Art Camp Programs in New England
After the narrated video on the right, be sure to enjoy this 2-minute song featuring Pemi's 2011 a capella group performing an original arrangement of The Clam Shell Song. Originally titled Blood, the song was written in 1930 by Dudley Reed, one of Pemi's founders, and remains a favorite for Messhall singing.
Music at Camp Pemi
Since our earliest days, music has been a vital part of the Pemi experience. We sing in the Messhall daily, and individual and group singing play a major role at every campfire and Sunday meeting. Music occupations are offered 3 to 4 hours a day and feature music instruction in a variety of brass, wind, string, and keyboard instruments and voice as well. Every summer, bands and combos form to play multiple genres of music from classical and jazz to rock and funk, performing both at camp and in the town of Wentworth.
Theater Program
Pemi's dedication to music intersects with the Drama program in our annual production of a Gilbert & Sullivan operetta, a proud tradition dating back to 1951. Mounted by a cast of 40 or 50 and mixing the oldest staff members with the youngest campers, the show affords one of the true highlights of Pemi Week, the last week of the season. More than one drama professional has gotten his start in this setting and many, many more boys have developed a taste for musical theater on the shores of Lower Baker. Other opportunities for drama performance of a less-formal sort are offered by the many campfire and vaudeville skits that entertain the camp community throughout the season, and in occupations such as 'improv.'
Summer Woodworking Program
Woodworking at camp rivals Music for longevity and the intensity of camper interest. Pemi's fully equipped shop is the scene of creative activity for 4 hours of occupations every day and for free time as well. The supervision ratio is high and we stress safety above all else.
Art Programs at Camp Pemi
Pemi's art scene is equally dynamic, fostering patience and creativity in such crafts as Dream Catchers, Rubber-stamping, Duct Tape Art, and Needle-felting. American Camp Association's Camping Magazine featured an article with full color photos on Rock Painting at Pemi. (online article, no photos / pdf with photos).
Our range of studio arts has included Nature Drawing, Environmental Sculpture, Watercolor, and both Film and Digital Photography, with popular workshops in Night Photography and Creative Darkroom. Interdisciplinary occupations emerge every year, such as in Music & Murals and Dying Wooly Critters (naturally dying raw wool and needle-felting it into various creatures, real and fanciful).
Campers' creative efforts are showcased at the end of the season with the annual Pemi Art Show. The Library is transformed into an art gallery, the likes of which are not often seen in the camping world. A gala “opening” featuring punch and cheese & crackers gives way to a reception following each Gilbert & Sullivan performance as attending parents and guests have a chance to relish the creative genius of Pemi artists and artisans.
For short, narrated videos and to learn about Pemi's three other program areas, visit: Sports, Nature, and Trips.
