SLIPPERY ROCK - The veterans seem to outnumber the newcomers at this year's Summer Creative and Performing Arts Academy at Slippery Rock University.

The academy runs from July 12 through Friday and involves students in grades eight through 12. University professors and academy alumni teach sessions in creative writing, dance, jazz, flute, theatre and visual arts.

Caitlin McCabe of Slippery Rock is attending the academy for the third year in a row, specializing in creative writing. McCabe, who will be a senior at Slippery Rock High School, wants to write for a magazine.

"Every year I improve," she said. "You also make great friends among the students and the teachers here."

Dave Eisenreich, who will be a senior at Seneca Valley High School, returned to the academy for his second year. And this year, he brought his brother, Aaron, a sophomore.

Dave plays drums and Aaron plays the guitar in the jazz program at the academy. Both participated in what the professors call a masters group, where they were able to play in an ensemble setting with other instruments.

Dave Eisenreich, who has played drums for eight or nine years, enjoys the opportunities at the academy because they are ones not offered in private lessons or in high school.

"It's nice to play with a smaller set," he said. "You get a chance to play more and work with people of the same interest."

Rachel McCarren isn't sure which category to place herself in, when comparing veterans or newcomers, even though she is attending the camp for the first time. She's been hearing about the academy for years, however, from her father, Joe McCarren, who is director of the program.

"I'd always wanted to do it, and I've heard my dad talk about it for a long time," she said.

Her interest in visual arts started at a young age.

"I planned to work as an animator for Disney since I started drawing," she said. She will be in eighth grade at Butler Junior High school this year.

A total of 77 students came to the academy this year, which is down from last year's 108, according to Joe McCarren.

The fact that students don't get college credit for their attendance this year, unlike years past, and the increased cost of the camp discouraged some students, he said. In the past, students received one university credit and that was usually transferable, said McCarren.

This is the 15th year of the camp, which has a theme this year of "Identity: Art and Self Discovery," he said. Students are encouraged to come up with original works in their field of interest instead of following certain patterns, he said.

Students come from the 27 schools that participate in the Midwestern Intermediate Unit IV. Some scholarships are available. Cost to students is $600 for those living on campus and $325 for commuters.