GENESIS 2018 YOUTH SUMMER ART CAMP

The Genesis 2018 Youth Art Summer Camp was a transformative experience for the middle school and high school students of our church, providing an immersive exploration of art and spirituality. Over the course of the summer, students delved into the fundamentals of art, drawing inspiration from the creation process to express their creativity and faith.

I designed the curriculum to intertwine artistic exploration with the creation process described in Genesis. In the first lesson, students delved into the act of God separating light from dark, drawing parallels to the creation of contour lines. Through a hands-on activity, students created contour line drawings, exploring the contrast between light and dark and expressing the essence of the black-and-white aspect.

In the second lesson, students explored the concept of shape, inspired by God's creation of vegetation. Using cut-out shapes from construction paper, students engaged in a still-life activity, arranging and rearranging the shapes to create vibrant compositions reflecting the diversity and beauty of nature.

One of the most memorable moments of the camp was the self-portrait project, where students were tasked with creating a visual representation of themselves in God's image. The results were deeply personal and introspective, with each student imbuing their artwork with unique symbolism and meaning. For example, one student chose to depict themselves as a tree, symbolizing their faith as a seed destined to grow. Another student portrayed themselves with a sense of acceptance and self-love, celebrating their identity as a beautifully created being.

The culmination of the camp was an art show held in our church's youth center, where students proudly displayed their self-portraits and other artworks. It was a moment of celebration and reflection, as parents and members of the church community gathered to admire the creativity and talent of our young artists. For many parents, it was a revelation—a newfound appreciation for the significance of art and its role in nurturing creativity, self-expression, and spiritual growth in their children.

The Genesis 2018 Youth Art Summer Camp was more than just an art program—it was a journey of discovery, connection, and transformation. Through engaging lessons, meaningful projects, and a supportive community, students discovered the power of art to inspire, uplift, and unite.