A publication of the Arts & Camp youth group--Summer 2014

THE SAINT THOMAS

Volume I, no.1 TIMES

Creativity happens at Arts Camp 2014

St. Thomas Art Camp Arts Camp Small Ensembles by Rachel Sarff by Paul Georgoulis

During the week of June 23rd After that, we sang in a small The St. Thomas Arts Camp standard wind quintet reper- to 27th, students from grades 6- group with four parts. students participated in small toire in the new parish hall. The 12 came together at St. Thomas We sang Thank You Soldiers, music ensembles during their other ensemble played hymns church for an Arts Camp. We America the Beautiful, and Like time at camp. These ensembles in the nave. started off our days at 9:00 in the a Mighty Stream. Then we included a wind quintet in Playing in small ensembles Art Room. learned addition helps build interpersonal skills On Monday, each person the ba- to one and encourages students to made a zentangle which is a pic- sics of other evaluate themselves and their ture with lots of patterns. guitar mixed peers critically. These are very On Tuesday, we used a quote with en- important life skills that can be from the Bible to inspire our John semble. learned through something that projects which could be any- Greene. These is fun and rewarding. thing. Some kids painted, some To end en- Sometimes referred to as drew things, and some used our sembles “the music of friends,” cham- clay.* Also on Tuesday we tie- day,we met and ber music has long been an dyed shirts. played re- artistic outlet for many people. The rest of the week we did our own hearsed Although some ensembles, our own things for the whole instru- each such as the wind quintet, are time. ments to after- more common and traditional, The second class was jour- different noon. participants do not need to be nalism where we wrote news ar- hymns The in a particularly “normal” ticles and put them together in a with Dr. wind ensemble in order to reap the newspaper called St. Thomas Beth Elswick. quintet consisted of a flute, an benefits of chamber music. In Times. This is available for The camp was fun and I oboe, a clarinet, a horn in F, fact, the uniqueness of groups members of the church, friends, learned so many new things. The and a bassoon. The other such as the nave band contrib- and family members to see and music part was the most infor- ensemble consisted of a wider utes to how special small will be available the weekend of mative. I now know how to tell variety of instruments as they ensembles can be. July 6th. This class taught cre- the difference between different do not all belong to the same It is very clear that all of ative writing skills and the ba- chords on the piano. And I also family, with hand bells, piano, the students have enjoyed their sics of writing articles. know how to play different trumpet, two cellos, and a time in the ensembles. Most After lunch, Andrew chords on the guitar. clarinet. The wind quintet importantly, an interest in Ouellette used the piano to do rehearsed music from the music was fostered in each of ear training with us. them for years to come.

*Throughout this publication are photos of the works of art created by those who attended the camp. Experiencing the Arts by Jessica Sarff

Students in grades six through twelve gath- Overall, the camp was very fun and excit- ered at St. Thomas Episcopal Church on June ing as we got to experience creating different 23 for an advanced arts camp, where we cre- forms of art. The ear training part of the camp ated art, were introduced to guitar, sang in was the part where I learned the most. I was small ensembles, played a variety of instru- taught how to recognize different notes, which ments, and practiced creative writing skills. will be helpful when I sing or play instru- In art class, we were given an assortment ments. of media, such as paint, chalk, and clay to My favorite part was learning how to play make an art piece inspired by a Bible verse the guitar. It was fun, and I am considering with the guidance of Jenne Weil. taking lessons. The camp was a blast and I With Joy Crane and Tracie Glasscock, hope that I can return next year. we created a newspaper and practiced writ- ing and editing articles. John Greene taught us the basics of the guitar, such as tuning it and playing chords and melodies. In addition to guitar, we played An example of a “zentangle.” our own instruments as a group with Dr. Beth Elswick and sang songs like America the Beautiful and Thank You, Soldiers. Also, we practiced recognizing different chords on the piano, with the help of Andrew Ouellette.

