EDWARDSBURG — There are many characteristics that help a child become better at singing and dancing. They can learn to read music, listen and watch film of some of the greatest performers of all time, but often what they need the most is extra time to practice and learn from a teacher.

For the 12th year, Edwardsburg Public Schools is hosting a summer music camp for students that are rising fifth graders to rising freshmen in high school. The camp can be used as a student’s introduction to high school performances.

“This is simply a fun way to enjoy performing,” said Michelle Gruver, who helps with the camp. “The more students perform, the more they grow as a musician and improve their stage presence. Catherine Wood [director of many high school plays] has also noticed that students who have attended camp have been more comfortable on the stage as a performer and dancing for the high school plays and musical.”

A couple of the plays and musical Edwardsburg High School performed this past school year are “The Little Mermaid” and “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

The camp will meet in the Edwardsburg High School choir room from 1 to 4 p.m. on June 18 to 22 and June 25 to 28. The cost for the camp is $80 per student. Checks should be made payable to Edwardsburg Public Schools and be dropped off, along with the registration form, to the middle or intermediate school office.

“This camp is for singing and dancing,” Gruver said “Students do not use instruments.”

Students will learn choreography and vocal arrangements to 18 songs during the camp. At the end of the camp, the students will put on a concert at 7 p.m. on June 28 that is free and open to the public.

In order to register for the camp, parents must fill out the form, which can be found on the Edwardsburg Public Schools website. When filling out the form, parents are required to respond with any allergies their child has, physical restrictions, the child’s physician contact information and an emergency contact name and number. The last part of the form is a release, giving a student permission by their parent to participate in the camp.

“This is a fast paced camp that keeps students very engaged,” Gruver said. “This is the 12th year for the camp.  Many students return every year until they age out. High school students, sophomores and older, request to come and help mentor students by singing and dancing with them during the preparation stage.”

Parents are also required to provide their child’s T-shirt size.

“T-shirts and daily snacks are provided,” she said. “T-shirts will be used for the final performance. The shirts will have a picture of the Tony Award and say ‘And the Tony goes to…’ The back of the shirt will say ‘Warning, I break into show tunes.’”

Registration for the camp is due by Friday, June 8. For questions, contact Gruver at MGruver@goeddies.com.