Youth shine at J.R. Bradley Summer Arts Camp

By Ryan Applegate

People’s Defender

Creativity, collaboration and community spirit were on full display at the 2025 J.R. Bradley Summer Arts Camp, held July 14–18 at the West Union Elementary School. This free annual camp, open to children ages 9 to 16 from all Adams County schools, brought together dozens of young artists eager to explore their talents across a range of artistic disciplines. Hosted by the Adams County Arts Council (ACAC), the camp continues to serve as a vibrant testament to the lasting legacy of its namesake, J.R. Bradley, whose vision more than a decade ago sparked an initiative that continues to enrich the lives of local youth each summer.

This year’s camp was marked not only by a diversity of mediums but also by an increased energy and enthusiasm among both students and instructors. The camp offered classes in creative writing, drawing, painting, sculpture, fiber art, tie-dye, and, for the first time, dance. Students worked closely with professional educators and artists, culminating in an inspiring week that emphasized expression, learning, and self-discovery.

The young artists participating in each discipline brought their unique perspectives to the camp. In creative writing, campers like Kaylee Miller, Estelle Parks and Jael West penned imaginative stories and poetry, adding thoughtful narratives to the week’s creative theme.

In drawing, students including Josiah Alexander, Brooklyn Carson, Si Palm, Bella Profitt, Marcus Shearer, and Malakai Williams, explored sketching techniques and visual storytelling.

The lone fiber artist, Kaylynn Foster, worked independently with expert guidance, while painting students such as Emily Fite, Katelynn Irvine, Kianna-Mae Jackson, and Raelynn Johnson used their brushes to craft colorful, layered interpretations of the camp’s dance-themed prompt.

The sculpture group was one of the largest and most dynamic, with Lucas Alexander, Alexander Horsley, Anna Huxmann, Kyle Jackson, Jacob Smith, John Smith, Gideon Wells, Amos West, and Jeremiah West creating three-dimensional works, some incorporating mixed media like fabric and paint.

Tie-dye brought out the camp’s most vibrant palette, with Conley Childress, Adison and Ambree Downing, Brett McClanahan, Easton McCann, Shy Anne Wells, and Malig Williams all enthusiastically swirling color into wearable art.

At the heart of the camp’s mission is the Adams County Arts Council, a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the region’s quality of life by promoting the arts. The ACAC offers numerous programs throughout the year, including artist-in-residence initiatives, scholarships for aspiring art students, and public music and theater events. The J.R. Bradley Summer Arts Camp stands as one of its most cherished programs, embodying the council’s commitment to making the arts accessible and inspiring for local children.

The story of how the camp began is rooted in J.R. Bradley’s belief in providing alternatives for youth beyond traditional sports. “He thought it would be a good thing for the kids that would have other interests,” said Elaine Lafferty, camp director and longtime educator. When J.R.’s health declined, he asked Elaine, who was then retired in Florida, to take over the camp’s leadership. She agreed, and under her direction, the camp has continued to grow and evolve.

This year’s program saw an exciting new addition with the inclusion of dance, bringing a fresh layer of movement and energy. “Dance was something we had never thought about adding before,” said Lafferty. “But every media took it and ran with it.” Students in sculpture created small clay statues with dance poses. Painters added fabric tutus to their canvases. Writers composed lyrical tributes to performance and movement. The interconnectedness of the arts, both visual and performing, created a richer, more immersive camp experience.

At the culmination of the week, campers and community members gathered for a performance of “Off Their Rockers”, a one-act musical comedy written by Jill and Michael Gallina. The show featured a lively cast of campers portraying characters at a senior center putting on their own radio show. Isabella Semple starred as Aunt Sadie, with Nina McCann as the Center Director and McKenna McClanahan and Gillian Palm as Center Workers.

Owen Wheeler brought humor and heart to the role of Charlie/Uncle John, while Addison Deskins, Aayla Harper, Lillian Harper, Eli McCann, and Aubree Stapleton played energetic DJ Presenters. Other standout performances included Bryson Fischer as the Grandchild, Samuel Gilman as Grandpa Hector, Chloe Hockstock as Grandma, Samual Cox as Michael, Dawson Fite as Monty, and Korbyn Hilderbrand as Otis.

The production was directed by Mrs. Lee Willson, a retired English teacher and current drama advisor at Eastern High School, with music direction by Dr. Brandon Stroup and choreography by Shawnee State University’s Lio Spencer. Set design was created by Gabrielle Arnett, and Si Palm handled crew and sound.

For many students, the play marked their first experience on stage, and the response from the audience was enthusiastic. “This is the first time we’ve had a real musical,” said Lafferty. “They sang in last year’s production of Johnny Appleseed, but we’d never added a full dance element until now. The kids really stepped up.”

Behind the scenes, a dedicated team of teachers guided campers through their creative explorations. Each brought not only technical expertise but also a passion for mentorship.

Drawing instructor Trina Stapleton, a veteran educator entering her 19th year in the Adams County/Ohio Valley School District, emphasized both skill development and joy. Sculpture teacher Gracie Roades, a Fayetteville-Perry art teacher with a degree in Art History and Historic Preservation, inspired students with imaginative three-dimensional projects.

Sarah Purdon Rigdon, a local artist and tie-dye teacher, shared her long-standing love of vibrant, colorful expression. Painting was led by McKenna Malcolm, a recent Miami University graduate who blended her deep roots in Peebles with formal training in studio art and education. Fiber art teacher Kirsten West drew from her extensive experience in costume design and her studies at the Clarissa School of Fashion Design in Pittsburgh.

The theater and drama portions were shepherded by Lee Willson, whose love for young performers shines through every summer. Music and voice were guided by Dr. Brandon Stroup, a Peebles native with more than two decades of classroom experience and director of the Voices of Appalachia choral ensemble. Dance instructor Lio Spencer, herself a product of the camp and now a musical theater major, completed the circle by returning as a teacher after ten years of involvement.

Perhaps most moving was Lafferty’s reflection on why this camp matters now more than ever. “It’s very important,” she said. “They need to keep that connection in person rather than on the phones. That’s what I hear a lot of parents tell me—they can talk to these friends, but they could be all over the place and there’s not a personal connection.” For five days in July, children from across the county came together to create, collaborate, and perform—not in virtual spaces, but side by side, face to face.

The energy and dedication of the instructors, the talent and enthusiasm of the children, and the unwavering support of the community combined to make this year’s J.R. Bradley Summer Arts Camp a shining success.

The Adams County Arts Council welcomes support and donations year-round to keep programs like the J.R. Bradley Summer Arts Camp thriving. As this year’s campers return home with paint-splattered shirts, colorful poems, tie-dyed bags, and memories of center stage, one thing is clear—the arts are alive and well in Adams County.