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From Cape Breton to Janet Jackson

Thomas — Camp alumni

I attended Ross Creek in the summer of 2010 and it was a life changing experience for me. I decided only weeks before attending camp that dance was something I wanted to try to pursue, and the encouragement I received at camp from the staff, teachers and campers instilled me with hope and confidence in my fresh decision. I sometimes wonder if I would have stuck to my plan without that immediate affirming experience. Since graduating and leaving Nova Scotia I've begun and enjoyed a great career so far in the arts. I've been lucky enough to work with artists like Janet Jackson and Shawn Mendes. So THANK YOU for creating this place and all that it is. It has left an unforgettable impact on my life. It is always the first camp I recommend to any young artist. ​- Thomas Colford, DSD Alumnus.​

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Max at Camp

Carmen — Parent

My 13yr-old son Max has been attending Ross Creek camps since he was five, both the March Break and Summer sessions. I cannot say enough about his experience at Ross Creek. It is a place where he has been allowed to express himself artistically and grow leaps and bounds as a person. Max became an overnight camper at the age of nine. I was so worried when I dropped him off on that Sunday afternoon. Would he be homesick? Would he take care of and keep track of his belongings? Would he get along with the other boys in his cabin? Would he eat and brush his teeth and take a shower? It was a very long week. On Friday when we picked him up, I was met by a smiling boy who had spent five glorious days making art and making friends and making memories. Under the watchful eyes of Roxy and the camp counsellors he had taken care of himself beautifully! I was so happy and proud to see all that he had achieved. Independence grows at Ross Creek. Creativity blossoms. Activity is key. A great deal of confidence is gained. The campers are exposed to young people in leadership roles and inspiration follows each of them home. Ross Creek is about games and campfires and sleep-outs under the stars. Every day has a theme. Mention Kangaroo Court to Max and watch him grin from ear to ear. The instructors that Ross Creek attracts to each session are top-notch in their fields and incredibly generous when it comes to sharing their knowledge and skill with the campers – Max has learned so much. The counsellors and counsellors-in-training all bring a passion for the arts and a crazy amount of youthful, contagious enthusiasm. They have been mentors for Max, who in turn has been inspired by their example to become a mentor himself. The fact that Ross Creek is a safe environment for children to be free to be whatever and whoever they want has been huge for Max. To the extent that my artist / actor / comedian now wants to become a Ross Creek volunteer, a counsellor-in-training and eventually, a counsellor. Those are amazing goals for a 13yr-old to have and I am eternally grateful to Ross Creek for helping nurture them. - Carmen, Camp Parent

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Our Pal Joey

Sally — Parent

“My son Joey has been attending Ross Creek camps since for the last three summers and it has been the most amazing and supportive environment for him. He has trouble with camps where there are too many kids in relatively unstructured environments. Ross Creek camps have themes but also allow him to be an individual and express his creative and imaginative side with no pressure to do it exactly like everyone else. The staff have always been encouraging and fun and he keeps asking to go back every year! I am so glad we found Ross Creek. - Sally, Camp parent

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Texas Twins

Jeffrey — Parent

Our Twins (Maeve & Sean) have been attending Ross Creek Art Camp each year for the past 6 years. They started as Junior day campers when they were 5 years old, and have both attended one or two weeks at Ross Creek each year, including overnight camps for the past 3 years. We live in Texas, but have been able to spend our Summers in Nova Scotia, and Ross Creek is definitely the highlight of the summer for both kids. Maeve has really blossomed as an artist, enjoying all of the types of media she has been introduced to. She was really inspired by the fashion design camp this past summer, and has asked for a sewing machine and fabric to continue exploring this art form. Sean has focused his artistic passion on the film making and computer generated art. Beyond the art, which is tremendous with the talented volunteers that lead the camps each year, the joyous, welcoming and true love that Ross Creek shows to our kids and their individual personalities is what brings us back to Ross Creek each year. Artistic kids sometimes have a difficult time fitting in normal social circles. Ross Creek embraces these differences and makes the kids feel special. The Ross Creek staff have also inspired leadership aspirations in our kids. Both now have the desire and drive to become Junior Counselors at Ross Creek and take all that they have learned and give it back to other kids. Summers in the Annapolis Valley are spectacular, but Ross Creek Art Camp is the best part of summer in the Valley. - Jeffrey ​​

