‘Believe’ camp performance tonight at BHS
Published 9:27 am Friday, June 12, 2015
The “Believe Summer Camp Experience” wraps up tonight with a live performance at 7 p.m. in the Bogalusa High School Auditorium.
Bogalusa native and Believe Camp Director Bruce Sampson said he is excited about returning to his hometown for the show.
“All week long, the kids have been taking acting, singing and dancing classes. We’ve been teaching the kids material for Friday’s show,” Sampson said.
Sampson said the show’s theme is called “Dreams and Dreamers.” Sampson wrote the show.
“It has a little bit of everything. It has all different styles of music,” Sampson said.
The director said approximately 110 signed up for the camp. He said participants mostly came from Washington Parish, but a few came from Slidell and other parts of St. Tammany Parish. He also said some came from Picayune and Carrierre, Miss.
“They’ve been doing great,” Sampson said of the performers. “Each day we see them grow and be a little more confident,” Sampson said. “Each day we see them learning to grow as a team. The big picture is to build their confidence and self esteem and expose them to culture and help them work together as a team.”
Doors to the auditorium open tonight at 6:30 p.m.
“It’s a building process for the week,” Sampson said Thursday. “In the beginning they’re getting comfortable with us, and we’re teaching them a little more each day.”
Sampson said he hopes to see a full house tonight.
“I hope the community comes out to support the kids and we can continue to support this program,” Sampson said. “Washington Parish always has a ton of talent. A number of these kids could choose performing as a career if they chose to.”
The Sampsons’ daughter, Kiara, is the show’s choreographer. Roshad Gunter of Valdosta, Ga., is the director.
Sampson also revealed that he and his wife, Jolene Sampson, are planning a permanent return to Bogalusa from California. They will live on South Columbia Road near the old bowling alley.