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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Glass Blowing, Freshman - Senior$280/Non-Members. $250/Members
June 1-5, 2026: 9 AM-12 PM or 1:30 - 4:30 PM or June 8-12, 2026: 9 AM-12 PM or 1:30 - 4:30 PM, Baima Glass Studio Media: Hot Glass Learn the basics of glassblowing and Hot Shop safety. You’ll learn how to load the pipe, pop a glass bubble, and form molten glass. This is a very hot camp...you will have to be able to handle the heat! Campers should wear close toe shoes and clothing that is as close as possible to 100% natural fibers. Bringing a water bottle is also recommended. Camp Size: 6 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, 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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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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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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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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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, Freshman - Senior$200/Non-Members. $170/Members
June 22-26, 2026: 9 AM-12 PM, Prairie Earth and Fire Ceramics Studio Media: Ceramics Give ceramics a spin this week! You 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. 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 a ready to glaze before the week ends [though we may include a Friday Throw Down!]. 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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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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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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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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Denim Doodles, Freshman - Senior$200/Non-Members. $170/Members
July 13-17, 2026: 1:30-4:30 PM, Edwards Place. This is a history camp. This camp session is all about recycling, repurposing, and creativity. You need to provide only one denim item and it can be one that is old, outgrown, faded, torn, and/or damaged .The goal for your creation is to upscale the item, to make it your unique fashion garment or accessory. This week will be a mini version of Project Runway. Remember - the item can be a pair of jeans, a shirt, a pair of shorts, a jacket, a skirt, a purse, a tote bag... almost anything will do. The denim item you choose to work on should come with you on the first day OR you may choose to select a denim item from the supply on hand (already washed and in good condition). All other materials will be supplied (i.e., needles, sewing thread, embroidery floss, buttons, etc.). Note: This project will be done with hand sewing and hand embroidery. If machine sewing is required at any point, that sewing will be done by the instructor. Camp size: 12 SAA Members: after hitting purchase, don't forget to sign in to receive your member discount! |
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Mural Painting, Freshman - Senior$200/Non-Members. $170/Members
July 20-24, 2026: 9 AM-12 PM or 1:30 PM-4:30 PM, Off-site Media: Public Art, Mural Painting Join us as we work on mural #9 for SAA Summer Camps! We will spend the first day incorporating various elements into the design and the remainder of the week painting away! The mural has the potential for working with height as well as opportunities for low work. (Image seen is not a direct representation of what the mural will be.) This camp will be happening outdoors, so campers should dress appropriately and bring water bottles. Camp Size: 15 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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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.
