Summer Youth Program Celebrates 24 Years by Going ‘Down Under’ on Depot Lane

By Jennifer Patterson

SCHOHARIE – For nearly a quarter century, Schoharie Colonial Heritage Association’s Summer Youth Program has been providing transformative arts enrichment opportunities for students of all ages in Greater Schoharie County.

The program explores a new country or culture each year, immersing participants in unique traditions, stories and artistic expressions from around the world.

“The Summer Youth Programs are designed to not only teach valuable artistic skills,” said Sara Cipperly, artistic director of the Summer Cultural & Performing Arts Program, “but to also broaden cultural horizons and foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for diverse global traditions.”

This summer, the program will take students “Down Under” during two week-long camps with up to 50 participants to discover the vibrant folk music, dance and indigenous art of Australia and New Zealand. A variety of hands-on workshops and activities will be offered, including learning traditional Aboriginal dot painting, exploring the didgeridoo and other indigenous instruments, and delving into folk music, dance and storytelling that have been passed down for generations.

A vocal camp directed by Cipperly for children entering third through sixth grades, titled “Boomerang and other Tales Down Under,” will be held July 21-26. Students will learn a play based on an Australian folktale, in addition to songs from New Zealand and Australia. Performances of the student’s work will be held on Friday, July 25 and Saturday, July 26, in the Creamery Building at 143 Depot Lane in Schoharie. Registration for the camp is required.

A band camp for students entering 7th through 12th grades, titled “Discover Down Under,” runs July 28-Aug. 2 under the instruction of Dr. Timothy Solinger. Featuring folk melodies and contemporary/classical pieces from Australian and Kiwi composers, the camp will culminate with performances on Friday, Aug. 1 and Saturday, Aug. 2, in the Creamery Building. Space is limited for this camp and registration is required. Students must be proficient on their primary musical instrument.

“By ‘traveling’ to Australia and New Zealand this year, our students will have the chance to learn about the rich musical and artistic heritage of these remarkable countries, including the captivating indigenous cultures of the Māori and Aboriginal peoples,” said Cipperly, who took over as director in 2018.

This project is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrants Program of the New York State Council on the Arts, administered by CREATE Council on the Arts, with support from the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

The Summer Youth Program tries to accommodate as many students as possible, but space is limited. To register, go to https://www.schoharieheritage.org, or email Cipperly at DepotLaneSummers@gmail.com.