FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - PRE-ENROLLMENT
PLEASE JOIN US for one of the Pre-Camp Caregiver Information Meetings!
Meet staff members, receive additional information, ask your questions, see the spaces, etc. Free child care will be provided. RSVP required for child care at 312.922.2110 ext. 353. Light refreshments will be provided. Attendance at one of the two sessions is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED.
Monday, June 29 (6:30-7:30) at Roosevelt University
Tuesday, June 30 (12:30-1:30) at Roosevelt University
What is the mission/goal of HTHTA?
The Auditorium Theater of Roosevelt University (ATRU) created Hands Together, Heart to Art (HTHTA), in response to a very serious and integral need. HTHTA is an arts initiative for children who are grieving the death of one or both parents. Employing several areas of the performing arts, the program encourages communication, fosters emotional growth, and provides the consolation of friendship and compassion. Artists and healing counselors work with campers in this unique program that celebrates the healing power of creative play. Throughout the sessions, ATRU brings in guest specialists in other art forms who offer their expertise and lead group activities. The children participate in each component and in the final production. Though the children will work toward a presentation of their creative work, the success of the program is not concerned wholly with the overall talent or aptitude of the final presentation. The intention is to engage the children in the arts, but not specifically to groom them as future performers and artists. If at the end of the program the children have formed friendships, increased their self-confidence, and discovered the arts as a course of healing, we have been successful.
Why did ATRU start HTHTA?
Hands Together, Heart to Art was formed from personal experience. ATRU Executive Director Brett Batterson unexpectedly lost his father to a heart attack when he was seven years old. He experienced many of the classic symptoms of grief and had a difficult time expressing those feelings to others as he did not know any classmates who had also experienced the death of a parent. However, Brett found an outlet for his emotions in his participation in theater, as well as a supportive group of friends. In addition, he gained self-confidence and learned to express himself without fear of ridicule. As the seven year old boy grew into a successful arts leader, he created this camp to help other children discover the healing power of creative play, find others who have experienced a similar loss, have access to qualified counselors and listen to the stories of adults who lost a parent as a child. Through these experiences, the children will come to see that they, too, have stories to share. While their stories have many chapters yet to be written, it is the goal of Hands Together, Heart to Art to make sure that all of them ultimately have very happy endings!
Who is HTHTA for?
Our summer camp program is designed for children 7-14 years old who have experienced the death of one or both parents. For some of the campers at HTHTA, their loss is very recent; for others, the loss happened many years ago.
How long has HTHTA been running?
HTHTA started in 2005. This will be our fifth summer!
How much does HTHTA cost?
While our expenses exceed $1,200 per camper, sponsorship allows us to keep tuition at $50 per child – just $5 a day! All camp payments must be made in full at the time of registration by check or major credit card. Tuition scholarships are available for families with multiple children and/or extreme need. Scholarship applications are available by calling us at 312.922.2110 ext. 353. SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINE: JUNE 29, 2009 or until scholarships are filled
If I withdraw my application before camp starts, can I get a refund?
If an application is withdrawn for any reason up until June 26, 2009, you will receive a refund. NO REFUNDS will be issued after July 3, 2009.
When is camp?
HTHTA will continue to hold two sessions in Chicago and is pleased to present one session in Moline, Illinois in 2009. Each session will run for two weeks from 9 am – 4 pm.
Chicago
Roosevelt University
430 S. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60605
July 6-17 | Ages 7-11
July 20-31 | Ages 10-14
Moline – Quad Cities
Western Illinois University
3561 60th St.
Moline, IL 61265
August 3-14 | Ages 7-14
What are some camp activities?
Campers develop skills of acting, improvisation, singing, juggling, mime, and stage direction through fun and exciting classes in drama, music, and dance. Campers also rehearse and stage a final showcase performance for family and friends.
Does my camper have an opportunity to talk about his or her loss?
