By Jeanni Ritchie
“In my Swifty Era” was the name of this week’s summer camp at Steps by Stephanie and as I’m currently in my “little girl era” I had to check it out.
I didn’t want to leave!
Surrounded by over 60 girls singing, dancing, snacking, and making Taylor Swift art projects, I was in my element.
While being introduced to the teachers, a 5-year walked up. “Hey, I know you!” she exclaimed.
It was my friend Elena Aymond, whom I’d recently met on an arranged play date for an article. “Elena!” I’d cried. “How was Hawaii?”
We were like old summer camp friends catching up on life. I was immediately in and all the girls started catching me up on their worlds. I tracked.
After all, there’s a common bond among Swifties, whether 4 or 54. I should know, I belong to a Facebook group called Gen X Swifties!
Ava Mansour, 6, was all about the dance sessions this week. Her favorite Swift songs are Bad Blood and The Man.
Charleigh Sallinger, 9, showed off her modpodge Taylorcentric mini canvas while we analyzed albums. Tay’s new release, The Tortured Poet’s Department, is her current favorite.
I’m in more of a 1989 place these days so I totally vibed with the 3 and 4 year olds dance performance of Shake It Off.
There was no mistaking you were in a dance studio though when the 8-11 year olds danced to Ready for It? and Enchanted. Their choreographed routines were amazing and this week’s camp is only halfway through!
Ava Grace Hamilton, 3, was the perfect embodiment of Swifty sass twirling her Taylor keychain in the bejeweled sunglasses she’d made while the Eras Tour played on a video in the background.
The boys weren’t left out of the fun as they were outside playing flag football in their own Football Champs camp this week. Channeling their inner Super Bowl hero, they learned football basics and pigskin facts while also making 87-themed art projects.
ICYMI that’s Super Bowl Champion Travis Kelce’s jersey number!
Luke Robichaux, 6, had just finished his jersey art and was enjoying center time with Legos, blocks, Spider-Man buildings, and an array of Disney toys.
This camp was the stuff of my Wildest Dreams. You’re a middle aged woman, some remind me. …So it goes! Call It What You Want; I love Taylor Swift!
These themed summer enrichment camps at Steps by Stephanie continue throughout the summer with free play, games, outdoor activities, dance, science, math, and fun.
Princess Boot Camp (girls aged 3-11):
June 17-21 Beauty Bash
June 24-28 Squishmallows
July 1-5 My Masterpiece
July 8-12 It All Started With a Mouse
July 15-19 Rhinestone Cowgirls
July 22-26 Wonka World
July 29-August 2 Fashionista
August 5-9 D.A.N.C.E. Divas
Dudes’ Camp (boys aged 3-8):
June 17-21 Dino Dudes
June 24-28 Hot Wheels
July 1-5 Lego Land
July 8-12 Disney Dudes
July 15-19 Western Roundup
July 22-26 Wonka World
July 29-August 2 Space Rangers
August 5-9 First Responders
To find out more about these full day camps, call Stephanie at 318-308-2884.
Jeanni Ritchie is a contributing journalist and full-fledged Swiftie from Central Louisiana. She can be reached at jeanniritchie54@gmail.com.