Adventure Academy

Folk Art is bold, vibrant, and full of personality—and every piece tells a story about the artist who created it. In this hands-on workshop, students will explore the colorful world of American Folk Art and learn how artists across history used simple materials and imaginative designs to express identity, heritage, and everyday life.

Our young artists will discover hallmark features of Folk Art—playful shapes, bright colors, symbolic patterns, and storytelling imagery—before designing and painting their own original wooden artwork. Guided by an instructor who brings history and creativity to life, students will sketch motifs, explore color choices, and learn how to turn ideas into expressive visual art.
Each child will leave with a completed Folk Art piece for 2026 that showcases their creativity, confidence, and personal style.

In Artsy Animals, campers will embark on a creative journey around the globe as they explore the incredible diversity of wildlife and transform their discoveries into vibrant works of art. Each student will choose an animal that sparks their curiosity—anything from rainforest creatures to ocean dwellers to majestic land mammals—and spend time learning about its habitat, behaviors, and unique characteristics.

With inspiration from their research, campers will design and build their own papier‑mâché sculpture, bringing their chosen creature to life through shape, color, texture, and expressive detail. Along the way, they’ll learn key artistic skills such as planning a 3‑D form, layering papier‑mâché, painting techniques, and adding personalized artistic touches.

This class combines creativity, imagination, and discovery, offering students the chance to explore the animal kingdom while developing their own artistic voice. By the end, each camper will have a one‑of‑a‑kind creature sculpture—and a newfound appreciation for the amazing animals that share our planet.

Shape, Create, Transform 

*An additional fee of $20 will be applied to cover materials

Artists experience the creative journey of working with clay as they shape, sculpt, and transform raw material into expressive three‑dimensional art. Using high‑quality air‑dry clay and sculpting tools, students explore foundational hand‑building techniques while bringing imaginative ideas to life in a supportive studio environment.

Campers practice essential methods such as pinch construction, carving, and surface decoration, learning how clay responds to touch, water, pressure, and time. This process‑focused approach allows artists to refine their work, make adjustments, and see their ideas fully realized within the week.

With opportunities to add painted details and finishing touches, students complete meaningful projects they can proudly take home. Throughout the creative process, campers build patience, craftsmanship, and confidence—developing both artistic skills and a deeper appreciation for working in three dimensions

Fiber Arts

*An additional fee of $20 will be applied to cover materials

In this creative 90‑minute workshop, students will learn the basics of hand embroidery while designing a stitched monogram featuring the first letter of their name. Guided by our skilled embroidery instructor, students will explore beginner‑friendly stitches, choose their own colors, and add decorative elements such as small leaves, stars, flowers or borders. By the end of class, each student will leave with a beautifully embroidered piece displayed in their own hoop, perfect for hanging at home or gifting. This workshop is a welcoming introduction to textile arts and is designed for all skill levels.

Carve, Create, Print 

An additional fee of $20 will be applied to cover materials

A long‑time favorite at Academy Summer, Ink & Impressions: Stamp Carving Workshop invites campers into the intricate and rewarding world of hand‑carved stamp art. Led by our beloved returning instructor—known for her artistry, patience, and impeccable craftsmanship—students explore a unique medium using professional, artist‑grade tools and materials.

Campers begin by learning the fundamentals of stamp design and carving, using Speedball linoleum carving tools (permission required) to transform carving blocks and large erasers into expressive, detailed stamps. With guidance, students practice line work, negative space, carving techniques, and printmaking basics as they create their own original designs. Once carved, campers bring their artwork to life with ink, experimenting with composition, layering, and print repetition. Each student leaves with a collection of personally designed stamps—custom tools they can use for artwork, stationery, journals, cards, and creative projects long after summer ends.

Note: For inspiration and a look inside the process, families can explore the instructor’s portfolio at @inkyfingeredknits on Instagram and YouTube.

Knotting & Weaving Studio blends creativity, design, and problem‑solving as students learn to create colorful bracelets, beaded designs, and woven keychains using embroidery floss, pony beads, and plastic lacing cord. Through hands‑on projects, students explore knot‑based and woven patterns while building focus, precision, and mathematical thinking.

