Extra Intriguing Information for Each Camp!
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Messina/Sicilly - Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare
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The Emerald City-Novel: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by Frank Baum
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Misselthwaite Manor - The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
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The Kingdom of Dor - The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo
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Exit 8 Big Top Mall - The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
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Middle-Earth - The Hobbit - The Hobbit by J R R Tolkien
Ultimately, Ollie’s Odyssey is a story about the importance of friendship and why we need to work so hard to build brings of understanding with those who are different than ourselves. Antagonists or villains are necessary in helping us realize what we value most and they present opportunities for us to stretch outside our comfort zone.
The creeps and Zero the clown evolve from scary and mysterious antagonists into characters that have simply “lost their way.”The art portion of this camp will allow your child to expand their sculpture skills while discovering how creepy and cute are different edges of the same sword.
Who is William Joyce?
Did you know 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗺 𝗝𝗼𝘆𝗰𝗲 played a key role in some of your favorite childhood stories? He’s the creative mind behind 𝗧𝗼𝘆 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆, 𝗔 𝗕𝘂𝗴’𝘀 𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲, 𝗥𝗼𝗯𝗼𝘁𝘀, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱-𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸𝘀 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗥𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗲 𝗢𝗹𝗶𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗙𝗹𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗠𝗿. 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗿𝗶𝘀 𝗟𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲.
During camp, kids will explore 𝙊𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙚’𝙨 𝙊𝙙𝙮𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙮, a heartwarming adventure about a lost stuffed toy on a brave quest to reunite with his boy. Through storytelling, creative arts, and hands-on fun, campers will bring this world to life—and even design their own cute creepy creature, inspired by Joyce’s whimsical and eerie characters!
Watch the Netflix trailer for Lost Ollie
The Invention of Hugo Cabret is told such that it blends elements of picture book, novel, graphic novel, and film. It is all of these formats, but not defined by any of them. We consider it a privilege to introduce this unique work to students in a manner that will spark creative ventures of their own.
Mosaic is an art media that we do well at the Lyceum and we are very excited to combine the clockmaking theme in the book with the construction of mosaic-faced clocks. Campers will pick up their art pieces on Mon Mar 24th so that the grout can have a chance to set.
Do You Know
the book is inspired by the True Story of pioneer filmmaker Georges Méliès?
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Brian Selznick's 2007 novel, The Invention of Hugo Cabret , is a captivating blend of narrative and illustration that tells the story of a young orphan named Hugo Cabret. Set in 1930s Paris, Hugo secretly maintains the clocks in a bustling train station while endeavoring to repair a mysterious automaton left by his late father. His quest leads him to an encounter with Georges Méliès, a pioneering filmmaker who, in the story, runs a toy booth in the station.
The character of Georges Méliès in the novel is inspired by the real-life French illusionist and filmmaker of the same name. Méliès was renowned for his innovative work in early cinema, particularly for creating the world's first science fiction film, A Trip to the Moon , in 1902. Selznick weaves elements of Méliès's life and contributions to cinema into the narrative, enriching the story with historical context and paying homage to his legacy.
(Left photo is Georges Méliès.)
Watch the movie trailer for Hugo , based on the book The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick.
Why should you introduce young children
to Shakespeare?
Shakespeare was a keen observer of human behaviour and a consummate storyteller. His stories are as relatable today as they were 500 years ago, but they are written poetically in old English, which can make them less accessible to modern audiences. While some parents may worry that his works are too complex, children are naturally receptive to rich language and engaging narratives if understanding of the storyline is achieved first.
The best way to aid translation is to develop familiarity with the storyline using illustrated abridged versions of the tale. Then with the help of actors, stage backdrops and props, meaning is created, even as the play is performed in Shakespearian English.
As a parent who took her sons every year to Bard on the Beach form the ages of 5 and 6, Christianne maintains there is nothing more exhilarating than watching the sun set over mountains as the players gather on stage to share their best interpretation of Shakespeare’s genius. It gave balance and a life long love of literature to her two hockey playing sons, who still insist that summer isn’t complete until they have taken in at least one play with the Bard and their mother. The hot chocolate and popcorn has been replaced by wine and nuts, but the family connection, love of story and commitment to live theatre remain the same.
Read the article: "Should you introduce your 5-year-old to Shakespeare?" Click here!
