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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Metals, 6th Grade - Senior$200/Non-Members. $170/Members
June 1-5, 2026: 9 AM-12 PM or 1:30 - 4:30 PM, June 15-19, 2026: 9 AM-12 PM or 1:30 - 4:30 PM, Smith & Nickelson Studio Media: Metals Jump into metalsmithing with this crash course in small decorative pieces and traditional jewelry pieces. Campers will create works from base metals, wire wrapping, stamping, cuff bracelets and more! After forming our pieces, we will learn about etching and patinas to add surface decoration. Campers should be sure to wear close toe shoes. Camp Size: 8 SAA Members--After hitting purchase, don't forget to sign in to receive your member discount! |
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Basket Weaving, 6th Grade - Senior$200/Non-Members. $170/Members
June 1-5, 2026: 9 AM-12 PM, 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 basket "forms" made to support the weaving project. There will be an opportunity to weave using both various yarns and also some recycled material such as plastic bags. Camp size: 12 SAA Members: after hitting purchase, don't forget to sign in to receive your member discount! |
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Always Felt Better with Animals, 6th Grade - Senior$200/Non-Members. $170/Members
June 1-5, 2026: 1:30-4:30 PM, Edwards Place. This is a history camp. Campers learn how to use colorful felt fabric as a base for embroidery. Using felt makes it easier to create a whole menagerie of flexible figures and objects from imagination. Using embroidery stitches and working on felt will give campers another way to express their creativity and to design their own unique projects. Camp size: 12 SAA Members: after hitting purchase, don't forget to sign in to receive your member discount! |
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Metals Through the Ages, 6th Grade - Senior$200/Non-Members. $170/Members
June 8-12, 2026: 9 AM-12 PM or 1:30 - 4:30 PM, Smith & Nickelson Studio Media: Metals Travel back in time to learn how metal has been cut, formed, melted, and adorned throughout history! We’ll get hands on with metalsmithing methods from a variety of cultures across the globe. Campers should be sure to wear close toe shoes. Camp Size: 8 SAA Members--After hitting purchase, don't forget to sign in to receive your member discount! |
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Prairie Granny Squares, 6th Grade - Senior$200/Non-Members. $170/Members
June 8-12, 2026: 9 AM-12 PM, Edwards Place. This is a history camp. This camp offers a great opportunity to learn how to crochet using a traditional crochet hook. Wasting anything - even in the home of a wealthy family like at Edwards Place - would have been frowned on in the 19th century. Crochet squares were originally designed to use up scrap yarn. The earliest known pattern for granny squares was published in 1885. These "squares" aren't always even square! The motifs can be triangles, circles, rectangles, stripes, and hexagons. Granny squares can be made into blankets, clothing, hats, washcloths, pillows, and more! Camp size: 12 SAA Members: after hitting purchase, don't forget to sign in to receive your member discount! |
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A Stitch in Time (Beginner Embroidery), 6th Grade - Senior$200/Non-Members. $170/Members
June 8-12, 2026: 1:30-4:30 PM, Edwards Place. This is a history camp. Campers can learn six or more embroidery stitches while working on a honeycomb printed fabric. When the embroidery work is complete, the sampler can be framed for hanging, added as an embellishment to another object (such as a purchased throw pillow, or lined and stitched to make a small bag to carry sewing tools or other treasures). Busy bees can add more stitches to their sampler. Camp size: 12 SAA Members: after hitting purchase, don't forget to sign in to receive your member discount! |
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Torchwork, 7th Grade - Senior$240/Non-Members. $210/Members
June 15-19, 2026: 9 AM-12 PM or 1:30 - 4:30 PM or June 22-26, 2026: 9 AM-12 PM or 1:30 - 4:30 PM, Baima Glass Studio Media: Torch worked glass This week is an introductory class to the basics of torch working Borosilicate glass. We will use glass rods and a torch (bolted to the table) to melt and form the glass into small sculptures and wearable pendants. Glass needs to be annealed overnight to prevent cracking, but everyone will walk away with some small glass wonders! Campers should wear close toe shoes and clothing that is as close as possible to 100% natural fibers. Camp Size: 6 SAA Members--After hitting purchase, don't forget to sign in to receive your member discount! |
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Cooking Up History, 6th Grade - Senior$200/Non-Members. $170/Members
