Course Descriptions

Description:
During this course, Denise, assisted by an able team, leads a group of multi-aged children through a creative process, which culminates in a one-hour production of a popular musical. The children are encouraged to explore the range of movement of their bodies along with the unlimited range of their imaginations. As the group bonds through the meaningful process of play-construction, children discover aspects of development - their own and others. Children benefit from membership in a mixed group where mutual cooperation and mutual respect are not only manifest, but explicitly taught.

Format:
Use is made of theatre, music, dance, drama, costumes, make-up, props, crafts, games and imagination to write, produce and present a show to an audience of friends and relatives. Children choose to participate in any and all aspects of the project from writing, singing, playing musical instruments, choreographing, directing, prop making, performing, etc. There are no auditions. Casting is a guided group process, aimed at placing children in parts where they can gain the most benefit. Younger children gain in social understanding. Older children gain leadership skills supporting younger children in dances, songs and dramatic scenes. Learning to effectively support others and contribute to the success of the whole group is emphasized.

Note:
Parents or guardians are expected to attend the opening session on the first evening of the course, and the performance on the last evening (the course ends at noon the following day). Parents or guardians are expected to be with their children outside of session times. Older children have evening sessions; younger children generally do not. Children will stay in resort accommodation with a parent or guardian.

Dates:

Jul.02-Jul.07, 2009 Thu-Tue;	Register	Tuition: ($575.00) $650.00	For 2009 by Dec 15, 2008 $515.00
Jul.08-Jul.13, 2009 Wed-Mon;	Register	Tuition: ($575.00) $650.00	For 2009 by Dec 15, 2008 $515.00
Jul.14-Jul.19, 2009 Tue-Sun;	Register	Tuition: ($575.00) $650.00	For 2009 by Dec 15, 2008 $515.00
Jul.20-Jul.25, 2009 Mon-Sat;	Register	Tuition: ($575.00) $650.00	For 2009 by Dec 15, 2008 $515.00
Jul.26-Jul.31, 2009 Sun-Fri;	Register	Tuition: ($575.00) $650.00	For 2009 by Dec 15, 2008 $515.00
Register for 2009 courses by December 15th, 2008 and pay 2008 Tuition fees. (early) regular fee: the price in brackets is the "Early Bird" rate for those who register and pay in full at least two weeks before the course begins. The price without brackets is the full price. Prices in Canadian dollars. Meals and accommodation not included. Full room and board is available for an extra charge. See Resort Prices for details.
Testimonials: "Denise is superb! We have been coming to Dance and Games for 5 years and my daughter gleefully picks it each year as her favourite week of the summer! I so admire and respect how Denise works with our children. I certainly appreciated the time Denise spent with the parents this year" July 2007 "As the 5th year in a row, this course is, and continues to be transformational for my family. I love the way I can communicate and share with my kids, and our home is now the kinds of caring and respectful place that I'd always dreamed it could be. Both boys have developed confidence and compassion & our Haven visit is a highlight of each year." July 2007 "Hearing from the assistants, youth leaders and volunteers. I was amazed to hear how many years they had been involved and kept coming back each year. The repeat business spoke volumes about the quality of the program. If the program wasn't good, people wouldn't keep coming back every year, year after year. Also listening to some of the participants who come back every year, and the lengths people go to, and the distances traveled, in order to get to the Haven. That speaks volumes. I didn't know anything about the program, but my child asked to go. Since we have had such amazing things happen when we attended other courses at the Haven, I thought it's a Haven course, that's good enough for me. We're in." July 2007 "Our child asked to come next year and wanted to know more about other programs. This is all good. She is taking the initiative to enquire about programs for herself." July 2007 "Denise and the tutors were so supportive of the children at all times. It was a great experience for my grandchild and she made sure that I signed her up for another session next year. The classes for the parents and grandparents were also fantastic." July 2007 "I am in awe of the Kids in the spotlight program and all that goes on within it. " July 2007 "I liked that the energy of the leaders and the children remained positive and co-operative thru the issues that came up. The experience showed us that you can remain generous when things don't go your way." July 2007 "I think my kids take many skills away with them. We've noticed the way they speak about how they are feeling and the way they treat others feelings. Also they have a real sense of confidence due to their accomplishments in the sessions and in the final production. We've seen amazing growth in our kids over the years." July 2007 "It was wonderful for the parents to be given the space and opportunity to connect and do some work at the same time that the children were in session. And for my son, he always enjoys his time with Denise and the other leaders at KITS, coming back home with lots of energy and self-awareness." June 2007 "This is the fourth year we have attended Dance and Games. Each year we see the children grow and develop confidence. We appreciate seeing the same families year after year. It is great that parents now have an optional program." June 2007 "The kids have grown in confidence and poise. They look forward to returning each summer. It gives us a focus for many discussions throughout the year. One of the primary discussions is about the time when they can be junior leaders." June 2007 "YEAH DENISE!!! You will never know the difference one week in the summer with you makes in my children's life! BRAVO" June 2007

Course Evaluation:
A student/participant who attends a minimum of 90% of the total course sessions shall receive a "Pass" grade. A student/participant who is absent for more than 10% of the session will receive an "Incomplete" grade and credit will not be granted.