In rural communities, access to arts education can be limited, yet research consistently highlights the importance of creative expression in youth development. In the summers of 2023 and 2024, the Burkesville Academy of Fine Arts (BAFA) and the Cumberland County Cooperative Extension Service partnered to continue a multidisciplinary summer arts day camp for youth ages 4-18. Previously held in various community locations such as schools and churches, the program found a home at the Cumberland County Extension Office in 2023 and 2024. This ongoing collaboration provides hands-on instruction in visual arts, music, dance, drama, and culinary arts, helping young people explore creativity, build confidence, and develop leadership skills.

BAFA Camp aligns with the Cumberland County Community Strategic Plan’s goal of expanding opportunities that support youth development. It also reflects research-based approaches to positive youth development, as outlined in the Kentucky 4-H Program Quality Guide (2023) and the 4-H Thrive Model (Arnold, 2018).

BAFA Camp is designed to do more than introduce youth to various artistic disciplines—it fosters mentorship and leadership development. Many of the camp’s instructors are young adults who attended the program as participants in past years. This progression, where former campers take on leadership roles, reflects research on positive youth development, which emphasizes progressive leadership experiences, mentorship by caring adults, and engagement in meaningful activities (Arnold, 2018).

Rachel McDaris, Executive Director of BAFA, describes the transformation she has witnessed in young participants.

"My work with BAFA has been and continues to be very rewarding. It is an absolute privilege to see the changes that a child undergoes throughout the camp process. Some enter very timid and shy, but that same student leaves high fiving their friends, making great art, and stealing the show."

Research supports this impact. Studies indicate that structured arts programs with strong mentorship components increase competence, confidence, and connection—key elements of the 5 Cs framework for youth development (Lerner et al., 2015). The BAFA-Cumberland County Extension partnership embodies these principles by creating a space where young people feel encouraged to grow artistically and socially.

In 2024, BAFA Camp served 54 students over a three week period, ensuring that participants received age-appropriate instruction across artistic disciplines. Throughout the program, students explored different art forms while learning from mentors and collaborating with peers. Many parents reported that their children, who initially hesitated to perform or showcase their work, developed confidence through daily instruction and encouragement.

The camp culminated in a public showcase event, where students performed in front of family members and the community. This event served as a testament to how arts education fosters self-expression and personal growth. Parents shared their excitement over their children’s newfound confidence, a sentiment echoed in studies showing that public performances reinforce social connections and self-expression, creating lasting impacts on participants (Hospital et al., 2018).

Dr. Elijah Wilson, Extension Agent for 4-H youth development, highlights the power of collaboration in making these opportunities possible.

"Strong partnerships, like the one between BAFA and Extension, create opportunities that might not otherwise exist. By working together, we’re not only expanding access to the arts but also developing young leaders who will shape the future of our community."

As arts education continues to be recognized as a vital component of positive youth development, BAFA and Cumberland County Extension remain committed to ensuring that all young people have the opportunity to thrive through the arts. The success of BAFA Camp demonstrates the power of collaboration and research-based programming in fostering meaningful, lasting change.

Plans are currently underway for BAFA Camp 2025, which will once again be held at the Cumberland County Extension Office, continuing this transformative partnership.

References

Lerner, R. M., Lerner, J. V., Bowers, E. P., & Geldhof, J. G. (2015). Positive youth development and relational developmental systems. Handbook of Child Psychology and Developmental Science, 7(1), 1-45.