Families searching for art camps for kids will find a wide range of creative opportunities at the Catskill Mountain Foundation. From hands-on nature-inspired art sessions to youth theater camps and dance training, these creative art workshops help young artists explore performance, movement, and visual expression in one of the region’s most vibrant cultural communities.
Catskill Mountain Foundation’s Summer Art Programs for Youth are Back
Nestled in the heart of the Catskills lies an epicenter of art and creation, the Catskill Mountain Foundation. Purveyors of art, dance, and theater, CMF is proud to announce the return of their annual Youth Summer Programming. Comprised of the Sugar Maples Center for Creative Arts and their Art Explorers Program, the Maude Adams Theater Hub’s Theater Wonderland, the Groundwork Dance Residency, and the Orpheum Dance Program, there is no shortage of creative outlets on the mountain top.
Sugar Maples Center for Creative Arts – Art Explorers Youth Art Explorers Youth Program
Located in Maplecrest, the Sugar Maples Center for Creative Arts is run by Kulvinder Kaur Dhew, who incorporates the abundant nature around the property into her programming. The summer youth program, Art Explorers: Look, Listen, and Land teaches how to respect and admire the natural world around us, and how to explore it through creative expression. From the microscopic, to tangible flora and fauna around us, and even the ancient worlds of trees and mountains, nothing is out of bounds for CMF’s experienced programmers. Open to ages 5 through 14 and running for six sessions from July 23 through August 10, this summer is certain to be a colorful one.
Maude Adams Theater Hub – Youth Theater Camp in the Catskills
Hosted at both the Doctorow Center for the Arts in Hunter and the Orpheum Performing Arts Center in Tannersville, the Maude Adams Theater Hub returns with their Theater Explorers program. This year’s theme is Fables of Fame and Infamy! This year, like last, will have two sessions open to different age groups. The first session, open to ages 9 – 13, runs the first week of August, and will focus on a broad and exciting range of theater arts, culminating with an original piece of theater that is written, directed, and performed by the students! The second session, running August 10 through August 14, will be open to kids age 12 to 15 and will have a more intense and focused nature. There are volunteer counselor positions open for teens, as well as scholar opportunities available, so anyone interested can come and “Break a Leg” with us!
Orpheum Dance Program – Ballet and Youth Dance in the Catskills
The Orpheum Dance Program, home to the ballet, is led by Victoria Rinaldi, a former ballerina with the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. This program is open to all kids, regardless of dance or ballet experience, and offers classes for everyone willing to learn and explore movement. From basic and pre-ballet for ages 5–6 to advanced en pointe for all ages, there will be no stone unturned at this year’s Orpheum Dance Program. The finale of the summer dance season is a performance of a new production of Cinderella, in which participation is free.
Groundwork Dance Residency – Youth Dance Training and Performance
The Groundwork Residency Program, in association with the Orpheum Dance Program, provides a wide range of summer activities focused on creativity and self-expression through various dance disciplines. This two-week adventure encourages students to develop their skills while having fun and exploring movement.
Contemporary and Hip-Hop Dance Classes for Youth
Join lead programmer Laura Coe for morning technique classes in contemporary and hip hop dance, afternoon choreography lessons, or simply to enjoy dance in a fun environment. Students will learn a full range of styles and techniques, with the opportunity to perform on the cavernous Orpheum stage on Main Street, Tannersville. Open to ages 9 and up, this program runs from July 6 through July 17.
Explore More Programs and Events
Discover more youth programs, creative art workshops, and events at Catskill Mountain Foundation to make this summer unforgettable.