St.  Johns County, FL – Registration is open for high-quality, arts education summer camps (ages 6-17) through First Coast Cultural Center. Students will have opportunities to participate in theatre camp at Alhambra Theatre and Dining and art, culinary, and drama camps in Sawgrass. In addition to these summer camps, a new Irish Dance class will be offered for students beginning in May. Registration and information can be found at: https//firstcoastculturalcenter.org/programs-events/youth-art-programs.

“Our process-based approach to education offers children fun ways to create through their own exploration,” states Silvia Romero, FCCC Senior Operations Director. “Our passionate instructors, along with the highly skilled staff at the Alhambra, model a philosophy of practice over product, resulting in problem solving through art.” 

According to Romero, theatre camp is part of FCCC’s ongoing collaboration with Alhambra, and it will be held at the theatre on Beach Blvd. in Jacksonville. There will be two different sessions, and each will run from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and include two weeks of programming, a musical showcase, a meal, and a complimentary showcase ticket per registered child.

Additionally, FCCC will hold weekly art, culinary, and drama camps at its location in Sawgrass Village. Entitled Exploration Vacation: Florida Life, these camps run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each week. Led by professional art teachers in a peaceful, safe setting, students create 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional works of art using a variety of tools and techniques. Students will also search through FCCC’s galleries, play outside, and observe the natural world like art detectives.

During drama camp, children will work with Disney Acting Coach Sheri Lahris each morning to develop improvisational skills through small groups and individual activities. Afternoons will be filled with opportunities to paint, sculpt, draw, print, and play games, while learning about artists, art history, and the "A-ha!" moments of creating.

Meanwhile, culinary campers will explore age-appropriate cooking skills and kitchen safety, along with safe practices, introductory nutrition concepts, dining etiquette, and more. Each day, campers will make a variety of dishes and explore new ingredients and foods. 

Finally, FCCC is excited to partner with Mumford Academy of Irish Dance to offer six weeks of beginning Irish dance lessons at the Cultural Center on Saturdays from May 10 to June 14. Although no experience is necessary, all levels are welcome. Students will learn a series of traditional Irish soft shoe dances to classic Irish tunes while being immersed in Irish culture. The class is led by a world-class, certified teacher, and students will be able to participate in a summer showcase at Mumford afterwards.

For more information, check the website for all children’s programs.