In this class, students will:

• Learn classic knotting and weaving techniques used in friendship bracelets, kumihimo braiding, and boondoggle-style keychains
• Follow and repeat pattern sequences using square stitch, box stitch, braided, and other woven designs
• Practice counting, sequencing, symmetry, and spatial reasoning
• Strengthen fine motor skills, hand‑eye coordination, and attention to detail
• Design and create wearable bracelets, beaded figures, and durable keychains for backpacks, zippers, or keys

Students begin with embroidery floss bracelets and progress to woven projects made with plastic or vinyl lacing and pony beads as patterns become more complex. Along the way, they learn how color order, tension, and structure affect the final design, encouraging experimentation, patience, and creative problem‑solving. Students leave with finished accessories and bead art creations they’re proud to use and share, along with a deeper understanding of patterns and design.

Mixed Media / Casting Arts
*An additional fee of $20 is applied to cover materials

Welcome to the ResinCraft Studio, where creativity, design, and imagination come together. In this hands-on class, campers will explore the art and science of resin—a synthetic polymer‑based material used by artists to create glossy, durable works through casting, pouring, and embedding decorative inclusions.

Students will learn the fundamentals of working with resin, including proper mixing, coloring, pouring techniques, safety practices, and finishing methods. Along the way, they’ll discover how artists transform liquid resin into expressive, polished pieces through molds, layered pours, and embedded elements such as dried flowers, glitter, pigments, stickers, and miniature pieces.

Campers will create projects like keychains, jewelry, charms, bookmarks, coasters, magnets, and small decorative objects—each one customized to reflect their own artistic style. As they work, students will see firsthand how resin blends creativity with chemistry, encouraging patience, precision, and experimentation.

By the end of each session, campers will take home beautiful handmade resin creations they’ll be excited to show off—and a new appreciation for the endless possibilities of resin as an artistic medium.
 

Draw, Imagine, Communicate

Students step into the world of visual storytelling and discover how illustrators transform ideas into images. This engaging introductory course blends creativity with foundational art skills, offering campers a welcoming entry point into illustration—whether they’re just starting out or already love to draw.

Guided by the instructor, students will learn core techniques used by professional illustrators, including outlining, shading, texturing, line work, shape, proportion, composition, and character development. Through hands‑on practice and experimentation with professional tools, campers will design original characters, craft thoughtful compositions, and hone their sketching skills while working alongside their peers. Short creative prompts and imaginative exercises help students build confidence in their drawing abilities and discover their own visual style and creative voice. 
Throughout the class, students will also explore the many creative fields illustration touches, including animation, comics, book illustration, graphic novels, concept art, advertising, and game design. By viewing illustration as both an art form and a storytelling tool, campers gain a broader understanding of how images communicate ideas.

By the end of the session, each student will leave with a collection of original sketches and illustrated works, visual stories that reflect their imagination, technical growth, and new understanding of the world of illustration.
 

Observe, Explore, Illustrate 

Students dive into the world of scientific and natural illustration, learning how artists observe the real world and translate it into accurate, expressive drawings. This class is a perfect follow‑up to Sketch & Story, but no prior experience is required, only curiosity, creativity, and a love of discovering the details in the world around us.

Guided by the instructor, students will practice sketching plants, natural textures, landscapes, small creatures, and human figures in motion, focusing on proportion, observation, gesture drawing, and anatomical accuracy. Campers will explore how illustrators use line, shading, and contour to represent the natural world with clarity and beauty.

In addition to drawing, students will learn about real‑world careers in natural illustration, including botanical illustration, field guides, scientific textbooks, zoological illustration, environmental education, medical illustration, and museum and research‑based art. 
Through hands‑on activities and guided observation outdoors or using reference materials, campers build confidence in both their artistic and analytical skills. By the end of the session, each student will have a collection of natural studies—detailed sketches that showcase their ability to observe, interpret, and illustrate the world around them. This class deepens artistic technique while opening a window into the fascinating 
intersection of art, science, and storytelling.
 

Fiber Arts
Step into the world of fiber arts, where technique, creativity, and craftsmanship come together. In YarnCraft Studio, campers will build a strong foundation in traditional knitting while exploring the versatility of yarn as an artistic medium. Students will learn essential skills—including casting on and off, the knit and purl stitches, pattern reading, tension control, and how to combine stitches to create texture and form.

