Jaipur: Laughter, music and animated chatter echoed through the corridors of Jawahar Kala Kendra Saturday as its month-long summer camp began with enthusiastic participation from hundreds of children from Jaipur and nearby cities.The camp, being held from May 16 to June 20, features workshops in theatre, music, storytelling, doodle art, dance, piano and portrait-making. Children aged between five and 17 years have enrolled in the sessions, which are being conducted in morning and evening batches.Many participants are attending the camp while spending their summer vacations at their grandparents’ homes in Jaipur. Parents said the workshops have become a popular annual activity for children seeking creative engagement beyond screens and academic routines.Organisers said the aim of the camp is not to make children experts within a month, but to introduce them to different art forms and help them explore their interests.“Children today mostly move between school, tuition and home. Here, they get a space to express themselves, interact with others and spend time creatively,” said guitar instructor Pawan Goswami. He added that music-related activities help children develop patience, focus and discipline.Theatre has emerged as one of the biggest attractions this year. According to facilitators Raju Kumar and Vishal Bhati, around 300 students have already enrolled, while another 100 to 150 children are currently on the waiting list.“Theatre helps children become more confident and expressive. Through games, performances and interaction, they slowly learn teamwork and communication,” said Bhati.For Raju Kumar, the workshop also carries personal memories. He shared that he himself attended the same theatre camp as a student in 1995, just two years after it began in 1993.In another classroom, younger children listened attentively to stories narrated through puppets and interactive sessions. Storytelling facilitator, Sunita said activities for the 5-10 age group are specially designed to improve imagination and communication skills in a playful way.The doodle workshop also attracted enthusiastic participation. Instructor Kuldeep said doodling is more than casual drawing. “It helps children express emotions, improve observation and think creatively,” he said.Children attending the camp appeared equally excited. 8-year-old Divyanshi Rathore proudly displayed her portrait sketches, while 9-year-old Suryansh said he was enjoying piano lessons and making new friends.Nishita Gupta, a drama student, described theatre as ‘a completely different world’.“Drama helps us express emotions and represent different characters. I was earlier learning Kathak, but now I am more interested in theatre,” she said.Parents too spoke positively about the camp’s impact. Ritu Mahawar said her son Yuwal has become more confident through theatre activities over the last four years. Another parent, Priya, said she enrolled her children after hearing positive reviews from friends.
