Day camps focus on art, music, dance, and more

ST. PAUL - A fun summer experience is being offered to local French-speaking youth. 

ACFA Régionale de Saint-Paul is hosting a number of weeks of day camps, focused on a variety of disciplines. The camp, which is named 'Le camp de beau jour,' aims "to develop the talents of young people in five disciplines: dance, theater, music, art, and swimming," says Ahmed Seif, regional director for the St. Paul ACFA office. 

While most of the activities are being done in French, some of the instruction is being offered in English.

The camp includes a number of well-known locals who are helping coordinate special activities throughout the summer, such as Rhéa Labrie in dance, Roger Dallaire in the theater, Daniel Gervais in music, and Herman Poulin in art. Two specials guests, Natalie Béland and Lynda Young, are also involved as instructors. The two swimming coaches, who also act as leaders, are Dorielle Amyotte and Courtney Smyl.

The camp started on July 12 and runs until Aug. 13, the first week was focused on dance, and the following two weeks, taking place now, are focused on theatre and music. 

August will start off with a focus on art, and then will move into swimming. 

"In total, we have 25 participants, but the number may be different depending on the discipline and the week," says Seif.

The camps are being offered to youth between the ages of six and 10, along with an older group for those 11 years old and up. There is a minimal weekly cost to participate in the camps.