As their skills develop, campers will broaden their practice through additional fiber‑arts projects such as pom‑pom construction, finger knitting, simple weaving, and small decorative works that highlight color, pattern, and personal style. Each project is designed to build confidence, reinforce technique, and strengthen fine‑motor and design skills.

All yarn and needles are provided, and campers are welcome to bring their preferred tools if they have them. Whether they are brand‑new to fiber arts or ready to grow beyond the basics, students will leave with new technical abilities, a deeper understanding of textile creation, and handmade pieces that showcase their developing artistry.
 

Get ready to laugh, create, and perform! Acting Out Loud is a joyful, fast‑moving week of improv, scenes, character work, and sketch‑style comedy designed especially for middle school campers. Each day blends theater games, creative challenges, teamwork activities, and mini‑performances that help students express themselves with confidence. Campers will invent hilarious characters, build short scenes, explore comedic timing, and collaborate on original skits—all while learning the fundamentals of acting in a fun, supportive environment. The week concludes with a light‑hearted showcase that celebrates their creativity and allows every camper to shine.

This class blends jazz fundamentals with the fun, upbeat energy of today’s biggest chart‑topping hits. Students learn fun technique through fresh, contemporary combos that feel like dancing in a music video - clean, stylized, expressive, and packed with personality.

Each class includes technique work, flexibility training, across‑the‑floor combinations, and a new choreography combo set to current pop music. Dancers build jazz vocabulary, musicality, rhythm, confidence, and performance quality, all while having a blast with music they know and love. Perfect for dancers who want:

• A fun, music‑driven class
• Age‑appropriate pop choreography
• A fresh style that feels modern and expressive
• Technique training blended with weekly combos
   

Designed for dancers who love structure, challenge, and clean lines, this class focuses on the foundational skills that make jazz dancers strong, technical, and confident. Students work through progressions, turns, kicks, leaps, isolations, alignment, strength, and control. Music will vary each week and may include pop and classic jazz tracks chosen specifically to support technique development.

This program emphasizes clarity of movement, body placement, disciplined training habits, and the athleticism behind jazz dance. Each session includes warmup, technique drills, across‑the‑floor work, core conditioning, and a short choreography phrase that applies the week’s focus. Perfect for dancers who want:

• Stronger technique fundamentals
• Improved control, alignment, and power
• A structured, challenging dance class
• Experience working with a professional‑level instructor

Step into the world of artificial intelligence and explore the technology shaping the future! In this computer‑based class, students will discover how AI appears in everyday life—from the apps they use to the media they see—and learn to spot when digital content has been enhanced, altered, or created by AI. Through hands‑on activities, they’ll practice identifying AI‑generated images, analyzing how AI can be both helpful and misleading, and experimenting with beginner‑friendly coding tools to create some AI-powered projects of their own. Perfect for curious learners who love tech, puzzles, and uncovering how things really work.

Independent, Creative Coding Lab

Campers take charge of their learning as they explore the world of computer coding through a self‑directed, engaging, and hands‑on experience. Using Code.org’s interactive platform, students progress at their own pace through coding puzzles and projects that introduce real programming concepts in a fun, accessible way. Perfect for parents seeking a structured yet flexible environment, Code Your Own Way empowers students to think creatively, explore freely, and develop future‑ready skills, one line of code at a time.

This class encourages independence and creativity as campers make choices, test ideas, and problem‑solve their way through challenges, developing confidence and persistence with every step. With guidance from the instructor, students collaborate when they want support, work solo when they’re ready to explore, and discover how coding blends logic, creativity, and curiosity. Campers will:

• Build confidence as independent learners through interactive coding challenges
• Learn foundational programming ideas such as sequencing, loops, conditionals, and debugging
• Collaborate with peers while maintaining ownership of their individual progress
• Strengthen problem‑solving and critical‑thinking skills they can apply across subjects

