Wayne Center for the Arts announces 2026 summer camps

Wayne Center for the Arts (WCA) announced its 2026 summer camp season, offering a lineup of creative experiences. From clay and sewing to theater, dance and creative sampler experiences, WCA’s summer camps invite students to dive into hands-on creativity.

“Summer camp programming is, without a doubt, my favorite thing to teach all year,” said clay coordinator Adam McVicker. “You get so much more time together, and that allows for deeper engagement, bigger projects and a more meaningful experience overall.”

With flexible, weeklong sessions, camps are designed to give families the freedom to explore new interests without a long-term commitment.

“Summer camp is such a great way to try something new,” said instructor Jaimie Tangen. “You can jump in for a week, explore and see what really sparks your interest.”

Throughout the summer, students will explore a wide range of creative disciplines while building confidence, developing skills and discovering their unique voice.

“A big part of it is that they get to meet new people and make friends,” said instructor Darcy Haynes. “That’s just as important as what they’re creating.”

2006 summer camp offerings

Sew What is for ages 10-16 and will take place June 8-11 from 1-3 p.m. From fabric and felt to paper and beads, students will dive into creative sewing, learn hand-stitching techniques and try their hand at the sewing machine.

Magical Lands Preschool Camp is for ages 3-6 and will take place June 15-18 from 9:30-11:30 a.m. In this playful, imagination-filled camp, young artists explore dance, music and visual art inspired by magical worlds and storybook adventures.

So You Wanna Be an Actor is for ages 8-14 and will take place June 22-26 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. This high-energy theater camp helps students build confidence and creativity through games, acting exercises and a fun final performance.

This Must Be the Place Clay and Visual Arts Camp is for ages 6-13 and will take place July 6-10 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Young artists will explore different art forms through themed days, creating a mix of individual and collaborative projects.

Nature Art Mini Camp is for ages 3-6 and will take place July 6-9 from 10-11 a.m. Young artists will explore the outdoors using leaves, flowers and stones to make unique works of art inspired by the world around them.

Karaoke Puppet Pals is for ages 7-13 and will take place July 13-17 from 1-3 p.m. Campers design and build their own characters, then bring them to life through storytelling, karaoke-style performances and creative play.

All About Animals Mini Camp is for ages 3-6 and will take place July 13-16 from 10-11 a.m. Young artists will dive into the animal kingdom with painting, drawing and creating projects inspired by creatures from the jungle, ocean and their own backyard.

Clay Daze is for ages 8-12 and will take place July 20-24 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Students will dive into a week of hands-on creativity, exploring daily themes and techniques from handbuilding to sculptural and functional pieces.

Nutcracker Camp, Party Scene Intensive is for ages 8-adult and will take place July 27-30 from 6-7:30 p.m. Participants will learn choreography and character work while becoming the official Party Scene cast for the 2026 Nutcracker. Individuals and families are invited to take the stage together.

Arts Sampler Camp is for ages 6-13 and will take place Aug. 3-7 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Young artists will dive into clay, painting, drawing, music and movement in this hands-on camp.

Color My World Mini Camp is for ages 3-6 and will take place Aug. 3-6 from 10-11 a.m. Budding artists will explore color through painting and mixed media, creating vibrant works inspired by every shade of the rainbow.

Big Art Mini Camp is for ages 3-6 and will take place Aug. 10-13 from 10-11 a.m. Participants will dive into hands-on projects to create larger-than-life artwork fueled by big ideas and even bigger creativity.

WCA’s summer camps are led by professional teaching artists who are passionate about creating inclusive, engaging experiences for every student who wants to try something new or deepen an existing interest.

With limited spots available, early registration is encouraged.

For full camp details and to register, visit: www.wayneartscenter.org.