June 15-19, 2026: 9 AM-12 PM, Edwards Place. This is a history camp. Campers will learn about some typical 19th century meals from actual Edwards family recipes, while getting the opportunity to try their hand at cooking them! By the end of the week, campers will gain knowledge of cooking skills, can try their own creations, and get to take home recipes from the camp to try at home. Campers will have the opportunity to eat their creations each day! Campers will learn kitchen safety, as they will be hands-on throughout the camp. Camp size: 10 SAA Members: after hitting purchase, don't forget to sign in to receive your member discount! |
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Collage, 6th - 8th Grade$200/Non-Members. $170/Members
June 15-19, 2026: 9 AM-12 PM or June 22-26, 2026: 9 AM-12 PM, Broadwell Building, 3rd Floor Studio Media: Paper, mixed media Explore the world of paper collage! Artists will learn to piece together both observational and abstract artworks. This camp takes place on the 3rd floor of our historic Broadwell Building -- Please let us know if your camper would need accessibility accommodations. Camp Size: 8 SAA Members--After hitting purchase, don't forget to sign in to receive your member discount! |
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Pom Pom Critters, 6th Grade - Senior$200/Non-Members. $170/Members
June 15-19, 2026: 1:30-4:30 PM, Edwards Place. This is a history camp. They are soft, round, fuzzy, colorful, can be made in any almost size, and (surprisingly) in the 18th century they were used in battle. What are they? Pom-poms! (They adorned some soldiers' hats - the color of the pom-pom on top of the hat indicated to which company the soldier belonged.) Once the "how-to" is learned, campers can make their own pom-poms to add favorite colors to any ordinary stocking cap or to create a whole zoo full of fuzzy critters. Campers can turn ordinary yarn into something fun for everyone. Camp size: 12 SAA Members: after hitting purchase, don't forget to sign in to receive your member discount! |
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Wheel Throwing, 6th - 8th Grade$200/Non-Members. $170/Members
June 15-19, 2026: 9 AM-12 PM or July 20-24, 2026: 9 AM-12 PM, Prairie Earth and Fire Ceramics Studio Media: Ceramics Join us for a wheel-y good time this week! Campers will learn to throw basic forms on the pottery wheel, apply various glazing techniques, and can expect to walk away with both functional and decorative ceramic pieces. Campers should be sure to wear close toe shoes and dress for mess! As we twice fire everything to take home on Fridays, campers will only throw on Mondays and Tuesdays ensuring that pieces are ready to glaze before the week ends. Camp Size: 12 SAA Members--After hitting purchase, don't forget to sign in to receive your member discount! |
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Hooked on Crochet, 6th Grade - Senior$200/Non-Members. $170/Members
June 22-26, 2026: 1:30-4:30 PM, Edwards Place. This is a history camp. Crocheting is a close "cousin" to knitting. The big difference between the two is that when you crochet, you use only one curved hook rather than two pointed needles. Like knitting, crocheting is another attractive technique for turning skeins of yarn into hats, scarves, blankets and a whole lot more. Hey, Cinderella had a godmother who turned a pumpkin into a carriage but you can learn how to turn yarn into a pumpkin...and other more practical things. Camp size: 12 SAA Members: after hitting purchase, don't forget to sign in to receive your member discount! |
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Recycled Metals, 6th Grade - Senior$200/Non-Members. $170/Members
June 22-26, 2026: 9 AM-12 PM or 1:30-4:30 PM, Smith & Nickelson Studio Media: Metals Campers will use a familiar material in an all new way this week! We've been saving up our aluminum cans to saw, shape, and piece together into both decorative and wearable projects. Pop open a soda and join us for a week of upcycled fun! Campers should be sure to wear close toe shoes. Camp Size: 8 SAA Members--After hitting purchase, don't forget to sign in to receive your member discount! |
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Little Chef on the Prairie, 6th Grade - Senior$200/Non-Members. $170/Members
July 6-10, 2026: 9 AM-12 PM, Edwards Place. This is a history camp. Campers will learn about the recipes from and related to the famous books by Laura Ingalls Wilder. By the end of the week, campers will gain cooking skills, can try their own creations, and get to take home recipes from the camp to try at home. Campers will want to come hungry to this camp! Campers will learn kitchen safety, as they will be hands-on throughout the camp. Camp size: 10 SAA Members: after hitting purchase, don't forget to sign in to receive your member discount! |
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Zine Camp, 6th - 8th Grade$200/Non-Members. $170/Members
