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I'm an image! A white, wide rectangle with the SummerART online 2020 logo in the center. The Logo says summerART camps and classes and has a sun outline above it.

 

Creative sparks fly at the Montclair Art Museum’s Yard School of Art, with classes and camps designed and taught by professional artists and educators.

We are a collaborative and supportive community where artists of all ages, abilities, and skill levels discover passions and kindle connections in the studios and Museum galleries.

This vibrant hub is where artists come to share, explore, grow, and emerge transformed.

See Inside Our SummerART Camp

Click here to view the SummerART 2024 Program Brochure.
 

Browse Camps by Age:   Browse Camps by Session:
     
Kids 6–8 ➜   Session 1: June 24 – July 3 ➜
Kids 9–12 ➜   Session 2: July 8 – July 19 ➜
Teens 12–15 ➜   Session 3: July 22 – August 2 ➜
    Session 4: August 5 – August 16 ➜

 

Interested in joining the SummerART team as a Counselor? Click here to learn more about open positions.

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SummerART Gallery Images from 2023
FAQ: General

When does registration open for the 2024 SummerART session?

Priority registration opens for MAM family-level and above members on Monday, January 22, 2024.

Public registration opens a week later, on Monday, January 29, 2024.

What is the summer schedule and how long is each camp session?

Sessions are two weeks long. There are four sessions throughout the summer. 

  • Session 1: June 24July 3 (no camp on July 4 & 5) 

  • Session 2: July 819 

  • Session 3: July 22August 2 

  • Session 4: August 516 

Why is SummerART scheduled in two-week sessions?

Our two-week sessions allow: 

  • Time to explore a theme or artistic medium in depth 

  • Build social skills  

  • Opportunities to develop friendships 

FAQ: Programmatic

Do full-day campers get breaks?

Full-day campers will get breaks from class throughout the day, including:  

  • Outdoor activities and games facilitated by SummerART staff 

  • Snack breaks 

  • Recess with counselor-led games and free activities

Campers are encouraged to play, socialize, and nurture friendships with one another throughout the course of camp, both inside and outside the studio. 

Will my camper visit the Museum galleries during their camp session?

Campers in our Full-Day Studio Art Camps receive guided gallery tours of current Museum exhibitions. 

Will my child get an opportunity to exhibit the work they created during camp? 

The final day of each camp session features an exhibition and reception where campers can showcase their artwork and celebrate their accomplishments with family and friends.  

What is your camp program philosophy?

At the Montclair Art Museum, we care about your child and invite them to cultivate creativity, self-expression, personal growth, and friendships with us! All SummerART programs are taught by professional teaching artists and are designed to foster a nurturing and inclusive environment. 

Can my child with a disability attend the camp? 

  • Our studio classrooms are accessible, inclusive, and supportive learning environments where differences are celebrated and creative thinking is encouraged.  

  • We work closely with you and your camper to identify any accommodations we can make to support their physical, neurological, or cognitive needs, and create the best possible camp experience.  

  • Instructors and counselors receive training on working with campers with disabilities, and we have an accessibility specialist on staff. 

FAQ: Logistics

Does MAM have parking for pick-up and drop-off?

Drop off and pick-up is easy at SummerART. There is ample reserved parking for SummerArt drop-off and pick-up. 

What is MAM’s health and safety policy?

  • Camp and security staff are certified in First Aid, CPR, and AED.  

  • Emergency contact forms are required to be completed so we know about any medical or special needs in advance of the first day of camp and are prepared to meet your child’s needs. 

  • We will not administer medication. 

  • We do not have a nurse on staff but camp and security staff are certified in First Aid, CPR, and AED. In the case of an emergency, we will call 911. 

  • Staff will remain in close communication with families and caregivers should a health need arise. 

How can I apply to be a summer counselor?

SummerART Lead Counselors must be at least 16 years old and have prior experience as a camp counselor or equivalent position. Volunteer Counselor-in-Training (CIT) positions are available to ages 15+.

All SummerART Lead Counselors and CITs are required to attend a Counselor Training Session before camp begins. 
 

Applications close April 30.

   SummerART Volunteer Counselor-in-Training Application

 

To Learn more open open counselor positions, visit our SummerART Counselor page here.

Who teaches SummerART camps?

All camps taught by professional teaching artists with support from trained camp counselors.

Each class has a minimum of three staff members to provide creative, supportive, and safe experiences with lots of individual attention. 

How many students in each camp class?

Each class has a maximum capacity of 15 students, except ceramics classes which have a maximum capacity of 12 students due to limited space with equipment.  

Do kids need to bring a lunch?

  • All full-day campers must bring a lunch.  

  • Campers will NOT have access to a refrigerator or microwave at camp. 

  • In an effort to make our spaces safe for children with allergies, our camps and classes have a strict no-nut policy, including peanuts, almonds, and other tree nuts. 

Do you offer scholarships?

  • We offer a variety of scholarships based on financial needs, merit, disabilities, and special needs. 

  • Scholarship forms can be found here.

What is your refund policy?

  • Full refunds will be provided if a class, workshop, or camp does not meet minimum enrollment and is canceled. All other refunds are subject to a nonrefundable $25 administrative fee. 

  • Classes and Workshops: Tuition for classes and workshops will be refunded if notice of withdrawal is provided at least 14 days prior to the start date of the semester or date of workshop. If notice of withdrawal to a class or workshop is given less than 14 days prior to the start of the semester or date of workshop, students will receive a 50% refund, less the $25 administrative fee.  No refunds will be given after the start date of class for which you are enrolled. 

  • Camps, including SummerART: Tuition will be refunded if notice of withdrawal is provided at least 30 days prior to start date of the camp session from which you are withdrawing. If notice of withdrawal is given less than 30 days prior to the start date of the camp from which you are withdrawing, you will receive a 50% refund, less the $25 administrative fee. No refunds will be given after the start date of the session for which you are enrolled. 

  • The $25 administrative fee and Museum membership are non-refundable.