Summer Camp

Rooted in Community.

Raised in the Arts

The Arts Academy at Good Shepherd (TAAGS) is a welcoming, faith-rooted arts ministry dedicated to inspiring creativity, nurturing artistic growth, and building meaningful connections through the performing and visual arts.

Rooted in the mission of the Church of the Good Shepherd to nurture children, families, and the wider community, TAAGS provides accessible, high-quality arts education and performance opportunities for individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and experience levels.

We believe the arts have a unique ability to bring people together, encourage self-expression, build confidence, and foster a sense of belonging. Through education, collaboration, and performance, TAAGS creates a supportive environment where artists can discover their talents, develop their skills, and share their creativity with others.

TAAGS serves as the umbrella for three interconnected arts initiatives:

Year-Round Arts Education

The Arts Academy offers opportunities for artistic exploration and skill development across a variety of disciplines, including music, theater, visual arts, movement, and more. Through classes, workshops, lessons, and collaborative experiences, students develop their unique artistic voices while building confidence, creativity, and lifelong appreciation for the arts.

Summer Arts Program

Our Summer Arts Program provides immersive, engaging arts experiences for children and youth through summer camps, theatrical productions, and creative enrichment opportunities. These programs combine artistic education with hands-on experiences, allowing participants to learn, collaborate, form friendships, and bring their creativity to life.

Family Community Theatre

Family Community Theatre brings performers of all ages and experience levels together through inclusive, community-centered theatrical productions. Designed to encourage participation across generations, this program provides opportunities for children, teens, adults, and entire families to share the stage or contribute behind the scenes.

By welcoming both experienced performers and those stepping into the theater for the first time, Family Community Theatre celebrates the joy of storytelling, collaboration, and creating something meaningful together.

— Our Mission

To enrich lives and strengthen our community through accessible arts education, creative expression, and collaborative performance opportunities, fostering an environment where individuals and families can learn, grow, and belong.

— Our Vision

To cultivate a vibrant, inclusive arts community where creativity flourishes, talents are nurtured, and people of all generations are brought together through the transformative power of the arts.

At TAAGS, we believe the arts are for everyone. Whether discovering a new passion, developing an existing talent, or joining a production alongside family and friends, there is a place for everyone to create, connect, and shine.

collaboration, and creating something meaningful together.

Camp Director

Camp Director, Artistic Director, & Music Director

Elle Ames is a dedicated and passionate theater educator with over a decade of experience. She is an “artist” at finding unique and inclusive ways to nurture artistic growth and celebrates each student’s individuality through various artistic techniques.

As the Founder and President of Ames Performing Arts, Elle offers private voice coaching and performance coaching to students of all ages. She created and continues to teach a variety of original courses at Ames Performing Arts, where she fosters a supportive and creative environment for students to grow artistically. Elle is also a talented performing artist, having participated in numerous theatrical productions along the East Coast. At Good Shepherd, she serves as the Director of Children’s & Youth Music Ministry. Additionally she can be seen performing on stage; most recently seen in A Christmas Story: The Musical, with The Pickwick Players.

Elle also taught original courses and camps at The Little Theater of Alexandria (LTA) from 2020 to 2023, where she created and taught theater classes for young students (K-9th grade), focusing on imaginative play and acting technique.

Elle’s fervent pursuit of a Master’s degree in Child and Adolescent Psychology reflects her unwavering passion and commitment to her personal and professional growth. Her academic immersion has deepened her connection with students and enhanced her own performance experiences. By exploring the nuances of human emotion and behavior, she delivers powerful and engaging performances that resonate with audiences. These skills also translate into her directorial and staging experiences.

One of her greatest sources of pride stems from the profound lessons she has learned from her students. She recognizes the paramount importance of providing a safe environment for students and is committed to methods that make students feel supported by her and their peers.