Summer Camp 2026 Schedule available now!
Summer Camp 2026 Registration for SAA Members: Tuesday, February 24th
Summer Camp 2026 Registration for Non-Members: Tuesday, February 26th
Summer Camp 2026 will run from June 1st through July 24th.
Camps are weeklong and run from Monday-Friday on the week that you choose, unless otherwise stated.
How To Get Ready For Camp Sign Up:
Summer Camp 2026 Registration for SAA Members: Tuesday, February 24th
Summer Camp 2026 Registration for Non-Members: Tuesday, February 26th
Summer Camp 2026 will run from June 1st through July 24th.
Camps are weeklong and run from Monday-Friday on the week that you choose, unless otherwise stated.
How To Get Ready For Camp Sign Up:
- FAQ and refund policy page is here. Please visit this page before registration day!
- SAA Members: after hitting purchase, don't forget to sign in to receive your member discount!
- Camp age groups are based on the grade your child will be GOING INTO in Fall 2026. Please stick to those guidelines.
- PLEASE BE ADVISED: Due to staff shortages, your child will not be able to stay unattended over the lunch hour between our morning and afternoon camps for Summer 2026. We apologize for any inconvenience.
- After registration opens on February 24th, if your camp is full, please sign up on our CAMP WAITLIST.
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Michelangelo's Apprentice$200/ Non-Members. $170/ Members
June 1-5, 2026: 9 AM-12 PM or 1:30-4:30 PM Media: Sculpture, Ceramics, Mixed Media, Painting. Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni (1475-1564) was an Italian Renaissance sculptor, painter, architect, and poet. His list of accomplishments is almost as long as his name! This camp’s artists will look to Michelangelo’s dramatic compositions and hefty sculptures to create in a variety of media. Camp Size: 12 SAA Members--After hitting purchase, don't forget to sign in to receive your member discount! |
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Civil War Encampment, 3rd-5th Grade$200/Non-members. $170/Members.
June 1-5, 2026: 9 AM-12 PM or 1:30-4:30 PM, Edwards Place. This is a history camp. This camp takes kids back to the 1860s to learn some of the skills that soldiers learned during the Civil War. Learn about battles, 19th century medical aid, what soldiers did outside of battles, and more. This camp is immersive and participatory and is partly outdoor. (Children will learn about civil war era weapons.) This camp takes place in Edwards Place’s 2nd floor classroom. Camp size: 12 SAA Members: after hitting purchase, don't forget to sign in to receive your member discount! |
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Nam June Paik's Apprentice$200/ Non-Members. $170/ Members
June 8-12, 2026: 9 AM-12 PM or 1:30-4:30 PM Media: Sculpture, Ceramics, Mixed Media, Collage. Considered the founder of “video art”, Nam June Paik (1932-2006) was inspired by neon lights, television sets, and music. Campers will create mixed media pieces in the style of this artistic pioneer! Camp Size: 12 SAA Members--After hitting purchase, don't forget to sign in to receive your member discount! |
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Victorian Tales, 3rd-5th Grade$200/Non-members. $170/Members.
June 8-12, 2026: 9 AM-12 PM, Edwards Place. This is a history camp. Victorians were well known for their stories about creatures, superstitions, ghosts, and magic. Many of these stories originated before the 19th century, but Victorians made them their own! In this camp, these tales will be explored through crafts and activities encouraging campers to connect with their imaginative side. Don’t worry – this camp will not include any tale that is too scary! This camp takes place in Edwards Place’s 2nd floor classroom. Camp size: 12 SAA Members: after hitting purchase, don't forget to sign in to receive your member discount! |
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Beth Lo's Apprentice$200/ Non-Members. $170/ Members
June 8-12, 2026: 9 AM-12 PM or 1:30-4:30 PM Media: Sculpture, Ceramics, Mixed Media, Collage, Painting. Contemporary Ceramicist Beth Lo draws inspiration from her childhood, family traditions, and shared meals. We will spend the week drawing inspiration from Lo’s work and creating our own pieces filled with personal meaning. Camp Size: 12 SAA Members--After hitting purchase, don't forget to sign in to receive your member discount! |
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Camp Illinois, 3rd-5th Grade$200/Non-members. $170/Members.
