Dinahlynn shows a camper how to use a microphone

What did your kids do this summer?

Contributed By:The 411 News

For the children who turned up at the Kids Radio/TV Summer Camp, the questions of ‘what did you do this summer’ will likely be answered with the day they spent at Gary’s WLTH Radio Studio. Next, they’ll show off their tablets and smart watches received as gifts.

Routine are summer camps for baseball, basketball, tennis and vacation bible school. But this camp, for ages 5-12, excited parents whose children like to perform or have an interest in music and the arts.

That’s why Bonita Gray enrolled her daughter Angelica. “She likes to speak and English is her best subject. She’s also interested in singing. I brought her in because she wants to learn about broadcasting.”

Mycah Smith plays the violin. Her dad, Michael, said the camp would expand her view about the world of music. And he brought another daughter, Trintee. “She’s autistic but she loves music,” he said.

Linda Walsh brought her 11-year old son. “I thought he would have fun learning about radio. He loves to draw.”

Tommy Billups came with his son and daughter. “I’m a musician and they always talk about being rock stars. So, it’ll be a great opportunity for them to see behind the scenes and what goes into producing music.”

Tiffany Riddle brought her 11-year-old son. “He wants to make music like his 16-year-old brother. So I thought this would be a good chance for him to learn more.”

The free camp was a partnership between WLTH radio show host Dinahlynn Biggs’ and brothers Bill and Ricky Thompson. The Thompsons are Gary natives who now live worlds apart; Bill is in Florida and Ricky is in Saudi Arabia. By chance, Ricky caught Biggs’ radio show on the internet and was eager to connect with his hometown. Ricky is an aviation engineer for flight simulations and Bill is a franchisee of 23 Burger King Restaurants.

Recording artist T.L. Williams (Getting Mo Money Than You) and actor (Empire) told the young musicians at the camp to practice every day, learn multiple instruments, and that the most successful artists have a college background.

Music runs in the Williams family. Jerry Williams, T.L’s dad, heads the Chi-Town Sound music label. “It’s your job to encourage your children,” Williams said. “If your child has the dream, work with them.”

(L-r)The Smith Family - Mycah, Trintee, and Michael; Angelica Campion and Bonita Gray

(L-r) Ricky Thompson, Dinalynn Biggs, Krystal Thompson

Nearly all raised their hands when asked who owned a cell phone. After Greg Gray demonstrated making a video, he told the camp, “With your cell phone camera, you can do almost everything I did with this video camera.”

“Radio is changing, too,” Biggs said. “Today’s new cars don’t have a radio; instead they come with apps.”

This was the first summer camp for Biggs and the Thompson brothers. The partners said they’ll be back next year.

Story Posted:07/10/2017