RUTLAND—Spring is here, but now is the perfect time to look ahead and register for the Chaffee Art Center’s popular summer camps before they fill up. With a wide variety of creative opportunities for children ages 6–12, Chaffee’s summer programming offers young artists a chance to explore their imagination, build skills, and have fun in a supportive, inspiring environment.
The camps run from late June through August. They are held at the Chaffee Art Center in Rutland and are led by experienced teaching artists. Whether your child loves painting, theater, sculpture, science, or cartoons, there’s something for everyone this summer.
Parents must pre-register for all camps and can also sign up for before- and after-care services from 8–9 a.m. and 4–5 p.m. for $15 per hour, as well as optional, supervised lunch coverage from Noon–1 p.m. for $15 per day. Registration is available online at chaffeeartcenter.square.site or by calling 802-775-0356.
June
Create Art Studio Camp (June 23–27, 9 a.m.–noon, $150)
Drawing and painting with watercolor, pastel, acrylic, and more.
Instructor: Deb Dauphinais
Explore the Art of Nature (June 23–27, 1–4 p.m., $150)
Make art from rocks, leaves, twigs, and other natural elements.
Instructor: Karen Wurster
The Art of Science (June 30–July 3, 9 a.m.–noon, $120)
Mix science and art with slime, tie-dye, and shaving cream prints.
Instructor: Michele Robie
July
Theater Improv Camp (July 7–11, 9 a.m.–noon, $150)
Learn improvisation and perform a short play.
Instructor: Cathy Archer
All About Sculptures (July 7–11, 1–4 p.m., $150)
Build sculptures with wood, textiles, papier-maché, and more.
Instructor: Karen Wurster
Musical Theater – ALL DAY CAMP (July 14–18, 9 a.m.–4 p.m., $295)
A full-day camp ending in a musical performance of The Lion King.
Instructor: Marisa Valent
Puppets, Puppets, Puppets (July 21–23, 9 a.m.–noon, $95)
Create puppets, write a play, and perform a puppet show.
Instructor: Cathy Archer
Clay Creations (July 21–25, 1–noon, $160)
Make pottery and sculptures using air-dried clay.
Instructor: Karen Wurster
Let’s Get Crafty (July 28–Aug. 1, 9 a.m.–noon, $150)
Explore yarn art, card making, and stamping.
Instructor: Michele Robie
August
Discover the World of Mosaics (Aug. 4–8, 1–4 p.m., $160)
Learn paper and glass mosaic techniques.
Instructor: Karen Wurster
Play with Art Camp (Aug. 11–15, 9 a.m.–noon, $150)
Graffiti art, puffy paint, shrink art, and more.
Instructor: Matt Aucoin
Cartoon-O-Rama Camp (Aug. 11–15, 1–4 p.m., $150)
Create comic strips and learn cartooning basics.
Instructor: Matt Aucoin
All About the Arts (Aug. 18–22, 9 a.m.–noon, $150)
Paint ceramics, craft, and make storybook art.
Instructor: Michele Robie
Robots! Robots! Robots! (Aug. 18–22, 1–4 p.m., $150)
Build robot buddies and explore games and dances.
Instructor: Karen Wurster
With a mix of half-day and full-day options and themes ranging from puppetry to improv to nature-inspired art, the Chaffee Art Center’s camps are a fun and enriching way for local kids to spend their summer days. But space is limited—and filling up fast.
For more information or to register, visit: chaffeeartcententer.org or call 802-775-0356.