Small group creative activities are facilitated by professional healing counselors. This provides campers a safe time and place to express and share their feelings with peers. There are also counselors onsite throughout the duration of camp to assist children who are experiencing particular distress regarding their losses.
How often do the campers have dance, theater and music class?
Each camper will have dance, theater and music classes daily. There will also be guest Specials. “Specials” change daily and might include puppeteers, jugglers, musicians, dancers and more.
Are lunch and snacks provided?
Thanks to the continued support of our sponsors we are delighted to continue providing a free daily lunch for all campers. We will also provide campers with snack and bottled water throughout the day. Breakfast is not provided. Please let us know if your camper has special dietary needs.
Does HTHTA provide transportation for campers?
Depending on funding, HTHTA may be able to assist families with transportation to camp. Please contact us for more information at 312.922.2110 ext 353.
How do I get to Chicago HTHTA via the L?
CTA RED LINE (95th - Howard): Go to the Jackson stop (Jackson & State). Exit onto Van Buren, walk one block east to Wabash. Go south on Wabash to Congress Parkway.
CTA BROWN LINE (Ravenswood) ELEVATED: Go to the Adams stop (Adams & Wabash). Walk south to Congress Parkway. (Or to Library (State and Van Buren); walk south one block to Congress Parkway and East to Wabash).
CTA BLUE LINE (O'Hare/Forest Park/Cermak): Go to the LaSalle stop (LaSalle & Congress). The LaSalle stop lets you off on Congress Parkway. Walk east to Wabash.
For more information on Chicago Transit Authority call (888) YOURCTA (888-968-7282).
For more information on RTA (Regional Transportation Authority) Metra, Pace and CTA call (312) 836-7000. For TTY call (312) 836-4949.
Is HTHTA a suitable environment for a child with special needs?
While we are not specifically a special needs camp, our staff is trained to handle special circumstances to a limited extent. We have found that if students are able to function without an aide at school, they generally do very well at camp. If your child does require an aide at school, you must ensure that an aide accompanies your child to camp.
Who are the camp instructors?
Camp counselors are bachelor or master’s students studying at Roosevelt University and other accredited institutions. Previous staff members were working towards degrees in education, music and theatre performance, social work, and counseling. Our healing counselors are professional therapists and/or social workers with experience in grief counseling. Several members of our staff have lost one or both parents to death.
Are extended hours available?
Child care is available from 8-9am and 4-5pm on camp days (Monday-Friday) for a small extra fee ($15 for either pre or post care, $25 for both for each child for the entire camp session).
How many students will attend HTHTA in 2009?
Enrollment in Chicago will be limited to 45 campers per session. Campers will be grouped by age. Each session will offer age appropriate programming. Enrollment in Moline will be limited to 30 campers.
What is the ratio of adults to students?
We have a very high ratio of caring adults to campers at HTHTA in order to ensure a fun, safe and supportive camp. Staff members include dance teaching artists, theater teaching artists, music teaching artists, healing (grief) counselors, camp counselors, volunteers and administrative staff.
How do I find out if HTHTA is still open for enrollment?
We encourage you to send your application in as soon as possible. If camp has been filled prior to receipt of a camper’s application, we will place the camper on a waiting list and contact you immediately should a space become available. For questions regarding enrollment please call Nicole Losurdo, Camp Director at 312.922.2110 ext 353 or email her at nlosurdo@auditoriumtheatre.org
How do I apply?
Forms are available online now; you can also call 312.922.2110 ext. 353. Application Deadline: Monday, June 29, 2009 or until all spots are filled. A letter of reference and support from a teacher, counselor, etc. detailing how your child can benefit from this specific program must accompany new camper applications. A waiting list will be formed after both sessions are filled.
What are the reunions?
Depending on funding, Hands Together, Heart to Art children will be offered a complimentary ticket to two weekend matinče performances at the Auditorium Theater during the school year. It is an opportunity for the children to get together again, as well as to experience live theater, dance or music at the Auditorium Theater.