Additional Related Articles:
Watch Much Ado About Nothing Video Summary
The Emerald City of The Wizard of Oz
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The dazzling capital of Oz in The Wizard of Oz, represents more than just a fantastical place—it's a symbol of dreams, self-discovery, and the journey toward finding one’s true potential.
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Encourages Imagination & Creativity: The Emerald City is a place of wonder, where everything glows green and magic thrives. It sparks children's imagination, helping them dream big and find possibility in situations where impossibility looms big.
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Understanding Appearances vs. Reality: The Wizard initially seems all-powerful, but he is just an ordinary man behind a curtain. This helps children learn that things are not always as they seem and that true power often comes from within themselves.
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A Symbol of Hope & Dreams: The Emerald City represents a destination where dreams can come true. It reminds us that perseverance and believing in ourselves can lead them to great things.
By exploring the Emerald City in Frank Baum’s timeless classic, children engage with important life lessons wrapped in an enchanting and magical adventure. Whether through reading, watching, or even acting out The Wizard of Oz, they can gain a deeper appreciation for courage, friendship, and self-discovery.
Did you know?
In 1882, L. Frank Baum, author of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, married Maud Gage, the daughter of noted feminist and suffragist Matilda Joslyn Gage. He had a close relationship with his mother-in-law, who, along with his wife, influenced him to become a lifelong suffragist and feminist.
According to biographer Katharine M. Rogers, Baum was "a secure man who did not worry about asserting his masculine authority." In fact, most of his books featured girls as the heroes. It was Matilda Gage who encouraged Baum to write for children after hearing him tell imaginative stories to his own children.
Watch a short video clip of The Wizard of Oz
– The Emerald City
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Each year, our scholarship fundraising gala grants one lucky winner the chance to design their own Spring Break camp. This time, Lia—also known as Poppy—took the reins!
Inspired by The Secret Garden, Lia has crafted a magical day of creativity. Campers will design floral booklets, plant a mini spring garden in a pot with primroses, daffodils, and narcissus, and listen to her favourite part of the story. Of course, no English garden experience is complete without homemade scones, Devonshire cream, and jam!
Whether your child is new to the tale or a longtime fan, they’ll leave with enough magic to fill a grand English manor.
“If you look the right way,
you can see that the whole world
is a garden.”
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett is a firm favourite among teachers and librarians because it teaches valuable lessons in personal growth, resilience, and the healing power of both nature and positive thinking. The very concept of of garden embodies hope, a precious commodity in a troubled world. When we see tiny green spikes push up through the dead brown leaves of winter, we allow hope to flutter into our hearts as we anticipate snowdrops, crocuses, daffodils, narcissus and tulips.
“the two worst things as can happen to a child is never to have his own way — or always to have it.” - Wisdom from Mrs Sowerby
Mrs. Sowerby’s wisdom is as relevant today as it ever was; she has been a champion of children and a mentor to parents for over one hundred years. The dance that parents engage in as they try to guide/mentor and learn alongside their children is complex and requires much self reflection in an age where the pace of daily living is “fast forward”. One of the most challenging tasks we take on as parents is guarding against “entitlement” and nurturing children with a solid social conscience.
“At first people refuse to believe that a strange new thing can be done, then they begin to hope it can be done, then they see it can be done—then it is done”
The Secret Garden continues to inspire young readers today both to take on personal challenges and to become contributing members of their community.
Want to learn more check “Mary Lennox’s Healing Journey In The Secret Garden”
Watch The Secret Garden (1993) Trailer
Despereaux Tilling, a bold and mighty mouse, is sure to capture your child’s heart. Born with sight—unlike most mice—he quickly discovers a world that is wide, wonderful, and full of adventure.
After diving into excerpts from the novel, students will sketch two-dimensional scenes and select one to “paint” using Sculpey clay. They’ll mix colours, match shades, and craft a dynamic tableau, complete with a real needle (sword) for Despereaux’s battles.
The final and most crucial step will be to send these works of art off to the oven for baking, before coating them with a fine mist of sealant to ensure their lifespan for many years to come.
As they bake, students will decorate upcycled frames from the film industry.
Once you collect your child and hear the enthusiasm with which they talk about their day, we think you’ll agree—this story is a classic in the making!