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From Ottawa with Love

Parent — Parent

From our initial enquiry and onwards, the staff of the Ross Creek Summer Arts Camp, were welcoming and warm, and showed a genuine interest in making Kasha's Dance Summer Dance camp experience an exciting and memorable one. Throughout her two weeks of camp, Kasha's dance experience was enriched and honed through the exploration of rhythms and choreographies under the coaching of talented seasoned teachers like Ballet Bob. This rich experience has strengthened and aligned beautifully with Kasha's professional dance training program back here at home, and has amplified the depth of her grace and dance knowledge The camp's ethos was supportive, fun and inclusive, and celebrated each and everyone's unique gifts. Kasha felt that her voice and vision were valued as a student camper. Finally, the counsellors were available at all time, and were delightful catalysts for friendships for campers like Kasha . Through their fun activities and community spirit Kasha was able to make friends that she will hold near and dear to her heart. We are grateful for having had access to this program, and for the positive impact it has had on Kasha's life. Thank you Ross Creek!

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Jordans Journey

Parent — Parent

This is Jordan's (age 16) second DSD camp. She previously attended in 2013. Jordan has been trained in classical ballet/jazz/modern and hip-hop since age 5. She has also attended Quinte Ballet School of Canada Summer Intensive (offered spot in full-time program) and Canada's Ballet Jorgen SI IV . Jordan really loves going to DSD!! There is not any aspect of camp life that she would change. The instructors such as Robert McCollum are top notch. Jordan chose to attend DSD primarily to work with "Ballet Bob" again. Every year she comes back from camp armed with new knowledge and has worked very hard on perfecting technique and mastering new choreography. Jordan especially enjoyed the African drumming she learned this past summer. Camp life is so much fun !! The camp staff do an amazing job. They are well trained and always available day or night The campers enjoy dancing all day and at night they enjoy campfires,and fun activities like spa nights/gala dinners to keep them entertained. The weekend beach/Frency's trip is also something the dancers look forward to every year. One thing Jordan has enjoyed both times she attended DSD, is the food !! As much of the produce as possible is grown at or near Ross Creek Centre for the Arts. The chef really tries to incorporate a very healthy , well balanced menu which caters to the dancers and gives them the energy required to complete the day's activities. This year Jordan hopes to attend Dance Summer Dance again after returning from her 5 week program in Toronto with Ballet Jorgen. Thank you so much for putting on such a fantastic program. I can't wait to send Jordan to Ross Creek again next summer!!!

