A joyful noise filled the halls of Lake Highlands Presbyterian Church the week of July 7 - 11 as over 80 kids from the local area celebrated “Christmas Around the World” at the 2008 Arts Camp. “Shepherds” (counselors) herded their flocks from Poland to Germany, on thru Ghana, the Philippines and Bolivia. All along the way the campers participated in arts and crafts, choir, piano, bell chimes, story time, drama and creative movement; all with an international flair. Jr. Shepherds (high school counselors) danced, leaped and clapped to “energizers” at morning and afternoon camp gatherings. The campers were tentative to copy the youth at the beginning but rallied to a crescendo on the final day. At the end of camp children spilled out into the hallways, saying goodbye to new friends, their hands holding sacks full of crafts and their hearts full of memories of “Christmas Around the World”. Friday night, campers and volunteers returned to camp to put on a performance, sharing with their families and friends some of the many songs, plays, dances, music and crafts they had learned all week long. It was a great celebration of Christmas Around the World. Arts Camp is in its 4th year and is directed by Meg Richardson, Program Director at LHPC, and Peyton Strouth, Director of Music Ministry & Contemporary Worship. Their vision is “through the medium of fine arts, youth of Lake Highlands’ diverse community are provided an environment to experience and explore their world through God, art and themselves – empowering young disciples to realize their dreams.” They are assisted by an outstanding team of volunteer coordinators, teachers, and helpers of every age. Earlier in the summer, Christmas Around the World Art Camp was held for the children who attend the Lake Highlands Child Development Center. For more pictures from Arts Camp, visit www.lhpres.org.