Historic Yellow Springs

2024 SUMMER CAMPS

One Week of Art & Clay Classes for Kids

Create art and learn while having fun!

Let your child’s creativity soar in HYS’s Summer Art Camps, as they explore weekly themes in painting, drawing, printmaking, mixed media and clay. Campers ages 6-and-up develop new skills, friendships and lifelong memories. Each camp day includes pottery and two-dimensional art sessions. The lush surroundings of this historic village provide the perfect place to experience nature while creating art and pottery inspired by the locale’s natural beauty.

Building upon HYS’s rich history in the arts and many decades of Kids Summer Camp, the half-day Art Camps continue to focus on a love of the fine arts and the outdoors. Programs include learning color theory while creating beautiful paintings in watercolor and acrylics; exploring storytelling through printmaking, mosaics and puppetry; and sculpting animals while learning about the abundant wildlife in the region.

Kids love the exciting world of clay. Campers learn about hand-building, designing surfaces and glazing pottery. Children build their creative confidence while learning about pinch-pots, coil building and slab-built pottery. HYS campers have created many original clay masterpieces including bird houses and baths, frog houses, castles and crests, vases, platters, sushi dishes, bowls, mugs and more.

Campers have two creative sessions each day with a break in between for their snack and time outdoors. Please supply your camper with a hat, sunscreen, and/or bug repellent if you think they may need this while outside.

Kids Camps
Kids Camps
Kids Camps

WEEK 1: Wilderness Wonders, Nature Explorers

Wilderness Wonders, Nature Explorers

Ages: 6-8 years, or 9-11 years
Camp Capacity: 12
When: July 8 - July 12
Time: 9:30am – 12:30pm
Meet: Lincoln Building
Special Price for Early Registration
Before June 1: $195 Member, $215 Non-member
After June 1: $225 Member, $245 Non-member

The vibrant natural setting of Historic Yellow Springs inspires art across various mediums, techniques, and natural textures. Immerse yourself in the world of native plants, discover the wonders of wildlife, and craft art that may be used outdoors at your own home or displayed to bring the beauty of nature inside.

Bring to Camp: Water bottle, Snack

Week 1 Camp Registration (6-8 yrs)

Week 1 Camp Registration (9-11 yrs)


WEEK 2: Fur-tastic Friends and Animal Fun!

Fur-tastic Friends and Animal Fun!

Ages: 6-8 years, or 9-11 years
Camp Capacity: 12
When: July 15 - July 19
Time: 9:30am – 12:30pm
Meet: Lincoln Building
Special Price for Early Registration
Before June 1: $195 Member, $215 Non-member
After June 1: $225 Member, $245 Non-member

Explore the wide world of animals as you draw and paint furry friends, birds, and reptiles from countries around the globe. Have fun while investigating the local wildlife and learn how to identify animal tracks. Wrap up your exciting experience by creating your unique and personalized birdhouse using clay!

Bring to Camp: Water bottle, Snack

Week 2 Camp Registration (6-8 yrs)

Week 2 Camp Registration (9-11 yrs)


WEEK 3: Ocean Odyssey—Secrets of the Sea

Ocean Odyssey—Secrets of the Sea

Ages: 6-8 years, or 9-11 years
Camp Capacity: 12
When: July 22 - July 26
Time: 9:30am – 12:30pm
Meet: Lincoln Building
Special Price for Early Registration
Before June 1: $195 Member, $215 Non-member
After June 1: $225 Member, $245 Non-member

Embark on an oceanic adventure as we dive into the depths! Unleash your creativity using clay, paint, and paper to craft enchanting creatures and uncover fascinating discoveries from under the sea!

Bring to Camp: Water bottle, Snack

Week 3 Camp Registration (6-8 yrs)

Week 3 Camp Registration (9-11 yrs)


WEEK 4: Enchanted Forest Friends

Enchanted Forest Friends

Ages: 6-8 years, or 9-11 years
Camp Capacity: 12
When: July 29 - August 2
Time: 9:30am – 12:30pm
Meet: Lincoln Building
Special Price for Early Registration
Before June 1: $195 Member, $215 Non-member
After June 1: $225 Member, $245 Non-member

Explore the rich tapestry of forest life! Delve into the habitats and lifestyles of the plants and animals that call the forest home. Uncover the secrets of how wildlife blend into their surroundings. Discover the best times to catch a glimpse of these fascinating creatures. Then, channel your newfound knowledge into creating captivating art and clay masterpieces inspired by the wonders of the forest!

Bring to Camp: Water bottle, Snack

Week 4 Camp Registration (6-8 yrs)

Week 4 Camp Registration (9-11 yrs)


Tween/Teen 4-Day Art Camp

Camp 2024 Teen/Tween Drawing & Painting

Tween/Teen 4-Day Art Camp

Ages: 10 to 16 years
Camp Capacity: 10
Instructor: Rhona Candeloro
Date: Mon.-Thurs., August 19 – 22, 2024
Time: 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Location: Chester Springs Studio
Special Price for Early Registration
Before June 1: $180 Member, $200 Non-member
After June 1: $200 Member, $220 Non-member

Tweens/teens who think creatively and would like to further develop their artistic skills—this camp is for you! Join our HYS Tween Art Camp for four days of drawing, painting and quality training from HYS faculty and professional artist. Each day includes a session in drawing, and a session in painting with a break in between to enjoy the inspiring scenery of the historic village. Learn skills that last a lifetime. The instructor works with each student at their own level.

A Materials List is provided below. Students are encouraged to draw in their sketchbooks prior to and during the camp. Bring the sketchbook to the camp each day to share with the instructor. This assists with developing student’s natural style and interests. Additional materials will be provided in the camp.

Tweens/teens have two creative sessions each day with a break in between for their snack and a little time outdoors. Please supply your tween/teen with a hat and/or bug repellent if you think they may need this while outside.

Bring to Camp

  • Water bottle
  • Snack

Materials List

  • Sketchpad
  • 2B Drawing Pencil
  • Kneaded Eraser

Register: Teen/Tween Camp


Teen Camp Internships

We offer non-paying Kids Camp Internship for teens. If you are interested, Please review the camps above to see which one(s) your teen would like to intern for. This is a great opportunity for teens to learn new skills while having fun. Please contact HYS Arts Program Director for more information. Thanks!


Help Send a Child to Camp!

Camp Sponsorships

Help to change a child’s life by contributing to the Historic Yellow Springs (HYS) Camp Sponsorship Fund.


Class Evaluation Form