I am not the least bit crafty. Our elf on the shelf, “Shelf,” doesn’t bake cookies, go fishing, audition for “The Voice” or play high stakes poker with Barbie and the Toy Story gang. Shelf basically moves from one area of the house to the other, and I try not to repeat locations. This year, thanks in part to reminder texts from more organized friends, I’ve managed to cover the spread on when I’d forget to move Shelf, and have not yet missed a night. Odds makers had me about four nights before I needed to backpedal on why our elf was in the same position as the night before. It’s a long holiday season, though, and there’s still plenty of time. That being said, I appreciate the creativity and craftiness of everyone’s holiday cards, elf tableau’s and home- made decorations.
Although many of us are recovering from a week long Thanksgiving vacation, the winter holiday break is right around the corner and many of us will be looking for ways to keep the kids entertained before the real holiday rush. For the past few years, Tami Carr and Holy Kidz Camps have been organizing a one day Christian Centered Arts Camp. Open to all children between the ages of five and 10, “His Greatest Gift” Camp allows kids to spend a day creating one of a kind art.This year, local artists Mary Hong and Robin Cannon will be working with the campers to create a one of a kind piece artwork. Each camper will take a piece home to give to family and friends and then donate a piece to the camp’s “How Great Thou Art” fundraiser in the spring. His Greatest Gift Camps will run in two locations, Saturday, Dec. 20 at Coastline Calvary Chapel in Destin and Monday, Dec. 22 at Good News United Methodist Church in Santa Rosa Beach. Registration is $35 per student and scholarships are available.
Tami Carr began her Holy Kidz ministry in 2006 and continues to run the popular Holy Kidz summer camps throughout Okaloosa and Walton Counties. “Ms. Tami” quick with a smile and hug to anyone she encounters, believes that His Greatest Gift Camps offer kids an opportunity not only to work with some world class artists but also teaches kids the true meaning of giving. By creating something unique and special and then donating it back to camp, these young artists learn a valuable lesson about generosity and the true meaning of Christmas. Both Alex and Harper have benefitted tremendously from their time spent at Holy Kidz events.
As part of her commitment to spreading her mission and vision throughout the community, His Greatest Gift Camps offer scholarships to families who could not ordinarily afford the cost of the camps. Business and individuals can contribute to the scholarship fund or offer to sponsor a camper by contacting Tami at 850-586-8264, or by visiting www.HolyKidzCamps.org.
I might not be artsy or crafty, but I’m certainly smart enough to take advantage of the time, talents, and expertise of these amazing local artists. Alex and Harper will get an opportunity to be creative, support the important work of Holy Kidz, and spend some non-screen related time with their friends. I may send Shelf too. He could benefit from a little extra creativity, too.
Follow Susan Moody on Twitter @susanjmoody and visit her blog, The Emerald Coast Insider, at www.emeraldcoasttreasurebox.com.