High Flying Fun at Circus Summer Camp

By Ryan G. Van Cleave

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Founded in 1997 under a different name, The Circus Arts Conservatory is a not-for-profit organization that has a three-part mission: advance the amazing legacy and heritage of the circus; use the circus arts to improve the life of people in care facilities; and engage and educate students using truly unique and innovative learning programs. That last goal, in particular, might be most important because they’re not only creating the potential circus performers of tomorrow, but the vital circus-loving audiences, too.

To that end, the Conservatory runs a Big-Top-packing circus summer camp where the fun never seems to stop. Instead of having adults, teachers, or Sarasota Scene contributing writers try to explain it, though, we’re going to let camp participants tell you all about it in their own words instead.

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Lilly Harris 
Fifth grader from Atlanta, GA
Two-year circus summer camp participant

How did you first learn about the summer circus camp?

My aunt from Florida found it online, and it sounded really cool!

What’s the most surprising takeaway from your camp experience?

I made a lot of new friends in Sarasota. Plus, there were so many fun activities and great counselors to work with.

Is there a single experience from camp that stands out in your mind? What is it and why does it stand out?  

How amazing the counselors from Sailor Circus are—that they’re actually willing to help with the acts we choose. They care so much.

What’s the most important thing people should know or understand about the circus in general, and/or the circus summer camp in specific?

That the circus is not just for people who already want to do it—everyone will want to do it once they try. I like that I learn new things every day, and we get to show our family everything we learned at the end. I feel like I’m actually part of a real circus!

Three words that describe the circus summer camp?

Fun. Exciting. Educational.

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Teagan Allen
High school senior at New Gate Montessori School
Three-year circus summer camper
Long-time Sailor Circus Academy student

How did you first learn about the circus summer camp?

My friend was in Sailor Circus at the time and I loved coming to see the shows. I wanted to somehow get involved, so I heard about summer camp and thought that it was the perfect avenue into the circus world.

What’s the most surprising takeaway from your camp experience?

While being a camp counselor, I was surprised to learn how much you can bond with kids in the span of one week. Doing circus with kids quickly bonds you

Is there a single experience from camp that stands out in your mind? What is it and why does it stand out?    

Honestly, after every showcase is the best feeling—those are the moments that stick out to me. After the kids and coaches work tirelessly all week, it’s so rewarding to see all that hard work come into fruition on Friday.

What’s the most important thing people should know or understand about the circus in general, and/or the circus summer camp in specific?

The camp and circus, in general, are a great alternative to traditional competition sports. The pressure for kids to do well in sports can often make the activity no longer fun. In the circus, you are motivated not through competition, but through the desire to entertain and do well for yourself.I’m actually part of a real circus!

Three words that describe the circus summer camp?

Fun. Challenging. Rewarding.

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Sophia Riesen
High school sophomore 
(homeschooled + dual enrollment at SCF)
Two-year circus summer camper (2015-2017)

How did you first learn about the circus summer camp?

We had just moved to Florida, and my mom found out about it through Facebook. Once she told me about it, I was extremely intrigued. Since I was little, I have always loved the circus and everything about it. From the clowns to the aerialists, it all amazed me each time I went to a circus. So, when the chance came to experience a little bit of that myself, I was elated.

What’s the most surprising takeaway from your camp experience?

I went into my first summer camp experience not knowing how I was going to do or what to expect. During the many summers I did the camp, I took away something that will benefit me the rest of my life, which is just because something may feel impossible, that doesn’t mean it is. If you give up on it, then yes, it will be impossible. But if you practice and try again and again, it can become the easiest thing ever.

Is there a single experience from camp that stands out in your mind? What is it and why does it stand out?  

One experience that really stands out for me is when I did silks one year. We got to try doing some drops one day and after that, doing drops was all I wanted to do. My favorite part was getting to perform and actually show off the drops I had been working so hard on. Hearing the crowd gasp as I let go and was caught by the silk was one of the most exhilarating feelings ever. I felt like I was flying—it was as if I was floating for that split second.

What’s the most important thing people should know or understand about the circus in general, and/or the circus summer camp in specific?

Circus is unlike anything else. There is nowhere else you can go to flip and fly through the air, or balance on top of someone’s shoulders. It can be challenging, but it is so rewarding. Getting to perform and surprise the audience with the things you have worked so hard to be able to do is the best part.

Three words that describe the circus summer camp?

Rewarding. Exhilarating. Unforgettable.

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2020 Circus Summer Camp registration is continuing to fill up! In light of the COVID-19 outbreak, The CAC has added to their already rigorous health and safety protocols in their facilities as they prepare for the summer season. They’re working within the guidelines established by our local community and government to get CAC programs back on track at the earliest date that they can safely do so, and they’ll adjust camp offerings as needed to ensure the safety of all CAC staff, volunteers, and students.

In the meantime, The CAC continues to do what they can to educate people and keep the circus arts alive. As their website currently claims, “You can’t come to the circus right now, so we are coming to you!” Enjoy the free videos and lessons you can currently find on CircusArts.org, and if you like what you see, consider trying out future classes and camps. They’d LOVE for you to come and discover the magic of the Big Top for yourself.

For more information on The Circus Arts Conservatory, please visit www.circusarts.org or call 941.355.9335.