What happens at a arts camp?

Arts and crafts camps cover drawing, painting, ceramics, printmaking, and mixed media. Some are open-studio with a lot of choice; others teach a specific technique through the week. A demonstration of the day's technique, then extended studio time. Several projects in progress at once, since paint and clay need drying time. A gallery or share on the final day, sometimes with work sent home later.

How should we prepare for a arts camp?

Send clothes that are allowed to be ruined, every day. Aprons help but do not save sleeves. Ask whether ceramics get fired — kiln work often means pickup a week or two after camp ends. Check whether materials are included; a supply fee on top of tuition is common in this category. Long hair back, closed-toe shoes for printmaking or sculpture rooms.

What should we ask before booking a arts camp?

Do campers choose their projects or follow a set curriculum? Is there a materials fee beyond tuition? When and how does finished work come home?

Activity guide

Arts camps

Arts and crafts camps cover drawing, painting, ceramics, printmaking, and mixed media. Some are open-studio with a lot of choice; others teach a specific technique through the week.

Find arts camps near you

514 camps on Campser mention arts activities. Narrow by area and your child's age.

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What a day usually looks like

A demonstration of the day's technique, then extended studio time
Several projects in progress at once, since paint and clay need drying time
A gallery or share on the final day, sometimes with work sent home later

How to prepare

Send clothes that are allowed to be ruined, every day. Aprons help but do not save sleeves.
Ask whether ceramics get fired — kiln work often means pickup a week or two after camp ends.
Check whether materials are included; a supply fee on top of tuition is common in this category.
Long hair back, closed-toe shoes for printmaking or sculpture rooms.

Worth asking before you book

Do campers choose their projects or follow a set curriculum?
Is there a materials fee beyond tuition?
When and how does finished work come home?

A child who wants free creative time can be unhappy in a technique-driven camp, and vice versa. That difference rarely shows up in a listing.

What Campser lists

514 camps mention arts activities in their verified source text, from 153 providers.
Published prices run from $76 to $3,190.
Most are in Alexandria, VA (126), Fairfax, VA (58), Springfield, VA (34), Washington, DC (27), McLean, VA (26), Oakton, VA (23).
Last verified July 14, 2026 — see how we verify camps.

The guidance above is Campser's general advice about this kind of camp, not a claim about any listing below. Camp facts come only from each provider's own site. Coverage is Northern Virginia, Washington, DC, Bethesda, MD, Chevy Chase, MD, and nearby communities.

Imagination Stage

Imagination Stage Summer Camps

Theater

Ages: Ages 4-18; calendar includes ages 4-5, rising K-2, 2-4, 3-5, 1-5 Access, 5-8, 6-8, 5-9, 6-10, 7-12, 8-12, and 9-12 camps
Price: Calendar examples: ages 4-5 half-day $540-$595; many full-day K-8 camps $540-$595; musical production camps $975-$1,750; teen evening intensives $240-$300; advanced filmmaking $1,500; payment plans and financial aid available
Location: Main address 4908 Auburn Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814; 2026 calendar location key includes Imagination Stage Bethesda, American University DC, Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School Rockville, Takoma ES Washington DC, and Unity Dance Bethesda

2026 details verified · 2026-06-29