Arts Focus: Arts summer camps help Arlington’s youth tap into their own creativity

This column is sponsored by Arlington Arts/Arlington Cultural Affairs, a division of Arlington Economic Development.

When “Summer Camp” for youth comes to mind, most of us probably think of canoeing on a lake, or hiking through mountainous terrain. However, a number of Arlington arts organizations offer young people an adventure in their own creativity through the arts!

Most of the organizations have offered these programs for many years, but they are of particular importance as all of us continue to re-emerge from the challenges of the pandemic. Each of the organizations are grantee organizations that receive funding through Arlington Cultural Affairs, a division of Arlington Economic Development that delivers public programs as Arlington Arts.

Whether through movement, visual art, film, or theatre, here are several choices from well-known Arlington-based presenters:

• Arlington Arts Center (Ages 5-7, 8-11, 12-14, and 14-18)
  Campers will go on an artistic journey and explore the visual arts through exciting projects in 2D and 3D media while learning about new and different artistic techniques and contemporary artists working in the world today! June 27 through August 26.
• ETC: Educational Theatre Company (Pre K-K, K-2nd, 3rd-6th, 7th-12th)
  Camp topics include: acting, film, directing, improvisation, playwrighting, Shakespeare, musical theatre and more! From in-person half-day camps for pre-schoolers to multi-week teen intensives, ETC has a camp for everyone. June 13 through August 26.
• Encore Stage & Studio (Ages 3-5, 5-9, 8-12, 11-15)
  From our youngest theatre lovers to high schoolers, Encore Stage & Studio offers a summer experience tailored especially for them to explore their creativity. June 21-August 26.
• Jane Franklin Dance (Ages 5-9, 6-11)
  Young dancers participate in dance and movement classes, art projects, and creative assignments during in-person week-long camps. Enrollment for Summer 2022 is limited per camp week. Enroll today to save your place. June 21 through August 19.
• Synetic Theater (Ages 8-19, 11-4, High School)
  Offering both Spring and Summer sessions, Synetic Theater presents a wide array of camps for students of all ages and interests from movement and acting, to the backstage intricacies of theater tech! Camps are designed to get students up and moving around and are geared to students of all experience levels — no theater or performance skills required. June 21 through August 26.

Whatever the interests of the young person in your life, there’s an Arts Camp that can help them tap into their creativity.

Click on the hyperlinks above for details, fees and scholarship opportunities where available. Please note that enrollment is more limited than usual due to COVID-19 precautions. Please review the specific rules and requirements set by the respective providers in accordance with CDC guidelines.