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First Time Camper

Moxy and Mom — Camper

To the Staff, Artists, and Young Leaders at Ross Creek Centre for the Arts: ​ We want you to know that we are so grateful for the work that you do. We are also so humbled and thankful for being afforded the opportunity to participate in the programming this past summer. I am certain that each person comes away from these kinds of experiences with their own set of new learnings and gifts. We just wanted to share with you how your work has impacted our wee universe. Although Moxy was excited to come to camp, we both were a little bit nervous about the time apart. I am a single mother of a 9 year old who has never been away from family on his own. Ever. This was a first time for us. We were ready. Excited. But yeah… a lil nervous. (Ok mostly I was nervous.) But right from the start we both felt very taken care of by the staff, volunteers, and artists. For us this was not only summer camp but a life milestone. The first time away from family on his own. My heart just feels so glad that he got to do this with the Ross Creek Summer Crew. Moxy loved his experience! I know this because of how he speaks of it. He came home brimming with stories from camp. He told stories about flagpole. He told stories about the songs and games he played. He shared how much he enjoyed the camp community. He told tales of daily desserts at camp. Oh and not just desserts but yummy food every day! He retold the play as seen from his perspective. He told fantastic stories of memories made like the night they got to sleep under the stars. He had stories about his creations and the workshops. And perhaps most endearingly, he told me of the friends he had made and would like to maintain. I know he enjoyed his experience because he came home wanting to work at Ross Creek Centre for the Arts. He informed me that he could begin volunteering at age 14. I love how this is set up for the youth to participate as leaders! It feels attainable for a 9 year old. You all have inspired him! I know he enjoyed his experience because he is planning for next year and trying to invite his best friend. I know this experience had impact because he brought home the concept of using “roses, thorns and buds” as a way of debriefing our day. This is such a beautiful container to share feelings. We love it and are using it. As the single mom of a young man I am always aware of what mentors are on my son’s horizon. During the summer, Moxy saw Eamonn and Macky outside of camp while shopping. They both made a point to say hello to Moxy. This seemingly small gesture is actually quite awesome. He was completely proud that cool young folks like you recognized him. This gesture made him feel connected to community and to our new home in Nova Scotia...He was asked to pick one activity outside of school he would like to take part in this fall and he said “anything at Ross Creek.” Aaaaand he’s still singing the songs. I don’t know who she is… but I know that Aunt Numa has chickens; and they don’t sleep- no, no, no! For my part I want to thank Annie for her generosity and spirit in the garden. What a true joy to come to the garden! The garden and the connection with the land is really a collaborator in making the magic happen at Ross Creek... Finally, BIG THANK YOUS to Jessie and Chris. You should know that I have been moved to tears more than once by Ross Creek’s commitment to making programs accessible to all families in the community; without this we may have not been able to participate. Moxy, I know, thinks of it right now as super fun and is just magnetized to the experience for all kinds of reasons that he doesn’t necessarily have any language for yet. But as his guardian, I can see from my vantage point the immense impact this kind of programming has on shaping identity, confidence, leadership and team building skills, and worldview; a worldview that peers into the possibilities, manifests magic, and celebrates the abundance in this life. I am most grateful for the exposure and inclusion in the further development of this worldview. Moxy and I feel compelled to offer our hands and hearts in whatever capacity need for upcoming volunteer tasks and events. I have written this letter from the heart. We (heart) Ross Creek, Camp Parent

Chris O'Neill, Executive Director

Ross Creek is a place like no other. We forget sometimes, working daily on this site, how beautiful it is, and what a difference the programs make in the lives of young people from across the country and down the road. 

It's happening for 2021! Live and in person!

We are so thrilled to welcome Eammon and Eva as our camp directors for this season!

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Sharing Art

"I’m Moxy from Manitoulin Island in Ontario and I am turning 13 in April. My interests are movie-making, acting, that kind of stuff. Art is a big thing, any type of art really. That’s kind of me.

The first time I came to Ross Creek was in 2016. We went there to check it out and see if I’d want to go there. First off, everyone was super welcoming and it just really looked like a great place to hang out and make some art. So then I went there for a week overnight and I wasn’t scared at all. It was actually really fun. I’ve done a lot of different programs - movie-making, a theatre one, graphic design. A bunch of others. A printmaking one. I didn’t get to do animation this year, and architecture is another one that I thought would be cool to try. So I haven’t gotten to that yet but those sound pretty fun.

The staff are amazing and they really help. It’s really cool because I get to meet creators and mentors from all over the world. I just think it’s really cool how many people can share their art at Ross Creek. My family are kind of artistes and I’m one of them so I love Ross Creek and that I can share my art there.

My favourite memory that comes to my head is, we were around the campfire I jokingly went up to the front even though it was like a staff thing and they invited me up there. We sang a song and it was really nice. I’d like to keep going and do the youth leadership program. I just love the work of the youth leaders. They make me smile every day and I want to do that for all the other kids.

