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MIFFLINTOWN -- Art camp was held June 19-21 at Lost Creek Mennonite Church in Mifflintown. This was the 11th year for the class. A total of 111 people participated in nine classes that were offered, two for children, seven for teens and adults. Staff included 20 teachers and helpers. The camp concluded with a program, displays and an ice cream social.
The camp has grown since its inception in 2013.
"Donnie Martin and myself had an idea to offer art classes at our church," art camp committee organizer Judy Mummau, said. "The idea came after noticing a local church was offering a sports camp. We are not athletic and agreed there are very few local outlets for artistic individuals. For our first year, we offered one class for children and one for teens and adults.
The camp has grown over the years, adding teachers, students and classes. Classes have included kids art, kids cooking, photography, string art, portrait drawing, stained glass, watercolor painting, knitting, quilting, crocheting, flower arranging, painting with coffee, mixed media, paper quilling, in painting, mosaics, yo-yo piecing, enameling on metal, macrame, painting party and colored pencil. New this year were calligraphy and basket making.
"I do most of the planning but try to involve as many people from our church as possible," Mummau said. "We have six people on our church planning committee. Our goal is to provide a safe and encouraging space for individuals to pursue art in a Christ-centered atmosphere. The children's classes have a Bible theme but the teen and adult classes may or may not discuss the Bible depending on their teacher and the interest of the students."
The art and the process of creating has an impact on the students.
"I find a lot of joy hearing the positive comments about what art camp means to participants," Mummau said. "Kids are easy to please and my class often has over 30 or 40 children beaming over their creations. But hearing the positive comments from adults who maybe haven't created since high school is the most rewarding. People seldom take time to create for themselves, so offering this art camp is a great therapeutic way to let individuals unwind and be creative in a non-judgmental space."
The final day of the three-day summer camp concluded with a short program, displays and social. Over 300 people attended the closing night.
"A misconception about art camp is that it is just for children," Mummau said. "This year, the teens and adults outnumbered the children attending. Because adults are often reluctant to sign up, we try to offer as many different classes that might interest them. Also, in 2020, we started a one day winter art camp."
The next art camp dates are Feb. 17, 2024 and June 17-19, 2024.
Photographs from previous art camps can be viewed at www.LostCreekMennoniteChurch.org and on Facebook at "Art Camp at LCMC, Mifflintown."
For more information on Lost Creek Mennonite Church art camp, contact Judy Mummau at (717) 571-3733.