A host of talented young musicians, artist, dancers and actors from around the Midwest descended upon the humble woods surrounding Stone Lake this week, and they’re looking to share their crafts with community.

Participants in this year’s Beverly Thomas Fine Arts Institute camp will cap off their weeklong program with a performance at 3 p.m. on Saturday, inside the Dowagiac Middle School’s Performing Arts Center. The show is open to the public, free of charge.

The two-hour long show will feature performances in a variety of forms, including stage acting, an art exhibition, and vocal, jazz and drum line concerts. Also featured will be professional opera singer Takesha Kizart, who will perform a solo selection.

“It’s a free and wonderful way to enjoy an afternoon,” said Beverly Thomas, the program’s founder.

Thomas started the camp, which is located at Camp Barber in Cassopolis, 10 years ago. Originally focusing on music, the program has expanded over the years to include drama, dance, art and creative writing.

When trying to decide a suitable location for the program, Thomas decided on the 57-acre campground, which is owned and operated by the African Methodist Episcopal Church. She opened the institute as way to enrich development arts in young minds, especially among students who live in districts that have cut back on art and music programs.

“It’s very important for us to encourage young people in the arts,” she said. “Not all of them will become professionals, but the things they learn through the arts impact their lives forever.”

Despite its religious affiliation, the institute is open to any 12-19 year-old student interested in fine arts who meet the necessary requirements, which includes a letter of recommendation from an instructor, Thomas said. Typically, the camp draws around 100 students every summer, though enrollment has dipped to around 80 this year, she said.

In addition to rehearsals, the students participate in recreational activities such as swimming, basketball and baseball, as well as evening worship services.

“They have a lot to do,” Thomas said. “They have very little free time.”

While most students come from out of the county, Thomas hopes that will change in the future, especially given the popularity of choral festivals among local children, she said.

“We would like for them to come out and enjoy the concert, and also consider joining us next year,” Thomas said.