Article September 20, 1999 Issue

"The sense of wonder"

Art teacher Pamela Benjamin talks with News Editor Kim Shippey

Throughout the northern summer months of July and August, a day camp on the island of Martha's Vineyard, about five miles off the southeastern coast of Massachusetts, has brought together dozens of children between the ages of seven and twelve. They have gathered to explore the creative arts blended with an awareness of the environment, of different cultures, and of community and social issues.

The director of this annual camp is Pamela Benjamin, who describes herself as an artist, art teacher, Sunday School teacher, dancer, sailor, environmentalist, and mother—not necessarily in that order. She explained to us that the purpose of the camp is to "promote the discovery and appreciation of our world—its environmental and ethnical diversity—and to help children become closer to it and learn how to love and care for it. To appreciate the very small wonders as well as the big ones—and how not to lose them."

The age range is extended to eighteen for fall, winter, and spring sessions at the same island venue.

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