We’re back on The Front Row blog with another parent review of this summer’s virtual camp programs. Maria was kind enough to share the experiences of her students Morgan and Miles, who have participated in many virtual camps with Encore this summer. Read on to hear more of her thoughts:
This is our family’s first experience with Encore. We are not from the area and heard about Encore when we were visiting Washington, DC last year. We were interested in watching their production of Disney’s Frozen Jr. However, due to our busy schedule, we were unable to watch the show but included our name on their mailing list.
When the pandemic/lockdown happened, our kids’ yearly summer camp did not have any update on their opening, even closing in on the start of the summer vacation. Therefore, when I saw Encore’s email regarding their virtual summer camps for June and July, I signed up. I was having difficulties balancing work/life and needed the kids to have something to do even when they are home.
We registered with Encore for the whole summer (all except for one week for a family vacation), even extending through August when Encore decided to continue on with their virtual platform. Before summer camp started, I feared that the kids would not enjoy their experience as much as their yearly camp will be. I had no idea what to expect with the kids being in front of the computer from 10-4. I was wrong with my expectations and fear. The kids very much engaged in their camps. Every week seems to be a new adventure.
I was very glad that I made this decision.
The kids were very independent and required so little assistance from me that it helped with my work/life balance. The kids are so happy with their experience that they can’t seem to stop talking about their day and the teachers and friends. I can tell that they enjoyed their experience because they are so excited to start their day and disappointed when the week is over and they have to say goodbye to their teachers and friends. My son even makes it a point to be the last one to sign off from camp every day because he does not want to miss any minute of camp. The virtual experience really helped the kids maintain their social interaction with their peers and continue to develop their self-confidence. Both kids especially love the various games, the arts and crafts, and the tongue twisters in their weekly camps. We will miss Encore and wish that we could continue on with the virtual platform if offered in the future. We will make sure to visit when we are in the Virginia area.
A huge thanks to Maria and her students for sharing their experience and for making us smile in camps throughout the summer! We hope to see you in our future virtual workshops, classes, and camps. Once an Encore student, always a part of our fam!
Virtual Summer Camps for August
Scenes for Tweens (ages 8-12)
August 31 – September 4, 2020 – Movie Mash-Up
Virtual Workshops for Ages 9-18
August 27: How to Nail Your Audition and Get the Role You Want (with Lisa Shaw)
September 1: How to Belt Without Straining (with Lisa Shaw)
In-Person Camps for Ages 11-18
August 31 – September 4, 2020: Theatre Lovers’ Project – Scene Study (ages 11-18)
Photos by Aileen Pangan Christian and Cindy Kane Photography. Additional photos contributed by the Masinsin family and members of the Encore Ambassadors. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.