The Village of New Berlins free summer youth program ran three weeks in Hyde Park and was a unique way to educate, stimulate, and provide nourishment for participating children ages 8 to 12. At the end of the three week program, many of the participants were eagerly asking about next years projects and activities. (Photo by Elaine Lennon)

NEW BERLIN – The Village of New Berlin free summer youth program ran three weeks and was a unique way to educate, stimulate, and provide nourishment for participating children ages 8 to 12.

New Berlin Cultural Center Director Andreia Keller said, “We wanted to make the summer program at the same time as the Unadilla Food program because most of the kids just want to eat and then they leave. So, we decided to incorporate the summer youth program with the Unadilla Breakfast and Lunch Program and before breakfast was served, we would clean up the previous nights left over trash from the grounds, teaching how important it is to respect your surroundings.

Keller explained when breakfast was served, they taught how important it is to not take a meal for granted, like children in other countries; who do not have meals and go hungry.

“It became a beautiful relationship,” she said.

The Unadilla Breakfast and Lunch Program was coordinated by Unadilla Valley's Stephanie Fisher and executed by Kathy Lawrence. Breakfast and lunch were offered in the park to children 18 years or younger.

“I have a strong vision but if I didn’t have the other people in the Village, nothing would happen. The summer camp was amazing, we had variety of people and all together it was quite an experience with the kids,” said Keller.

She explained after breakfast, the youth were given the opportunity to learn new dance and exercises, including latin dance. Yoga class taught stretching, balance, and breathing and was led by instructors Ryoko Lewis and Elizabeth Crawford. K-pop Dance was taught by Micaelaina Velardi of Otsego School of Dance.

“These combined activities were designed to bring fun and great summer memories for both boys and girls,” she added.

Resident Sueann Teal Edwards said her daughter was only able to make it to one week of the program but she had an amazing time.

“She’s already looking forward to next year,” Edwards said.

The participants in the program also learned about famous artists such as Leonardo DaVinci, Mona Lisa, Vincent Van Gogh, Andy Warhol, Jackson Pollock, and Georgia O'Keeffe. Keller dressed as each artist and role played, providing their background information and style of art.

“Being from Brazil, being raised by grandparents, art was always the symbol of well being and behavior and it puts your mind in a beautiful place. It puts your focus on something that is really positive,” said Keller.

“I dressed up as Mona Lisa and put a big gold frame around me. The kids had to guess who I was. Some did and some didn’t. They had to know the name of the painting, who painted it, the period, and when they went home, they researched for more information. When they came back the next day they shared the material they researched,” Keller added.

The youth then worked on their summer art project, creating inspirational “sign-trees” with words and phrases the participants chose on the first days of the program.

Elementary painting and carpentry skills were taught by Dee and Paul Stein. Multi-colored tree-style wooden signs with inspirational messages to be placed in high-visibility sites throughout the village.

Keller said, “These signs will not only be a source of pride for those that helped create them, but a positive point of interest for all village residents.”

High School students Elizabeth Crawford, Zach Smith, Monty Stein, and Madison Dix served as program assistants, providing aide and simply being role models for the youth. In addition to learning leadership skills, the high school students earned volunteer hours.

The program offered many interesting values, including a quick field trip to the Greco's Beardslee Homestead in Pittsfield, where local teen astronomy expert Leo Greco taught the youth and instructors about the universe.

The lessons learned during the program went beyond culture and academics. Interpersonal and social skills were sharpened. The youth were encourage to show gratitude and respect from early park clean up to the morning breakfasts and to remain thankful for a good meal. At the end of the three week program, many of the participants were eagerly asking about next years projects and activities.

The program was the brain-child of the artistic Director of the New Berlin Cultural Center and famous Ballerina and Artist Andreia Keller. Program organizer Dee Stein helped as the key “behind the scenes operator”.

For more information on upcoming programs, contact Andreia Keller at 201-424-5165 or find her at The Cultural Center at St. Andrews on Facebook.