will mail or drop off. Pick all classes to enjoy a full day theater experience or design your day by mixing and matching classes. All students are invited to join us for a daily showcase where students can share their projects with fellow program participants or participate in talent shows. Families are welcome (but not required) to join us for these special events.

SUMMER THEMES
July 6-July 17: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
July 20-July 31: James & The Giant Peach
August 3-14: Matilda

SAMPLE SCHEDULE
9:00-9:45am- Acting Games
9:50-10:35am - Yoga & Mindfulness
10:45-11:30am - Art & Set Design
11:45am-12:30pm- Play & Songwriting
1:00-1:45pm- Stage Fashion & Costume Design
1:50-2:30pm- Dance & Choreography
2:30-3:15- Storybook Theater
3:15-4pm- Daily Showcase and Talent Show

OTHER POSSIBLE PROGRAMS
Basketball: Online!
Yes, it’s a possibility. Scott Newman from CCS may offer a morning workout and skill building tips and techniques for all ages.

STEM Specials
Right Brain Curriculum, Wicked Cool, and SpecGraphix offer science, technology, and engineering classes to SmartSummers every year. They may be back with us online.

CLASSES INCLUDE:
Fiber Arts: Get out those sewing needles and yarn. Each week we will go from designing to crafting a complete fiber project. Final projects might include some modern wall hangings, woven creations, pillows, or stuffies.

Paint Projects: From watercolor to tempra, this class will explore the paint media and the different ways to use color as we create process focused projects such as paintings, homemade watercolor paint, and galaxy cityscapes, and other beautiful paint projects.

Build It!: Using anything from cardboard to pipe cleaners, this class will focus on the amazing shapes and abstract forms that can be built. Projects might include making 2D puppets and a stage, paper clay, or wire figures, among others.

Paper, Fabric, and String: Some of the most amazing art can be made with paper! We will cut, glue, embellish, and multipulate paper in different ways to create some stunning 2-D and 3-D works of art.

Guinea Pig Hour: Looking for a chance to work in multiple mediums or explore lessen known art forms? This is the class for you! Projects might include homemade stamps, cartooning, making and binding mini books, embroidery, among others.

Daily Showcase: Each day we will have a chance to come together and share projects! This time will give you a chance to see the amazing art created by your fellow artists in the different classes. On Friday, we will have a special presentation to discuss the week’s Theme and what we covered.

Dance: Clear a space in your living room and try out some cool dance moves with an experienced dancer and movement instructor. You will also have a chance to work on creating your own choreography. Students will have the chance to share original dances with each other.

Reader’s Theater: Using “screen share,” students will look at a variety of plays and have a chance to act them out, analyze the plays, and have fun with character development. If your child is just learning to read, we will support your child in participating too!

Music: Learn a variety of songs from Broadway, pop, Disney, jazz, and even opera. Students will add to their repertoire of songs. We will also learn about instruments and analyze a variety of music. We will learn about some famous composers. Students will have a chance to share a musical performance on an instrument or with a song of their choice.

Art & Set Design: Students will engage in art projects using materials from around the house. Students will also learn about set design, take a look at sets from famous shows, and analyze what makes a good set!

Fashion, Sewing, and Costume Design: Learn how to knit and sew, think about how a costume designer works, analyze costumes from famous shows, and learn about the history of fashion.

Acting Games: Students will engage in developmentally appropriate, interactive games that focus on fun, creativity, diction, mime, movement, character development, improv, rhythm games, and more!

Improvisation: Students will work together to create in the moment scenes. They will play acting games that help students with their critical and flexible thinking skills as actors.

Playwriting & Songwriting: Students will create original scenes that we will act out. Students will be emailed copies of the script. We will create and share original songs, and lyrics will be emailed to families.

Storybook Theater: We will read and act out stories and play acting games based on the folk tales and fairy tales we read. We will also do songs related to the stories we read.

Yoga & Mindfulness: Take some time to relax, practice mindfulness, deep breathing, relaxation, and yoga. Students will learn techniques and strategies that they can then utilize independently.