HELENA — A unique summer camp at Grandstreet Theatre is helping children in Helena grow both on and off the stage through acting, movement and creative play.
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The Social Skills Theater Camp has been running for more than a decade and is designed to help children who may struggle with neurodivergence and other social or developmental challenges. Organizers say the goal is to create a fun and supportive environment where kids can build confidence, friendships and important life skills while preparing for a live performance.
“It’s aimed to help the kids who maybe struggle to just say hi to someone,” said Marianne Adams, director of education for the Social Skills Theater Camp.
The program combines theater activities with lessons focused on communication, reading social cues and expressing emotions in healthy ways. Instructor Daylinda Radley, who has been involved with the camp since it began more than 12 years ago, says theater creates a natural way for students to practice those skills without pressure.
“Intended to combine social skills instruction, but being able to present it in a very fun and creative way through the medium of theater,” Radley said.
The camp is divided into two age groups, with one group serving incoming kindergarten through fourth-grade students and another group for fifth graders through high school students. Organizers keep the camp small, with a maximum of 12 participants, allowing instructors to work closely with each child.
“You know, they’re enjoying a camp, they’re having fun, they’re doing a play, but not necessarily hyper focusing on the other skills that they’re learning in the background. But just as important,” Radley said.
The camp will wrap up with a performance on Aug. 7 featuring three skits and a dance routine for family and friends.
For Adams, the program is about much more than putting on a show.
“Even if you reach one kid, one young actor, one young person, it matters,” Adams said.
The Social Skills Theater Camp is funded through a grant from the Diane Fresh Foundation, which organizers say makes the program possible each year.
