Voices of Hope’s Musical Experience Camp

By Jennifer L. Warren

NEWBURGH – From the moment Etana Desir started her Voices of Hope Music Performance Camp adventure, she felt a change, a level of comfort and acceptance best described by one word.

“On the first day my brother and I went to the camp, all I kept thinking was awesome,” said Desir. “When we first got to the Camp, the adults all told us that we didn’t need to be afraid; we can just do our thing, sing, dance, whatever we want and not be judged; hearing all that changed me as a person.”

That shift was evident in many, if not all, of the Camp members Saturday at St. George’s Episcopal Church, as they showcased their talents in the musical review, “A Day in New York City.” Taking its audience on a children’s day journey through NYC, complete with visits to museums, Central Park, Ground Zero  and a Broadway Show, the 45 minute performance was a culmination of two intense weeks learning and refining singing, dancing and acting skills, each relayed by seasoned professionals in their fields. Whether it was belting out the tune, “A New York state of Mind,” traveling on the train, or dancing in sync to one of the several accompanying popular Broadway tunes, each of the children was able to shine, using his or her specific gifts, one of the guiding philosophies behind the Camp’s mission each summer.

“We really try to build shows around children’s talents,” pointed out Director Cabot Parsons in his fourth year with the Camp. “Our big theme this year was styles; we love getting to know your kids, and we love having them come back each summer so we can see them grow.”

It’s that “repeat business” each year, that has led to a growing popularity of the Camp.

Including youth from the Towns and City of Newburgh, New Windsor, Cornwall Marlboro and Wallkill, the Camp features a wide range of children from different walks of life who always seem to blend together very nicely. That success is deeply rooted in the Camp’s mission.

“We provide a high quality program, and at the same time, transform youth’s lives to become contributing members of society by offering their gift of creativity,” explained Lana Williams Scott, Program Director, who lovingly referred to the campers as ‘my children’ and ‘inspiring.’ “We challenge our youth while having fun and developing great friendships.

Evidence of those forged bonds in just 10 days were revealed by Desir. Just prior to the start of Saturday’s performance, the soon-to-be 7th grader, who had a major role in the performance, accidentally tripped, hurting her ankle. Within seconds, a flock of her castmates, new friends, formed a circle around her and prayed for her healing; the unified effort was a success.

“It’s just incredible the bonds of friendship you form here,” said a smiling Desir, who further pointed to the number of phone numbers she exchanged with other Camp members and is intent upon keeping in touch with during the school year.

“I will definitely be back next year,” said Desir following the show. Another fellow, first year camper, City of Newburgh’s Anastasia Gonzalez, who will be entering the 5th grade next month, echoed similar praise.

“Being in this Camp was my time to shine my talents of dancing and singing,” said Gonzalez, who sang “You Will Never Walk Alone” among other tunes. “I have a beautiful voice and I enjoy showing it off as well as busting out my dancing moves.”

Each one of the campers “busted” out of who they were as a result of the Camp, blossoming on multiple levels.

“This Camp taught me to go out and take risks and not be afraid to ever fail,” Desir confidently relayed. “There are all kinds of endless possibilities out there in the world; you just have to have the courage to go after them.”