As directors of a camp that celebrates everything artistic for youth, we are often asked by parents what the arts are actually FOR.
What does an involvement in theatre, writing, art, music, film or dance actually give to a young person? We’ve written dozens of impassioned articles over the years to explain the numerous benefits to young people who participate in the arts, or enjoy arts activities as audience members. We’ve seen the benefits literally hundreds of times in the children and teens who join us at Centauri Arts Camp: the empowering of young people in a world where they are so often rendered powerless, the improved ability to communicate in complex and creative ways, the development of new team skills, leadership skills, problem solving abilities and, perhaps more than anything else, the growth of empathy in each individual who joins us at camp. Why does a participation in the arts equal an increase in empathy? Because each time we imagine and create – or appreciate the creations of others – we are invited to step inside the shoes of another person totally different from ourselves, and walk around in them. I’m quoting Atticus here, in To Kill a Mockingbird. Empathy is quite possibly the most important attribute we can give our children – not only because it helps ensure healthy communities (such as ours at Centauri) where the contribution of each individual is valued, but also because it’s essential for a peaceful future for our world. Why this post, today? You could say it was inspired by an article referenced on Facebook by several of our staff. Check it out here:
As a unique combination of the arts and community values, Centauri is well placed not only to help young people cultivate empathy, but to teach them how to put that empathy to work in their lives.
Julie