ABBEVILLE, La. (KLFY) — A summer camp organized by Creative Kids Collective for ages 5-15 is offering an educational summer program created by local educators and professionals in various fields that offers different classes including karate, music, dance, STEM, and more for $10.

“We try to cater to a lot of different types of children; a lot of different gifts but also we really wanted to allow this to be something that parents can afford so they can send their kids to do a lot of different styles of things, to discover new gifts and talents that they might have,” said Lauren Dartez.

Charlie Morrison, one of the teenage leaders said they just finished their first week and are accepting sign-ups for next week as they have five weeks left. It is open to the Abbeville community and surrounding areas.

“As an educator and with my other fellow educators that are here, we all kind of realized that there was nothing that offered as a lot of variety that offered maybe STEM classes or just a mix so that if you have multiple kids, you can bring them all to one place or so.” Dartez said. “That your kid can try multiple things as far as I know I think we’re the only program right now in the area in the Acadiana area that we know of as offering something with such a wide variety of classes, especially with such a flexible schedule and such a low price of only $10 a class.”

“Spreading the word is everything. We try to get as many kids as possible, really for kids to find their gifts,” Morrison said.

Dartez added how with Creative Kids Collective parents and kids are able to access resources and fun at an affordable price.

“It’s commitment-based and a lot of programs are expensive, they’re not cheap. They aren’t very affordable unfortunately right now, a lot of people are just struggling to make ends meet and our heart really goes out to those kinds of people and so we wanted to create something where not only could the kids get an awesome experience of enrichment that they normally would not be able to get.” Dartez said.

While Creative Kids Collective is brand new this summer, everyone involved in it and who was a part of making it happen has been in the education world for quite a while and want to give new opportunities and gifts to kids of the community.

“So in Vermilion Parish especially a lot of our programs are getting cut and so we’re seeing a lot of kids who have so many gifts and talents that maybe not sports related, but in theater and art or in music and those programs are getting cut a lot and so we’ve been talking about it forever that we should start something, you know, where kids can have an opportunity throughout the summer.” Dartez said.

“I think I’ve had a very good experience here throughout everything we’ve done. Through writing and talking to each other, this is my first day at dance and even though we just started, I think we’re going to have a really good time and I’m enjoying everything we’re doing so far,” said 13-year-old Brin Badeaux. “For anybody who’s interested, I think it’s a very good idea just to come see and try, because even though I might not be able to come back for another week, I’m sure when I come back later on in the summer, because it’s a very fun experience.”

Classes are being held at Revive Church. Click here for more information on the summer program.

Latest news