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From creating performances to exploring nature, our campers had a blast making memories and friends. Many thanks to the Vinalhaven Land Trust for sponsoring our nature, and science based camps! And of course, thank you to our amazing staff and volunteers who helped make this summer one for the books! We hope you’ll join us next summer!
WHOA!! Robotics SCAMP this year was AWESOME! Thanks to Kaylin and Ana for teaching the program, to Maine Robotics for supplying the equipment, and to the kids for having a blast!
In July, we were again lucky enough to have Emily Cohn lead a week-long Lego Robotics camp along with student assistant Ana Simpson. This is a much-loved program for ages 9-14 that is looked forward to every summer! What a great group of campers!
The first and second week of August brought us a summer favorite – ArtScamp! This year, art teacher Matt Charland ran four Scamps over the course of the two weeks. We were so fortunate to have Matt and his assistants show our campers several different techniques both in and out of the classroom this year. We hope that they will return next year for another fun few weeks of art!
We also were able to offer a theater camp this year thanks to our school librarian Taylor Leach and her friend Jessica Askeland. This camp was for ages 8-12 and by the looks of the photos, they had a blast! We are already looking forward to next summer!
A long awaited camp was able to happen this past August thanks to Lucy Warren-Whitman and the North Atlantic Ballet. They were able to offer two different age group camps, ending with a public showcase for the older group. What a privilege for our students to be able to work with a proffesional dance group and we certainly look forward to doing so again next year!
After a two-year hiatus – because of COVID – SCAMPS came back to Vinalhaven School this summer – although we didn’t know until late May if this would be possible. Five excellent SCAMPS: Robotics, Pre-K Reading & Music, Art, Music: Rock Band, and Outdoor Adventures, provided a nice variety of programs for ages 5-12, plus a new program for ages 3-4.
Most programs ran at 90-100% capacity; 84% of attendees were Vinalhaven children; SCAMPS prices remained very affordable, and no one was turned away because of inability to pay. SCAMPS are provided by PIE in partnership with Vinalhaven School.
It was a GREAT week with a great new crop of kids at Robotics SCAMP this summer. We can’t say enough about their enthusiasm, persistence, and cooperative attitude. Taught by middle school science teacher Emily Cohn, and assisted by expert Robotics alum Anastacia Simpson, the week-long class was, as usual, filled with fun challenges and opportunities to learn and test new skills.
This is the 5th year of Robotics SCAMP, and we are excited to see a new generation of mostly VHS students getting into Robotics.
Three mornings of reading, crafts, music, and play were offered at this new SCAMP for 3-4-year-olds, taught by veteran Pre-k teacher and librarian Sue Dempster, with teacher and Kindermusik instructor Samantha Thompson. The program was designed to provide enrichment activities for preschoolers who have limited options available. Unfortunately, the first morning didn’t take place due to an unanticipated conflict with another camp. But the next two mornings were well-attended: the kids had a great time, and the parents were very enthusiastic.
Bill Trevaskis, Vinalhaven School’s favorite music teacher, returned for his 4th year, and second Rock Band SCAMP. In just 4 days, nine mostly 9 and 10-year-olds learned to play a classic punk song by the Ramones: I Wanna Be Sedated – and they rocked it! For many, this was the first time with their instrument, while others were more experienced. The dedication and hard work they all put into making the song come alive was really impressive. Their public performance on the last day was packed with proud families.
For a peek at their performance, click on this link! Music SCAMP 2021 on YouTube
Master art teacher Sarah Boyden was back for her 5th year of Art SCAMP – and we are so lucky to have her! Over two weeks, a full house of young artists worked on a wide range of projects using many different materials. Techniques of drawing, painting, printmaking, collage, and sculpture were all explored. Downtime allowed for some old favorites, like packing peanuts, cup-stacking, and plasticine. The students can be so proud: they did an amazing amount of creative work – and they had a blast doing it.
A new SCAMP this year, focused on the outdoors, took 16 kids out into the woods, to the shore, and to Roberts Harbor Farm for fun-filled adventures in nature. Many thanks to Maisie Richards, Molly Miller, and Emma Rosen for making this experience so special for them, with collecting “pockets”, special treats, and certificates of achievement at the end. In the words of one Scamper, “this was the best camp EVER!”
Though it’s not all that we wanted to offer this summer, we were so happy to be able to offer at least one “pop-up” SCAMP this August!
With the school closed for the summer due to Covid-19, the usual roster of PIE summer SCAMPS wasn’t possible this year. Finding another venue, and other safe, fun alternatives for kids was daunting, but luckily, Bill Trevaskis was up for teaching a 3-day Guitar SCAMP, and the Pleasant River Chapel stepped up to provide a beautiful outdoor venue. We decided to limit the number of Scampers to 8, a reasonable number to safely space (with masks) in a circle under a shade tree.
