Multicultural Arts Camp (MAC Camp) allows a diverse group of children from our partner facilities to explore various art forms alongside professional teaching artists, experienced staff and caring volunteers. The youth at MAC Camp discover and express their inner talents while overcoming barriers, opening their minds and building bridges to others and the world around them. Free Arts hosts several camps throughout the year including Theater Camp for teens and MAC Camp for all ages. Children living in our partner facilities are invited to attend and are transported to and from camp by their facility staff each day.

At Theatre Camp activities included a theater warm-up inclusive of body and voice, followed by exercises designed to build specific acting skills and develop team work. During the two weeks, the youth worked on designing the set, outlining the production, rehearsing and fine tuning the production.
MAC activities include the groups rotated through artist-led workshops learning about different cultures and developing new skills. Each group also had time each day for building group identity and community through process-related activities.

The goals of MAC Camp are to encourage positive social interaction and compassion for others, and to provide opportunities for children to succeed through new diverse artistic and cultural experiences. At MAC Camp we try to keep the ratio of adults to children very low (3:1). Your personal attention is the greatest gift you can give a child at camp.

In 2008-2009, 348 youth participated in MAC Camp. Free Arts of Arizona worked with 8 teaching artists, 1 art organization and 2 schools for 4 weeks of camp.

Use of Volunteers
Volunteers are utilized for MAC Camps and play an integral role in helping youth to have a positive camp experience. Volunteers will be assigned to a group of youth and other volunteers and together these groups will rotate through a variety of multicultural arts workshops.

Curriculum
Workshops are led by professional teaching artists who are responsible for collaborating with Free Arts Staff to design age-appropriate multicultural arts curriculum. Past art forms have included African Arts, Asian Arts, Chicano Arts, World Arts, Puppetry, World Music, and Creative Movement.

Unique Features of the Program
Opportunity for youth to connect with others who have experienced life situations similar to their own
Opportunity for youth to develop an understanding of various cultures
Personal support from adults and peers allows for maximum potential for growth

Volunteer Requirements
Attend Volunteer Orientation
Complete Volunteer Paperwork
One-on-one interview with Free Arts staff member
AZ Fingerprint Clearance Card
Attend 101 Training
Attend MAC Camp Training

We are now seeking volunteers for MAC Camp 2010!   For more information or to volunteer, please contact Teniqua Broughton, Program Director at 602.258.8100 or email tbroughton@freeartsaz.org.