It’s a really fun place. They’re really welcoming and you get a lot of things when you go there. You get a lot of life skills, you get to learn from mentors from all over the world, and the plays are amazing. Also the food! If I could say one thing it would be: just go to Ross Creek.'

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Room to Grow

“I’m Marah, I’m Anishinabe, and I really like doing visual arts and dancing. I went with my parents to look into different camps because I wanted a new environment other than school where I could meet people. I first came to Ross Creek two years ago to be part of Teen Academies and I did the visual arts program there. I literally fell in love with Ross Creek and with everyone there and it just felt so inclusive. Ah I just love it. They just accept you for who you are.

This summer I started finding books in the library of Norval Morriseau and different Indigenous artists and during the Academies this year I was able to spend a lot of time with Sara Hartland-Rowe and just, like, explore those things. I definitely learned so much from the Academies, not only in terms of art but about how collaboration is such a big part of it. It just has really helped me especially in school and in other projects outside of school and in helping the community and at work. It’s just so useful. And creating those personal relationships with the artists and having those connections in the arts community is really cool. Before Ross Creek I never thought that was possible.

Being able to explore arts without judgment is a super big part of it. I know that I can play around with ideas without any judgment but I also get really good feedback. Working with the other teens in the Academies is super fun too. Oh and the leadership program! It’s helped me in so many things. It helped me to get my job because you get so much experience in all kinds of areas. It’s just such a safe place to learn and to make mistakes and then to grow as a person. My confidence has definitely grown so much being at Ross Creek and accepting myself and being myself. At Ross Creek you can just be whoever you want to be.

I belong to a reserve called Timiskaming First Nation. I basically grew up there and am really passionate about the Anishinabe culture and think it’s very important. At Ross Creek, they made me even more proud to be Native American and to express myself.

There was a week this summer when I got a bit sick so I had a lot of time on my hands. During that time I put together a call-and-response land acknowledgement for the camp. I think that it’s important that everyone has that education about where they are and on whose territory. It was super interesting to me because I’ve never been able to write and lead something like that. It felt very empowering. It actually made me pretty emotional because I’ve never had a place where I could bring that out of me and express it and share it with other people. Everyone was super accepting and very encouraging. It made me want to dive more into those kinds of things.

After that I was looking through the library and I found this book, it’s like a comic on Indigenous culture, and I was in a workshop with the juniors (4-7 year olds) so I read it to them. I was kind of scared because I didn’t want them to be uninterested but they were so into it and they wanted to read it every single day! I was able to teach them my own understandings and words and different parts of the culture and it was just super nice to get even the small kids interested and learning. And then they started going to tuck and saying “miigwetch” when they got their snacks. It was so...I almost cried.

I’d like to keep working at Ross Creek and make it to a counselor position eventually. I want to become a teacher because I just really enjoy interacting with kids all day and being able to educate them on new things. Seeing how curious and open minded they are is just so cool. Ross Creek has really helped me figure that out. I also want to learn even more about my Indigenous culture. Even though I’ve already made progress there’s always room to grow.”

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The Twins from Texas

Our Twins (Maeve & Sean) have been attending Ross Creek Art Camp each year for the past 6 years.  They started as Junior day campers when they were 5 years old, and have both attended one or two weeks at Ross Creek each year, including overnight camps for the past 3 years.  We live in Texas, but have been able to spend our Summers in Nova Scotia, and Ross Creek is definitely the highlight of the summer for both kids. 

Maeve has really blossomed as an artist, enjoying all of the types of media she has been introduced to. She was really inspired by the fashion design camp this past summer, and has asked for a sewing machine and fabric to continue exploring this art form. Sean has focused his artistic passion on the film making and computer generated art.

