YONGSAN GARRISON, Republic of Korea -- Throughout June and July, Child Youth Schools and Services (CYSS) provided new experiences for Army children through Schools of Knowledge, Inspiration, Exploration and Skills (SKIES) Specialty Dance Camps.
One of the camps, named the Broadway Bound Musical Theatre Camp, featured Lindsay Swoboda as the teacher. Swoboda, who had been teaching and performing dance for numerous years, explained that there was nothing more gratifying to her than sharing the joy of dance with others. At U.S. Army Garrison Yongsan, she was able to share that passion with the Community.
"Dancing helps children in so many ways," Swoboda said. "This particular camp especially includes singing, dancing, and acting. So, they are using many parts of their brains and bodies."
Swoboda who had been working for CYSS since February of this year, explained that she was enjoying the first chapter of her military life with her husband.
"This is my second duty station with my husband," Swoboda said. "I'm really enjoying meeting new kids and it feels great to be able to help children and also to learn so much from them."
Through such a program, Swoboda was able to not only teach dance but to provide new opportunities to Military children living on garrison Yongsan. Kyna Henson, a freshman at Seoul American High School who was learning to dance for the first time expressed her gratitude for the availability of such programs on U.S. Army Garrison Yongsan.
"Not so many places have this kind of opportunities and I feel lucky to be part of it," Henson said.
Lt. Col. Bryan Lewis, G-5 at Marine Forces Korea, who had come to see his daughter's in-studio performance, explained the significance of such programs for Community members.
"I feel so proud of my daughter," Lewis said. "It reminds me of what is really important - family, kids, and giving them good experiences. Being deployed overseas and leaving what you are used to can be challenging, but Yongsan has been a great duty station to be in because they provide us with many experiences and events."
CYSS develops and organizes many programs to help lessen the stressors of Military children. In addition to dance camps, they also provide kids with sports and martial arts classes.
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