The Tale of Despereaux:
A Timeless Favorite Among Educators and Readers
Recognized for its timeless charm and rich storytelling, The Tale of Despereaux has earned high praise from educators. In 2007, the U.S. National Education Association named it one of its "Teachers' Top 100 Books for Children," and many schools have included it in their summer reading programs.
In 2012, School Library Journal ranked it #51 among the greatest children's novels of all time—one of three Kate DiCamillo books to make the Top 100. A heartwarming tale of bravery and hope, it's a must-read for young book lovers!
Click here for more about the book and here for an article on how it feeds into the power of storytelling in its purest sense.
Discover the Art of Barbara Reid:
Painting with Clay!
Have you ever seen a painting made entirely of clay? Award-winning Canadian author and illustrator Barbara Reid is famous for her stunning, textured art pieces. Instead of traditional paint, she uses colourful clay to sculpt intricate images, layering and shaping it to bring her visions to life.
From beloved books like The Subway Mouse and Gifts, to classics like The Party, Barbara Reid’s unique style captures movement, detail, and emotion in a way that feels both playful and lifelike. Her work is a wonderful inspiration for young artists to experiment with new ways of storytelling through different mediums.
Why not try it yourself? Grab some modelling clay, flatten it, shape it, and see what masterpiece you can create!
Would you like to explore more creative techniques like this? Join us at [Your Organization's Name] for hands-on art workshops! 🎨✨
Watch how Barbara paints with clay in
Making Plasticine Pictures: Part 1
In The One and Only Ivan, Katherine Applegate perfectly captures the heartfelt story of Ivan, a gorilla separated from his natural habitat. While tugging at your heartstrings, the tale explores deeply the value of human connection. For 27 years, Ivan follows the same routine, ogled by visitors at Big Top Mall—until he meets Ruby the elephant.
Christianne will share passages from the original text and facilitate a discussion with the group around animal relationships. During lunch, we’ll watch movie snippets before diving into our project.
Students will carve rubber stamps using specialized knives (easier than lino-cutting). After a safety and technique masterclass, they’ll etch designs of gorillas, elephants, or dogs. We’ll then mix and match the stamps, roll on colour, and press them onto canvas with guidance from Lyceum staff.
Once dry, students will take inspiration from Ivan and sign their work with a thumbprint—a one-of-a-kind inscription.
The True Story Behind The One and Only Ivan
The One and Only Ivan is inspired by the real-life story of a gorilla named Ivan, who lived for 27 years in captivity at the B&I Shopping Center in Tacoma, Washington. Ivan was captured as a baby in the wild and spent most of his life in a small, glass enclosure where he became the center of attention for visitors. Though he was mostly isolated, Ivan formed a bond with a dog named Bob and later, a young elephant named Ruby, whose arrival changed the course of his life.
In 1994, after years of campaigning by animal rights activists and the public, Ivan was finally moved to the Atlanta Zoo, where he was given a more natural environment to enjoy. His story became widely known, and he inspired many to advocate for better treatment and conditions for animals in captivity. Ivan’s journey serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of compassion and freedom for all creatures on this earth.
Watch how Barbara paints with clay in
Making Plasticine Pictures: Part 1
J.R.R Tolkien’s The Hobbit is a captivating world, rich in detail and bound to garner fans for decades to come. Spend a magical evening at The Lyceum as we discuss Hobbiton, the One Ring, and Gollum’s morally complex character.
Students will create a unique tiled wooden keepsake box, go on a treasure hunt for items to fill it to the brim with, and enjoy a pizza party while watching The Hobbit trilogy. We’ll finish the night with sparklers, honoring Gandalf’s iconic fireworks. In the morning, we’ll share a first breakfast of waffles, berries, and cream, reminiscing about the night’s adventures.
Get ready for your journey to Hobbiton by taking this quiz to test your knowledge and increase your level of fandom.
Even though it might look like it’s straight out of your imagination
Matamata, in the Waikato region of New Zealand's North Island,
Even though it might look like it’s jumped straight from your imagination and into three dimensions, almost unbelievable is the fact that you could actually wander through this otherworldly landscape yourself. Completely custom built for the movie, this Hobbiton is located in Matamata, in the Waikato region of New Zealand’s North Island.
If you don’t happen to be going down under anytime soon, or simply want to save the time that would’ve been spent in a cramped airplane seat, this traveller has done the hard work for you. Akin to a virtual walkthrough, here are 30 fun facts you might struggle to believe about the Hobbiton set.