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Summer Camps
Summer Camps
Middle School Program (Ages 10-13)
Two-Week Sessions
See all courses and register today. Our two-week on-campus summer camps are designed to allow students to focus on their interests, learn new skills, and bring their ideas to life. We offer course subjects and resources not available to young creators anywhere else in the world.
Middle School Program (Ages 10-13) On-Campus Session Dates:
All courses are Monday - Friday from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
July 1-12, 2024
July 15-26, 2024
July 29-Aug 9, 2024
Family Camp (Ages 4-10 with Adult) On-Campus Session Dates:
August 5-9, 2024, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
August 5-9, 2024, 1 - 4 p.m.
Title | Catalog | Instructor | Schedule |
---|---|---|---|
World Building Camp:10-13 | 101 (001) | Alex Dahm | Monday through Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM July 15, 2024 - July 26, 2024 |
Description
Work alongside fellow campers to imagine, design, and then create the various elements of a brand new fantastical world full of your own characters, wildlife, structures, histories, and more. This mixed-media course will feature projects in illustration and comics, sculpture, 3-D modeling, and creative writing. Visits to the Art Institute of Chicago will feature an exploration of artists who have also created their own worlds in celebrated fine art across history.
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Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
Toy Design Camp:10-13 | 101 (001) | Zachary Hutchinson | Monday through Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM July 01, 2024 - July 12, 2024 |
Description
Learn to draw, sculpt, model, mold, sew, and prototype your own unique toys, stuffed animals, and action figures. Campers first develop their characters by creating a series of traditional illustrations and models before moving into 3D media. Drawing inspiration from both classic and contemporary toys - and the cartoons or stories that accompany them- students develop their toy design using a variety of exciting techniques and creative approaches.
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Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
Architecture Camp: 10-13 | 102 (001) | Monday through Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM July 15, 2024 - July 26, 2024 |
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Description
The buildings in which you live, attend school, even the mall where you shop, have an incredible impact on your life. In this camp, students explore their surroundings and investigate how basic human needs, desires, and behaviors influence the design of architectural spaces. Emphasis is placed on the methods architects use to develop their design ideas while examining structures, materials, and technologies exemplified in historical and contemporary architecture. Using the city of Chicago and its world-renowned architecture as subject, perspective drawing, drafting, model making, and digital software programs are introduced. Visits to the Art Institute of Chicago and walking trips/on-site sketching at historic buildings by architects Louis Sullivan and Mies van der Rohe as well as contemporary structures including Frank Gehry's Jay Pritzker Pavillion and Renzo Piano's Modern Wing of the Art Institute supplement the studio experience.
|
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
Illustration Camp: 10-13 | 102 (001) | Monday through Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM July 15, 2024 - July 26, 2024 |
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Description
In this camp, young artists bring their imagination to life through an exciting range of illustration techniques. Characters, animals, objects, vehicles, and environments are created using traditional and digital media and methods such as graphic markers, illustration pens, watercolor, ink, sculpting materials, digital drawing tablets, and programs such as Procreate.
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Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
Architecture Camp: 10-13 | 102 (002) | Monday through Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM July 29, 2024 - August 09, 2024 |
|
Description
The buildings in which you live, attend school, even the mall where you shop, have an incredible impact on your life. In this camp, students explore their surroundings and investigate how basic human needs, desires, and behaviors influence the design of architectural spaces. Emphasis is placed on the methods architects use to develop their design ideas while examining structures, materials, and technologies exemplified in historical and contemporary architecture. Using the city of Chicago and its world-renowned architecture as subject, perspective drawing, drafting, model making, and digital software programs are introduced. Visits to the Art Institute of Chicago and walking trips/on-site sketching at historic buildings by architects Louis Sullivan and Mies van der Rohe as well as contemporary structures including Frank Gehry's Jay Pritzker Pavillion and Renzo Piano's Modern Wing of the Art Institute supplement the studio experience.
|
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
Animation Camp: 10-13 | 103 (001) | Pablo Enrique Monterrubio-Benet | Monday through Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM July 01, 2024 - July 12, 2024 |
Description
Bring artwork to life using traditional and digital media to create one-of-a-kind animations. In this exciting camp, students learn animation principles while exploring different techniques, including stop-motion animation, frame-by-frame animation, digitally modified video, and computer-aided animation. Digital tools including laptops, still cameras, video cameras, sound recorders, and iPads may be used in conjunction with sketchbook work and traditional processes to reflect contemporary artistic hybrid methods.
