Mini Camps, including Ukulele Kids, are making a return to the Wyoming Recreation Center this summer, offering multi-day, action-packed learning opportunities for kids aged 4 to 14.
Camp themes include golf, baseball, British soccer, general athletics, music, basketball, and even Junior Police Camp, where participants can meet the K-9 unit and learn about SWAT tactics. Sports-focused camps teach the important fundamentals along with a healthy dose of encouragement and teamwork, and several age and ability levels are available.
In addition to sports instruction, kids can tap into their musical abilities this summer. What’s Up Wyoming wants to spotlight a fun camp many parents may not know about—Ukulele Kids.
Ukulele Kidz, taught by Kelly James, Wyoming Primary music teacher, offers four days (eight hours total) of ukulele instruction. Kids entering second grade through sixth grade are invited to join, even if they don’t have prior experience with the instrument.
“Ukulele is a perfect beginning instrument for young learners to pick up during the summer, or any time of the year for that matter,” James says. “It offers a learn-as-it’s-convenient style for students and their parents. It’s a fun, low-key instrument that can be picked up sporadically, and skills can be built weekly, monthly, in yearly camps, or whenever you get the itch! The small size makes it manageable for young learners, and it builds a transferable skill set to virtually any instrument.”
Ukulele Kidz Mini Camps are offered in the following sessions, based on skill level:
- Beginners: June 6-9, 1-3 p.m.
- Intermediates: June 6-9, 2-4 p.m.
- Beginners: July 10-13, 9-11 a.m.
- Intermediates: July 10-13, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
James believes learning a new instrument in a group setting is especially impactful. “I’ve found in my 10+ years of teaching music that students thrive with ongoing support, instruction, and peer engagement. So many times, I’ve seen students begin private lessons, only to quit a few months later because of the isolated nature of the private lessons. But when students are a part of a bigger ensemble with peers, they are naturally motivated to learn music how it’s meant to be experienced: with people,” she says.
To register for Ukulele Kidz, please visit https://www.ukulelekidz.com/#register-any.
All of the Rec Center Mini Camps range from $40 to $205, depending on the camp’s duration, age group, and theme. To see the full list of Mini Camps available, please view the latest edition of Rec Times.
