By AARON MUELLER
Niles Daily Star

The Franklin African Methodist Episcopal Church in Niles is trying to find a way to get local children involved with fine arts.

The church is looking to provide scholarships for local students to go to the Beverly Thomas Fine Arts Camp at Camp Baber this summer in Cassopolis.

The non-denominational music camp for ages 13-19 will take place July 25 to Aug. 1 when there will be a closing concert and art exhibit. Cost for the camp is $200.

Thomas, who will lead the camp, is a former Detroit vocal music educator. She has performed in pipe organ concerts across the country. She also is also a professional painter, exhibiting her work in shows in the United States, South Africa, Namibia and Canada.

The program is open to all teenagers regardless of experience level.

“We’re hoping to get as many people as we can from this area to get involved,” said Georgia Boggs, the president of the Franklin AME Church missionary society. “We’re trying to get young people involved in music.”

For more information on how to register for the camp or to donate to the scholarship fund, contact Thomas at artx.ame@gmail.com.