An interview with Elisa Pupko, Founder, CEO and mom to two!
Treasure Trunk Theatre summer camps run June 6th – September 9th in Brooklyn Heights, Carroll Gardens, Fort Greene, Park Slope, and Prospect Heights
We are excited that Elisa answered some great questions about her camp which is not just in the summer folks–they have all kinds of school break camps and after school classes. She gives us some great info here about Treasure Trunk.
What inspired you to host a summer camp?
Eight years ago, I had been running Treasure Trunk classes for about a year. I had been serving a small group of families around Brooklyn, and they had been asking for more and more programming. It felt natural to move into summer camp programming, especially over the summer where there were limited options for younger children. Since that first year, we have grown exponentially. Last summer, we had our biggest season yet- serving over 600 families. We love bringing our process-based theatrical programming, focused on celebrating each individual child, to as many communities as possible.
What type of kids attend your summer camp?
Our camps are for everyone! Whether your child loves the spotlight or is hesitant to jump in, there is a place for them at Treasure Trunk. We are all about the experience of imagination, and meeting every child where they are naturally. Throughout the day – there are so many ways to access the curriculum. Whether it be through our group dance, art projects, acting out our story, or simply playing fun improv games with their peers. There is something for everyone to foster their love of the arts!
How much of your camp is outside?
This summer, we will be offering a hybrid of indoor and outdoor camp options. Last year, we were entirely outdoors so we are excited to offer parents even more options with three indoor locations (our studio on Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn Brainery in Prospect Heights and Chickpeas in Park Slope) to accommodate everyone’s comfort levels. The camps held indoors will head outdoors for snack, lunch, and playground time – during the extended day portion of the afternoon. Our outdoor locations: Cadman, Carroll Park, Fort Greene Park, and Prospect Park are fully outdoors each day at our beautiful Brooklyn parks!
What are your enrollment/length of camp options?
Our registration process is all about flexibility! I know that every family has its own logistical needs in a program, and I want to make sure Treasure Trunk makes their lives easier, not more complicated. We offer full week or single day registration, as well as full or half days, and optional early drop-off. Everything is a la carte when signing up, so you have the flexibility to create your ideal schedule, whether that’s full days for a full week, a few half days per week, or a mix of the two!
What are the top ten reasons to attend your camp this year?
1. FUN! – Our camps are jam-packed with activities to keep your kiddos singing, dancing, socializing, laughing and imagining.
2. Social-Emotional Learning – Our camps center the acknowledgement of emotion, and learning the essential skill of empathetic connection. Through storytelling and collaboration, kiddos will begin to learn about their own emotions and the emotions of others around them.
3. Flexibility – Do you need to work around a specific schedule? We have tons of options! Register for single days, full weeks, half days, full days, early drop offs,
or the whole summer!
4. Amazing Teachers – Our camp counselors come to us with extensive childcare experience, as well as a background in theatrical performance. They are enthusiastic, compassionate, talented and nurturing. We love them, and we know you will too.
5. Small Business Values – We are a small, female-owned & founded, local business. Whatever you need, we are here to help. You won’t have to weed through phone operators, or confusing emails just to find someone to speak with. Our program director is happy to speak with you about any questions throughout the camp process to be sure you and your family are comfortable.
6. Covid Safety – For the past two years we have been closely following all health and safety guidelines with the well-being of our community our top priority. Covid is still a very present concern and this summer we will continue to follow the DOH and CDC. Because regulations still continuously change, for our most up-to-date health and safety policies, please visit our website.
7. New Themes Every Week – We have chosen a vast array of themes that our campers will be exploring this summer. Each week is a brand new beloved theme that is sure to spark your child’s curiosity. From superheroes to fairytales, Encanto, Frozen, Toy Story and beyond!
8. All About The Process – We are process-oriented, not product-oriented in our approach to the creative arts. This means that kiddos who might be a little nervous to jump into the spotlight have a blast with us! We are all about the experience of imagination, and meeting every child where they are naturally. Throughout the day – there are so many ways to access the curriculum. Whether it be through our group dance, art projects, acting out our story, or simply playing fun improv games with their peers. There is something for everyone to foster their love of the arts!
9. Mixed Ages – Which means more opportunities for connection! We find that having our 3-6 year olds all together and our 6-8 year olds together is an amazing set up. Our older campers become role models for our little ones, and the younger ones love looking up to our slightly older kiddos. The relationships are so meaningful and long-lasting.
10. Because your child is so important to us. – As a mother, I know how much it means to me when a school, sitter or program treats my kids like their own. Here at Treasure Trunk, we are founded on that principle. Each child comes to us with a unique perspective and spirit, and our priority is to celebrate that fully.
Want to learn more? Visit www.treasuretrunktheatre.com or sign up for a free virtual info session on April 5th at 10am and April 12th at 12pm. (Sponsored by Treasure Trunk Theatre)