Nine Weeks of Art, Play & Endless Fun!

Open to incoming Kindergarten through 12th grade students.

At NLArts we create boldly, express freely, and play imaginatively through visual arts, movement, music, and creative play.

NLArts campers build diverse skills in art, collaboration, and stewardship with guidance from expert teaching artists. In a structured daily schedule, campers develop essential life skills in a supportive, fun environment—laying a strong foundation for personal growth. By connecting with people, space, and the outdoors, campers unlock new passions and inspirations that stay with them for life.

Each week of camp highlights a unique theme centered around innovation, empowerments, and Philadelphia. Campers start each day together, then break into age groups for activities. A typical day is equal parts art making, outdoor recreation, and creative play. Visiting artist workshops and trips to Arts & Culture hubs around the city round out the camp experience. On Fridays, campers host a family and friends open house to exhibit the creations and connections made throughout the week!

Session 1
Creative Rebels: Art is Power!
Explore the power of art as a tool for social advocacy. Campers will be inspired by the history of art as activism, iconic movements, and modern-day artists who use their creativity to unite around positive change.
Session 2
Always Sunny: Philly Arts & Culture
A deep dive into the history, people, art, and spaces of Philadelphia that make our city great.
Session 3
Mad Art Lab: Creative Monsters
Unleash the power of STEAM! Combining art and science to test and experiment - who knows what unexpected works of art we may create!

Session 4
Nature’s Palette: Beyond the Canvas
Explore the wonders of the environment and transform natural materials into beautiful art that inspires conservation.
Session 5
Rhythmic Visions: In Technicolor
Investigate the relationship between sound and visuals, transforming music into vibrant works of art that evoke senses and emotions.
Session 6
Young Innovators: Shark Tank Season 17
Think big, create bold, and pitch your artistic ideas! Campers will design and present their very own inventions to the NLArts "Shark Tank”.

Session 7
Move & Groove: Soundtrack of the Summer
This week is all about the fusion of music, movement, and memories! Campers will explore rhythm, storytelling through dance, and interactive group performance.
Session 8
A Midsummer Camp’s Dream: Page to Stage
Step into the magical world of theater and storytelling, where imagination comes to life! From crafting sets and costumes to acting and movement, campers will bring their own stories to the stage in a week of creative play and performance.
**** Kindergarten and First Grade will be divided into two groups to allow for more campers****
Session 9
P-A-R-T-Y?: Camp Carnival Splashdown
Wrapping up the summer with a celebration! Campers will enjoy exciting water games, make crafts, and participate in festival-style activities.

Age Groups (rising grade in 2025):

Lil’ Pretzels: K - 1st Grade
Half Hoagies: 2nd - 4th Grade
Wit Whiz: 5th - 7th Grade
Lil’ Jawns (CiT): 8th - 10th Grade
Big Jawns (Jr. Counselor): 11th - 12th Grade

Incoming K-7th grade campers: $300/ Week, $280/ Week for 2nd sibling discount.
Incoming 8th - 10th grade campers: $100/ Week
Incoming 11th - 12th grade campers: Free. Limited paid opportunities available. Teens with a passion for art and leadership are encouraged to apply. Email info@nlarts.com with a letter of interest to inquire more.
After Hours Studio Time: $125/Week or $25/Day
50% refund for canceled camps until March 15th, 2025.
After March 15th, no refunds will be given.
All refunds are paid by check.
Under no circumstances will full refunds for canceled camp sessions be given.
- Location:
Camp is held at the Northern Liberties Community Center (NLNA) at 700 N. 3rd St.
- Times:
Camp is from 8:30 am - 3:30 pm, Monday - Friday.
After Hours Studio time available until 5:30 pm, Monday - Friday.
- Friday Open House:
Every Friday of camp we host an open house from 3:30pm - 4:00pm. All families and friends are encouraged to join! There are often short performances, video viewings, or visual art displays to take home. Some times there is left over pizza!
- Family Pizza Parties:
Did someone mention pizza? Each Friday we order in! Kindly give $5 in cash the week of camp for those who wish to join.
- Field Trips:
Campers will often walk or use public transportation to experience local art & community. For trips outside the city, we provide private bus transportation, though these outings are limited to help keep costs manageable.
The After Hours Studio is an extended two hour experience for your camper to continue their creative journey! NLArts provides a snack and a space for your child to unwind and continue the fun after camp from 3:30pm to 5:30 pm.
Please label all loose belongings with your camper's name.
- Lunch box or handled bag will a healthy and filling lunch
- Additional snacks to stay fueled throughout the day
- A water bottle with ice
  - (On Pizza Fridays, campers do not need a packed lunch. However they should still have plenty of water and snacks for the day)
- Wear clothes that are okay to get a little messy
- Shoes that cover toes and heels (no flip-flops!)
- Apply bug spray and sun block each day
- Any medications should be labeled in a zip lock bag and arranged with the camp director
- Youngest friends should have a backup change of clothes for any emergencies
- All valuables, like an ipad or Switch should not come to camp. Toys, such as a special stuffy, should stay at home without prior communication with camp leaders.
Upon registering for camp, please follow the link in the confirmation email to complete the Student Information Sheet.
Release waivers and signed behavior contracts are required before the start of camp. They may be found here, in the confirmation email, and within the student information sheet. Please sign and email the waivers to info@nlarts.org. Thank you!