Don’t Let Your Homebound Child Get Left Behind This Summer

Summer is just around the corner and the nation is starting to breathe a sigh of relief as stores, schools, day-cares and camps begin to re-open. Almost everyone can begin to get back to what life was before COVID. However, this is not the story for every child or every family. For many families whose children are in a vulnerable high risk population, have underlying health conditions, or whose children prefer a homeschool environment, having an Online Summer Camp option is essential to their well-being.

Named “Best Summer Camp” in LA Parent Magazine, Performing Arts Workshops has been providing arts-based classes, summer camps and after school programs for over 30 years, and is proud to have been among the camps which successfully provided camp activities and made the pivot to a Live Online format during the summer of 2020. Additionally, PAW recognized and responded to the alarming number of families facing financial and medical hardships by introducing Summer Camp Grants, which have been extended for the summer of 2021.

“Right now when it is even more important than ever, to ensure kids stay happy, safe and connected, we are including social circles, dress up theme days, and end of day hurrays to our full day of activities and curriculum.” Ms. Appleman goes on to say, “because the COVID-19 crisis has impacted families in so many ways from financial instability and children feeling isolated, to food insecurity and beyond, we’re thrilled to be able to make these grants available once again.” PAW’s groundbreaking Live Online Camp allows campers to build their own daily activities from choices of Acting, Singing & Voice Training, Dance, Guitar, Stand-Up Comedy, Magic, Cheerleading, Theatrical Make-up, and Debate! The curriculum is designed so every week is a new experience because their acting, singing, and dance teachers draw inspiration from weekly themes, which include: MARY POPPINS, ANNIE, LITTLE MERMAID, WICKED, LITTLE SHOP, RAPUNZEL, PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, GREATEST SHOWMAN and HAMILTON.

PAW’s support grant will allow up to 1,000 families directly impacted by the pandemic to enroll their children in a full week of Live Online Summer Camp with a sense of relief knowing that half of the entire tuition will be sponsored by PAW. “We wish to do our part as a trusted member of the community and offer support in this time of need,” says Cheryl Appleman, President of Performing Arts Workshops. “Kids don’t need to have past experience to enjoy our curriculum and participate, it’s designed to engage both beginners and seasoned thespians alike.”

Some of PAW’s Grant details include:

• PAW Grants cover one week of a child’s Full-Day Online Summer Camp and sponsors half of the tuition when the parent matches the remaining $150.
• Children must be between the ages of 5-14 at the time of camp attendance.
• PAW offers one Grant to each child in the family.
• Camp is available in one week sessions from June 14th to August 13th.
• Learn more about the Grants at https://performingartsworkshops.com/grants/

“For a significant population of children and teens, live online school and camp has been a tremendous resource this past year,” says Timothey Fitzgerald, vice president of Performing Arts Workshops and Professor at Loyola Marymount University. “With so many camps wishing to put Online Camp in the rear view mirror, we could see a true inequality of service and a huge number of children who are homebound for a variety of reasons left behind and underserved. We at PAW are committed to helping these kids and families. We will be maintaining our Online Camps and Classes until the pandemic is truly over.”

Performing Arts Workshops is gifting Summer Camp Grants on a first come, first served basis until they are gone. Hurry, as space in camp is limited. To learn more about PAW’s Online Summer Camp or to register for camp redeeming a grant, please visit PerformingArtsWorkshops.com/online-summer-camp or call them at (310) 827-8827.