Program lets kids explore creativity

SUMMER WORKSHOP: Nearly 400 involved in three-week session held in Camarillo

By Rex Waggoner
Staff writer

Staff photos by James Glover II

CLOWN IN TRAINING: Christine Dalton, 12, of Camarillo, above, practices in the Cirque Ingeniou: 1999 workshop taught by Randy Harold, one of the classes in the 31st annual Creative Arts Workshop at Las Colinas School in Camarillo. Below, Amanda Fakhari, 9, of Camarillo finds it hard to laugh with friends and chew at the same time during the Incredible Edibles class.

     Christopher Penzel, 12, proudly showed his marine finds to his teacher and 22 classmates in his Spontaneous Integrity Marine Biology Adventures Creative Arts Workshop on Tuesday.

     "My dad brought the sea biscuit from Florida and I found the mermaid's purse (shark egg case) on the beach at Port Hueneme," said Christopher, Who has taken CAW classes for three years.

     Christopher is one of 375 youngsters from kindergarten through the seventh grade "who are satisfying their creative urges in arts, crafts, drama, music and dance and exploring, discovering and experiencing themselves in the universe," said Melissa Kasso, director of this 31st annual program sponsored by the American Association of University Women.

     The three-week workshop began Monday at Las Colinas School.

     Daniel Veselak, 12, who has taken CAW classes for five years, said his overall favorite class is his current Cirque Ingeniou: 1999, with Randy Harold, a professional clown known as Mr. Blue.

     "I like acting, singing and dancing," said Daniel, who hopes to be a professional baseball pitcher. "I'm in the sports program here, too."

     Daniel is learning to be a clown in the Cirque Ingeniou: 1999 - Camarillo's Big Top Frolick through the 1800s production for the open house at 5:30 p.m. July 22.

     Others in the class are learning to be jugglers, gymnasts, acrobats, dancers and other performers popular in the 19th century.

     In the Crafty Creations class, Lindsay Wood, 8, worked on a craft for a holiday. Participant make a craft relating to each holiday.

     Her mother, Karen Wood, said Lindsay had taken the class last year, "when they made a T-shirt for every holiday, and she loved it. This is a great program."

     In Incredible Edibles, Ryan Gonzales, 11, and his classmates carefully washed their hands before making a plate of nachos with tortilla chips, beans, grated cheese, sliced olives and sour cream.

     "I wanted to try something new and I like cooking, so this sounded like a lot of fun," Ryan said. "I cook a lot at home." He is also taking a computer class.

     Michelle Tingley has taken her two children to the workshop for three years. "They love the classes, which are exciting and informative.

     They're absolutely a great addition to our kids' education." Valerie Amantia said her son and daughter were taking CAW classes for the first time.

     The cost is $25 per workshop, which breaks down to $1.67 for each of the 15 sessions.

     Emily Loomis, 11, has taken workshops for three years and is now one of 50 volunteer youth aides. "I love working with little kids," Emily said. "They're adorable and so eager to learn."

     Joan Woodward, who has taught CAW classes for 26 years, said, "These brilliant kids show me our future is bright and beautiful."