URBANA, Ill. (WAND) —  The Urbana Park District is working to encourage kids to explore different types of art while working to build their personal character. Students had the opportunity to make new friends while finding an outlet to express themselves, giving them a sense of confidence in themselves and their work at camp. 

Ava Northen, a camp counselor, says, "I think it is important because of the impact that art can have on kids and art is very expressive it can be achieved in many different ways."

The students completed many projects over the summer. They also had the chance to work with many different materials to make their projects come to life. 

"It's mixed media week so we are really incorporating a lot of different media, which means like different panes, different types of paper texture, things like that."

The park district also hoped that students would be able to explore different learning methods to see which is best for them. While also exposing them to different people and cultures that may differ from their own.

"A lot of kids are visual learners and so to have art as that visual really helps them learn and learn about different people and cultures and things like that."

The process allowed kids to be themselves and show who they are through art. 

"I think it is really beneficial because it teaches kids to be themselves. A lot of what we do here isn't just cut and paste. It is very like do what you want, but there is also some structure to it which I think helps build character for the kids."

The park district worked hard to create a safe space for kids to grow, learn, and thrive while using their creativity skills. While they have wrapped up their summer camps since the students have headed back to school, they plan to host more camps in the future. 

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