Youth with a penchant for 'all things circus' won't want to miss out on Flyin' Bob's Circus Camp, rolling into Rimbey July 21-24.
"Whether you are a daring performer in the making, or just looking for a summer adventure, this camp is packed with high-flying fun, laughter, and unforgettable memories. From juggling and clowning, to unicycle and more, there is something for everyone," notes the event's poster.
The event, which is being held with support from Rimbey FCSS and BGC - Wolf Creek, will be held at the Peter Lougheed Community Centre, and is geared for those ages eight to 17.
To register, or to find out more about volunteering opportunities, email tgreer@rimbeyfcss.com.
"I'm doing about four camps this summer, and I also run circus residencies in schools all over the province," said Flyin' Bob, also known as Robert Palmer.
"I've done camps in probably every province in the country. I focus on teaching the kids 10 different circus skills - things like spinning a plate, balancing a feather, walking on stilts, riding a unicycle, jugging, and lots of other things," he explained.
I also do clowning and puppetry, and with some of the camps I do, we also do magic," he noted, adding magic won't be included in the local line-up of activities - but perhaps in the future.
Meanwhile, it's an action-packed schedule to be sure.
"We work for three days learning the skills, and then on the fourth day, we start rehearsing. We teach the kids how to perform their circus skills, because on the last day, we will doing a big show for the community. All the kids will be taking part in that performance," he added.
"I'll also have a little area set up where the public can try out the same circus skills the kids learned."
Palmer noted that for him, one of the biggest highlights of doing these camps is seeing the changes in the kids from the first day through to the staging of the show.
"Most kids have never tried these circus skills, so they come in and they might be a little bit nervous, or a little unsure of themselves," he said.
"And then by the end of the week, it's their favourite thing to do. So I like to see that transformation in the kids.
"The other thing that resonates with me - and I've been doing circus for 40 years now, performing and teaching - is that I still remember when I first learned these same skills, and how I felt," he explained.
"And so I get reminded of that when I see kids learning these circus skills for the first time - the same as I did," he explained. "I know exactly what they are feeling, because I also went through the same process."
As to the wrap-up show, Palmer said there is never any pressure put on the kids.
"When we do the performance after only three days, and just one day of practice, we don't have the expectation they are going to be doing a perfect show. The whole point of doing the show is these are new skills. - just like learning how to juggle is a new skill.
"Performing these new skills is also 'learning' a skill, too." he said.
"So it's all a learning process - it's not considered to be a final product. Just have fun! If you make a mistake, it does not matter - just have fun with it."
Again, to register, email tgreer@rimbeyfcss.com.
