Sugarloaf Fine Arts Camp Celebrates 65 Years of Arts, Friendship, and Belonging

09:35 AM - August 12, 2024

The mountains of El Dorado County bubbled with artistic excitement once again as Sugarloaf Fine Arts Camp celebrated its 65th summer program in July. For over six decades, the sleepaway camp, nestled in the pines of Sly Park Environmental Education Center, has provided students the space to expand their fine arts skills and experiment with new ones.

At its inception, the camp’s focus was solely on music, but has evolved into a diverse arts experience. This summer, over 400 students in lemon-yellow camp shirts spent a week immersed in their choice of artistic programs and electives, while reconnecting with old friends and forging new bonds.  In true summer camp style, the students’ daily studies are balanced with recreation time and nightly campfires, hikes, and talent shows.

With such a strong history to the region, it’s no surprise that the camp is woven into the childhood memories of both Sugarloaf campers and team members alike. Beyond teaching fine arts skills, creating a sense of belonging and an environment of support are at the heart of the camp’s long-standing values.

Jasper Webb, age 18, has spent four summers as a Sugarloaf camper and signed on as a camp counselor for the first time this year. “Sugarloaf has always had a special place in my heart. It feels like home; you never feel unwelcome, and always feel accepted. The smiles and laughter that have come from this camp have just been so amazing,” he says.

The camp has become a cherished tradition for the Webb family.  Jennifer Webb enrolled her son Jasper after seeing how much her niece, Baylee Ann Goodwalt, enjoyed the camp. Later, she also signed up her daughter, Gloria, 15. Jennifer recalls, “That first year is a little scary at drop off, but Jasper did not want to leave. That made me feel like he was in a safe, welcoming, and fun environment. He loves it so much that now wants to work at Sugarloaf!”

Youth campers who grow up and choose to give back to the camp are common amongst the Sugarloaf team members. The camp’s culture of encouraging students to follow passions, try new things, and develop their authenticity keeps them coming back year after year, even into adulthood.

 “Sugarloaf is more than a camp; it is a spirit of kindness, inclusion, and joy surrounding the fine arts” said Administrative Support Team Member Carissa Piper. She highlights that a large part of Sugarloaf’s appeal lies in its distinctive programs, which set it apart from other arts camps. “In my opinion, the most unique program we offer is black-and-white film photography. Campers learn to shoot with manual film cameras and then develop and process their photos in a darkroom,” she says. Additionally, campers can choose from other specialized programs such as Digital Slideshow, Music Production and Recording, and Video Production, along with a variety of other art classes.

Good friends and Sugarloaf campers, Ayla Turner, Adeline Walker, both age 14, and Leah Alkema, age 13, all took the Textile Arts Major Class offered at the camp and say it was their favorite class of the summer. The girls went home with their own completed handbags and new skills in sewing, crocheting, and fabric-dyeing techniques.

At the close of each session, campers come together to display their artwork in an outdoor gallery and perform for friends and family in an eagerly anticipated showcase. The campers’ hard work is evident with an array of colorful crafts, fully composed music, choreographed dances, and theatrical skits.

The Sugarloaf Fine Arts Camp is proudly administered through the hard work of The El Dorado County Office of Education (EDCOE) in partnership with the Sugarloaf Foundation Station and volunteer efforts from Placerville Kiwanis and Rotary Club. Together, they are devoted to continuing to create opportunities for youth and inspire their creativity through fine art.

To be eligible to attend Sugarloaf, students must be in 5^th through 11th grade. Priority for enrollment is given to El Dorado County students, with out-of-county applicants also eligible. The Sugarloaf Station Foundation provides scholarships to help ensure that those facing financial challenges can still participate in this artistic growth opportunity.

For more information visit sugarloafcamp.org

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