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Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
Animation Camp: 10-13 | 103 (002) | Monday through Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM July 29, 2024 - August 09, 2024 |
|
Description
Bring artwork to life using traditional and digital media to create one-of-a-kind animations. In this exciting camp, students learn animation principles while exploring different techniques, including stop-motion animation, frame-by-frame animation, digitally modified video, and computer-aided animation. Digital tools including laptops, still cameras, video cameras, sound recorders, and iPads may be used in conjunction with sketchbook work and traditional processes to reflect contemporary artistic hybrid methods.
|
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
Advanced Drawing Camp: 10-13 | 104 (001) | Monday through Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM July 29, 2024 - August 09, 2024 |
|
Description
This advanced camp is for students who have previous drawing experience and want to explore a wide range of materials and processes to expand their work in new directions. While continuing to build on technical skills, students will focus on drawing as a tool for organizing thoughts, feelings, and sharing their ideas. Students will work with a wide range of materials including pencil, charcoal, pastel, ink, and mixed media. Students visit the Art Institute of Chicago to observe and sketch from a vast collection of paintings, sculptures, and objects that are used as inspiration for studio work.
|
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
Fashion Camp: 10-13 | 104 (001) | Monday through Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM July 01, 2024 - July 12, 2024 |
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Description
This camp introduces young designers to fashion with an emphasis on discovering their own style while learning the technical skills that allow them to take their designs from concept to reality. Activities guide students through the process of developing original ideas, finding inspiration for fashion in the world around them, and responding to the work of other artists and designers. Students build fundamental skills in fashion research and drawing, draping, garment construction, and machine and hand sewing. Students also explore sculptural draping by using paper to create exciting experimental looks and deconstruct garments to create new forms. Projects change each camp so students may enroll in multiple camps over the summer.
|
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
Fashion Camp: 10-13 | 104 (002) | Monday through Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM July 15, 2024 - July 26, 2024 |
|
Description
This camp introduces young designers to fashion with an emphasis on discovering their own style while learning the technical skills that allow them to take their designs from concept to reality. Activities guide students through the process of developing original ideas, finding inspiration for fashion in the world around them, and responding to the work of other artists and designers. Students build fundamental skills in fashion research and drawing, draping, garment construction, and machine and hand sewing. Students also explore sculptural draping by using paper to create exciting experimental looks and deconstruct garments to create new forms. Projects change each camp so students may enroll in multiple camps over the summer.
|
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
Fashion Camp: Accessories and Embellishments: 10-13 | 106 (001) | Monday through Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM July 29, 2024 - August 09, 2024 |
|
Description
This course introduces young designers to fashion with an emphasis on discovering their own style. Students explore ways to enhance and embellish existing garments with surface design techniques like embroidery, beading and applique. The class also explores experimental projects using non-traditional materials to create one-of-a-kind accessories. Activities guide students through the process of developing original ideas, finding inspiration for fashion in the world around them, and responding to the work of other artists and designers.
|
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
Video Game Design Camp:10-13 | 106 (001) | Christopher Lee Collins, Asya Dubrovina | Monday through Friday, Monday through Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM July 01, 2024 - July 12, 2024 |
Description
Video games develop exciting characters, tell original stories, build vivid graphics, and present a great opportunity for interactivity––plus they are super fun! In this dynamic and challenging camp, students experiment with video game production by coding and illustrating playable computer video games; even sharing some of their creations with friends online! Students make use of traditional and digital media such as sketchbooking, storyboarding, sound effect editing, digital drawing, and using platforms for game creation to create one-of-a-kind video games.
|
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
Video Game Design Camp:10-13 | 106 (001) | Christopher Lee Collins, Asya Dubrovina | Monday through Friday, Monday through Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM July 01, 2024 - July 12, 2024 |
Description
Video games develop exciting characters, tell original stories, build vivid graphics, and present a great opportunity for interactivity––plus they are super fun! In this dynamic and challenging camp, students experiment with video game production by coding and illustrating playable computer video games; even sharing some of their creations with friends online! Students make use of traditional and digital media such as sketchbooking, storyboarding, sound effect editing, digital drawing, and using platforms for game creation to create one-of-a-kind video games.
