Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:

The Upper Darby Arts & Education Foundation is launching another exciting year of creative opportunities for children, teens, and young adults. With beloved flagship programs like the Schoener MusicMan Academy and Upper Darby Summer Stage, plus their first-ever year-round home at the SPARC in Barclay Square, this summer promises to be their most dynamic yet.

The MusicMan Academy invites students who’ve completed 3rd through 12th grade to dive into a wide range of musical experiences. MusicMan Camp lets students explore multiple instruments and strengthen their musicianship. Middle school musicians can jam out at JazzJam! with local recording artist Hiruy Tirfe or sharpen their technique at Stellar Strings. New this year, AMP Camp empowers aspiring creators in middle and high school to arrange, master, and produce their own original music.

The Butterfly Buddy program continues to grow, offering students in 3rd–8th grade a supportive environment to explore creative arts therapies with certified therapists and peer buddies. Designed especially for children with disabilities, this program nurtures creativity, social skills, and leadership in a safe, joyful space.

Since 1976, Upper Darby Summer Stage has been one of the nation’s premiere youth theatre programs, giving young people the confidence to take artistic risks and discover their voice. Students in grades 4–12, along with young adults ages 18–35, come together to sing, dance, act, collaborate, and build lifelong friendships. Registration for the 51st season is now open, welcoming participants from across the region.

This year also brings exciting opportunities at the SPARC, Upper Darby's new home set to open to the public in July 2026. Already buzzing with activity, the SPARC will host MusicMan AMP Camp, Butterfly Buddy Camps, and several brand-new creative experiences:

• For children completing grades 1–3, Arts Adventures Camp offers a fun, exploratory journey through visual arts, theatre, music, storytelling, and dance.
• Older students can jump into cultural arts at the SPARC as well.
• With partners Create Access and the Hangook Heritage Education Academy, Upper Darby's K-Pop Kamp invites middle and high school students to dive into choreography, performance, and the energy of K-Pop culture.
• Local artist Senfu Stoney will also lead an immersive Rhythm World Drumming Camp celebrating rhythm, movement, and tradition. 

Keep an eye on the SPARC website at udsparc.org for more exciting announcements over the next several months!

Best,

Debra Ross
Publisher
KidsOutAndAbout.com