Exploring Arts Camp by Justin Kline Students from around the St. Thomas Students ranged in age from sixth grade community gathered this week for Art to just graduated. It was important that the Camp , hosted by Dr. Beth Elswick. Dr. students had freedom in their participation, Elswick had previously hosted an arts camp as the students came from a wide range of for fifth graders and under, and she had previous artistic talents and knowledge. long wanted to move up to middle school Each had a choice as to what art projects and high school students. This year is the they would complete, what articles they first year that the older kids got their would research and compose, and even a chance. wide range of guitars to choose from! At camp, students had the opportunity to The hard work and artistic dedication of participate in many fields of fine arts Arts Camp participants will be displayed including: arts and crafts, journalism, ear and music will be heard on July 6th at St. training, vocal coaching, guitar basics, Thomas. small instrumental ensembles, and even basic music theory. Students worked closely with St. Thomas staff and volunteers from around the community and the University of Missouri, Kansas City music staff to further their artistic studies. — 2 — What’s New: Currently in Bloom at the St. Thomas Garden by Paul Georgoulis The garden near the entrance of St. paths, which are illuminated at night by Thomas is always a peaceful and beautiful low-lying lamps. A larger plant near the place to relax. Like most gardens, its look church entrance has very large, floppy changes from season to season. Flowers are leaves. Three trees provide ample shade, often seen as the centerpieces of many and a retaining wall and the two benches gardens and are held in high regard because are ideal spots to sit and enjoy the garden. of the colors and fragrances they contribute Also, wildlife, especially birds, can be seen to the outdoor space. Currently, a nice at this time of year in the garden. For range of flowers is in bloom. These include instance, a blue jay was spotted hopping lilies, which are just now beginning to come around in one of the trees last Wednesday out for the season; a purple patch of and a cardinal the following Thursday. pansies; lamb’s ear, with the soft leaves that The garden is surely a wonderful place give it its name in addition to its blooms; to visit this season and I highly encourage purple and white hostas; the minty-smell- all of the readers to stop by next time they ing, lavender- colored cat mint; and two are at church. different cultivars of roses, which bloom in deep red and light pink. Different shrubs provide a green canvas for the flowers to be displayed. These include both coniferous and deciduous plants. Shrubs and monkey grass line the

The students who attended our 2014 Arts Camp were inspired by Biblical verses to create pieces of art using a variety of media. All photos taken by Rosemary Abbott.

— 3 — In other news

Integration of technology in schools St. Thomas Youth allows students to take courses online Group Take Trip to by Stratton Georgoulis Puerto Rico Improvements in technology have long home and either come to school an hour by Riley Demo enriched students’ experiences in the late or leave an hour early. This allows for classroom, but now some high school extra flexibility in these students’ sched- Eight of the St. Thomas youth are th students in the Blue Valley school district ules. taking a trip to Puerto Rico from July 20 th are taking advantage of new opportunities Online courses have given some to 27 . We are teaming up with a group to complete entire classes online. students an extra option in scheduling called Team Effort. This organization will These new courses are designed courses that work best for them. Though provide meals and housing for the week of specifically for Blackboard, a website that the extra flexibility invites some to our stay. Throughout the week, the youth hosts the classes and provides a platform procrastinate, online courses have been will be doing a variety of service projects. for students to interact digitally with their successful enough that the number of Some projects may include building teacher and classmates. courses continues to expand. fences, fixing roofs, gardening, and Students submit assignments online to As schools continue to implement building furniture. We travelers will not be graded by their teacher, who then posts technology in an increasingly technological know exactly what we will be working on th grades to Blackboard for student viewing. society, it seems the “online classroom” is until we get there on Saturday July 20 . Digital discussion boards also allow here to stay. students to discuss the topics they are Our group will be departing the airport studying by typing messages that can be at 6:00 am. This means that we will have viewed by other students. to meet at 4:00 am because Puerto Rico is The system is secure; each student counted as international travel. “It will be receives his or her own username and a tremendous opportunity for me and the password at the beginning of the course. other youth that are going,” states one of No one can post or view information the travelers. Many of the teens have never without first logging into the system. been on a mission trip before so this will Still, not all courses are available to be an exciting experience for us all. take online. Blue Valley maintains that some courses don’t translate well into a We will be working on our mission digital format. Though discussion boards projects Monday through the afternoon of help, they cannot take the place of in-class Thursday. On Thursday evening and all interaction. Many of the courses offered day Friday we will have a “fun day” and are technology courses that fit the digital will get to enjoy the beauty of Puerto Rico format well, such as Online Computer and all of its exotic sites. We will be able Applications and Online Emerging to choose from a variety of activities to do Technology. on this “fun day,” including kayaking, Students have varying reasons for swimming, snorkeling, or just lying on the choosing to take classes online. Some need beach for a day. technology class credits to graduate, but don’t have room in their academic We ask that you keep us in your prayers schedule to take the classes during the so that we may have safe travels and a school day. wonderful stay in Puerto Rico. These students often take online classes over the summer in place of traditional summer school, or can choose to take the class in addition to a full traditional schedule. Other students choose to take an online course in place of a first or last hour, allowing them to complete online work at