|
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
Drawing and Painting Camp: 10-11 | 107 (001) | Alex Dahm | Monday through Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM July 01, 2024 - July 12, 2024 |
Description
This camp, for students age 10-11, offers students the opportunity to focus on their drawing and painting skills in a highly creative and challenging environment. Through individual and collaborative projects, students are introduced to both traditional and experimental materials and methods and explore a variety of drawing techniques and approaches to build their technical, spatial, and creative abilities, including essential elements of 2D design and art. Working with a wide range of materials, students investigate contemporary subjects and themes using pencil, charcoal, pastel, ink, gouache, water-based paint, and mixed-media through skills such as line, perspective, tone, proportion, composition, value, gesture, and contour. Trips to the Art Institute of Chicago Museum to observe and sketch from a wide variety of paintings, sculptures, and objects are used as inspiration for studio work (virtual tours are featured if your course is online). This camp is designed for beginning students as well as those who want to continue developing their skills and confidence in drawing and painting, and can be repeated for continued skill and idea building.
|
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
Video Production Camp: 10-13 | 107 (001) | Pablo Enrique Monterrubio-Benet | Monday through Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM July 15, 2024 - July 26, 2024 |
Description
With DIY videos constantly being produced for TikTok and Instagram reels, social media has become a new emergent landscape for young artists to explore and build. This camp is designed for students who wish to level up their video production by creating unique short videos using a range of contemporary approaches. Students learn video production principles: exploring storyboarding, filming processes, basic special effects techniques, and editing. Filming will be done with iPads, supplemented by video equipment from the SAIC media centers, so students can practice the skills they learn at home using common digital devices.
|
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
Drawing and Painting Camp: 10-11 | 107 (002) | Anna Chapman | Monday through Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM July 15, 2024 - July 26, 2024 |
Description
This camp, for students age 10-11, offers students the opportunity to focus on their drawing and painting skills in a highly creative and challenging environment. Through individual and collaborative projects, students are introduced to both traditional and experimental materials and methods and explore a variety of drawing techniques and approaches to build their technical, spatial, and creative abilities, including essential elements of 2D design and art. Working with a wide range of materials, students investigate contemporary subjects and themes using pencil, charcoal, pastel, ink, gouache, water-based paint, and mixed-media through skills such as line, perspective, tone, proportion, composition, value, gesture, and contour. Trips to the Art Institute of Chicago Museum to observe and sketch from a wide variety of paintings, sculptures, and objects are used as inspiration for studio work (virtual tours are featured if your course is online). This camp is designed for beginning students as well as those who want to continue developing their skills and confidence in drawing and painting, and can be repeated for continued skill and idea building.
|
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
Drawing and Painting Camp: 10-11 | 107 (003) | Omurhan Alptekin Torres | Monday through Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM July 29, 2024 - August 09, 2024 |
Description
This camp, for students age 10-11, offers students the opportunity to focus on their drawing and painting skills in a highly creative and challenging environment. Through individual and collaborative projects, students are introduced to both traditional and experimental materials and methods and explore a variety of drawing techniques and approaches to build their technical, spatial, and creative abilities, including essential elements of 2D design and art. Working with a wide range of materials, students investigate contemporary subjects and themes using pencil, charcoal, pastel, ink, gouache, water-based paint, and mixed-media through skills such as line, perspective, tone, proportion, composition, value, gesture, and contour. Trips to the Art Institute of Chicago Museum to observe and sketch from a wide variety of paintings, sculptures, and objects are used as inspiration for studio work (virtual tours are featured if your course is online). This camp is designed for beginning students as well as those who want to continue developing their skills and confidence in drawing and painting, and can be repeated for continued skill and idea building.
|
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
Drawing and Painting Camp: 12-13 | 108 (001) | Monday through Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM July 01, 2024 - July 12, 2024 |
|
Description
This camp, for students age 12-13, offers students the opportunity to focus on their drawing and painting skills in a highly creative and challenging environment. Through individual and collaborative projects, students are introduced to both traditional and experimental materials and methods and explore a variety of drawing techniques and approaches to build their technical, spatial, and creative abilities, including essential elements of 2D design and art. Working with a wide range of materials, students investigate contemporary subjects and themes using pencil, charcoal, pastel, ink, gouache, water-based paint, and mixed-media through skills such as line, perspective, tone, proportion, composition, value, gesture, and contour. Trips to the Art Institute of Chicago Museum to observe and sketch from a wide variety of paintings, sculptures, and objects are used as inspiration for studio work (virtual tours are featured if your course is online). This camp is designed for beginning students as well as those who want to continue developing their skills and confidence in drawing and painting, and can be repeated for continued skill and idea building.
