The Kansas Humanities Council (KHC) recently announced that UCOP's very own Wyatt Townley has been named the 2013-2015 Poet Laureate of Kansas. As Poet Laureate of Kansas, Wyatt will promote the humanities as a public resource for all Kansans through public readings, presentations, and discussions about poetry in communities across the state. Wyatt Townley is a widely published, nationally known poet and a fourth-generation Kansan. Her work has been featured on National Public Radio's "The Writer's Almanac" with Garrison Keillor, as well as in numerous prestigous literary journals. She has published three collections of poetry: "The Breathing Field," "Perfectly Normal" and "The Afterlives of Trees," a Kansas Notable Book and winner of the Nelson Poetry Book Award, all of which can be found in our UCOP bookstore. Wyatt has said, "The notion of 'home' is a long-held Kansas value, and I'd like to start a conversation around the state about coming home to poetry. Poetry is a place we can return to in all kinds of weather, with its innate power to heal and comfort, transform and inspire. Its porch light is always on."

Join us in the evenings July 8th through 12th, from 6:30-8:30pm, as Youth and Family Ministry hosts this year's summer camp "Budding Stars: Shining Our Light".  This camp is designed for children who have just completed Kindergarten through 5th grade. During this time attendees will have an opportunity to learn about various aspects of theatrical performance including acting, dance, and singing. Through all of these activities we will be exploring the theme of being true to our authentic selves. After a week of song, dance, theatrical games, and more the entire congregation is invited to join us on Friday, July 12th for a special showcase where the campers will be showing off what we explored during the week. Email Brandon with any questions or to register!