Fostering community within young dancers, the SunDancers held their annual SunDancer Summer Dance Camp (also referred to as Kiddie Camp), a student-led camp for dancers from kindergarten through ninth grade, on Monday, July 28 through Wednesday, July 30 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.

The campers were split into four different age groups and were managed by different sets of SunDancers. Some dancers handled campers from kindergarten through fifth grade, while others handled dancers from sixth through ninth grade. Additionally, the social officers, mainly upperclassmen, organized and managed the three-day event. For the officers, organization was an essential portion of planning since the camp had numerous moving parts, such as various campers attending the half-day camp while others stayed the full time.

“Organizing is an important part and definitely needed,” Social Officer Suhaani Srireddy ’26 said. “Our main goal is to make sure that they’re here and that they have a fun time.”

Camp attendees spent two days learning dances with their assigned counselor groups. During this time, counselors polished the campers’ techniques, taught them new skills, and strived toward building confidence in each and every camper. Dancers also worked alongside other age groups for the final showcase. In addition to dancing, the SunDancers emphasized a light-hearted environment where they played team-bonding activities with campers to build camaraderie. Through this, campers not only built relationships with peers but also with counselors.

“I want the kids to walk out with a huge smile, running to their parents saying, ‘I had so much fun’,” newbie SunDancer Lina Saad ‘28 said. “If the kids have a fear of performing in front of other people, I want to help them get over that fear. I want them to walk out feeling very accomplished and happy with what they did.”

While teaching the kids dance, many counselors walked away with new memories every day. Each memory was unique, from telling stories about their toys to building brief but deep connections.

“I left a little early yesterday, and one of the campers came up to me this morning and said, ‘I missed you yesterday. Where were you?’,” Srireddy said. “It was really sweet, and it’s really special, getting to build bonds with the kids.”

Many SunDancers attended the Kiddie Camp when they were young, aspiring to be a part of the varsity dance team one day. Now, years later, many of the counselors see themselves in the kids.

“Becoming a SunDancer has been one of my biggest goals since I was in kindergarten,” Newbie SunDancer Magdelyne Hang ‘28 said. “It’s a big achievement for me, and so I want to try to be a role model for the campers.”

Upon reflecting on the program, many campers expressed joy at their experience and hopes of returning next year.

“I really like dancing, and hopefully one day I can also be a part of the SunDancers team,” one anonymous camper said.

The summer event ended with campers presenting their final routine to parents at the showcase on Wednesday, July 30, from 4:15 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. in the field house. Campers displayed the new techniques and dances they had learned throughout the three days.

“This camp is super fun,” Newbie SunDancer Molly Johnson ‘28 said. “I would recommend all young dancers to come.”

In addition to Kiddie Camp, the SunDancers have another upcoming annual tradition: Line Camp. As their next big feat, Line Camp consists of preparation for many of the big events coming up this new school year.

“Line Camp is definitely going to be challenging, but I’m excited to improve,” Johnson said. “It’s really an amazing experience, and I’m glad I get to do it with one big family.”