— 4 — In other news

Schlitterbahn Water Park Hillary Clinton vs. The World Cup by Jessica Sarff by Catie Wiltanger

Schlitterbahn is a family owned On Sunday, June 22nd, I had no time to watch Instead of Clinton rambling on about water park in Kansas City that offers a the World Cup. To me, what I was doing was things many would not want to hear, she variety of attractions, such as much more interesting, beneficial, and impactful. elaborated on simple questions that might waterslides and lazy rivers. Its Many may ask, “What could be more exciting be raised by reading her autobiography. I headquarters are in New Braunfels, and interesting than watching two of our planet’s was very impressed with her; she appeared Texas, and there are currently four best teams match up head-to-head?” Well, what very knowledgeable and passionate about parks. There are numerous places to about listening to our former first lady speaking our country. Clinton not only remembered eat in the park, and they welcome about her new autobiography? specific dates and people, she was able to picnics brought from home. That’s right. On a Sunday night my mom, talk in great length about them. Anyone The park in Kansas City has been grandma, sister and I drove downtown to the who thinks she’s too old or her memory was on the news a lot lately due to the new Midland Theater. Although Clinton’s lecture affected by her recent concussion was very waterslide that is hopefully opening started at five, everyone was asked to be in their misinformed! this summer. The Verriickt, or seats at four-thirty because the show was sold Reflecting back on the interview, I “Insane” in English, will be the tallest out. About ten minutes before the interview was realized that I had experienced what it’s like in the world, and will send four riders supposed to start, a lady came on stage and said to be one of our country’s great leaders. I down a drop of 168 feet and 7 inches, Mrs. Clinton’s plane was running late. She said heard about everything from Clinton, from over a bump, then down another the program would start a tad tardy. Mrs. Clinton press conferences in developing countries thrilling drop of 50 feet. It is taller appeared on the stage at five-forty. her friendly relationship with Angela than Niagara Falls! The opening of The stage was set up like one’s living room, Merkel (whom many call her “twin”) to the the slide has been delayed due to two cushioned chairs facing the audience with a recent death of her mother and the impact unspecified problems, and there is table and a rug in between. What I thought was of her mother’s lessons. Listening to Hillary currently no date scheduled for the going to be a lecture turned out to be the Clinton was an incredible experience I will slide’s debut. aforementioned interview, which to me was more never forget. The park also includes the Soaring interesting. Eagle Zipline, which sends two riders flying backwards to the peak of the line, which is 100 feet above the park, and then they change direction and rocket to the end. In addition, the park offers 13 kids slides, relaxing beaches, private cabanas, a heated pool, and a Boogie Bahn Surfing Ride. The Kansas City location also has free parking. I have had amazing experiences at the park, and I am looking forward to going again this summer with my family. My favorite things in the park are the waterslides, so I am excited for the introduction of the Verriickt. Overall, the park is both thrilling and relaxing for the whole family, and a great place to go in the summer.

— 5 — In other news

Do you know your volunteers? by Sarah Manuel

The St. Thomas church is run by many people including the wonderful volunteers working every Sunday. The answers they gave to my questions show how great their contributions are to the church. I inter- viewed two volunteers: Tracie Glasscock and Linda Manuel. My first interview was with Tracie Glasscock, a member at St. Thomas for 20 yrs. The following are questions and answers from the interview:

Question: When did you start working at St Thomas? Tracie: “I came to the church in May of l994. I immediately joined the music program and sang with a contemporary music group, the Winds of Harmony.” Question: What kind of work do you do while volunteering? Tracie: “For IHN, I make meals for the homeless in the program. In choir, I attend weekly rehearsals on Wednesday evening and sing for the 10:45 service. For the women’s retreat, I facilitate monthly meetings for planning the event. And on the Stewardship Team, I help plan the annual stewardship drive.” Question: What motivates you to volunteer? Tracie: “I like to be able to give back to my church community. I think it’s part of stewardship to give of my time, talent and treasure.”

