Artists in Wondercamp: Summer 2026

Artists in Wondercamp is a summer art program designed to introduce elementary, middle, and high school students to contemporary art through inquiry-based learning, open-ended discussions, hands-on studio art experiences, and interactions with professional artists. Each week students explore meaningful ideas and processes that help them investigate the world around them through the elements of art while, most importantly, having lots of fun. Different themes and media are explored with an emphasis on the process over the final product to allow creativity to flow freely. We’ll begin each day with mindful body movement. Art is a messy business, so please dress appropriately!

Camps for rising 2nd - 4th graders

Week 1 - Sew What?: Fiber Art and Monster Making 
When: June 15-19
Who: For rising 2nd-4th graders   

Come learn to work yarn, thread, fiber, and cloth into functional, decorative, and expressive works of art! Students will learn the basics of surface design through printing, dyeing, felting, and sewing. We will create our own felt monsters, make Shibori dyed banners, weave abstract looms, sew personal narrative quilts, and make sculptures that cross the boundaries between craft and fine art. Students will explore cultural fiber traditions from around the world and contemporary fiber art movements including installation art and yarn bombing for inspiration.

Week 2 - Clay Creations: Mad Tea Party
When: June 22-26
Who: For rising 2nd-4th graders

Come squish, shape, roll, and squeeze clay into a tea party extravaganza! Using basic handbuilding techniques including pinch, coil, and slab, we will learn to create cups, saucers, plates, spoons, and even our own teapot. We will add surface decorations through stamping and printing and will learn to finish our pieces by glaze painting. We’ll explore the history of the ceramic vessel and get inspired by contemporary clay artists like Roberto Lugo and Ayumi Horie. We will make crazy paper hats to get in the spirit and in no time we'll all be shouting, "Clean cup, clean cup! Move down, move down!”

Camps for rising 5th - 8th graders

Week 3 - Digital Art: Painting Studio **FULL**

When: July 6-10

Who: For rising 5th-8th graders

Please contact Sarah Zimmer to be added to the waitlist.

szimmer@artreachorlando.org

Come explore the exciting world of digital painting through imaginative, hands-on projects centered on drawing, illustration, color, and design. Students will create original artwork inspired by bold characters and creative ideas while learning professional techniques like layering, color blending, and visual storytelling. As they build confidence with digital art tools, they will also transform their digital paintings into real canvas art and reimagine their canvas work digitally, discovering how creativity flows seamlessly between technology and traditional art. No previous digital art experience necessary.  

Week 4 - Nature Art: Environmental Expression **FULL**

When: July 13-17

Who: For rising 5th-8th graders

Please contact Sarah Zimmer to be added to the waitlist.

szimmer@artreachorlando.org

Come experience the wonders of nature and your passion for creating! Together we’ll experiment with different art mediums and recycled materials to learn about how we can help protect our wildlife and ecosystems. Students will create ceramic sculptures, paintings, prints, oil pastel drawings, and handmade books inspired by nature. They will also learn what they can do to protect animals and the earth we all share, through the expressive power of art and the work of contemporary artists. Learn how art can help us to be environmentally conscious young leaders and innovators!

Camp for rising 9th-12th graders

Week 5 - Teen Camp: Art in the Animal Kingdom
When: July 20-24
Who: For rising 9th-12th graders

Every summer ArtReach Orlando offers one week of art camp just for highschool students. We'll explore a different theme each summer and a variety of art mediums to help teens develop their art practice and sense of self. We hope your young artist will join us this summer for a week of high level art instruction, community building, and fun!  

Animals have inspired artists for thousands of years, from the prehistoric cave paintings of Lascaux to the bold work of contemporary arts. Students will explore how animals can communicate symbolism, personality, and creative expression while developing their own artistic voice. Through sculpture, illustration, painting, printmaking, collage, and mixed media projects using materials like cardboard, oil pastels, paint, glue, and papier mâché, students will create both realistic and imaginative works. We will also experiment with digital art tools and mediums, encouraging students to combine traditional techniques with contemporary technology as they build a dynamic and personal body of work inspired by the animal world.