July 6-10, 2026: 9 AM-12 PM, Mixed Media Studio Media: Paper, mixed media This camp’s artists will use DIY techniques to make their very own zines, mini magazines or comics! Collaging, stamping, drawing, and more will be utilized to make our zines in a variety of different forms. We’ll even be ending the week in a zine swap! Camp Size: 12 SAA Members--After hitting purchase, don't forget to sign in to receive your member discount! |
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Optical Illusion Mosaics, 6th - 8th Grade$200/Non-Members. $170/Members
July 6-10, 2026: 1:30-4:30 PM, Mixed Media Studio Media: Glass Spend a week creating eye-bending mosaics! You will be creating patterns, learning how to cut glass, and properly applying grout and other finishings in order to walk away with 3 finished mosaic works in a variety of sizes. Campers should be sure to wear close toe shoes and dress for mess! Camp Size: 12 SAA Members--After hitting purchase, don't forget to sign in to receive your member discount! |
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Suffolk Puffs, 6th Grade - Senior$200/Non-Members. $170/Members
July 6-10, 2026: 9 AM-12 PM, Edwards Place. This is a history camp. You may know these bits of fabric as "yo-yos." These bits of cloth came into use hundreds of years ago under the name "Suffolk Puffs" - probably because they originated in Suffolk, a rural county in East Anglia, England. The first written record of them is in the early 1600s in that area. With a needle, thread, and scraps of fabric plus a clever sewing template you will be able to make toys, holiday decorations, and LOTS of other things - all of them possible with just a little time and a bit of sewing by hand. Camp size: 12 SAA Members: after hitting purchase, don't forget to sign in to receive your member discount! |
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Glass Fusing, 6th Grade - Senior$240/Non-Members. $210/Members
July 6-10, 2026: 1:30-4:30 PM, Smith & Nickelson Studio Media: Fused glass Have fun with fused glass this week! You will learn to cut, adhere, assemble, and kiln sculpt fused glass for a variety of both functional and decorative projects. Campers should be sure to wear close toe shoes. Camp Size: 8 SAA Members--After hitting purchase, don't forget to sign in to receive your member discount! |
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Historical Gardening, 6th Grade - Senior$200/Non-Members. $170/Members
July 6-10, 2026: 1:30-4:30 PM, Edwards Place. This is a history camp. This camp will teach about the historical gardens in the United States and how to apply those methods to gardening today. Campers will learn about caring for a garden - both in a classroom and out in the dirt. Herbs, flowers, and vegetables will form the core of the material learned - from Edwards Place's own gardens on campus. 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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Photography, 6th - 8th Grade$200/Non-Members. $170/Members
July 6-10, 2026: 9 AM-12 PM or July 13-17, 2026: 9 AM-12 PM, Broadwell Building, 3rd Floor Studio Media: Digital Photography Campers will be introduced to various camera settings, composition skills, lighting, and portraiture techniques. Depending on weather, photos will be taken both inside and outside. Campers can expect to walk away with a max of 5 high-quality prints and all of their own digital files. This camp takes place on the 3rd floor of our historic Broadwell Building -- Please let us know if your camper would need accessibility accommodations. Must bring your own digital camera. Camp Size: 8 SAA Members--After hitting purchase, don't forget to sign in to receive your member discount! |
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3D Printing, 7th Grade - Senior$200/Non-Members. $170/Members
July 6-10, 2026: 9 AM-12 PM or 1:30 PM-4:30 PM or July 13-17, 2026: 9 AM-12 PM or 1:30 PM-4:30 PM, Broadwell Building, 3rd Floor Studio Media: Digital Photography This camp’s artists will learn how to design 3D forms, create the software files to be 3D printed, and how the 3D printers work. This week's focus is on design but campers can expect to walk away with their own digital files and 5 small objects of their own design, this may include objects that move! This camp takes place on the 3rd floor of our historic Broadwell Building -- Please let us know if your camper would need accessibility accommodations. Camp Size: 8 SAA Members--After hitting purchase, don't forget to sign in to receive your member discount! |
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Commander in Chef, 6th Grade - Senior$200/Non-Members. $170/Members
July 13-17, 2026: 9 AM-12 PM, Edwards Place. This is a history camp. Campers will learn about the recipes that were favored by U.S. presidents for the past 250 years. They'll get to try out Obama's family chili recipe, make ice cream (a favorite of many presidents), and of course Mary Lincoln's white cake. Each day, campers will learn a little about presidents and the White House kitchen during their time in office. Campers will want to come hungry to this camp! Campers will learn kitchen safety, as they will be hands-on throughout the camp. Camp size: 10 SAA Members: after hitting purchase, don't forget to sign in to receive your member discount! |