My second interview was with Linda Manuel who is a hostess at St. Thomas. She assists others with food preparation and food set-up for Sunday services and special events. Question: Why do you like to volunteer at St. Thomas? Linda:” I enjoy working with kids and I might be helping out VBS this year.” Question: How do you think volunteering impacts others? Linda:” I think it demonstrates that I care about St. Thomas. It also sets a good example for future volunteers.” Question: Why do you like volunteering? Linda: “I like how it makes me and other volunteers feel good that we are giving our time to the community.”

Volunteering is a great way to help the community and to spend time helping people. If you have just a few extra hours in the week those hours can change people’s lives.

— 6 — In other news

Construction for Blue Valley schools “Minecraft”:Teachers by Ethan Minter Encourage

Does your student go to a Blue Valley school? Do you think the entrance to the building Students to Play a was always the same? Probably the building has changed in many ways due to an increased focus on security. For example, at my school, Harmony Middle, you entered the school and Video Game walked down the hall for a few minutes before you saw the office. If someone came into Taken from the Chicago Tribune, May 8, 2014 the building, they wouldn’t be seen and could find their way to any part of the building. and adapted by Ethan Minter This puts both the teachers and the students at risk. Did you know that some video games Students at Harmony Middle returned from winter break this year to find the entrance of can be used as educational tools? their school under construc- “Minecraft” is a video games made to tion. This construction mine or harvest resources, create supplies continued through the school and shelters and survive mob attacks. some year and is still going on into teachers have used Minecraft to educate the summer. You might be kids in different subjects. From history to asking “Why are the schools engineering to science, Minecraft has under construction?” Well, been contributing to educating kids in the answer you get from me these subjects. is that the district is doing This recently happened in Chicago that for the safety of the when a handful of seventh-graders at students. The district is re- Northbrook’s Maple School sat down at modeling the school so that the school’s library computers recently to as someone enters the office strengthen their understanding of the Cold they would immediately be War. seen by the school secretaries They weren’t scouring Wikipedia for who would then be able to historical information or going through old warn teachers and students. Teachers and students would respond by following the safety news footage on YouTube. procedures to get in a classroom, lock the door, turn out the lights and hide until the danger Instead, they were building a model of is over. Germany with the help of one of the Many Blue Valley schools are currently under construction both for re-modeling as world’s hottest video games: “Minecraft.” well as for protecting student safety. Yes, it maybe a little inconvenient; but, in the end, it TeacherGaming, the name of the will improve safety. So, if your school was under construction and there was a “code red company that has sold a version of the lights out,” remember that all that construction was for your safety. game to 2,500 school world wide says, “The secret sauce is that kids are engaged, they love it and they want to do it.” Quest Academy, a private school in Palatine, III installed Minecraft into the fifth grade classroom this year. They use it to reinforce lessons on J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Hobbit.” Since November they have created their own fantasy world on Minecraft designed to be populated by virtual dragons and have been writing about the adventures they have there. With Minecraft as an educational tool, students can build worlds, lands and objects as well as develop math skills such as estimating proportions. Students could also work together with other students even if they weren’t in the same room. The possibilities are endless with what you can do with Minecraft. — 7 — Opinion The Dangers of Social Media by Cormac Palmer If you look over the shoulder exploit it, be it a classmate were arrested for aggressively finding time to be alone and of any teenager in America, or looking for the latest thing to bullying Rebecca Sedwick to relax. the entire world, you will gossip, an identity thief looking the point at which she killed There are additional ways to probably see them on their for money, or a stalker looking herself. The two girls bullied protect yourself on social phone, posting whatever is for their next target. People’s Rebecca physically until she media. The biggest and most going on around them to a posts cannot be completely changed schools, but the obvious is to simply be careful social media site such as removed, and the information bullying continued on social what you post online. If you Twitter, Snapchat, Facebook, can often be accessed by media for months. This situa- don’t post anything personal or etc. They are posting the anyone who wants it. tion is repeated across the world important, then there is nothing thoughts in their heads, the Not only is social media a as more and more kids begin for people to steal, follow, or world around them, their playground for identity thieves posting insults to take out their ridicule. If someone is bullying secrets, their friends’ secrets. and stalkers, but it is also a rage on peers. you online, ignore them; or, if it This seems relatively harmless place for cyberbullies to locate Emotional pain on social gets serious, call the police. until they post something too and attack their victims. media isn’t caused only by Getting off of the computer and personal, and someone on the Bullying is one of the leading other people; you can become walking around in the real Internet finds it and decides to causes of suicide in the United racked with loneliness if you world with your real friends can States, spend too much time on social help keep you out of depression and media. Studies show that people and loneliness. bullies on who often post or text can The most important thing to social become incredibly lonely no remember when using social media can matter how many “friends” they media is to limit how much time insult have on Facebook or other you use it for. You have to other kids sites. If people constantly remember to get out and do on a much connect, they lose the ability to things in the real world. larger feel content with their own Showing off all of the things scale than company, and therefore start to you do is the reason social in person. connect more, thus creating a media was originally invented. In vicious cycle. The best way to If you get off of the com- October deal with this is to talk to puter and live your life, then the of 2013, friends in person or use social smaller amount of time spent on two girls media in moderation, while still social media will be far more fulfilling. When Is Texting OK? by Remy Jacobs

