PORTAGE | Abby Spicer figured the best way to get over her stage fright was to become an actor.

"I'm here to conquer my fear," said the 10-year-old Portage youngster. "I'm totally stage fright. I get very, very nervous in front of crowds."

Abby was among more than two dozen youths 6 to 11 years old who signed up for the recent Children's Theatre Camp, one of many summer camps offered by the Portage parks department. Portage Community Theatre also sponsored the camp that introduced youngsters to the stage and let them write their own play, which they performed at week's end for family and friends.

"They are having a blast," said Natalie Franks, of Portage Community Theatre.

Imagination played a huge role in the camp where the children used their bodies to recreate the three little pigs' houses of straw, sticks and bricks and let their creative juices flow to come up with characters, settings and plots for their play.

"A lot of it is imaginary," Franks said. "A lot of it is the creativity of the children. A lot of it is a learning experience."

All of the children contributed ideas to the play. Some were vague, such as a character of a person walking through the woods. Others were more specific, such as the 17-year-old boy named Aaron who was a wizard.

Many of the ideas found their way into the finished production, although they underwent numerous changes along the way.

"It's important to foster creativity in children in any way," Franks said.

The final production, "Pixie Trouble: A Magical Mystery," meandered through the Medieval Ages, Italy 20 million years ago, a circus on Jungle Island in the Indian Ocean and Monster Mall on another planet.

For many of the children, the chance to perform was the best part.

"Acting is like my dream," said Janis Gregory, 11, of Hobart. "I think it's really fun."

"I always wanted to be famous," added Rianna Dickerhoff, 9, of Portage.

But the camp also offered other ways to have fun.

"Last year when I came here, I had a lot of fun meeting new friends," said Casey Adams, 9, of Portage.

If you go:

Youngsters have plenty of chances to enroll in summer camps offered by the Portage parks department. Upcoming events include:

Summer Day Camp continues through July 20 in the Oakwood Grand Hall at Woodland Park, 2100 Willowcreek Road. This camp is for children 6 to 10 years old and meets from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Sessions run weekly. The cost is $90 per resident per session and $95 per nonresident per session. Children can register for one week or for more. Activities include arts and crafts, games, sports trips, movies and nature hikes.

Earth Camp will take place from 9 a.m. to noon July 23 to 27 in the Blue Spruce Room at Woodland Park, 2100 Willowcreek Road. This camp is sponsored by the Recycling & Waste Reduction District of Porter County and Portage parks department and is for grades four through six. The program is free. Children will learn the roles that water, trees and even worms have in keeping the planet healthy. Outdoor interactive experiences will include a journey with Fred the Fish, a microscopic exploration of the earth worm, and a recycling relay race. Register for this free program by the Wednesday prior to the session. Class size is limited to 20 students.

Mini-Munchkin Camp is for youngsters 4 and 5 years old and allows them to get acclimated to the camp experience. Mini-Munchkin Camp is a half-day program that includes little hikes, nature studies, storytelling, games and crafts. Snacks will be provided. Three session of Mini-Munchkin Camp will meet from 9 to 11:30 a.m. in the Red Maple Room at Woodland Park, 2100 Willowcreek Road. The first session is July 9 to 13. Session II meets July 16 to 20. Session III meets July 23 to 27. Each session costs $30 per resident and $35 per nonresident. Register for camp by the Wednesday prior to each session. Class size limited to 15 children.

Youth Tennis Clinic is July 16 to 20 at Portage High School, 6450 E. U.S. 6. The clinic is for participants 6 years and older. Beginning players will meet from 9 to 11 a.m., and intermediate players will meet from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The cost is $45 per person. Register by July 11 at the Portage parks' office, 2100 Willowcreek Road.

Cheerleading Camp meets July 30 to Aug. 3 in the Oakwood Grand Hall at Woodland Park, 2100 Willowcreek Road. This camp is for youngsters 6 to 12 years old. Young cheerleaders will learn sideline chants, stunts and jumps and will perform a routine for their parents on the final day of camp. Colette Langbauer, a five-year veteran, will lead the camp. Campers should wear comfortable clothing, and gym shoes are required. The cost is $30 per resident and $35 per nonresident. Register by July 23 at the parks' office, 2100 Willowcreek Road.

For information about Portage parks programs, call (219) 762-1675.