CCFI is the sponsor of the Peru Amateur Circus. Each year more than 200 young people, between ages 7 and 21, participate. Practice begins in February and culminates with 11 shows in mid-July, in a circus arena in downtown Peru, IN. I became involved when my 7-year-old daughter wanted to perform. That was 1981. I have been one of the ringmasters for the shown since then. Performers learn circus skills and several are performing professionally. More importantly, we teach life skills. A child who launches him/herself into the air to be caught by a teenager has learned to take controlled risks, teamwork, trust in both a partner and themselves. Very effective and enjoyable youth program! Volunteers all.
CCFI is the parent organization of the Peru Amateur Circus. It has one full-time employee, and pays its trainers a stipend to cover their expenses. The remainder of gifts support the amateur circus. It is essentially a summer recreation program for children between the ages of seven and 21 and culminates with 11 performances in a nine-day period in late July in Peru, Indiana. On the final Saturday, the Festival sponsors the pnly remaining annual circus parade in theUntied States. Approximately 200 young people perform each year, and an additional 20 or so between ages five and seven are kiddie clowns. There is a 65-piece volunteer circus band that also plays occasional ocncerts at other venues, and an adult clown troupe. The goal of CCFI is to teach performers life skills through the mediumof circus. Peru was at one time the home of several professional shows, and now is also the hoime of the International Circus Hall of Fame, a separate organization. I have volumteered for 33 years.
Review from Guidestar