People use texting to chat alright if you are in your room Another time when people Texting is a great way to talk with others and to send pictures. or watching television. How- are texting the most is when with friends and family. Just Texting can also be described as ever, it is not okay if you are they are driving, especially know that there are times and a way to talk to people without driving and texting at the same adults and older teens. My dad places when it is appropriate actually seeing them in person. I time. does it in the car all the time, and when it is not. see people texting all of the Texting while eating can be and I am always scared that we time. At my house the rule is disrespectful to the other people are going to wreck. People were that I can’t have a phone at the at the table. When you are doing it so much that some table during meals. I can have it having a meal, it is supposed to states have made it against the in my pocket, but I can’t be be memorable and fun. Think law to text while driving, and playing on it during the course about it like this: if one night police officers can issue tickets. of the meal. The rules in your you are having a family reunion Texting can be an effective house might be different, and and your cousin is sitting there means of communication, but that’s perfectly fine. There are at the table playing on his or her everyone should be courteous times when texting is acceptable phone, I would think that that is and careful when using this and there are times when it is a little bit rude. medium of communication. probably not the best idea. It’s — 8 — Opinion A Requiem for Musical Diversity by Stratton Georgoulis

There are a lot of questions isn’t playing the bassoon or the listen. I did him the courtesy of There is so much more out that have short, easy answers. piano, even if I’m not practicing listening to Little Wayne’s rap there to be heard, more songs to “What is the date today?” the piano or noodling on the rendition of the traditional listen to than there are visible “What did you have for dinner guitar, even if my dad isn’t Caribbean working song “Six stars in the sky. last night?” “How was your serenading my mother as she Foot, Seven Foot” all the way Even if I’ll always have my weekend?” And then there are makes dinner, even if no one is through, without stopping in the favorites, I’d like to give them those with more complicated singing or whistling, the stereo middle to clear the palate with all a try and I’ll continue to answers. “What is reality?” is usually running. I have been Elvis Costello. The strongest encourage everyone else to do “Does everything really have a reading music almost as long as emotion I felt was an urge to the same. purpose?” “What kind of music I have been reading books, and listen to Harry Belafonte. Still, do you like?” just as avid readers enjoy a even if neither us changed our When I’m asked about my wide variety of literature, I find opinion, we are both better tastes in music, it’s a struggle to myself changing musical genres educated for the experience. avoid giving superficial or on a whim. I try to hold true to the spirit vague answers. The very This morning I woke up to of this exchange at all times. I shortest answer is that my an aria from Rossini’s Barber of try to give every artist at least musical tastes are eclectic. The Seville, showered to Gershwin’s one unbiased listen. Still, I most accurate answer is that I Rhapsody in Blue, and drove to realize I have hardly scratched like good music, and I don’t my morning workout rocking the surface of even the music of like bad music; unfortunately, out to the Clash’s greatest the last century. There is a this answer invariably annoys album, London Calling. plenty of music out there I have inquirers rather than piquing I spanned 200 years of music never heard, or even heard of. If their interest. The reason I fall history in about an hour without anything, this isn’t embarrass- back on these stock answers is batting an eyelash. When ing; it’s exciting. not that I consider them people ask me what kind of satisfactory, but rather that my music I like, how do I relationship with music is a answer simply? I’m ashamed complicated one that is heavily to admit that more than once influenced by my upbringing I have replied, “I don’t and I don’t know how to know.” explain this relationship in a What saddens me most, few words. If I were to explain though, is that those who can it in a few paragraphs, however, answer the question without I’d start with an explanation of hesitation often aren’t our household. familiar with anything but I was raised in a loud home. their favorite genre. When At the moment, we have under most of my teenage peers our roof two pianos, a bassoon, realize I have favorite a bamboo flute, a set of drums, composers, not favorite and ten guitars—four acoustic, rappers, they are shocked. six electric. These are the same people My dad has been in a band in who stutter or laugh when I one form or another since high ask them if they have ever school. My brother can spend listened to an opera. I once all day in front of our grand convinced one of my piano like most kids his age classmates to listen to some spend all day in front of a Mozart after he admitted he television. Even if my brother had never given it a serious

