June 22-26th: Once Upon a Forest - Ages 6-9

Once Upon a Forest: Fairies, Gnomes, and Musical Theatre Tales is a week long musical theatre camp designed for young artists ages 6–9. Rooted in classic children’s literature, fairy tales, and enchanted forest stories, this camp invites children into a storybook world filled with fairies, gnomes, woodland animals, and gentle magical mischief.

Throughout the week, campers explore how these forest creatures appear in literature as helpers, tricksters, caretakers, and guides. Fairies represent imagination and transformation, gnomes are clever problem solvers and quiet builders, and forest animals often serve as loyal friends or playful narrators. These characters become the starting point for creative exploration across all elements of musical theatre.

Campers engage in acting, singing, movement, storytelling, and simple design through guided play. Children bring stories to life by creating characters, learning songs, moving expressively, and helping design simple props and costumes. Music and rhythm are woven throughout the day, supporting coordination, confidence, and joyful expression. All activities are developmentally appropriate and emphasize imagination, cooperation, and fun rather than memorization or performance pressure.

Ages

Designed for children ages 6–9.

Dates

June 22–26

Schedule

Monday–Friday
9:00 AM–3:00 PM

Location

Strawberry Park Elementary School
The Branham Amphitheater, located on school property

Learning Objectives

Children will build confidence expressing themselves through voice, movement, and imagination.
Children will explore all elements of musical theatre, including acting, singing, movement, and design.
Children will develop early storytelling and listening skills through literature based play.
Children will practice cooperation, turn taking, and creative problem solving.
Children will experience the joy of creating and performing as part of an ensemble.

Artistic Focus Areas

Storytelling and Acting

Campers explore classic forest and fairy stories through guided dramatic play, character games, and simple scene building.

Singing and Music

Children learn age appropriate songs and musical games that support rhythm, pitch, and expressive storytelling.

Movement and Dance

Campers use movement and rhythm to embody fairies, gnomes, and forest creatures, emphasizing imagination and group awareness.

Design and Visual Storytelling

Children create simple props, costumes, masks, and story objects that support the magical forest world they build together.

Ensemble Collaboration

Campers learn to listen, share ideas, and create together in a supportive, inclusive environment.

Final Sharing

The week concludes with a short, informal sharing for families on Friday afternoon. Children present songs, movement pieces, and story moments from the forest world they have created together.

Social Emotional Approach

This camp prioritizes emotional safety, kindness, and gentle encouragement. Children are supported in expressing ideas, trying new things, and building confidence at their own pace.

What Campers Need to Bring

Lunch and snack
Water bottle
Comfortable clothing for movement and art
A sense of wonder

Outcomes

By the end of the week, campers leave with increased confidence, stronger storytelling skills, and a deeper love of books, imagination, and musical theatre.