Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - PRE-ENROLLMENT

Who is HTHTA for?
The award-winning program is designed for children 7-14 years old who have experienced the death of one or both parents.

How long has HTHTA been running?
HTHTA started in 2005. This will be our eigth summer!

When is camp?
HTHTA will continue to hold two sessions in Chicago in 2012.  Each session will run for two weeks from 9 am – 4 pm

Chicago   
Roosevelt University  
430 S. Michigan Ave.  
Chicago, IL  60605  
July 9-20, 2012 | Ages 7-11  
July 23-August 3, 2012 | Ages 10-14

Does HTHTA accept children experiencing non-parental loss, like a sibling or grandparent?
Hands Together, Heart to Art specalizes in children experiencing the loss of a parent.  Please explore our additional resources for other programs and camps that may be better suited to your child's needs.

How many campers will be accepted?
Enrollment will be limited to 45 campers per session. Campers will be grouped by age. Each session will offer age appropriate programming. 

What is achieved at HTHTA?
Using several different areas of the performing arts, the program encourages communication, fosters emotional growth, and provides the consolation of friendship and compassion.  Through interaction with other children who have experienced a similar loss, campers understand that they are not alone in their situation. Camp activities encourage team building, self-esteem, consciousness and problem solving.

What are some camp activities?
Campers develop skills in 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 on site throughout the duration of camp.

Does HTHTA have a program for teens?
Our Junior Counselor program is designed for previous campers ages 16-18 who want to remain connected to camp.  Junior Counselors are accepted for session one (July 9-20) only.  Junior Counselors who are 14 or younger may also participate in session two as a camper.

What about lunch and snacks?
Due to the generous support of our sponsors, we are able to offer free daily lunch for all campers.  Snacks and bottled water are also provided throughout the day.

Does HTHTA offer extended care?
For the convenience of our campers' caregivers, child care is available one hour before and after the regular camp day for a small fee.

What is the HTHTA payment policy?
While our expenses exceed $1200 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.  The deadline for all applications is Monday, June 25, 2012 or until all spots are filled.

Does HTHTA offer scholarships?
We are committed to assisting all families in participating in HTHTA, regardless of their financial situation.  Scholarhsip applicants must provide documentation of financial need such as a letter of verification or a copy of the school's records regarding eligibility for free or reduced lunch and/or tuition assistance from a school official (principal, counselor, social worker, or other authorized personnel). The scholarship deadline is Monday June 25, 2012. 

If I withdraw my application before camp starts, can I get a refund?
If an application is withdrawn for any reason up until June 25, 2012, you will receive a refund. NO REFUNDS will be issued after July 6, 2012.

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.

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 professional teaching artists and bachelor or master’s students studying at Roosevelt University and other accredited institutions.  Previous staff members have or are 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. 

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 apply?
Forms are available online now; you can also call 312.922.2110 ext. 353. Application Deadline: Monday, June 25, 2012 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.

Who can I contact for additional information?
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

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