*An additional $20  materials will be applied 

Engineering Challenge Lab is a dynamic, hands-on experience for students who love to build, invent, and think like engineers. This class invites curious builders and problem-solvers to explore the world of engineering through hands-on design challenges and creative experimentation. Each day focuses on a different branch of engineering as students design, build, test, and improve their own creations while working collaboratively with peers. In this lab, students will:

• Learn how engineers think and solve real-world problems
• Use the Engineering Design Cycle to plan, build, test, and redesign
• Explore mechanical, structural, and electrical engineering concepts
• Tackle daily build challenges using everyday and recycled materials
• Strengthen teamwork, creativity, and critical-thinking skills

Throughout the week, students may construct paper towers, rubber-band cars, bridges, circuits, and open-ended maker projects that encourage innovation and experimentation. Emphasis is placed on process over perfection, helping students build confidence through trial, error, and discovery. No prior STEM experience is required, only curiosity, creativity, and a willingness to try. 
 

*An additional $20  materials will be applied 

Gross Science invites curious (and fearless!) students to investigate the world of germs, create fake blood and snot, explore bubbly burping reactions, and run gooey, slimy chemistry tests while learning real STEM concepts behind the mess. This program is surprising, hilarious, educational, and unforgettable. explore the messier side of science through hands-on experiments that are equal parts disgusting, fascinating, and educational. In this lab, students will:

• Explore scientific concepts through messy, hands-on experiments
• Learn the biology of germs, the chemistry of reactions, and the physics behind movement and pressure
• Create slimy, gooey, and bubbling mixtures while following safe lab procedures
• Make predictions, test ideas, and observe surprising outcomes
• Build confidence and curiosity through playful experimentation

*An additional $20  materials will be applied 

Step into the world of CSI‑style science with Science Detectives, a thrilling, weeklong mystery adventure where campers use real STEM techniques to crack the case. Each day introduces a new clue, and it’s up to the detectives to gather evidence, run experiments, and draw conclusions using hands‑on science.

Throughout the week, students will dust for fingerprints, test mysterious powders, extract DNA from strawberries, reveal hidden messages using chromatography, and analyze evidence through chemistry and biology labs. Campers learn how scientists observe carefully, think critically, and follow evidence, just like real forensic investigators. In this lab, campers will:

• Use scientific tools and techniques to analyze clues and evidence
• Explore core concepts in chemistry and biology through forensic experiments
• Practice observation, inference, and problem‑solving skills
• Work collaboratively to test ideas and piece together a mystery
• Apply STEM thinking to solve a case from start to finish

Science Detectives is the perfect blend of curiosity, hands‑on experimentation, teamwork, and mystery‑solving fun, an unforgettable STEM experience for rising middle schoolers who love puzzles, science, and a good whodunit. With each experiment, campers sharpen their investigative skills, deepen their understanding of science, and build confidence in asking questions and testing hypotheses. The week culminates in solving the mystery using evidence collected and analyzed along the way.

Kids will learn dribbling, passing, shooting, and defensive basics through upbeat drills and friendly scrimmages. Coaches emphasize teamwork, movement, and confidence with the ball.

A skills‑based pool class where swimmers build comfort, confidence, and foundational technique through guided instruction and water‑based games. Perfect for a range of swim levels.

Kids develop hand‑eye coordination and racquet skills through age‑appropriate drills and games. Coaches keep play active and upbeat. Accessible for beginners. Rackets encouraged. 

A fun grab‑bag of classic outdoor games and team sports! Each class features something different - from kickball, to soccer, to volleyball, and more. Great for kids who love to move and try new activities.

Build confidence, flexibility, and focus in this uplifting 90‑minute yoga class designed to help students move, breathe, and reset. Each session blends accessible flow sequences, balance work, stretch routines, mindful breathing, and relaxing cool‑downs that promote strength, calm, and healthy daily habits. Led by a Yoga Alliance Certified Teacher, this program offers expert instruction in a fun, encouraging environment where students can grow at their own pace. Students may bring a yoga mat, a towel, and should wear comfortable, supportive clothing suitable for active movement.