June 8-12, 2026: 1:30-4:30 PM, Edwards Place. This is a history camp. Learn about Illinois from its earliest indigenous nations to its admittance into the union (and beyond). Campers will learn about the history of our state through activities highlighting the diverse landscape, people, and events that have made Illinois the place we call home today. This camp takes place in Edwards Place’s 2nd floor classroom. Camp size: 12 SAA Members: after hitting purchase, don't forget to sign in to receive your member discount! |
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Celebrate Illinois' Black History! 3rd-5th Grade$200/Non-members. $170/Members.
June 15-19, 2026: 9 AM-12 pm, Edwards Place. This is a history camp. This camp teaches about the African American community in Springfield and Illinois, primarily in the 19th century. Throughout the week, campers will learn about important people in history who’ve made a lasting impact on our community. Campers will participate in activities about historical occupations, cultural achievements, and daily life in 19th century Illinois. This camp takes place in Edwards Place’s 2nd floor classroom. Camp size: 12 SAA Members: after hitting purchase, don't forget to sign in to receive your member discount! |
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Hilma af Klint's Apprentice$200/ Non-Members. $170/ Members
June 15-19, 2026: 9 AM-12 PM or 1:30-4:30 PM Media: Painting, Ceramics, Mixed Media, Printmaking, Fiber Arts. Swedish painter Hilma af Klint (1862-1944) was an innovator of early abstract art. Campers will look to her use of color, line, and shape to create both 2D and 3D artworks. Camp Size: 12 SAA Members--After hitting purchase, don't forget to sign in to receive your member discount! |
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Use It Up, Wear It Out, Make Do, or Do Without, 3rd-5th Grade$200/Non-members. $170/Members.
June 15-19, 2026: 9 AM-12 PM, Edwards Place. This is a history camp. During the 1800s, many kids learned practical household skills so that they would be able to take care of themselves and others. Surprisingly, they started learning and using these skills when they were very young! Since we have only one week, this camp will focus just on sewing. During this time, campers will construct their own sewing tool kit --- starting with a proper container to hold tools. Campers will learn how to make and use all those things that will be stored inside it. For the tool kit, campers may choose to make either a drawstring bag like those used at Edwards Place or a "house wife" like those carried and used by soldiers during the Civil War. Camp size: 12 SAA Members: after hitting purchase, don't forget to sign in to receive your member discount! |
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Peter Anton's Apprentice$200/ Non-Members. $170/ Members
June 15-19, 2026: 1:30-4:30 PM or June 22-26, 2026: 1:30-4:30 PM Media: Sculpture, Ceramics, Mixed Media, Collage, Painting. Contemporary Pop artist Peter Anton sculpts HUGE food! This camp’s artists will take a big bite of inspiration as they paint and sculpt some sweet treats. Camp Size: 12 SAA Members--After hitting purchase, don't forget to sign in to receive your member discount! |
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Maker's Apprentice, 3rd-5th Grade$200/Non-members. $170/Members.
June 15-19, 2026: 1:30-4:30 PM, Edwards Place. This is a history camp. This camp will explore how people made their own goods to trade and sell in the 19th century. Before machines helped us make some things, people used special tools to make them by hand. Campers will get to see and participate in creating some of these items, just like they did in the 1800s. Topics to be explored include broom making, hat making, shoe making, and more! This camp will take place in Edwards Place’s 2nd floor classroom. Camp size: 12 SAA Members: after hitting purchase, don't forget to sign in to receive your member discount! |
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Hayao Miyazaki's Apprentice$200/ Non-Members. $170/ Members
June 22-26, 2026: 9 AM-12 PM or 1:30-4:30 PM Media: Painting, Printmaking, Ceramics, Mixed Media, Fiber Arts. Iconic illustrator, animator, and filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki creates worlds full of fantasy and whimsy. This week’s art campers will step into the various worlds of this legendary Japanese artist. Camp Size: 12 SAA Members--After hitting purchase, don't forget to sign in to receive your member discount! |
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Playing with the Past, 3rd-5th Grade$200/Non-members. $170/Members.
