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. Light refreshments will be provided. Attendance at one of the two sessions is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED.
- Monday, June 30 (6:30-7:30) at Roosevelt University
- Tuesday, July 1 (12:15-1:15) 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 what is 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.
Who attends HTHTA?
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.
When is HTHTA?
HTHTA will continue to be held in two sessions in 2008! Each session will run for two weeks, Monday-Friday from 9am-4pm. Session one, July 7-18, 2008, is available for campers ages 10-14 only. Session two, July 28-August 8, 2008, is available for campers ages 7-11 only.
Where is HTHTA?
Hands Together, Heart to Art will be held at Roosevelt University: 430 South Michigan Avenue at the corner of Congress and Michigan in Chicago, IL. Click HERE for a map.
How do I apply?
Forms will be available online by December; you can also call 312.922.2110. Application Deadline: Monday, June 30, 2008 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 your application. Click HERE (Optional) for a guide to follow for your recommendation letter. A waiting list will be formed after both sessions are filled.
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 2008?
Enrollment will be limited to 45 campers per session. Campers will be grouped by age. Each session will offer age appropriate programming.
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 much does HTHTA cost?
Thanks to the generous support of our sponsors, the total cost of HTHTA 2008 is still only $50 per camper (down from $200 in 2006). Tuition must be included with the camper application. Payments accepted via check or credit card. Tuition scholarships are available for families with multiple children and/or extreme need. Scholarship applications are available HERE or by calling us at 312.922.2110. SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINE: JUNE 30, 2008 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 27, 2008, you will receive a refund. NO REFUNDS will be issued after June 27, 2008.
Is lunch/snack provided?
Thanks to the continued generous support of our sponsors we are delighted to continue providing a free daily lunch for all campers. We will also provide the campers with a snack and bottled water throughout the day. Breakfast is not provided.
Is HTHTA a suitable environment for a student with special needs?
While HTHTA is 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.
How do I get to 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.
CLICK HERE for more information on Chicago Transit Authority or call (888) YOURCTA (888-968-7282).
CLICK HERE for more information on RTA (Regional Transportation Authority) Metra, Pace and CTA or call (312) 836-7000. For TTY call (312) 836-4949.
Do you provide transportation for students?
Transportation will be provided from three Chicago area community locations to the HTHTA camp site at Roosevelt University. Contact Nicole Losurdo, Camp Director, for specific information regarding transportation and pick-up/drop-off locations. 312.922.2110 ext 353 or nlosurdo@auditoriumtheatre.org.
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. For questions regarding enrollment please call Nicole Losurdo, Camp Director at 312.922.2110 ext 353 or email her at nlosurdo@auditoriumtheatre.org
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.
Where do the instructors and staff come from?
We partner with The Joffrey Ballet, Child’s Play Touring Theater and Roosevelt University’s CCPA for the dance, theater and music classes. Camp counselors are bachelor or masters students studying at Roosevelt University. 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 of their parents to death.
What counseling happens at camp?
Small group creative activities facilitated by professional healing counselors provide campers a safe time and place to express and share their grief with their peers. Our counselors are also on site throughout the duration of the camp to assist children who are experiencing particular distress regarding their loss.
What are the reunions?
The 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.
How long has HTHTA been running?
HTHTA started in 2005. This will be our fourth summer!
What does a typical day look like?
A typical day at “Hands Together, Heart to Art” will consist of classes in dance, music, and theater, a break for lunch, group counseling, guest speakers and a session called “Specials” that consists of guest artists from other arts disciplines.
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!