Beyond the art, which is tremendous with the talented volunteers that lead the camps each year, the joyous, welcoming and true love that Ross Creek shows to our kids and their individual personalities is what brings us back to Ross Creek each year.  Artistic kids sometimes have a difficult time fitting in normal social circles. Ross Creek embraces these differences and makes the kids feel special. 

The Ross Creek staff have also inspired leadership aspirations in our kids.  Both now have the desire and drive to become Junior Counselors at Ross Creek and take all that they have learned and give it back to other kids.

Summers in the Annapolis Valley are spectacular, but Ross Creek Art Camp is the best part of summer in the Valley.

Jeffrey W. Hurley

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Max at Camp

My 13yr-old son Max has been attending Ross Creek camps since he was five, both the March Break and Summer sessions.  I cannot say enough about his experience at Ross Creek.  It is a place where he has been allowed to express himself artistically and grow leaps and bounds as a person. 

Max became an overnight camper at the age of nine.  I was so worried when I dropped him off on that Sunday afternoon.  Would he be homesick?  Would he take care of and keep track of his belongings?  Would he get along with the other boys in his cabin?  Would he eat and brush his teeth and take a shower?  It was a very long week.  On Friday when we picked him up, I was met by a smiling boy who had spent five glorious days making art and making friends and making memories.  Under the watchful eyes of Roxy and the camp counsellors he had taken care of himself beautifully!  I was so happy and proud to see all that he had achieved.

Independence grows at Ross Creek.  Creativity blossoms.  Activity is key.  A great deal of confidence is gained.  The campers are exposed to young people in leadership roles and inspiration follows each of them home.  Ross Creek is about games and campfires and sleep-outs under the stars.  Every day has a theme.  Mention Kangaroo Court to Max and watch him grin from ear to ear.

The instructors that Ross Creek attracts to each session are top-notch in their fields and incredibly generous when it comes to sharing their knowledge and skill with the campers – Max has learned so much.  The counsellors and counsellors-in-training all bring a passion for the arts and a crazy amount of youthful, contagious enthusiasm.  They have been mentors for Max, who in turn has been inspired by their example to become a mentor himself.

The fact that Ross Creek is a safe environment for children to be free to be whatever and whoever they want has been huge for Max.  To the extent that my artist / actor / comedian now wants to become a Ross Creek volunteer, a counsellor-in-training and eventually, a counsellor.  Those are amazing goals for a 13yr-old to have and I am eternally grateful to Ross Creek for helping nurture them.

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Dance Summer Dance

This is Jordan's (age 16) second DSD camp. She previously attended in 2013. Jordan has been trained in classical ballet/jazz/modern and hip-hop since age 5. She has also attended Quinte Ballet School of Canada Summer Intensive (offered spot in full-time program) and Canada's Ballet Jorgen SI IV .

Jordan really loves going to DSD!! There is not any aspect of camp life that she would change. The instructors such as Robert McCollum are top notch. Jordan chose to attend DSD primarily to work with "Ballet Bob" again. Every year she comes back from camp armed with new knowledge and has worked very hard on perfecting technique and mastering new choreography.
Jordan especially enjoyed the African drumming she learned this past summer. 

Camp life is so much fun !! The camp staff do an amazing job. They are well trained and always available day or night The campers enjoy dancing all day and at night they enjoy campfires,and fun activities like spa nights/gala dinners to keep them entertained. The weekend beach/Frency's trip is also something the dancers look forward to every year.
One thing Jordan has enjoyed both times she attended DSD, is the food !! As much of the produce as possible is grown at or near Ross Creek Centre for the Arts. The chef really tries to incorporate a very healthy , well balanced menu which caters to the dancers and gives them the energy required to complete the day's activities.

This year Jordan hopes to attend Dance Summer Dance again after returning from her 5 week program in Toronto with Ballet Jorgen. Thank you so much for putting  on such a fantastic program. I can't wait to send Jordan to Ross Creek again next summer!!!

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