— 9 — Features & Fun

Homemade Pita Bread by Riley Demo

I love pita bread because you can have it with about anything you want. Of course, it goes best with that little bowl of hummus, but you get the point. Once you learn to make your own pita bread, it’s infinitely cheaper than the store bought kind and tastes 1000 times better! Trust me.

Prep time: 1 hour 45 minutes Cook time: 8 minutes Total time: 1 hour and 53 minutes Ingredients: 2 cups of warm water 4 teaspoons of yeast 4 cups of whole wheat flour (any flour will work though) 1 tablespoon of salt Directions: Combine the water and yeast in a fairly large bowl Let this sit for about 2 min.(it will start to smell like bread.) Next mix in the flour and salt. Stir well. The mixture should be dough like and sticky. Cover with plastic wrap and let sit for 1 hour.

After one hour, knead well for about 3 min and then cover with a towel for 30 more minutes. Preheat oven to 500° Divide dough into 6 balls and roll on lightly floured surface until they are 8" circles. Place on lightly greased cookie sheet on lower half of the oven Bake for 8-10 minutes. The circles will puff up and they will be lightly browned on the bottom Cut open the pockets (but wait till they have cooled off ) and put whatever you want to inside (I recommend honey) and then enjoy!

— 10 — Features & Fun Homemade Tortillas by Riley Demo

Tortillas can be used for so many delicious foods. They are an easy grab-n-go snack, can be used in a tasty Mexican style dinner, or can even be used for those yummy breakfast burritos. This recipe is one of my favorites because it’s super easy and it saves you money (and who doesn’t want a little more pocket money for those new shoes!)

Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 32 minutes Total time: 52 minutes

Ingredients: 3 cups of flour (any kind will work) 1 teaspoon of salt 1 teaspoon of baking powder 1/3 of a cup of vegetable oil (any type oil will work but vegetable oil is the best) 1 cup of warm water

Directions: · Combine the salt, flour, and baking powder in a food processor with the dough blade on. · When they are well mixed, add the wet ingredients · Mix for 2 minutes stopping to scrape the sides (it should have the consistency of · dough when you are finished .Transfer from the bowl to a well-floured surface. · Knead. Divide dough in half then half again and so on, until you have 16 pieces (I like just to make 8 because you can make a bigger tortilla) · Flatten out with palm, just a little. · Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let rest for 15 minutes. · Preheat skillet to medium high heat. · After rest, flatten them out more until they are as flat as you want them to be. When the skillet is very hot, place one tortilla on it. Cook for about a minute. On each side. It will start to bubble a bit and on one side it will have small brown burnt spots. This is ok. · Continue cooking the rest and enjoy your homemade tortillas

Side Note: if you spread peanut butter on it and slice up half a banana and roll it into the tortilla, it makes a great, healthy snack. If you add chocolate chips it makes it even better!

— 11 — Features & Fun

Thanks to Rachel Sarff for the idea for this Word Search.

— 12 —