DATE: June 01, 2009

CONTACT: Pam Ardern, 864-650-0295
pardern@clemson.edu

WRITER: Pam Bryant, 803-553-7705
pbryant@clemson.edu

Clemson camp to offer arts programs for adults with disabilities and special needs

PICKENS — Clemson University's Youth Learning Institute, headquartered in Pickens, has been awarded a $5,000 grant by the South Carolina Arts Commission to incorporate art components in a summer camp for adults with disabilities and special needs.

The institute operates Reach! Camp every summer at Camp Bob Cooper, located along Lake Marion in Summerton. This year approximately 200 participants will attend the two-week residential summer camp between May 25 and June 5 representing several disabilities and special needs boards in the Upstate.

The grant pays for professional artists to introduce participants to a dance program called "Masks in Motion" and a second program that explores various forms of music. According to Pam Ardern, director of curriculum development at the institute, "Exposing campers to creative dance, drama and music increases self-control and develops creative problem-solving. These are essential skills, particularly for adults with disabilities and special needs." 

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The South Carolina Arts Commission is the state agency charged with creating a thriving arts environment that benefits all South Carolinians regardless of the location or circumstances. Created by the South Carolina General Assembly in 1967, the commission is working to increase public participation in the arts by providing services, grants and leadership initiatives in three areas: arts education, community arts development and artist development. Headquartered in Columbia, the Commission is funded by the state and by the federal government through the National Endowment for the Arts. For more information, visit www.SouthCarolinaArts.com or call 803-734-8696.