Creative Expression
for Kids
Children ages 5 - 11
2025 dates:
February 17-21
April 14-18
August 25-29
Registration is $300 per child/per week
Program hours run from 9 am - 3 pm
Creative Expression for Kids at Refuge is a program designed to invite and encourage children ages 5 - 11 to express themselves through movement, art, storytelling, and music.
We start every morning gathering in circle reviewing our community agreements of supporting and respecting each other and working together to create a safe and inclusive environment for fun and individuality. We will share our daily gratitudes and wake up our bodies by moving, stretching, and dancing to get us excited for the day! For the rest of the morning we dive into creating art and sharing through storytelling.
We’ll eat our lunches outside in the courtyard in warmer months at Refuge (weather permitting), relax, and play on the premises. Our afternoon session is full of music, movement, and crafts. The last hour of the day is free time to do as we please to sit in the reading nook, draw or paint in the drawing area, play dress up in the costume area, make chalk art in the courtyard, hula hoop, make music, sing, dance, play, be silly.
Creative Expression for Kids is a program where we invite the children to be themselves authentically and unashamed in all of their expressions and ways that they identify for themselves. Identity is a foundational aspect of creative expression; through expression we discover the story of who we are and learn what we have to say. We will take turns sharing/performing and listening/witnessing each other to promote an inclusive atmosphere where all of the children have the opportunity to be seen and heard to the extent they feel comfortable.
Creative Expression for Kids is facilitated by Tara Rainstrom with support from Om Quillio at Refuge Event Space in downtown Troy, NY.
Tara Rainstrom (she/her)
Tara has a degree in Fine Arts and has studied dance for decades. She has worked with organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club, Club Zoe, the Girl Scouts, and the Mental Health Association to provide arts and movement classes for children of all ages. She has a passion for facilitating practices in movement and creative expression to strengthen the connection between our mind, body, and spirit to live an integrated and authentic life.
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Om Quillio (they/them)
Om is a musical & spiritual medium and songwriter.
Om has learned from children in many settings. While working as a nanny for over 11 years she also taught children music lessons on various instruments. Om believes children are the most brilliant minds in any community.
Community requires kindness, patience and grace. Children teach us all of these things just by being themselves. Giving them compassionate space to explore who they are is my biggest goal.
Through connecting compassionately we can do anything together.
It’s suggested that children wear clothing and shoes they can move comfortably in. Lunch is not provided. A snack of fresh fruit and water are offered daily. A refrigerator is available for storing lunches from home.
We have 1 spot in each of our weeks for a reduced rate for a family in need. If your family needs assistance and would like to claim a spot, please reach out. These are offered on a first come, first served basis.
Creative Expression for Kids is not a NYS regulated children’s camp.