Aimee Medina
Special to The Lake Report

With the school ending soon, most families have started planning activities that can provide memorable and educational experiences for kids.

Unfortunately, not everyone can afford to send their children to summer camps or programs.

The Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre recognizes this need and thanks to the support of the Niagara-on-the-Lake Rotary Club, the Healing Arts for Kids program is returning this summer.

It offers free summer camp for disadvantaged children and youth from across Niagara.

Rotarian Jamie Knight presented a cheque of $4,000 to Lise Andreana, chair of the Pumphouse board.

“Rotary’s belief in the Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre allows us to continue to offer our Healing Arts for Kids summer camp programs,” Andreana said in a news release.

“Together we can send deserving children to art camp and provide a short respite for those who otherwise may not know the joys of summer camp.”

The Pumphouse has full-day art camp programs in July and August for children and youth ages 4 to 12.

Students get to explore different art mediums through projects in drawing, painting, sculpture and more.

The partnership with NOTL Rotary means no-charge spots are earmarked for the Healing Arts for Kids program.

Earlier in the year, organizations, schools, teachers and principals were asked to nominate a child to participate in the program.

There was a tremendous response and spots filled up quickly.

The Pumphouse hopes to continue offering the program in the future to provide artful studio experience for deserving children and youth in the community.