June 22-26, 2026: 9 AM-12 PM, Edwards Place. This is a history camp. This camp will explore the different toys and games played by children in the 19th century, some of which are known to have been played with by the Edwards family. This camp isn't just to PLAY with games, but to MAKE games! Before factories mass-produced toys and games, many were handmade with materials that could be easily found in and around the home. This camp will take place in Edwards Place’s 2nd floor classroom. Camp size: 12 SAA Members: after hitting purchase, don't forget to sign in to receive your member discount! |
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Dream Weaver, 3rd-5th Grade$200/Non-members. $170/Members.
June 22-26, 2026: 9 AM-12 PM or July 6-10, 2026: 1:30-4:30PM, Edwards Place. This is a history camp. This is an opportunity for campers to learn basic weaving terminology, how to design patterns, how to select colors, and how to use two sizes of metal hand looms. Campers will be able choose among a number of projects such as a carry bag, trivet/potholder, place mat, and the wildly popular stuffed "crazy chicken." Camp size: 12 SAA Members: after hitting purchase, don't forget to sign in to receive your member discount! |
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Eureka! 3rd-5th Grade$200/Non-members. $170/Members.
June 22-26, 2026: 1:30-4:30 PM, Edwards Place. This is a history camp. Technology didn’t begin with the internet or even the industrial age. Historical tech includes much more! Campers will learn about inventions and gadgets from a long range of history, up to creating industrial-type technology themselves. Projects will include household remedies, ancient tech, toothpowder and soap, engineering design, and more! This camp will take place in Edwards Place’s 2nd floor classroom. Camp size: 12 SAA Members: after hitting purchase, don't forget to sign in to receive your member discount! |
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Maria Prymachenko's Apprentice$200/ Non-Members. $170/ Members
July 6-10, 2026: 9 AM-12 PM or 1:30-4:30 PM Media: Painting, Ceramics, Fiber Arts, Printmaking, Mixed Media. Ukrainian Folk Painter Maria Prymachenko (1909-1997) is known for her vibrant color palette, use of traditional Ukrainian motifs, and her references to nature. While best known for her paintings, Maria also worked in ceramics and fiber arts. Campers will translate her style to these mediums and more! Camp Size: 20 SAA Members--After hitting purchase, don't forget to sign in to receive your member discount! |
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Acting Up in the 19th Century, 3rd-5th Grade$200/Non-members. $170/Members.
July 6-10, 2026: 9 AM-12 PM, Edwards Place. This is a history camp. Before “lights, camera, action!”, people in the 19th century performed without the glitz and glam of Hollywood – often for friends and family in their own parlors. There were many ways to ham it up on the small stage. This camp will explore various forms of theater and performing – including tableaux vivants (living pictures), paper theatre, and puppet theatre. This camp will also teach the various forms of popular theatre – farce and melodrama among them. This camp will take place in Edwards Place’s 2nd floor classroom. Camp size: 12 SAA Members: after hitting purchase, don't forget to sign in to receive your member discount! |
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Wayne Thiebaud's Apprentice$200/ Non-Members. $170/ Members
July 13-17, 2026: 9 AM-12 PM or 1:30-4:30 PM Media: Painting, Ceramics, Mixed Media, Printmaking, Fiber Arts. Wayne Thiebaud (1920-2021) was an American Pop painter known for depicting the everyday in delicious colors and thick brushstrokes. Artists in this week’s camp will create paintings, sculptures, and ceramic works imbued with Thiebaud’s use of color and nodding to his subject matter. Camp Size: 20 SAA Members--After hitting purchase, don't forget to sign in to receive your member discount! |
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Spy! 3rd-5th Grade$200/Non-members. $170/Members.
July 13-17, 2026: 9 AM-12 PM or 1:30-4:30PM, Edwards Place. This is a history camp. The art of spying is as old as there have been political boundaries. Methods of spying have changed and advanced throughout time, but some simple methods have been used which can be recreated by our campers! Our spies will learn about codes, invisible inks, deduction techniques, disguise, and more – then close out their camp week with a spy mission around historic Edwards Place. This camp will take place in Edwards Place’s 2nd floor classroom. Camp size: 12 SAA Members: after hitting purchase, don't forget to sign in to receive your member discount! |
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Winter in July, 3rd-5th Grade$200/Non-members. $170/Members.
