2024 BHP Jr. Campers
At the Black Hills Playhouse, we believe that theatre is an integral part of the human experience and needs to be accessible to all. We put this into practice at our annual BHP Jr. summer camps where campers participate in shared experiences with the opportunity to learn and grow through theatre. Each year we witness students transform through the power of theatre and it is a humbling experience.
At BHP Jr. Camps, we offer two camps for 5th - 8th, and 8th - 12th-grade students where they get the chance to meet new friends, explore the world of performing arts, and make memories for a lifetime in an inclusive and safe environment.
Meet Jocelyn, Marce, and Greyson–three BHP Jr. student performers who joined us for our 2024 camps. We asked them a few questions to get an inside look at what camp is like from a student’s perspective.
These student performers are returning campers, ranging from joining us for a second year to coming back for their sixth year at camp. Our primary motivation at BHP Jr. is to provide an excellent summer camp experience for all kids, and our number of return campers is a testament to a methodology that works well.
Jocelyn, a junior in high school from Rapid City, is back for a second year at camp. When asked what they have learned about themselves through their experiences at camp, Jocelyn shared,
“I don’t have as much stage fright as I thought!” Jocelyn also added that their time at theatre camp has cemented her hope for a future in theatre. Jocelyn loves the feeling of seeing audience reactions during performances.
We know our camps are not just a place to learn but a place to connect. Jocelyn had the exciting experience of meeting someone who will be going to the same school in the fall, and they plan to connect outside of camp. We love to hear that!
Marce, a 10th grader from Yankton, SD, and a six-time returning camper loves all they have learned about theatre, themselves, and those around them during their time at camp. Marce has embraced challenges head-on over the years at camp, and shared,
“Feeling like I was a bad singer was a big challenge,” said Marce, “but because I was encouraged at camp, I decided to sign up for choir and practiced and practiced! It was the best decision!”
When asked what they have learned from their fellow campers, Marce shared,
“Everyone supports everyone. Your voice might go out mid-song, but people still point out what you did well, and encourage you no matter what.”
Marce has made lifelong friends that they talk to daily thanks to their experiences at BHP Jr. Camp.
Greyson, who returned to camp for a third time this year from Bison, SD, has also experienced making friends at camp and is thankful for the supportive and encouraging environment. When asked if they could share one thing with a student thinking about joining camp, they shared,
“It’s okay to mess up!” said Grayson, “We’re all friendly, and encourage mistakes. We make them too, especially in auditions.”
Greyson is a big fan of learning choreography, and also a chance to sing fun songs. When asked what is challenging about camp they shared,
“It’s hard going a whole week without talking to my family or friends, but I’m kept busy and surrounded by so many supportive staff and fellow campers that those feelings fade pretty quickly and I just have fun.”
Jocelyn, Marce, and Greyson spent a week working hard on bringing Disney’s Frozen Jr. to life at Placerville Camp, and we were honored to hold space for their transformation this summer at camp.
Are you thinking about signing your student up for a BHP Jr. Camp? Check out our website, and camp FAQs and see if next year’s BHP camps are the right fit for your student performer.
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