For over a decade, Hogwarts Academy has been one of our most cherished and consistently sold‑out summer offerings! Led every year by our much‑loved teacher whose creativity and warmth bring wizardry to life, this magical class continues to be a highlight year after year.
Students step into the enchanted world inspired by the Harry Potter series as they explore themes of friendship, bravery, imagination, and curiosity. Campers read and discuss selected passages from the books, view brief film clips, and engage in a wide variety of creative activities. Each class includes a mix of games, crafts, scavenger hunts, writing prompts, trivia challenges, and hands‑on projects, keeping the magic fresh and exciting each year. Whether campers are longtime fans or brand‑new to the series, everyone is welcome.

Step behind the scenes of storytelling and discover how real reporters, creators, and digital storytellers bring the world to life. Media Makers is a creative storytelling program where campers explore journalism, digital media, and visual communication while learning how to share meaningful stories about the world around them. 

Throughout the week, students develop real reporting skills: conducting interviews, gathering quotes, taking photos, and researching topics of interest. Students strengthen their writing through crafting polished blog posts, build confidence in public speaking during live interviews, and learn design principles as they create engaging social‑media stories. This immersive class helps campers become stronger communicators, better observers, and more creative thinkers, all while producing professional-quality content that reflects their unique voices and experiences at camp.
 

Poetry,Creativity, Confidence

Inspired by the national Poetry Out Loud program, this engaging class invites campers to explore the power of poetry through reading, discussion, and performance. Campers will discover the voices and messages of a wide range of poets while learning how poetry can express ideas, emotions, and perspectives in meaningful ways.

Throughout the session, campers will develop skills in literary analysis, close reading, active listening, and thoughtful discussion, while also building confidence and poise in public speaking. With guidance and support, each camper will select a poem they connect with and prepare a final performance focused on clear delivery, expression, and audience engagement. This class is ideal for students who enjoy language, creativity, and building confidence through self‑expression in a supportive, encouraging environment.
 

Step inside a mini-seminar disguised as the ultimate Swiftie session. In this energetic 90‑minute immersion, students explore how Taylor Swift turns lived experience into art—through poetic devices, narrative structure, point of view, motif, symbol, and the power of revision. We’ll analyze excerpts (no lyrics required) to study metaphor, internal rhyme, allusion, imagery, and persona, then put those tools to work in creative stations: micro‑songwriting, trivia design, collaborative board‑game creation, fan‑club letter writing, eras bracelet making, poster art, karaoke/dance, and more.

Students leave with new media‑literacy skills, a songwriter’s toolkit, and a portfolio of keepsakes - proof that pop can be both joyful and academically rich. Come for the friendship bracelets; stay for the close reading, craft, and creativity.What makes this class unique? It blends poetry, composition, and design with pop culture students love. Builds confidence in speaking, writing, and performing, and celebrates creativity.

Materials Fee: $20

Embark on a creative, treasure‑hunting journey! In this immersive class, campers dive into the world of letterboxing, a real‑world scavenger hunt where participants follow sequences of clues to find hidden containers holding a logbook and a unique rubber stamp. This hands‑on adventure blends art, navigation, problem‑solving, and outdoor exploration.

Campers will learn to decode riddles, interpret visual clues, follow campus trails, and uncover hidden letterboxes around our grounds. A major highlight of the class is stamp carving: each student will design and carve their own personal rubber stamp and create a logbook to record every discovery they make. This class strengthens critical thinking, teamwork, spatial awareness, creativity, and perseverance—all while keeping campers active, engaged, and immersed in purposeful, hands‑on challenges.

Strategy, Skill & Fun

Welcome to Game On!, the perfect blend of relaxation, strategy, and friendly competition. In this engaging class, campers take a well‑deserved brain break while strengthening critical thinking, teamwork, and communication skills through an exciting mix of classic and modern board games.
Each session offers a curated selection of games designed to spark creativity, build resilience, and encourage collaboration. Whether campers love lighthearted games, logic puzzles, or deep strategic challenges, there’s something for every type of player. Students will explore fan favorites like Mancala, Mastermind, Sequence, Chess, Racko, Guess Who, Uno, and Connect Four, along with fresh, modern titles that keep gameplay fun and dynamic all summer long.

Game On! invites campers to slow down, connect with peers, learn new strategies, and test their skills in a playful, supportive environment. It’s the perfect space for campers to unwind while still exercising their minds—one round, move, match, or victory at a time.