July 13-17, 2026: 9 AM-12 PM, Edwards Place. This is a history camp. This is a cool way to spend a hot summer day - a chance to prepare for all the winter holidays and celebrations ahead - and best of all, it will be great way to sample a variety of fiber arts while creating ornaments and decorations to take home at the end of the week. Every day will present a different project using different fiber art tools, skills, and techniques. Camp size: 12 SAA Members: after hitting purchase, don't forget to sign in to receive your member discount! |
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Frida Kahlo's Apprentice$200/ Non-Members. $170/ Members
July 20-24, 2026: 9 AM-12 PM or 1:30-4:30 PM Media: Painting, Ceramics, Mixed Media, Printmaking, Fiber Arts. Mexico’s iconic Frida Kahlo (1907-1954) is best known for her self-portraits which often include her beloved pets. We will spend the week inspired by bold colors, incorporating pets or animals in our own portraits, and imagining life in Frida’s La Casa Azul. Camp Size: 20 SAA Members--After hitting purchase, don't forget to sign in to receive your member discount! |
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History Time Machine, 3rd-5th Grade$200/Non-members. $170/Members.
July 20-24, 2026: 9 AM-12 PM or 1:30-4:30 PM, Edwards Place. This is a history camp. You will have the opportunity to go back in time and imagine what it was like to live at Edwards Place in the 19th century. Themes to be explored include Home Life, School, Chores, Manners, and more. Enjoy fun activities such as making butter, playing 19th century games, and dipping candles. Campers will have the opportunity to learn and play inside Historic Edwards Place. This camp is partly outdoor and takes place in Edwards Place’s 2nd floor classroom. Camp size: 12 SAA Members: after hitting purchase, don't forget to sign in to receive your member discount! |
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Easy Peasey Yarn Box, 3rd-5th Grade$200/Non-members. $170/Members.
July 20-24, 2026: 1:30-4:30 PM, Edwards Place. This is a history camp. Easy peasey, lemon squeezy means fun and clever. This camp offers an opportunity to learn how to turn yarn and plastic into a treasure box for special keepsakes. Once the technique is learned, campers can create boxes in many sizes, shapes, and colors! Camp size: 12 SAA Members: after hitting purchase, don't forget to sign in to receive your member discount! |
CANCELLATIONS/REFUNDS OF SUMMER CAMP
What is the camp refund policy?
Refunds will be issued at 90% of original purchase price until March 31, 2026.
Refunds will be issued at 75% of original purchase price until May 5, 2026.
Refunds will be issued at 50% of original purchase price until May 19, 2026.
Refunds will continue to be made at the 50% rate, so long as you cancel within two weeks of the camp start date. Cancellations made less than two weeks in advance will not be eligible for a refund. For example: If you cancel your camp that begins July 18th on July 2nd, you'll receive 50% tuition back. If you cancel your July 18th camp on July 6th, you will not receive a refund.
Changes to your children's schedule (moving to different time slot, camp theme, etc.) can be made with a cost of $10 per transfer.
The SAA does not issue credits.
In case of medical or family emergency, please give our office a call at 217-523-2631.
For more information, please visit our FAQ page found here.
What is the camp refund policy?
Refunds will be issued at 90% of original purchase price until March 31, 2026.
Refunds will be issued at 75% of original purchase price until May 5, 2026.
Refunds will be issued at 50% of original purchase price until May 19, 2026.
Refunds will continue to be made at the 50% rate, so long as you cancel within two weeks of the camp start date. Cancellations made less than two weeks in advance will not be eligible for a refund. For example: If you cancel your camp that begins July 18th on July 2nd, you'll receive 50% tuition back. If you cancel your July 18th camp on July 6th, you will not receive a refund.
Changes to your children's schedule (moving to different time slot, camp theme, etc.) can be made with a cost of $10 per transfer.
The SAA does not issue credits.
In case of medical or family emergency, please give our office a call at 217-523-2631.
For more information, please visit our FAQ page found here.
