Gypsi Fari Reggae Band and EOY Drummers Gets the Party Jumping!

Congratulations to our Expressions of You Camp Drummers! This was our first proffessional gig and our young drummers turned it out! Dakota, Ian, Larry, Logan, Lourdes, Maushea, Mya, Zion, and Zoie did an outstanding job drumming with Gypsi Fari Reggae Band Saturday Afternoon. This band travels around the U.S. playing reggae music. The performance at St. Dorothy's Block Club Party was a true success! I must give credit where credit is due. Floyd (Gypsi Drummer and EOY Drumming Instructor), your band is hot...however, our youngters stole the show! Come see more of our drummers and dancers perform again with Gypsi Fari at The African Festival on July 3, 2008. The show starts at 5:30pm in Washington Park. For more information regarding our summer programs, please log onto www.expressions-of-you.org and click summer programs or contact Yolanda at (773) 309-4367.

WEEK 2: A VISIT TO THE CARIBBEAN ISLANDS!

Yes, I said The Caribbean Islands! Blue skies, clear water, colorful sunsets, and swaying palm trees enticed us to visit Paradise Island! The creative juices continued to flow as our students captured a piece of Heaven. Who said that our children are loosing their imagination? Tell them to check in with Expressions of You, the place where all of our children have active imaginations, lots of personality and excellent artistic abilities! This is what we do! We express ourselves all day long...from construction paper to paint brushes, t-shirts to draw-string bags, foam magnets, dancing, drumming, cheering, stepping, singing, signing, and the list goes on! Whew! Most importantly, we just believe in HAVING FUN! Our camp is the best kept secret, so spread the word about what our children are doing!

Hats off to Omo, Tempest and Julianne! You three jumped into all of our dance routines without missing a beat! I can't forget about Michael leading the boys in their step routine. Clear the stage. These boys are hot! America's Got Talent and so does Expressions of You!

Words of Praise: Thank you Mrs. Brown for blessing us with your amazing voice and vocal skills. The children really enjoyed voice training. Darlene Jefferson, you have the spirit of an angel! Thank you for spending time with my children to teach them sign language. I know you are passionate about what you do! Mrs. Vinces, you are so creative! Thank you for dedicating parts of your mornings to work with our students. They loved the blue jean back-packs and the knitty critters! Mr. Donaldson has prepared some of our students for their first drumming debut! They will be performing at St. Dorothy's Block Club Party today at 1pm and this same group will be joined by our Expressions of You Spiritual Youth Dancers on July 3, 2008 at The African Festival (Washington Park at 5:30pm). Once again, I would like to thank Ms. Diane Richie for supporting this program. You continue to offer your time, hands, and words of encouragement. I could not ask for greater support. Cerita and Calita Kelly, it is truly a blessing to have you with me everyday. You work non-stop from 8am to 3:30pm. The days would be more challenging without you two!

I must acknowledge my parents, Claudia and Ozzie Sandifer for their on-going support. You continued to believe in me even when I sometimes did not believe in myself. Your unconditional love is not taken for granted. The time is coming when I will take care of you just like you have unselfishly took care of me. I LOVE YOU BOTH! I also want to thank my husband Larry for understanding what I am passionate about and understanding my method of madness...lots of love to you, Zoie, Zion and Zaire!
Week 3 is just a few days away. Show your holiday spirit by wearing red, white and blue! Bring your white t-shirts or tank tops on Monday! Don't forget that camp ends at 3 pm on Thursday and is closed on Friday for the holiday! I will see you bright and early on Monday!

HIGHLIGHTS OF WEEK 1 FINE ARTS CAMP!

The time has come and we are off to a great start! I welcomed my campers with open arms. Most were excited yet a few shed some tears. Nevertheless, I can always count on my older ones to comfort them and make them feel at home!

During our first week, we took a journey to Japan! We created Japanese girls and boys, explored Asian designs, learned about HAIKU Poetry, created our own Japanese t-shirts, and worked on group murals! The fun did not stop here!

Coach Victor began whipping us into shape with his "hot" "hot" "hot" cheer-leading moves.

Ms. Lanita soon followed with her amazing salsa steps. "Oh...my hands" is all I heard towards the beginning of the week yet by day three the rhythms of drums began to explode which made us want to dance!

We honored God by dancing for HIM with extended arms, humble hearts, and tender spins!

Special thanks to my high-school/college helpers: Carlita, Ja'Niece, Rachel and Cerita (You are simply amazing!). Ms. Richie, you are always a joy to be around. Thank you for the extra hands, eyes, and your positive spirit!

This is just the beginning to all of our fun. Week 2: We will take a journey to The Caribbean Islands! Look forward to more amazing art projects, more dance, drumming, and cheer. We will also began our vocal training, sign language, and flagging!

Get plenty of rest, remember to pack your t-shirts and your lunch! Doors open at 8 a.m., so don't be late!