Summer Art Camps

Ready, set, MAKE! Summer Art Camps have something for every creative kid. Spend a week in the Museum exploring the galleries, making new friends, working in the studio, and creating amazing art in weeklong camps for children ages 4–15. 

Register early to reserve your spot! Summer camp registration opens to the public Wednesday, February 28, at 10:00 a.m. DMA Members may register early, beginning on Tuesday, February 27. To become a DMA Member or renew your membership, click here. 

Unless otherwise indicated, the cost for camps is as follows: 

DMA Members $205   |   Public $240  

Age Policy 
Please register your child in the age-appropriate camp that corresponds to your child’s age as of August 31, 2024. 

Lunch Bunch Policy
Summer campers who are registered for a morning and afternoon class on the same day are invited to join our Lunch Bunch group and stay for a one-hour supervised lunch. Campers will have time to eat their lunches, relax, and play group games. Lunch Bunch is limited to children ages 6 and up and does not require separate registration. Please note, campers must bring their own sack lunch that does not require refrigeration.

Refund Policy 
If you need to cancel your camp registration, you must email familyprograms@dma.org to process your cancellation and any refund. A full refund is available for cancellations more than four weeks before your camp starts. A 50% refund is available for cancellations 2–4 weeks prior to the start of your camp. No refunds will be given if the cancellation is less than two weeks before your camp starts. If a camp is canceled by the DMA, a full refund will be issued and individuals will be contacted directly. Camps are non-transferable. 

Have questions? Check out our FAQ below or email familyprograms@dma.org.

Find tickets for the entire summer camp series here.

JUNE

JULY

What is the age policy?
Summer camps are organized into the following age groups: 4–5 years, 6–8 years, 9–12 years, and 13–15 years. Please register your child according to his or her age as of August 31, 2024.

What is the refund policy?
In the event that you need to cancel your camp registration, you must email familyprograms@dma.org to process your cancellation and any refund. The refund scale is as follows:

• Full refund = cancellation made more than four weeks prior to the first day of the registered camp
• 50% refund = cancellation made two to four weeks prior to the first day of the registered camp
• No refund = cancellation made less than two weeks prior to the first day of the registered camp
• If a camp is canceled by the DMA, a full refund will be issued and individuals will be contacted directly.
• Camps are non-transferable.

I need a full-day option for camp. What should I do?
Our camps are half-day camps, held either in the morning from 9:00 a.m. to noon or in the afternoon from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. You’ll notice that most weeks, two camps are offered per age group. You may sign your child up for a morning camp and an afternoon camp in order to meet your full-day requirements. Children ages 6 and up attending morning and afternoon camps may stay for a supervised lunch. Please note that 4–5 year old children should only be registered for one camp per week, even if a morning and afternoon option is offered.

I signed my child up for both a morning and an afternoon camp. What will he/she do during the lunch hour?
Summer campers who are registered for a morning and afternoon class on the same day are invited to join our Lunch Bunch group and stay for a one-hour supervised lunch. Campers will have time to eat their lunches, relax, and play group games. Lunch Bunch is limited to children ages 6 and up.

What should my child bring to camp?
The Museum does not provide food for campers, but all campers are welcome to bring snacks for themselves that do not require refrigeration. For campers staying for Lunch Bunch, please bring a sack lunch that does not require refrigeration. Campers may also bring a backpack and a water bottle. Please label all personal items with your child’s first and last name.

Can my child bring a mobile phone and/or tablet to camp?
We understand the need for children to stay in contact with their caregivers. Mobile phones may be brought to camp but must remain in a camper’s backpack during the day. We ask that campers do not bring iPads/tablets to camp. A camper may use a mobile device to contact a parent/caregiver as needed and during free time at Lunch Bunch; otherwise, mobile phones should not be out during the camp day.

What should my child wear to camp?
Campers should wear comfortable clothing and shoes appropriate for art making. Art can be messy! We will provide aprons for each camper, but please dress your camper in clothes that they can get paint or other materials on. The temperature in the studio and galleries can be cold, so we recommend packing a long-sleeve T-shirt or sweatshirt.

What happens if my child becomes ill during camp?
Our studio spaces are equipped with small first aid kits for treating minor injuries such as scrapes, cuts, and bruises. If your child becomes ill or has an accident that requires a doctor’s attention, we will contact your designated emergency contact immediately. Please let DMA staff know if your child has any medical issues or allergies we should be aware of. Camp staff cannot administer medications to campers. Please make sure your child takes any necessary medication before or after camp or is able to take it themselves.

What if my child has severe allergies?
If your child has a severe allergy that may require an EpiPen, please send one with your camper on the first day of camp in a plastic bag labeled with your child’s first and last name and an emergency phone number. This EpiPen will need to stay at the Museum until the last day of camp, at which time it will be returned to you. All camp staff are trained on how to administer EpiPens. In the event that we use an EpiPen for your child, you will be contacted immediately.

Where do I drop off and pick up my camper?
Drop-off and pick-up for all camps will take place at the Museum entrance on Harwood Street at the intersection of Flora Street (where the big water fountain is). Drop-off for morning camps begins at 8:45 a.m.; afternoon camp drop-off begins at 12:45 p.m. Pick-up for morning camps is from noon to 12:15 p.m.; afternoon camp pick-up runs from 4:00 to 4:15 p.m. Please remain in your car for drop-off and pick-up.

Who can pick up my camper?
Campers will only be released to an authorized adult with photo ID. All authorized adult names and phone numbers are required when you register your child for camp.

What do I do if I need to drop off my child late or pick him/her up early?
Please text camp staff at 469-389-2753 as soon as you know of the change. We will make every effort to accommodate your situation.

Can I walk my child into the Museum to drop him/her off for camp?
To ensure the safety of all campers, we ask that you sign your child in or out for camp each day at the carpool location. If you prefer to park either in the DMA Garage or in a street parking space, please park your car first and then meet summer camp staff at the carpool drop-off. Note that you will not be allowed to walk through the Museum outside of public hours.

What if my child is nervous about attending camp?
We want your child to be happy and safe! If you would like to see the studio spaces where camp takes place and meet the DMA camp staff, please call us at 469-389-2753 or email familyprograms@dma.org to arrange a time at least one week in advance of your registered camp.

What will my child make at camp?
Our campers tell us every year that making art is their favorite thing about camp! You can expect that your child will make at least one project per day, or work on a more involved and elaborate project throughout the week. Projects vary from camp to camp and may include paintings, collages, drawings, weavings, sculptures, found art, and/or performances. Campers will take all artwork home on the last day of camp.

Do you have a camp for children on the Autism Spectrum or with a disability?
At the DMA's Summer Art Camps, we believe that everyone should have access to arts education, regardless of age, learning style, or disability. That's why we've designed our camps to be a sensory-friendly experience for all. Our commitment to accessibility means that we strive to accommodate your child's needs, no matter what their interests may be. 

We have implemented a variety of strategies to make our camps inclusive and welcoming for students with disabilities. This includes providing de-escalation resources, training our teachers and interns to support students with different needs, and having on-site specialists available to assist students on the spectrum. 

We understand that every child is unique, and we want to ensure that each camper feels comfortable and supported at our Summer Art Camps. If you have any questions or concerns about how we can accommodate your child's needs, please don't hesitate to reach out to us.