Youth Art Camp is back by popular demand.
The Beaufort County Arts Council interrupted the decades-old tradition last summer and quickly learned how much it was missed.
“We had a lot of calls,” said Joey Toler, executive director of BCAC. “But they understood once we explained it to them.
The organization had booked the camp dates a year in advance then learned that Beaufort County Schools had extended the school calendar to include art camp week. Because of the required year of advanced notice, the camp could not be rescheduled.
Camp days are slated for June 24 to 28 at the Washington Civic Center from 9 a.m. to noon.
“For more than 25 years, BCAC has offered this summer program for area youth and 2013 Art Camp promises to be one of the best yet,” Toler said.
Campers will participate in art, music, creative dramatics, creative movement and an environmental art project at the NC Estuarium.  The six classes are limited to 15 students each.
Toler taught at art camp for 12 years before becoming director of BCAC. He said one of the most interesting things about art camp was watching students participate every year, return as helpers once they reached the cut-off age and return years later as instructors at the camp.
“I have personally seen kids come through camp then help and later teach. In fact, there’s one this year, Caroline Phillips,” Toler said.
Phillips will teach creative movement at this year’s camp. Also joining the 2013 Art Camp instructor roster are Anton Crooks (creative drama) and Nancy Scoble (visual arts).
Thanks to new teachers, Toler said camps are always different.
“Our drama teacher is new. He’s actually a lighting design major. It won’t be called drama class. It’s more like ‘creative art dramatics,’” Toler said. “Nancy Scoble comes to us with a lot of experience and fun ideas. We’re very fortunate to have her this year.”
Returning instructors are Linda Boyer (NC Estuarium), Neva Cashion (music), and Mary “Boo” Whichard (Pre-K instructor).
Registration for Art Camp 2013 begins Wednesday, May 1. The tuition for the week is $80 for 2013 Arts Council members and $90 for nonmembers, and is payable at the time of registration.  Tuition includes all supplies, a daily snack, and a 2013 Art Camp t-shirt.
“Registration is open to young people who are currently enrolled in Pre-Kindergarten through sixth grade,” Toler said.
Registration information can be found at the arts council’s website at www.beaufortcountyartscouncil.org.
Campers may register at the Arts Council in the renovated train depot on Gladden Street in downtown Washington Tuesday-Friday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.  Space is limited for each class, and is available on a first-come basis.  For more information, call 252-946-2504 or email beaufortcountyarts@embarqmail.com.