The Carroll County Arts Center is sponsoring an art and music camp for children at the Bluebird Farm and Amphitheater during the week of June 23 - 27. Children entering grades 4, 5 and 6 in the coming school year are eligible to attend. The theme of the camp is "The Arts of Appalachia" with the campers learning to play the mountain dulcimer and create artwork and crafts with a mountain flavor.

The camp’s director, Kathy Chain, retired Carrollton school administrator, explained, "We expect this year’s camp to help the arts center determine if there is a need for this type of summer activity, and hopefully we will be able to have a longer camp with more students next year if it succeeds."

Music teachers include Richard and Kathy Small of Minerva, folk musicians, will teach the dulcimer and autoharp as well as other traditional instruments. De Warner and Marty Jones of the Sweet Pickins dulcimer group will lend their assistance.

Art teachers are Cheri Bell with assistance from Kim Vance. Projects will include woodworking, stenciling, and fabric crafts.

Other activities at the camp will include a nature walk, storytelling, campfire cooking and old-fashioned fun and games. Students will conclude the camp on June 27 by presenting a reception for their family and friends from 2 - 3 p.m. They will demonstrate their musical skills and exhibit artwork made at the camp.

Fee for the weeklong camp is $25 per student. There are a limited number of scholarships available. Fees include materials, snacks and drinks. Campers must bring a sack lunch each day except for campfire day. The Ashton Foundation and an anonymous local business have donated funds towards the camp experience.

Registration packets are now available at the Carroll County Arts Center. Registration is open until May 1 for interested students. Hours at the Arts Center are 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. Call the Arts Center at 330-627-3739 for more information. Camp details will also be available on the arts center web site at www.carrollcountyartscenter.org.