LITH x LHF Lao Summer Camp Philly 2022

It’s back! After two years of no summer camp due to COVID, we’re finally returning this year July 23rd-29! Lao Heritage Foundation will once again be here to teach students to sing, dance and play classical Lao songs. Available traditional instruments to practice include khaen, lannat, kim, kong wong, saw, xing, and that phon. Final day of camp will end with a public recital - and this year we’re doing a special collaborative performance with Cambodian American Girls Empowering!

We accept students starting at the age of 5 years old. Students will be grouped by age and assigned together guide them throughout each lesson and activity. In addition to practicing as a group, students will work together on team-building exercises and explore activities in the visual and performing arts. The structure of our programs will give students the chance to learning customs and phrases traditional to Lao culture all while developing creative skills for self-expression and problem-solving by thinking outside the box. We encourage new students and their families to observe together on the first day of camp!

Here's what's happening at LITH x LHF Lao Summer Camp Philly 2022:

• music and song lessons using instruments from Laos

• traditional dance choreography (fon)

• proper Lao phrases and cultural etiquette

• cooking class with using ingredients and techniques native to Lao cuisine

• exploratory scavenger hunt at Southeast Asian Market in FDR Park

• breakfast, lunch and snacks included

Locations

This year Summer Camp will take will take place at 3 different locations in Philadelphia: on the first two days it will be FDR Park Community Clubhouse, then during the week at Lao Buddhist Temple, and finally our Camp Recital will take place at Bok Building’s rooftop! Location addresses & instructions will be emailed to registered students closer to camp dates. We may also take field trips to visit partnering organizations and creatives spaces for additional activities. Please check back for more updates.

Teachers
Our Summer Camp teachers are classically trained musicians with over 5 years of experience and will lead group and one-on-one sessions.

Xai Xuophom is Musical Director of Lao Heritage Foundation and will be overseeing all musical lesson plans for all camps. He has studied under Kaen master Bounxeung Synanonh and has played all of the instruments that will be available this year.

Kelly Phommachanh is a traditional dance teacher from Amarillo, Texas. She started dancing as a baby with her mother, Savan Phommachanh, along with her two aunts whom were all dance students learning from masters in Vientiane, Laos. After settling in Texas, Kelly's mother taught traditional Lao dance to youth in the community, and would go on to continue teaching for the next 30 years. Kelly's favorite dances are Ouay Pon Pi Mai, Lao Huam Pao, and Fon Souriya. Kelly hopes to connect and build relationships with not only her students, but also fellow Lao American trailblazers paving the way for Lao visibility and advocacy in their respective communities. She is 24 years old, and currently a graduate student of Adult and Higher Education at the University of Oklahoma.

Here’s a video recap of what we did last year at 2018 Summer Camp:

Registration

Since this is the first year since Covid we’re hosting summer camp, we are returning with multiple options to participate including half-week & registration for adults!

Students interested in full week registration can choose from:

• Full Week: 7 days 8:30AM-3:30PM $125

• Full Week + After Care: 7 days 8:30AM-3:30PM on Saturday & Sunday, 8:30AM-5:30PM on Weekdays $175

Students who are limited on time but want to take advantage of summer camp can sign up for half week registration within the July 23rd-29th schedule for $75 and choose from the following options:

Half Week: 3-4 Days $75

• 3 Days: Sun/Thurs/Fri

• 3 Days: Sat/Thurs/Fri

• 4 Days: Sat/Sun/Thurs/Fri

• 4 Days: Tues/Weds/Thurs/Fri

Sponsor a Student!

Yes it’s still an option! After previous camps’ request from kind individuals who wanted to help out with summer camp but not physically available to attend, we opened up student sponsorships. These registrations help a student in financial need who might otherwise miss out on fun camp learning. If you’re feeling generous, why not sponsor a student (or 2 or 3 even!) and make dreams come true this summer. Families who are interested in registering students in the sponsored slots, please email info@laosinthehouse.com for availability.

FDR Park Clubhouse
1954 Pattison Avenue
Philadel[hia PA 19145

Lao Buddhist Temple
335 E Chew Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19120

Bok Building
1901 S. 9th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19148