All 8 students who attended had been to previous SCAMPS; most were island kids, excited to be working with Bill, their teacher at VHS. Brandon Philip, an experienced student guitarist, was Bill’s assistant. On the second day, new principal Monte Selby came by and performed “Jambalaya”, using the chords D and G, which the students had just learned. They were so impressed! It was amazing how quickly the kids learned the basic parts of the guitar, the names of the strings, and several open chords. At the end of 3 days, they could play a song! The days were hot, and by 11:45, everyone was wilting, but it was a very cool experience over all. Many thanks to Bill and Pleasant River Chapel for making this SCAMP possible!
Our 2019 summer camps (SCAMPS) and partner programs were super successful and fun yet again! This year we were able to offer the popular Lego Robotics camp, two weeks of Art camp, a week of Theater camp, and a week of Music camp. We also partnered again with Tanglewood 4-H camp which provided two weeks of hands-on fun for kids.
This fun class brings the skills from the school year into the summer. We had a full class (with a waiting list) for this popular SCAMP. Students were able to experience the fun and challenging Maine Lego Robotics curriculum. The program is designed for a range of levels, from beginner to experienced “roboteer”, so everyone could participate at their level. We hope to offer this wonderful program again next year.
Thanks to Emily Cohn for teaching, Anastasia Simpson for assisting, to Maine Robotics and Vinalhaven School for partnering with PIE on this program, and to the Widow’s Island Fund for help with funding.
This year’s MusicSCAMP theme was “Rock Band” and the students had a ball working with teacher Bill Trevaskis. In only 4 days, they were ready to rock! Watch what the “Food Fighters” can now do below. Thank you, Bill, for giving these students such a wonderful experience.
Artist Sarah Boyden returned for two weeks of art exploration and creative bliss for ages 5-12! 65 students participated in ArtSCAMP this year where most classes were full. Students and parents alike look forward to this awesome camp each summer now. Thank you to Sarah, and her assistant, Hannah Barrett for making it such a wonderful experience for all!
Courtney Naliboff, North Haven theater teacher, came to Vinalhaven this past summer to teach a 4-day TheaterSCAMP. In that short time, a team of 12 kids created TWO theater pieces: 1) “Quiddich Match” (a play based on the Harry Potter books, and 2) “Everything is Bright in Brighton” (a musical on the theme of disease, writing and music). Many thanks to Courtney for making this an experience to remember!
It was another busy summer with PIE! Almost every week there was an offering for kids on island. We again offered our very popular SCAMPS. Kids had the option to participate in Gymnastics, Art and a Theater/Art combo camp. We also built upon some of our partnerships, specifically with Maine Robotics and Tanglewood.
We kicked off the summer with our LEGO RoboticsSCAMP for ages 9-14. Students worked with Vinalhaven School Science Teacher Ms. Cohn to build and program their own robots. Specific challenges were introduced each day and students rose to the challenge, building their skills along the way. The camp was made possible through the partnership between Vinalhaven School, Maine Robotics and PIE.
GymnasticSCAMP, led by River Lombardi was very popular! Kids ages 1-12 participated and developed a strong knowledge of basic gymnastics.
ArtSCAMP was led by Sarah Boyden again this year. Students produced work in a multitude of medias. This camp is one of the longest running for PIE and the work shows as participants come back year after year, developing their own skills and style.
The second week we had a Theater/Art combo camp. The theme was “Where the Wild Things Are”. Students developed their stage skills with Ms. River and designed and made masks in the art room with Sarah. They gave a final performance that families enjoyed. Hopefully our Wild Things are still causing rumpus out there as summer comes to an end.
The other partnership we built from last year was with Tanglewood 4-H camp. Tanglewood came to the island for three whole weeks this summer, offering kids age 4-11 an array of nature based lessons and activities. Students had fun learning about local flora, insects, how to be good stewards of the world around them and of course playing lots of ‘Camoflauge’ in the woods. We hope that this partnership will continue well into the future!
In 2017, PIE partnered with The Vinalhaven School and local artists to offer fun-filled, summer camps. We were able to offer 3 different camps where 80 students participated in ArtSCAMP, TheaterSCAMP & MusicSCAMP – see below. The success of this program went beyond our dreams – we will definately be back next summer!
ArtSCAMP was offered this year for two weeks. The goal is to foster a fun and educational environment for children to engage in the creative process using a variety of techniques and materials. Participants ranging in age from 4-12 were immersed in projects to develop style and technique.
Teacher Sarah Boyden led the groups through activities including painting, line drawing, paste paper making, clay, faux stained glass, encaustic and so much more! There was a good dose of fun, and participants went home with a collection of their own work. Thank you, Sarah!
This year, PIE also was able to offer TheaterSCAMP. Younger students ages 5-7 played theater games, developed skits and make their own costumes. Our teacher, Blake Reidy, spent time teaching participants about the basics of the stage and how cooperation is integral to any production.
Silly group skits were performed for parents on the last day of camp. Another very successful & fun summer camp. Thank you Blake!
Our third PIESCAMP was MusicSCAMP. MusicSCAMP was also a new addition to programming this year. Students ages 8-12 participated in camp, with the focus on African Drumming. Teacher Bill Trevaskis led the group through basics of rhythm, percussion and singing while playing.
A wonderful group performance was put on at the end of the camp. We can’t wait until next summer. Thank you Bill!