Fairfax’s summer arts camps offer students ages 5-18 years creative arts experiences and opportunities for unique experiences–with so many choices, deciding which camp to try may be the toughest decision your young camper has to make!
Arts-based camps are an essential piece of the puzzle when it comes to shaping young minds. Whether your child wants to learn new skills, go on daily adventures, become an actor, discover the magic of the arts, or just make new friends, the art camps in Fairfax have something for everyone! Check out these summer camps designed for families needing full days of fun or those interested in just a few hours of hands-on art experience below.
Visual Art Camps
Fairfax County Parks and Recreation
Marvelous Masters with KidCreate Studio
August 8-12
(7-12 yrs.) Campers will be inspired to recreate famous works of art like Van Gogh’s Starry Night, Monet’s Water Lilies, and Rembrandt’s The Mill on canvas boards. Bring a snack and drink.
Falls Church Arts
FC Arts Academy
July 5-9 | August 2-6
Summer sessions at FCArts Academy are extra fun as the extra time allows us to dig extra deeply into our projects. These sessions, offered as a week-long (Mon-Fri) experience, are especially geared to the 7–12-year-old artist. Campers will work collaboratively and do a lot of problem-solving, so mixed-age works great in this setting. You may choose half or full day. Sign up with a friend or come meet a new one!
Mason Community Arts Academy
Anime Art and Technology
June 27-July 1 | July 18-22
Anime is an international phenomenon! While people tend to regard anime as a distinctive Japanese media (think: Sailor Moon, DragonBall-Z, or Speed Racer) the term anime is just the Japanese term for animation, and there are many different styles. This course will use the popular characters and styles kids love to look at as the basics of frame-by-frame 2D animation and give students a chance to use industry-standard software and techniques to bring their own creative vision to life.
Noctiluna
Design for a Better Future
August 1-5
A week of exploring creativity and good design can positively affect our lives. Design for a Better Future is a process-oriented Visual Arts camp with a focus on problem-solving and FUN, taught by a former IB Art teacher and Vienna FCPS parent Chitra Sharma, and LCPS Art teacher Steve Loya. Noctiluna works with a variety of 2D and 3D media and focuses on deeper learning, creative thinking skills, and of course, happiness. Campers go back to school feeling relaxed and inspired.
Tephra ICA
Fibers & Friends! Tie-Dye, Friendship Bracelets, and More
July 18-22
Have you ever wondered how a spider builds its web, how a bird weaves a nest, or how your friend made such an AWESOME key chain? Become a wonder-weaver as campers explore all things fiber—tie-dyeing, friendship bracelets, basketry, and more!
Workhouse Arts Center
Fine Art Innovators Camp: Grades 7-8
June 20 to July 1 | July 5 to July 15 | July 18 to July 29 | August 1 to August 12
Innovation starts with you! Gain access to 2D and 3D art – learning how to draw and paint, sculpt and hand-build, cook, and present. Campers will develop technical skills and use critical thinking to fuse art and history together, creating new and exciting concepts!
Performing Arts Camps
Acting for Young People
Improv Comedy Workshop
June 13-17
Young actors will join Acting for Young People’s resident Improv experts for a week of comedy and creative thinking! Taking inspiration from classic improvisation styles and favorite theater games, actors will learn in-depth techniques for creating short and long-form improv and develop characters and storylines for sketch comedy and scene work.
Moonlit Wings Productions
Applause! Freezin’ Frozen Queen
June 27-July 8 | July 11-22 | July 25-August 5 | August 8-19
(7-14 yrs.) Young performers put on a modern version of “The Snow Queen,” the tale that also inspired Disney’s Frozen. This two-week summer theatre camp is an award-winning program by Moonlit Wings Productions. Campers will have opportunities to shine through improvisation games, talent shows, scriptwriting, and music. Camp ends with a mini performance featuring a new modern script and songs. Bring a snack, lunch, and drink (Rec Center campers should also bring a swimsuit/towel for a daily swim break if the pool is open).
Mount Vernon Community Children’s Theatre
Broadway Bound
August 1-12
Children will build self-confidence, teamwork skills, focus, imagination, and much more in these creative play-centered camps. Camps are taught by professional performers and teaching artists.
Reston Community Center
Young Actors Theatre
July 5-August 5
The Young Actors Theatre (YAT) Summer Program is a five-week cumulative program that trains young actors in the disciplines of voice, dance, and acting. The 12-17 age group is limited to 20 participants, who must be 12 years of age on or before July 1, 2022. Final performances will be held on August 3,4 and 5, 2022.
Visit www.artsfairfax.org/camps to learn more!