Beginning each day with a core subject, students get an in-depth concentration on a genre of their choice. Then they explore by learning about other art forms in their other three classes, seeing how the different arts interconnect.

Each afternoon, the core artist faculty show and talk about the work they do. At the end of the week, students share their creative experiments with the community in a student showcase performance.

2026 Class Descriptions

Giant Puppets with Margie McDonald 
Bring Giants to life. Students will work together to create large puppets using simple materials such as cardboard, wire, fabric, sticks and tape. The Giants come to life on stage for Friday’s Student Showcase, accompanied by an invented narrative. 

Songwriting and Self Expression with Rebecca Elatiki  
Whether you’re new to music or singing, you’re welcome to show up as you are and explore your voice through songwriting. We'll work collaboratively to create a song, with each student contributing their ideas—whether through lyrics, melody, or song structure. Together, we’ll dive into music, melody, singing, and spoken word as avenues for self-exploration and expression. The goal of this class is to empower each student's voice and creativity. No experience needed — just bring your imagination and a willingness to try something new! 

Felting with Myco Robinson
Learn how to bring mythological creatures to life through the tactile art of needle felting. Each class of students will have the opportunity to work with a variety of animal fibers. Blending colors and textured materials. Chosen creatures may be found in ancient fables, mythology, modern stories or created from the students imagination. A pop up gallery will showcase their work at the end of camp.   

Theater Creation with Maude Eisele  
Explore a variety of theatrical means for telling stories. Our emphasis will be on playful exploration that employs the poetic body, voice, and imagination to create brand new, collaborative works of theater. Participants will wear a variety of creative hats, including actor, director, and writer. All levels of experience welcome and encouraged! 

West African Dance with Etienne Cakpo 
Learn basic dance moves and drum rhythms from the Benin-Ghana coastal region of West Africa. This class is appropriate for boys and girls of all experience levels. The dances have graceful and strong movements that require undulation of the back and bending of the knees. Dances integrate traditional, social and spiritual dances as well as modern movements commonly found across West African countries. 

Painting with Jesse Watson
Want to jump into your own portal to anywhere? Not a problem! Never painted? Not a problem! Learn easy tips and tricks on how to paint your own landscapes and more from an artist who has spent a lifetime making all the art mistakes so you don't have to. Use a paintbrush like a pro in no time. Make color work for you! Find out how much fun it is to paint in this workshop with Jesse Joshua Watson.  

What to Bring & What Not to Bring
Cell phones and electronic devices are not allowed at Centrum Youth Programs. In case of emergency, Centrum's program manager and staff carry phones and will notify you as soon as possible. You may leave a message for your student at any time with Program Manager Alyssa de Leon (360) 385-3102 x120. You will receive contact information in an email prior to the start of the program.

Lunch is provided. The safety and comfort of your children is our highest priority. Meals at Fort Worden State Park feature locally-grown, organically-produced food prepared to the highest standards at the Fort Worden Commons.

If you have any more questions about Tales, Texts, and Theater, please contact Alyssa de Leon at 360-385-3102, x120, or adeleon@centrum (dot) org.

Find more answers - Centrum FAQs