FOLK DANCERS — The Sycamore Youth Center held its Summer Folk Dancing Camps for beginners, above, and experienced students, below. Approximately 60 area students signed up to be a part of the camp, which ran from July 7 through Friday. -- Contributed

STEUBENVILLE — Months ago, officials with the Sycamore Youth Center made an announcement, saying the nonprofit would be offering two energetic folk dance camps for area students. They were hoping there would be an interest in a genre that is quickly becoming a lost art.

Little did they realize just how much of an interest they would receive.

More than 60 area children signed up to participate in one of two energetic folk dance camps, held July 7 through Friday. Those taking part in the free camps learned from instructors about not only the traditional steps in the dance, but they learned about teamwork and having self-confidence, as well.

The camps, led by instructors Zac Gordon and Jariel Henthorn, featured a Beginners Folk Dancing Camp and an Experienced Folk Dancing Camp, according to Bobbyjon Bauman, Sycamore’s executive director and president of the Ohio Valley Youth Network.

“We welcomed 41 enthusiastic students,” Bauman said of the beginners camp. Sycamore then held a second session for students who are more of an experienced dancer, which brought in an additional 20 returning participants.

“The camps provided a fun and meaningful opportunity for students to grow in rhythm, movement and cultural appreciation in a positive, supportive environment,” Bauman stated.

“The Sycamore Beginners Folk Dancing Camp has been flat-out awesome!” Bauman continued. “The excitement and energy from the kids was contagious. It’s such a blessing to see so many students engaging in something healthy and uplifting during the summer. We are thrilled to offer these programs at no cost to families.”

The camps are part of the Sycamore Youth Center’s broader mission — which is to provide enriching after-school and summer programming for local youth, and helping them to build life skills, develop healthy relationships and discover their God-given potential.

Families who are looking for additional summer opportunities for their child can register them for the upcoming Sycamore Summer Fun Camp, set for 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. August 4-8 at the center.

The free camp offers a variety of activities for students and is open to school-age children. Registration is available online at sycamorecenter.com.