Kathy Armstrong, international educator and percussionist led us all in a celebration of West African dancing, drumming and singing. Joining Kathy this year was young Ghanaian musician Kofi Dunyo. Kathy has been travelling to Ghana for 20 years and she met Kofi on her very first visit 20 years ago when he was 2 years old. He is now an expert dancer and drummer living in Toronto, Ontario. After dancing with Kofi for four days, all of us were grooving to the beat with drums, shakers, bells, singing, and dancing.
Joining us for fun, singing, guitar-playing, and leadership training was Andy Rush, educator, musician, and conductor of Open Voices Choir, Kingston Ontario. Starting from day one, Andy taught us fun games that brought us immediately into community. The songs that he had chosen to sing with us melded perfectly with Kathy and Kofi's West African music. So beautiful was the fit that we went seamlessly from an African instrumental piece directed by Kathy into a song called The Rainforest directed by Andy.
On Tuesday, visual artist and educator Alice VanderVennen presented us with some very colourful art-making projects. We all participated in a workshop titled "I see your song". Everyone went home with two pieces of art that were framed and named. Melody and rhythm were transferred into colour, pattern, texture and shape.
On Friday afternoon, in the glorious sanctuary at Sydenham Street United Church, we performed our games, dances and songs for families and friends. As I listened and watched the performance I was struck by how accurately the campers were able to manage sophisticated rhythms and dances. Everyone had a chance to play all instruments.
How lucky we were to be able to participate in the annual Hiroshima Day Event, held in the Market Square in downtown Kingston. Campers sang, danced and drummed on their own, and joined Andy's wonderful choir, Open Voices, as we made a statement for peace. All We Are Saying is Give Peace A Chance, Where Have All The Flowers Gone: songs sung to affirm our message of peace. Japanese paper lanterns were decorated and floated in the reflecting pool once it was dark.
Although we have just finished our first camp, I am already looking forward and planning our camp for next year. Right after the long August weekend, 2011, we will once again be Pushing Boundaries!
Marie
What I liked was that the counsellors did the performance and all the practicing with you and listened to you because that has never happened to me before at a camp.
-Ashley (11)
One thing that I absolutely loved about Pushing Boundaries was that I learned a great song. I sang that song to my six month old cousin and she showed the most beautiful smile I have ever seen.
-Chazz (15 years old)
