The Bowlus Heritage Arts camp is quickly approaching. On July 8-11 registered campers, pre-school through eighth grade, will experience the Old West at the Bowlus Fine Arts Center.
Grades kindergarten through 8th grade will meet from 8:30 a.m. to noon. The registration for this age group is $25 and $12.50 for Bowlus Kids Club members. There are still 20 spots available in this age group.
The preschool (3-5) category has 10 available spaces. They will meet 9 a.m.-11 a.m. at the Iola Public Library Flewharty-Powell Annex.
Campers will have a full day of Western activities Monday through Thursday. Activities include cross stitch, making beef jerky, brewing root beer, and the construction of apple head dolls, bandana skirts, cowboy journals and much more.
When choosing this year’s theme Traci Plumlee said organizers wanted to do something different than years past.
Plumlee, business manager of the Bowlus as well as a mother of three, said the kids will have special entertainment on July 9. The Great American Medicine Show will perform for the kids during the camp.
The Old West fun won’t stop there.
“The variety act will give a free public performance Tuesday night in the bandstand,” Plumlee said. Show time is at 6 p.m.
Later in the week the Iola Municipal Band will perform Old West tunes to incorporate the camp’s theme.
Partners who are helping with the camp will give demonstrations during the week. Elyssa Jackson, Allen County Historical Society director, will give a basketweaving lesson and Kathy McEwan, Southwind Extension office, will demonstrate how to make beef jerky.
Plumlee said there are a total of eight instructors for the kindergarten through 8th grade group and three aides. For the pre-school children, Beth Toland will be their instructor and have two aides.
Children who are interested in enrolling in the camp need to contact the Bowlus at 620-365-4764 by Wednesday. The Bowlus summer hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Heritage Arts corrals campers
