Art Camp Programs in New England

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 three to four 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 forty or fifty 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 four hours of occupations every day and for considerable 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 unusual occupations as Ukrainian Eggs, Tamari Balls, Dream Catchers, Rubber-stamping, Duct Tape Art, and Needle-felting. Recent seasons have witnessed the explosive growth of a village of painted rock houses in the junior camp. Ample proof that the housing bubble hasn't burst everywhere!

Our range of studio arts of late 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.