|
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
Drawing and Painting Camp: 12-13 | 108 (002) | Monday through Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM July 15, 2024 - July 26, 2024 |
|
Description
This camp, for students age 12-13, offers students the opportunity to focus on their drawing and painting skills in a highly creative and challenging environment. Through individual and collaborative projects, students are introduced to both traditional and experimental materials and methods and explore a variety of drawing techniques and approaches to build their technical, spatial, and creative abilities, including essential elements of 2D design and art. Working with a wide range of materials, students investigate contemporary subjects and themes using pencil, charcoal, pastel, ink, gouache, water-based paint, and mixed-media through skills such as line, perspective, tone, proportion, composition, value, gesture, and contour. Trips to the Art Institute of Chicago Museum to observe and sketch from a wide variety of paintings, sculptures, and objects are used as inspiration for studio work (virtual tours are featured if your course is online). This camp is designed for beginning students as well as those who want to continue developing their skills and confidence in drawing and painting, and can be repeated for continued skill and idea building.
|
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
Drawing and Painting Camp: 12-13 | 108 (003) | Lindsey Kircher | Monday through Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM July 29, 2024 - August 09, 2024 |
Description
This camp, for students age 12-13, offers students the opportunity to focus on their drawing and painting skills in a highly creative and challenging environment. Through individual and collaborative projects, students are introduced to both traditional and experimental materials and methods and explore a variety of drawing techniques and approaches to build their technical, spatial, and creative abilities, including essential elements of 2D design and art. Working with a wide range of materials, students investigate contemporary subjects and themes using pencil, charcoal, pastel, ink, gouache, water-based paint, and mixed-media through skills such as line, perspective, tone, proportion, composition, value, gesture, and contour. Trips to the Art Institute of Chicago Museum to observe and sketch from a wide variety of paintings, sculptures, and objects are used as inspiration for studio work (virtual tours are featured if your course is online). This camp is designed for beginning students as well as those who want to continue developing their skills and confidence in drawing and painting, and can be repeated for continued skill and idea building.
|
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
What Makes Our Middle School Summer Camps Special
- Students are able to dig deep into their areas of interest. Each course provides an immersive experience that teaches young makers both conceptual and technical skills while allowing them the freedom to explore and innovate.
- Our museum, the Art Institute of Chicago, is integral to students’ experiences. Be prepared to have your child teach you about their favorite pieces in our collection!
- Our faculty are not only amazing mentors and teachers but have robust artistic practices themselves. Each online class has one instructor and one classroom assistant, allowing for a 7-to-1 student-to-adult ratio.
- Our courses are great ways to make new friends who share similar interests.
What Do SAIC’s Middle School Program Camps Look Like?
At the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC), the nation’s premier art and design school, we understand that self-expression, out-of-the-box thinking, and cultural awareness flourish when youth make art. With us, students learn to explore, imagine, and discover in their own unique ways. We help them on their path to becoming the creators, innovators, and problem-solvers of the future regardless of where their academic interests take them.
Led by our renowned faculty, our camps will focus on arts-based skill building, concept development, and self expression within a community of creative peers and mentors. Frequent visits to the Art Institute of Chicago will supplement exciting in-class projects that allow students to dive deep into their areas of interest.
Example Daily Schedule
9:00–9:15 a.m. Welcome, warm-up exercises & morning sketches
9:15–9:30 a.m. Morning check-in and demonstrations
9:30–10:30 a.m. Studio time
10:30–10:45 a.m. Snack break
10:45 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Studio time continued
12:00–1:00 p.m. Lunch
1:00–2:00 p.m. Research, reflection, mid-day critique
2:00–3:00 p.m. Museum trip
3:00–4:00 p.m. Studio time and checkout
Contact Us
Continuing Studies staff members are available Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. CT at 312.629.6170 or cs@saic.edu to answer your questions. We are here to help!