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Paper Mache Sculpture, 6th - 8th Grade$200/Non-Members. $170/Members
July 13-17, 2026: 9 AM-12 PM, Mixed Media Studio Media: Paper Mache, Painting, Mixed Media Learn how to build with paper by creating a variety of papier-mâché sculptures. We will create multiple 3D forms using paper over armature and will then add exterior finishes using paint and other materials. Campers should be sure to dress for mess! Camp Size: 12 SAA Members--After hitting purchase, don't forget to sign in to receive your member discount! |
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Flora and Fauna Mosaics, 6th - 8th Grade$200/Non-Members. $170/Members
July 13-17, 2026: 1:30 PM-4:30 PM, Mixed Media Studio Media: Glass Spend the week making a series of mosaic works inspired by the plants and animals that we love! Campers will learn how to create patterns, properly cut glass, effectively apply grout, and other mosaic finishings. They can expect to walk away with 3 finished mosaic works in a variety of sizes. Campers should be sure to wear close toe shoes and dress for mess! Camp Size: 12 SAA Members--After hitting purchase, don't forget to sign in to receive your member discount! |
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Warm Glass Wearables, 6th Grade - Senior$240/Non-Members. $210/Members
July 13-17, 2026: 1:30 - 4:30 PM, Smith & Nickelson Studio Media: Fused glass, Metals Glass fusing, enamel, cloisonne, and stone setting are just some of the techniques that will be covered this week. This camp is great for those young artists who have enjoyed our Metals and Glass Fusing camps and want to take their creations to the next level! Campers should be sure to wear close toe shoes. Camp Size: 8 SAA Members--After hitting purchase, don't forget to sign in to receive your member discount! |
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Prairie Patchwork, 6th Grade - Senior$200/Non-Members. $170/Members
July 20-24, 2026: 9 AM-12 PM, Edwards Place. This is a history camp. Campers can learn about the uniquely American sewing tradition of pieced (also known as patchwork) quilts. They can learn how to make their own pieced projects and also have an opportunity to contribute a piece of their own needlework to the 2026 Edwards Place Friendship Quilt. The completed Friendship Quilt will then be displayed in the Children's Parlor of Edwards Place until the end of next year's camp session. Note: This is hand sewing, not machine. Camp Size: 8 SAA Members: after hitting purchase, don't forget to sign in to receive your member discount! |
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Printmaking, 6th - 8th Grade$200/Non-Members. $170/Members
July 20-24, 2026: 9 AM-12 PM, Mixed Media Studio Media: Printmaking Artists in this camp will learn about various relief printmaking techniques while designing their own prints, cutting lino blocks, and printing multiples of their designs. This camp is great for those that want to make their mark and impress their friends! Camp Size: 12 SAA Members--After hitting purchase, don't forget to sign in to receive your member discount! |
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Write On! 6th Grade - 8th Grade$200/Non-Members. $170/Members
July 20-24, 2026: 9 AM-12 PM, Edwards Place. This is a history camp. This camp is based on exploration of calligraphy (the art of beautiful handwriting), often used during the 19th century. Students will learn how to write using the Chancery Cursive “hand” and will also explore the tradition of illuminated manuscript (handwritten pages with painted images including precious metals). Camp Size: 12 SAA Members: after hitting purchase, don't forget to sign in to receive your member discount! |
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Music Mosaics, 6th - 8th Grade$200/Non-Members. $170/Members
July 20-24, 2026: 1:30 PM-4:30 PM, Mixed Media Studio Media: Glass Queue up your favorite jams and get ready to be inspired by all things music! Campers will learn how to create patterns, properly cut glass, effectively apply grout, and other mosaic finishings. They can expect to walk away with 3 finished mosaic works in a variety of sizes. Campers should be sure to wear close toe shoes and dress for mess! Camp Size: 12 SAA Members--After hitting purchase, don't forget to sign in to receive your member discount! |
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Food Fusing, 6th Grade - Senior$240/Non-Members. $210/Members
July 20-24, 2026: 1:30 - 4:30 PM, Smith & Nickelson Studio Media: Fused glass Hungry for more glass fusing? Join us as we spend a week making functional and decorative pieces inspired by food. This camp builds on skills learned in the Glass Fusing camp but is also great for beginners. Campers should be sure to wear close toe shoes. Camp Size: 8 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.
