Swiftie students find their "Summer Camp Era"

“Taylor Swift had a big dream, right?” instructor Michelle Howard asked eager summer campers as they wrapped bright pink yarn around embroidery hoops. “She wanted to be a musician and a writer and an artist. She worked really hard and she followed her dreams.”

The students nodded as they continued creating colorful dream catchers, learning that the project represented more than a craft. It was an empowering reminder that dreams can become reality through perseverance, determination and believing in yourself.

The dream catcher activity on Friday was one of many highlights during the weeklong Warwick Valley Central School District summer enrichment course at the middle school titled, “In Our Summer Camp Era with Taylor Swift.” The class combined classic summer camp fun with activities inspired by Taylor Swift. Throughout the week, campers sang along to her music while creating keepsakes, playing games and making new friends.

As campers worked on their dream catchers, Ms. Howard guided them through each step of the process, showing them how to wrap yarn around the hoops before decorating them with colorful ribbons and embellishments. Some students quickly got the hang of the technique, while others needed a little encouragement.

“You got it,” Ms Howard reassured one camper. Another admitted, “This is hard.” But, with a little guidance and practice, every student made progress. The project became an exercise in patience, perseverance and problem-solving while strengthening hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.

The conversation throughout the activity centered on much more than crafting. Ms. Howard encouraged students to think about what it means to work toward a goal and reminded them that even someone as successful as Taylor Swift started with a dream.

While dream catchers were the focus on Friday, campers spent the entire week exploring a variety of Taylor Swift-inspired projects. Friendship bracelets kicked off the week, celebrating one of Swift's signature traditions that has become synonymous with her Eras Tour. Students also created beaded keychains and personalized T-shirts, using colorful beads and decorations to express their own creativity while strengthening fine motor skills.

The artistic fun continued with paint-by-number projects and painted inspiration rocks featuring encouraging words and positive messages. Outside the classroom, campers enjoyed making giant bubbles and other traditional summer camp games that gave everyone a chance to move, laugh and spend time together. 

Ms. Howard, a social studies teacher at Warwick Valley High School, said every activity was intentionally connected to the camp's overall message. Friendship bracelets reflected Taylor Swift's connection with her fans. Painted rocks encouraged campers to share words of inspiration. Dream catchers reminded students to pursue their goals.

“It's just a great reminder to see Taylor Swift as an example that they can be hard workers and dreamers, remember to support each other and follow their dreams and have fun while doing it,” Ms. Howard said.