VIDEO: A Richfield Summer Camp Educates Kids Through the Arts

Within the walls of Richfield's is a summer camp. 

"This camp is more of a learning process," said Joyce Marrie, executive director of CrossRoads Panorama. "It's more structured than your regular camp."

Marrie runs this program where 17 youth from all across the Twin Cities gather to learn about drama, theater, dance and art.

"My heart is really reaching out to the youth in the community," Marrie said.

Reaching out by using the arts to teach lessons in respect, self-confidence and team work.

Ishmail Hawkins, 17, is one student who's benefitted from CrossRoads Panorama Youth Adventure Summer Day Camp.

"At first I was real shy, I was stuttering on my words and everything," he said. "But once Miss Joyce broke it down and everything, she said, 'you could do it.'"

Now, not only is Hawkins acting in plays, but he's sharing his experience with the the kids in the summer camp.

"Definitely, I mean, putting smiles on their faces and everything," Hawkins said.

Smiles that are evident when the children talk about what they're getting from their participation in the program. 

"It's gonna help us in the future when we grow up," said Mikah White, 10, of Richfield."

"Well, I want to be an actress and I want to be a dancer," said Tamaya Benness, 8, of Minneapolis.

"Fun things, drama, you learn new things you've never learned before," said Taraj Benness, 11, of Minneapolis.

Meanwhile, Marrie says the students are learning all these lessons at no cost.

"If I can change a life today, I want to be able to do that and be effective in what I do," Marrie said. "And that's why I do it."

The CrossRoads Panorama program is partners with Pastor Sam and Shirley Nero of Church of New Life.

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