Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Hunting Park: 'Dream Center' Brings Art, Hip-Hop to Students

Never before has a dream been so loud.

But, for the volunteers at the Feltonville Dream Center the loud sounds of “Row-Row-Row your Boat” mean that roughly 15 children are off the street for 3 hours after school.

The center, which lies on the divide of Feltonville and Hunting Park, aims to provide children ages 5 to 14 with activities to broaden their horizons. Activities include art and drama with the students broken up according to age.

“We try to keep it the same focus [for each age group] but with different exercises,” says Fayette Coppock, the lead volunteer at the center.

It’s hoped that the program will expose students to a variety of ideas and activities they may not normally experience in a public school environment.

“Hopefully the kids will learn to express themselves from art form and have a better sense of self,” says Coppock.

The center also plans on holding a hip-hop dance event in an effort to acquaint the students to the rhythmic music style through more than simply listening to the music.


“[We’re] pretty much getting them introduced to hip-hop, getting them to move,” says Coppock.

And while the center strives to provide students with fun activities that stretch the imagination, it’s also a chance for volunteers to make a difference in the lives of children.

“ I love it (the center),” says Coppock. “It’s very rewarding. You get to see the progress that you made (in someone’s life) whether it’s a minute or an intricate part.”


By Brittany Miller and Kenneth Marone
Team 14: Hunting Park

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