Recreation and Cultural Arts Program

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

(1) Recreational Activities

(a) Year-round: October to June

Elementary and primary students:
--K to 5th grade students play the guitar, do bucket drumming, and participate in music, art, dance, and drama shows that highlight customs of various African cultures.
--K to 8th grade students play and participate in basketball tournaments.

(b) High school to college youth:
--hone culinary skills and learn to cook Caribbean Cuisines like curry chicken, rice and peas, braided bread, varied pastries-Trinidad style; and jerk chicken-Jamaican style.
--crochet hats, blankets, neckties, and baby booties.
--create floral arrangements and corsages; and artistic toppers for pencils using flowers.
--learn to sew cushions and clothes fit for the workplace.

(c) Field Trips for PK thru college youth.
--youth explore the real world by going on field trips to Shaw Library, African American Civil War Memorial, and Mary McLeod Bethune House:
--youth participate in civic and cultural activities.
--visit and explore the Air and Space Museums, National Wildlife Center, and Research Gardens for exposure, participation and fun.

(2) Cultural Arts Enrichment

(a) Summer months: June to August

Top industry experts train and mentor youth, equipping them with:

--Skill set – youth learn about scriptwriting, stage management, stage design including props, set, sound, light; and how to network and market oneself.
--Creative Expression - youth write and recite their own poems.
--Public speaking prowess – youth have a voice and are able to express themselves.
--Engagement - youth practice acting techniques, and build creative skills.
--Music, Dance and Drama – youth develop appreciation for diverse music genre, African rhythms, dance movements, and folktales.
-- Performance. youth have the ability to deliver a live musical theatre show for the community.