A cartoonist lives and works in our area and runs classes and a 2 week summer cartoon day camp in his studio. DS and DD have never been to a summer camp, but since both of them like to draw, we thought we'd give it a try. They just finished day 3 and LOVE it! As I type, DS is drawing and implementing new skills he has learned. I'm very impressed with the program. The instructors and counselors are all very personable and great with kids. I've chatted with the cartoonist himself each time I've gone to pick up DS and DD.

I had to chuckle today because he and one of the other instructors saw me coming and came right over to comment about DD. Apparently she has quite a sense of humor and a bubbly, social personality in class. LOL! No surprise there, but they also said, "She has an awesome animator voice!" They seem to think this is a very cool thing, which is music to my ears. If you're familiar with Bethany's voice history, you'll know why. LOL! More later, dinner time.

By Tink on Wednesday, July 12, 2006 - 09:57 pm:

Wow!!! I'm so jealous of this opportunity for your dks. My oldest loves, loves, loves to draw and make up voices to go along with her storylines. I can just imagine how much fun T and B must be having.

Very cool about your dd.

By Dawnk777 on Wednesday, July 12, 2006 - 10:17 pm:

What cartoonist was it? The class sounds like a great opportunity.

By Tripletmom on Wednesday, July 12, 2006 - 10:23 pm:

Good for you kids!!!! What an opportunity for them.My DD also loves to draw.I would love for her to be able to go someplace like that.We have a drawing class at our rec centre but its for ages 9 to 11.Waz up with you're DD's voice history?

By Trina~moderator on Thursday, July 13, 2006 - 10:18 am:

The cartoonist is Guy Gilchrist (Nancy, Mudpie, Your Angels Speak, The Muppets). He's very talented, and I was surprised at how down to earth and friendly he is. He's got a great thing going on at his academy, and we're very fortunate to have this opportunity.

Ty has always had a knack for drawing, and is tickled pink to be learning from pros. B is social and creative and is thriving in this environment. She's my challenge at home so this is GREAT! This morning when I dropped them off one of the instructors called me over. He asked if it would be OK on the last day of camp to give B the award of "Best Cartoon Voice". I said, "Sure! She will love that." He replied, "Good, I just wanted to make sure. Some parents complain about awards." I think it's a GOOD thing that she's getting positive feedback about her voice!

History - Bethany was in speech therapy from age 3-6 for severe articulation delays. She also has a unique sounding voice. I never thought much about it until her speech therapist was concerned and recommended medical advice. We took B to see an ENT. She had GERD (reflux) as an infant, and he explained it could have caused damage to her vocal cords. The only way to tell is to do a scope to view them. He also explained that even if there is damage, there isn't much they can do about it. The good thing is, if I remember correctly, is that *if* there is damage it will become smaller as her vocal cords grow and not so much an issue. We opted not to do the scope because we didn't see the point of putting her through that if there isn't anything that can be done anyway. Quite often when we meet new people comments are made about her voice. Usually people try to put it nicely but sometimes kids being kids, it will come out, "You have a funny voice!" Funny as in weird. Of course, as her mother, I've always been worried she'll become self conscious about it. She seems to take it in stride, but it made my day to see her beaming when professional cartoonists made very positive remarks about her voice.

By Eve on Thursday, July 13, 2006 - 10:54 am:

That's wonderful, Trina!

By Cat on Thursday, July 13, 2006 - 12:33 pm:

That is so cool for B!!! I'm glad both kids are having a great time.

By Dawnk777 on Thursday, July 13, 2006 - 03:01 pm:

That is so cool!

By Colette on Thursday, July 13, 2006 - 03:28 pm:

Sounds great Trina!

By Reeciecup on Thursday, July 13, 2006 - 04:35 pm:

Wow I'm jealous too, what an awesome opportunity for your kids. How cool is that for B that she is getting positive feedback on her unique voice.