Campers sing of the woes of the Summer Camp morning routine during the Virgin Valley Elementary School’s production of “Summer Camp” on April 5 & 6. Photo by Teri Nehrenz

On April 5 and 6 Jenny Bennett sent all of the Virgin Valley Elementary School (VVES) students, their parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and siblings to summer camp. Bennett, the VVES music teacher, spent months working with the students, readying them to take their audience on a musical caper about finding a place to belong; that place was “Summer Camp” written by John Jacobsen and Mac Huff and directed by Bennett.

Camp Runamok’s ‘Camp Director’ (James Bourne) barks out orders to the young campers during the Virgin Valley Elementary School’s production of “Summer Camp” on April 5 & 6. Photo by Teri Nehrenz

Campers of all ages welcomed their audience to Camp Runamok, the wackiest summer camp one could ever wish for. The kids sang about everything to love and fear about summer camp from the morning routine to the bugs and even a bear!

Over 140 children participated in this spring musical. Considering Bennett’s extensive experience in directing children’s musical productions, you might think it was easy but this was no piece of cake.

Bennett would like to thank all the countless volunteers who helped make this musical happen. Special thanks to those who did costumes, scenery, props and fundraising.

Eliana Bennett (ladybug) looked ‘cute as a bug’ in the Virgin Valley Elementary School’s production of the musical “Summer Camp” on April 5 & 6. Photo by Teri Nehrenz

She would also like to thank Dr. Ann Rice for her donation of the percussion instruments and to Kala Brand Ukuleles and other donors for the ukuleles used in the program.

Bennett also extends a special thank you to Principal, Mrs. Davis, Vice-Principal, Mr. Bennett and the front office staff for supporting the musical as well as Mr. Durbin for the use of the rehearsal space.