Albert Einstein once said, “I am enough of an artist to draw freely upon my imagination. Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.” As I sat and read the insightful words of Mr. Einstein, I was reminded of how important free-writing in English class was to me and how art class introduced me the wonders of drawing. The fine arts subjects in schools play a vital role in the creative process of adolescents, assist in promoting emotional health, and overall are necessary for maximizing their brain development.

Unfortunately, researchers who have tracked adolescent creativity for the past 4 decades are seeing a major drop-off, especially in young children from kindergarten to sixth grade. The reasons are aplenty; however there is the possibility for a silver-lining. Most importantly, studies have shown kids aren’t exactly avoiding the arts directly… it’s more outside factors indirectly stifling said creativity. Whereas creativity needs to be fostered and supported, it has been far too often overlooked and suppressed by school districts, overscheduling parents, and encouraged conformity.

Associate Professor Kyung Hee Kim of William and Mary University notes in her study that standardized testing in schools has all but forced creative thinkers out of the classroom. The right-or-wrong questions that leave no room for interpretation or further explanation can often discourage these creative minds. Also, well-intentioned but overscheduling parents play a role in the decreasing numbers of children involved in art programs across the country. Often times a full-day of school is followed by detailed appointments, lessons, or inside the house with a babysitter. It’s certainly challenging and difficult to juggle, especially in today’s busy world, however allowing some form of creativity or personal decision making builds awareness and can develop leadership skills.

Most recently, in a survey from IBM’s Institute for Business Value, “1,500 chief executives identified creativity as the most important leadership competency.” Creativity and participation in the arts is so highly valued because it represents “fresh thinking and continuous innovation,” in turn leading to future success.

At Liberty Lake Day Camp we offer a wide array of electives that allow each and every camper to express themselves in any medium they wish. Along with our tremendous art program and electives, we offer rap, rock band, theatre productions, and dance just to name a few. We talk to our staff about cultivating productive environments for creativity. Through emphasizing a focus on ideas and imagination, we’re able to encourage, discuss, and teach while also having a great time at every elective throughout the camp season.

This creative peer interaction allows room for observations, questioning, and artistic exploration that children would otherwise miss out on at school, and because of that, creativity and imagination will continue to grow.

Jesse Trout, Class of 2014 Graduate, LaSalle University

B.S. in Marketing

Liberty Lake Day Camp Group Leader 2007-2014

jatrout24@gmail.com