Sleepaway arts camps
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Anonymous
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I have an 8-year-old who will be a rising 3rd grader. I sent them to Appel Farm last summer, and they had a great time, even though the classes they'd signed up for didn't have availability for them, and they had to do completely different, unplanned things. This year I'm hoping for something more structured, that would offer great classes (or supervised studio time) in the visual arts, with elective options for other things. My child has exceptional arts skills (strong technique, finished pieces look comparable to middle schoolers), so I'm hoping for solid technical instruction, not just craft-of-the-day stuff.
My kid is extroverted, socially adept, and very independent, so I'm not too worried about close supervision. Their primary interest is visual arts, but performing arts is also of interest (especially opportunities to play keyboards in a rock band). Dungeons & Dragons is a big deal, and nerdy kids a huge plus. STEAM offerings, not just pure arts, would be a big bonus. A lot of arts camps present themselves as general arts camps, but are really performing arts focused, and it's hard to tell how genuinely good the offerings are outside the performing arts. French Woods, for instance, seems to have a fantastic selection of things, but how good are they outside of the theater offerings that they are renowned for? Interlochen is renowned for music, and the visual arts are excellent in the high school, but how are the camp offerings in the visual arts for the younger kids? Ballibay seems to have lots of different offerings, but they're sort of vague about what's available in visual arts; is there some guidance for the studio time for the younger kids, so my kid doesn't spend their time hanging out in the studio just doodling like they would at home? (That's fine, but I don't have to spend $4,000 for them to do that.) Any feedback on these specific camps, or any other sleepaway arts camps in the United States? Preference for within 4-hour drive of DC, but flying is an option. Session length of 3 weeks or less. I'm hoping for a visual arts experience that they can't get locally. Mixed-age classes strongly preferred, with age-based cabin groupings. |
Anonymous
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Buck's Rock would be perfect, but I don't think they're old enough yet.
My son tried French Woods and it was very music focused. |
Anonymous
| Wow, not op but bucks rock looks like exactly what op is looking for and looks really great thanks for sharing pp. I wonder if an email to bucks rock may give you some leads on other camps they think highly of/recommend before kids are 10 and can attend theirs may help. |
Anonymous
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My kid attends Interlochen for music, and I work at the camp (not in a teaching role), so I see a fair amount. The elementary school kids only have one program choice - general arts. They spend four hours a day doing art (drawing, painting, ceramics, mixed materials) and the rest of the time doing other camp activities. They have the same instructors as the high schoolers, but since it’s not a competitive admission process, there will be a wide range of abilities. So the instruction will be there, but it will be pretty low key. Classes will be mixed between about ages 8 and 11.
I think it would be a great experience for a kid that wants the overnight camp experience with a heavy focus on art. The kids always look like they are having a great time. Plus, socially, they will be surrounded by kids with similar interests. Let me know if you have any other Interlochen questions. We are pretty friendly with the ceramics teacher. I don’t think it checks all your boxes, but it may be worth considering. |
Anonymous
This is not true anymore. If your child wants to focus on Visual Arts, they can. DS was at Interlochen for the past two summers as a junior camper in Visual Arts. The good thing about Interlochen at the junior level in Visual Arts is that there is no portfolio requirement for admission. This changes as your camper ages. Basically, it's first come first served at this age for Visual Arts. Also, once your camper is in, they are given the opportunity to reenroll the following summer before applications open to the general public. https://www.interlochen.org/visual-arts/camp-programs/grades-3-6/visual-arts |
Anonymous
| PP here. That’s correct, I should have been more precise! If your camper wants to focus in visual arts - there is only one choice. They can’t focus on fashion or drawing, like the older kids, for example. But if your elementary age kid wants to do music, theatre, or an arts “sampler” there are many other options. |
Anonymous
Your challenge is that these two are somewhat in conflict. If you prefer less supervision, you run the risk that your child will float around at camp and not engage in the way you wish they would. (We've been there.) Buck's Rock offers very little supervision but has an exceptional visual arts program. Ballibay has somewhat more supervision, and shorter session offerings, but isn't quite as strong in visual arts. It is known for its rock band program. Both of these are less competitive camps, while some of the others, like French Woods and Interlochen, tend to be more competitive, though maybe less so for younger kids. It really depends what you're looking for. Good luck! |
Anonymous
| Too young for Buck’’s Rock, but as an alum, I highly recommend for kids who are a bit older! (I was 12 or 13 when I first went.) Another camp you may want to consider is Med-O-Lark in Maine. My sister attended that camp eons ago, and I know they start younger. She was more into dance and photography but I know they are very strong in the arts. |
Anonymous
| I highly recommend Camp Ballibay in Pennsylvania. It's a coed arts camp -- my kids have been going there for years and love it. It's a great community in a beautiful setting. They stay in touch with their camp friends throughout the year visit each other etc. |
Anonymous
| Any arts sleepaway camps that are on the more affordable side (i.e. in the ballpark of $1K a week, rather than closer to $2Kish?) |
Anonymous
I came on here to say Buck's Rock- I went there for 2 summers |
Anonymous
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My daughter spent 2 summers at Camp Ballibay. She absolutely loved it. She did go for VA. However she found once she was there she wanted to try out Rock Band. She learned how to play drums and guitar her first summer there! She still participated in art both summers but she really loved the Rock Band performances. I appreciated that the camp offers the flexibility and encouragement to explore new things.
It will sound cliche but Camp Ballibay was life-changing for her. It really helped give her the confidence that she was needing at that time. She still talks abut it fondly and keeps in touch with the friends she made there. |
Anonymous
Not that I know of. Specialty camps usually cost more because they have to hire real teachers, not just high school and college kids. But a lot of them offer financial aid, and the threshold for who is eligible might be higher than you'd expect. |
Anonymous
| Consider Long Lake Camp for The Arts. It has everything your kid is looking for, wonderful visual arts but also D&D and rockbands and more! Its where I went as a kid and absolutely adored it. |
Anonymous
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I'm the OP, following up since this topic has gotten bumped back to active.
I sent my kid to Camp Ballibay, thanks to PP 13:46. It was a magnificent, life-altering experience, and they'll be returning this year. |