Aurora church holds 'Art and Soul' camp for youth

A second annual arts camp for neighborhood youth opened Monday at Wesley United Methodist Church in Aurora.

"Art and Soul," a free, four-evening camp featuring a daily dinner and indoor/outdoor activities, was scheduled to run July 10-13. Simply Destinee, an Aurora-based dance center, partnered with the church for the 5:30 to 8 p.m. series.

Michelle Curiel, Wesley director of children and family, coordinated the camp. She said attendees included 40 neighborhood children, ages 4-12, and 25 adults who assisted.

She said, "This camp centers around self-love and communal love." Congregants were invited to donate time, funds and supplies.

Curiel opened the event by leading participants in a group affirmation, "I am a gift to those around me!"

Attendees were formed into blue, yellow and green teams. After a pasta dinner, they marched out the church's northeast lawn and sat in circles for a nature celebration led by Thew Elliott, church traditional worship director.

After the focus on nature, the teams reassembled indoors for participation at art, culinary and movement stations.

Led by adults, children learned how to make frosting for cupcakes, practiced exercises and drew art projects. Curiel said she plans to continue the camp next year.

Highlights of the camp will be presented by Curielle at Sunday, July 16, worship services.

At 14 N. May St. in Aurora, Wesley holds services online at 9:30 a.m. and in-person at 10:30 a.m.

For more information, call (630) 896-1033 or visit wesleyumcaurora.org.