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New UA-PTC student loves role as Trust Tree counselor

UA – Pulaski Tech Main Campus doesn’t always bustle with activity in summertime, but a corner of the CHARTS building is alive with the sound of music and kids making art at the two-week day camp, Trust Tree Songwriting and Art Camp.

A walk down the hall reveals a classroom full of “tween” and teenage girls gathered around art supplies, as well as multiple rehearsal rooms with musical instruments and ambiance-enhancing lights and decoration.

Trust Tree is designed to uplift girls in Central Arkansas through music and art. From the Trust Tree website: “In every aspect of our songwriting, music, and art programs, we aim to create a space where girls feel respected and validated. Trust Tree programs are facilitated by a team of women artists and musicians with the goal of helping girls to bring their creative visions to life and overcome self-limiting beliefs.”

2023 Bauxite High School Micahla French (pictured above) is the Trust Tree Summer Program Assistant this year. She started as a Trust Tree camper in 2017 and transitioned to being a counselor this year. She will be attending at UA – Pulaski Tech in fall 2023 studying with an emphasis on arts and communication.

After three years as a camper, the Bryant native called to see if she could help out. “I told them ‘I want to do it again, but on the other side of things,’” Micahla said. “It doesn’t feel like a job- it’s just fun!”

The campers focus on learning to write songs, beginning with song structure, and how to express what they feel through music and lyrics. Many of the campers don’t have previous musical experience, but have experience making art. Everyone gets lessons on the ukulele, and each camper contributes ideas to a group song that gets performed on the final day.

Micahla lends a hand with setting up, decorating, and monitoring the campers. “I go from room to room, making sure they’re feeling comfortable and confident,” she said. “The kids can each have space and privacy, and we want to making sure they’re in a good place.”

Asked about her feelings toward the experience, she added, “I love being here and I’m very grateful for the opportunities with Trust Tree and UA-PTC.”

Trust Tree’s current two-week camp is for ages 10 -16. Later this summer there is a one-week advanced songwriting camp and another for beginners that meets for half days for a week. The college is providing the space in the Center for Humanities and Arts on UA-PTC Main Campus.

Trust Tree is a nonprofit organization founded in 2017 by musician and arts educator Correne Spero, who is the director of the program. Learn more at www.trusttree.org.