Ashley Dolbeer and the rest of the dance class practices dancing to “Surfin’ USA,” which was choreographed by the dance students at Camp After Hours Tuesday at the Hartselle Fine Arts Center. | Joy Harris

Boogie boards and Hawaiian leis fill the Hartselle Fine Arts Center as Camp ARTselle’s Beach Bop 2014 is in full swing.

Singing, dancing, music and skits can be heard throughout the building as students learn about the arts this week. Camp ARTselle has been going on since Monday and will end Thursday with two student-inspired productions.

Camp ARTselle had 63 registered campers, which is a little less than last year’s 75. Camp After Hours grew to 32 campers during its third year.

While Camp ARTselle runs from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m., Camp After Hours runs from 3-6 p.m. Camp After Hours allows the sixth through 12^th graders to aid the younger campers during Camp ARTselle and develop their own interests in production, dance and acting in the evenings.

Camp instructors work all week to make sure that at the end of the week, everyone gets to contribute to the final production. Directors and teachers include director/administrator Michael Ballew, co-administrator/dance teacher Jenny Faulk, drama teacher Jane Walker and music teacher Sonja McKelvy.

After Hours campers help choreograph dances, write skits and design the set. Camp ARTselle students contribute art projects and participate in songs and dances.

The camps focus on fostering a love for fine arts of all kinds and for all ages.

“We want each camper to learn what the arts are all about and grow a love for them,” Ballew said. “That love can turn into a major in college or a lifelong hobby. It’s a way for them to connect with others and learn about leadership.”

Ballew said Camp ARTselle tries to put teenagers in leadership positions as much as possible.

“We want to give the older kids a chance to teach the younger ones and learn what it’s like to lead,” Ballew said. “Once campers are too old for Camp ARTselle, they can become counselors in training and then move up to youth counselors. They can learn how to lead from the other adults and then put it into practice themselves.”

Nia Brewer has been a part of Camp ARTselle for six years now. She started out as a camper for four years, and then progressed to a counselor in training and is now a junior counselor.

“I love being a counselor even more than I loved being a camper,” Brewer said. “It’s fun to see how the kids get so interested in the arts and to see their talents develop. I have always loved acting, and it’s great to see the younger ones get to enjoy it, too.”

Stephen Vanderhoff attended camp for the first time this year.

“I never went to Camp ARTselle, but I started Camp After Hours this year,” Vanderhoff said. “I was a little nervous at first, but I’m not anymore. It’s been so much fun. It’s not like school at all- we get to learn and have fun at the same time. I have liked getting to practice the choreography and improv in the classes. I definitely want to come back next year.”

This year’s beach theme includes songs and artists from several eras of the beach genre from the Beach Boys to “Wipeout.” Crafts included wind chimes made of branches and seashells, wooden boogie board paintings and more.

The final production usually draws a crowd of 100-150 and will feature beach skits and songs with a trip to the arcade, a picnic and a Hawaiian luau with two shows Thursday night at 5 and 7 p.m.

Drama director Jane Walker teaches a drama class a game that helps actors stay in character on stage during Camp ARTselle Tuesday at the Hartselle Fine Arts Center. | Joy Harris

Anne Katherine Sloan, left, and Grace Newby learn about line and shape during art class at Camp ARTselle Tuesday at the Hartselle Fine Arts Center. | Joy Harris

Beth Morris teaches the art class at Camp ARTselle Tuesday at the Hartselle Fine Arts Center. Morris is currently attending the Alabama School of Fine Arts and was a student teacher at Camp ARTselle. | Joy Harris

Ella Payne practices the choregraphed dance moves in the dance class at Camp ARTselle Tuesday. | Joy Harris

Lucas McMinemon, 5, competes in a limbo contest during Camp ARTselle’s music class at the Hartselle Fine Arts Center Tuesday. | Joy Harris

Nia Brewer practices dancing to “Surfin’ USA,” which was choreographed by the dance students at Camp After Hours Tuesday at the Hartselle Fine Arts Center. | Joy Harris

Rebecca Longobardi practices dancing to “Surfin’ USA,” which was choreographed by the dance students at Camp After Hours Tuesday at the Hartselle Fine Arts Center. | Joy Harris

Julya McMinemon practices dancing to “Surfin’ USA,” which was choreographed by the dance students at Camp After Hours Tuesday at the Hartselle Fine Arts Center. | Joy Harris

Emma Ballew paints makes an apple to use as a prop during the Camp ARTselle production. Ballew was a part of Camp After Hours Tuesday at the Hartselle Fine Arts Center. | Joy Harris

Lauren Powell and Will Mansell take part in an improv skit during Camp After Hours Tuesday at the Hartselle Fine Arts Center. | Joy Harris