‘Wacky Nanny’ encourages all at camp

For Alley Bulka, it’s natural that a lot of Crestwood kids don’t call her by her real name. Instead, they call her the Wacky Nanny, a name she felt fitting to go by after she created the Wacky Nanny Art Camp 11 summers ago.

“It’s really off the wall, not what you would find in a typical camp,” Bulka said, and that’s why, she added, people like it so much. 

At the Wacky Nanny Art Camp, at the Community Education South Community School in Crestwood, children delve into the art of self-expression from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday through Friday. Each day is filled with out-of-the-box art projects focused on the creative process rather than the product, with separate classes for ages 3-5 and 6-12.

“The artistic process is totally up to the kids,” Bulka said. “They’re in charge, and it’s about their imagination and letting them have the opportunity to create.”

Bulka has worked with children for 33 years as a childcare provider, teacher and art instructor. Even though she still teaches an adult art class at ArtPlay, she said she couldn’t imagine a life without working with kids — even for a summer. 

“Cookie-cutter” projects aren’t her style, though. She said she’s just there to give everyone supplies and make sure they’re being safe and having fun. Each art camp session costs $125, with siblings and multiple sessions receiving a 10-percent discount. A snack and full lunch are provided each day. 

For more information, call 401-3622 or go to wackynanny.com.