ASHLAND — Summer arts camps kicked off Monday at the Paramount Art Center and two groups of young children took part in a mix of activities as part of the first week’s offering.

“This the first time we’ve done it this way,” Kaitlyn Eldridge, camp director said.

She said that two groups of children, with the older ones led by instructor Joanna Murdock, and the younger group by Matt Hammond, went to various subject throughout the day, giving them a well-rounded experience with art, dance and theater.

In the adjacent dance studio, Maria Whaley was teaching a class on dance and motion, while, upstairs in the Paramount, children took a class designed to bring poetry alive.

They acted out “Sneezles,” by A.A. Milne, with each portraying characters for a live performance.

After this week ends, the camp will go on hiatus for the week of Independence Day, then return for two more weeks, starting July 8.

In addition to courses on art, dance and more, the centerpiece of that session will be the two-week production camp, which will teach children everything that goes into a theatrical production, from auditions, to stage design, to costumes.

This will culminate with a performance of “Freaky Friday,” on stage at 6 p.m. July 26 for the public. Admission to watch the show will be free.

Sign ups for that two week session are still open and scholarships are available.

Those interested can call 606-324-0007 or visit www.paramountartscenter.com.