A new opportunity for children to learn about various world cultures will be offered this summer through the Brockport-Clarkson-Sweden Joint Recreation Commission. Children ages five through eleven are invited to attend one of two July sessions of a day program that utilizes the performing arts to explore cultural differences among participants. The ultimate goal of the program is to help children discover that the various countries studied influence their own culture. In America, where society consists of many diverse people, the ability of children to appreciate their own diversity, as well as that of others, is especially important.

The first session, from July 9 through July 20, is geared toward children ages five through seven. The second session, from July 23 through August 3, is geared toward children ages eight through eleven. Participants meet Monday through Friday from noon until 4 p.m. Students experience the arts of various cultures through exercises such as creating musical instruments and costumes, and learning songs, stories, dances and skits from countries around the world. Each session ends with an informal performance to which parents are invited.

Denise Purvis, a graduate student in dance at SUNY Brockport, is the program facilitator. Registration will be held on Saturday, June 2 from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m at Brockport High School in the south gym. Program cost is $50 per student, however need-based scholarships may be available. For more information, contact Scott Fake at 637-1838 or Denise Purvis at 737-0481.