Something fishy this way comes: EFMP Art Camp provides artistic outlet for base children

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Susan L. Davis and Airman 1st Class Zachiah Roberson
  • 319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  About two dozen children between the ages of 5 and 15 participated in an art camp here July 23-27, 2012, sponsored by the Grand Forks Air Force Base Exceptional Family Members Program.

Though the art camp was originally intended to be offered only to EFMP children, it was expanded to include other children as well.

Thanks to a grant application jointly submitted by the Airman & Family Readiness Center and the Grand Forks AFB Youth Center, art camp participants were able to complete a community art project, painting unique designs onto wooden fish cutouts.

"The plan is to let each child take a completed fish home, and permanently mount another handful of fish by the base pond," said Mike Johnson, A&FRC community readiness consultant.

Adam Kemp, a local sculptor and painter who led the art camp, said he has always enjoyed working with the military.

"I have really enjoyed working with these kids," Kemp said. "Some of them in their short lives have already been all over the globe, and they have a certain worldliness about them. I would absolutely love to come back and do this again if the opportunity were to present itself."

Kemp, a London native, explained that the fish design idea was rooted in the fact that it is a symbol that everyone recognizes.

"The fish can have many meanings," he said. "It's such a universal symbol. It can have biblical significance, or environmental significance, or it might be a reminder of the parable about teaching someone else to fish so they may eat for a lifetime."

The adults in charge of the event said they were impressed with how well the children responded to the activities.

"It's amazing that the kids have been so attentive and focused on what they're doing," Johnson said. "The children are all blending together really well. They've been so polite, respectful and well-behaved. I bet they'll all be best friends by the end of the week, whether they knew each other coming into this event or not."

Hannah Heikkila, a 15-year-old art camp participant, explained why she was so excited to be a part of the camp.

"It's really awesome to think that something we created here will stay here for people to enjoy permanently," she said. "I've really enjoyed working on this project. It's been a lot of fun."

The base EFMP also has other events lined up in the upcoming weeks and months. An EFMP Fun Fest is set for Aug. 15 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Liberty Square Picnic Pavilion. The event will feature games, give-aways and food, and is sponsored by the A&FRC, the First Sergeants Council and the Air Force Aid Society.

On Sept. 12, there will be an Early Childhood Screening and Information Fair from 8 a.m. to noon at Eielson Elementary on base. The purpose of the event is to invite parents to have their children screened to identify potential developmental, intellectual or physical special needs that may affect school performance later on. On- and off-base agencies will be on hand to offer information on subjects ranging from autism awareness to physical activities, community events and camps and early intervention therapy.

The deadline to sign up for screenings is Sept. 4.

Johnson explained that it's important to have children screened and identified as early as possible in order to help them find the best resources for their unique needs.

"Events like this help families and potential EFMP members become familiar with the program and what services and resources are at their disposal," he said.

According to the Military Homefront website, there are more than 100,000 military families who have special needs members, including spouses, children and dependent parents, who require special medical or educational services. These family members have a diagnosed physical, mental or emotional condition.

For more information on upcoming EFMP events, contact Kelly Painter, school liaison officer, at 747-4484; Sharon Swanson, A&FRC community readiness consultant, at 747-6434; or Jayne Flaagan, Parent and Child Center director, at 747-3837.