Inspiring Young Artists and Encouraging Creative Expression 

This October, we’re celebrating National Arts and Humanities Month and are reflecting on how the arts are interwoven through the camp curriculum!  

Art is more than just painting or drawing; at camp, it is a creative tool for campers to express themselves, build confidence and try new things. This summer, campers explored different art forms such as painting, tie-dying and creating photo collages. Through these activities, campers created their own artistic styles and collaborated with peers with similar interests. Campers also learned how to play new instruments, explored photography and more. 

Check out some art activities Fresh Air campers participated in at all six of The Fresh Air Fund’s sleepaway camps! 

Photo Collages at Camp ABC  

At Camp ABC, girls 9 to 15 years old developed new friendships and stepped out of their comfort zone to try new things this summer. Campers explored a range of artistic outlets including playing the guitar, taking photos using a digital camera, painting, acting and dancing. 

The campers in our Leaders-in-Training Program used art to express themselves and made unique photo collages using magazines and printed photos to create their own vision boards.  

“My favorite activity is art and making new friends,” shares returning camper Haven, 10. 

Customizing Jewelry at Camp Hayden-Marks 

A favorite camp activity is making gifts to bring home. At Camp Hayden-Marks, campers selected their own beads and string to create bracelets and necklaces for their friends and family. Many campers were excited to bring a memento from their Fresh Air summer home! 

“I made this necklace for my mom with our favorite colors, “shares Jahlil, 9. 

Making jewelry is just one part of art education at Camp Hayden-Marks. Campers also participated in music, dance, photography, drama and more. 

Recreating Favorite Memories at Camp Hidden Valley  

From splashing in the pool to making s’mores around the campfire, campers, ages 8 to 12 years old, recreated their favorite memory by drawing a picture of it at Camp Hidden Valley. This activity encouraged campers to reflect on their camp experiences and express themselves creatively through their artwork.  

“My drawing is about swimming. We had a pool party, and I had so much fun, so I wanted to draw it,” shares first-time camper, Eva, 8. 

From drama to photography, campers are introduced to a variety of activities to expand their skills and discover new talents at Camp Hidden Valley. 

Painting Pottery at Camp Junior 

At Camp Junior, campers simultaneously paint and learn about environmental science! After planting seeds in their environmental science class, campers paint their own pots. From polka dots to their favorite characters, campers make original artworks, transforming gardening into a form of creative expression. 

 “I painted my pot like Spider Man. He’s one of my favorites,” shares Aaron, 9, a returning camper. “I’m going to take it home with me and show my mom.” 

Campers also participated in creative writing and performing arts, including music and dance. 

Photographing a Fresh Air Summer at Camp Mariah 

In photography class at Camp Mariah, campers, ages 12 to 15 years old, explore different techniques from portraits of their friends to the scenic landscape of camp. By photographing summer moments through their own lens, campers spend time in nature while learning about photography. 

“You’re able to be outdoors and show how nature is beautiful through taking photos. Photography class helped me decide what I’m interested in doing for my future – forensic photography,” shares returning camper, Paula, 13. 

In addition to painting and crafts, campers participated in classes including film and fashion, and learned how to play instruments such as the guitar and piano. 

Learning Music at Camp Tommy

Boys, 13 to 15 years old, learn how to play the guitar and percussion instruments such as the drums and maracas at Camp Tommy. Through engaging lessons, campers are introduced to music literacy and are encouraged to use their new skills to create their own beats and songs. Campers also explore their creativity through photography and multimedia art. 

“I like music class because I get to play the guitar. I had already known how to play but music class just lets me continue to practice,” shares Jack, 14, a returning camper.   

 At The Fresh Air Fund’s six sleepaway camps, art education is interwoven through many different activities and campers return home with new skills and new talents. They also are more confident to try new art activities! 

Learn more about The Fresh Air Fund’s summer sleepaway camps here!