Summer Camps
Summer Camps
Middle School Program (Ages 10-13)
Two-Week Sessions
Our two-week on-campus summer camps are designed to allow students to focus on their interests, learn new skills, and bring their ideas to life. We offer course subjects and resources not available to young creators anywhere else in the world.
Middle School Program (Ages 10-13) On-Campus Session Dates:
All courses are Monday–Friday from 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
July 7-18, 2025
July 21-August 1, 2025
August 4-15, 2025
| Title | Catalog | Instructor | Schedule |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toy Design Camp:10-13 | 101 (001) | Zachary Hutchinson | Monday through Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM July 01, 2024 - July 12, 2024 |
Description
In this exciting workshop, your child's creativity will flourish as they learn to draw, sculpt, model, mold, sew, and prototype unique toys, stuffed animals, and action figures. Campers will begin by developing their characters through traditional illustrations before transitioning to 3D media. They will draw inspiration from classic and contemporary toys and accompanying cartoons or stories. Throughout the camp, students will explore various techniques and creative approaches to bring their toy designs to life.
|
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
| World Building Camp:10-13 | 101 (001) | Alex Dahm | Monday through Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM July 15, 2024 - July 26, 2024 |
Description
Join fellow campers in imagining, designing, and creating a brand-new fantastical world filled with unique characters, vibrant wildlife, complex structures, captivating histories, and more. In this mixed-media course, students will complete projects in illustration and comics, sculpture, 3D modeling, and creative writing. Visits to the Art Institute of Chicago will enhance studio activities and showcase the work of artists who have also crafted imaginative worlds. With hands-on guidance and endless opportunities for self-expression, this camp offers young creators the perfect way to turn their wildest ideas into a stunning, interactive universe.
|
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
| Architecture Camp: 10-13 | 102 (001) | Cody Tyler Schueller, Milena Marchan | Monday through Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM July 15, 2024 - July 26, 2024 |
Description
The places where you live, go to school and shop significantly affect your daily life. In this camp, students will explore their environments and analyze how fundamental human needs, desires, and behaviors shape architectural design. The focus will be on the methods architects use to develop their ideas while also looking at the structures, materials, and technologies in historical and modern architecture. Through perspective drawing, drafting, model making, and digital software programs, students will explore the world-renowned architecture of Chicago. In addition to visiting the Art Institute of Chicago, they will engage in on-site sketching at historic buildings designed by architects such as Louis Sullivan and Mies van der Rohe. Students will study contemporary masterpieces such as Frank Gehry's Jay Pritzker Pavilion and Renzo Piano's Modern Wing to enrich their studio work.
|
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
| Architecture Camp: 10-13 | 102 (001) | Cody Tyler Schueller, Milena Marchan | Monday through Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM July 15, 2024 - July 26, 2024 |
Description
The places where you live, go to school and shop significantly affect your daily life. In this camp, students will explore their environments and analyze how fundamental human needs, desires, and behaviors shape architectural design. The focus will be on the methods architects use to develop their ideas while also looking at the structures, materials, and technologies in historical and modern architecture. Through perspective drawing, drafting, model making, and digital software programs, students will explore the world-renowned architecture of Chicago. In addition to visiting the Art Institute of Chicago, they will engage in on-site sketching at historic buildings designed by architects such as Louis Sullivan and Mies van der Rohe. Students will study contemporary masterpieces such as Frank Gehry's Jay Pritzker Pavilion and Renzo Piano's Modern Wing to enrich their studio work.
|
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
| Illustration Camp: 10-13 | 102 (001) | Emma B. Rosengarten | Monday through Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM July 15, 2024 - July 26, 2024 |
Description
In this camp, young artists have the opportunity to bring their imaginations to life through a variety of illustration techniques. Students will explore traditional and digital media as they experiment with graphic markers, illustration pens, watercolors, ink, sculpting materials, digital drawing tablets, and programs like Procreate. Whether they are designing unique characters, animals, objects, vehicles, or immersive environments, this hands-on experience encourages them to innovate, experiment, and express themselves creatively. It's the perfect opportunity for your child to unleash their creativity and build an impressive portfolio.
|
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
| Architecture Camp: 10-13 | 102 (002) | Cody Tyler Schueller, Milena Marchan | Monday through Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM July 29, 2024 - August 09, 2024 |
Description
The places where you live, go to school and shop significantly affect your daily life. In this camp, students will explore their environments and analyze how fundamental human needs, desires, and behaviors shape architectural design. The focus will be on the methods architects use to develop their ideas while also looking at the structures, materials, and technologies in historical and modern architecture. Through perspective drawing, drafting, model making, and digital software programs, students will explore the world-renowned architecture of Chicago. In addition to visiting the Art Institute of Chicago, they will engage in on-site sketching at historic buildings designed by architects such as Louis Sullivan and Mies van der Rohe. Students will study contemporary masterpieces such as Frank Gehry's Jay Pritzker Pavilion and Renzo Piano's Modern Wing to enrich their studio work.
|
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
| Architecture Camp: 10-13 | 102 (002) | Cody Tyler Schueller, Milena Marchan | Monday through Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM July 29, 2024 - August 09, 2024 |
Description
The places where you live, go to school and shop significantly affect your daily life. In this camp, students will explore their environments and analyze how fundamental human needs, desires, and behaviors shape architectural design. The focus will be on the methods architects use to develop their ideas while also looking at the structures, materials, and technologies in historical and modern architecture. Through perspective drawing, drafting, model making, and digital software programs, students will explore the world-renowned architecture of Chicago. In addition to visiting the Art Institute of Chicago, they will engage in on-site sketching at historic buildings designed by architects such as Louis Sullivan and Mies van der Rohe. Students will study contemporary masterpieces such as Frank Gehry's Jay Pritzker Pavilion and Renzo Piano's Modern Wing to enrich their studio work.
|
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
| Animation Camp: 10-13 | 103 (001) | Pablo Enrique Monterrubio-Benet | Monday through Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM July 01, 2024 - July 12, 2024 |
Description
Bring artwork to life using traditional and digital media to create one-of-a-kind animations. In this exciting camp, students learn principles of animation while exploring various techniques, including stop-motion, frame-by-frame methods, digitally modified video, and computer-aided techniques. Students will use digital tools such as laptops, still cameras, video cameras, sound recorders, iPads, sketchbook work, and other traditional processes to express contemporary artistic hybrid methods.
|
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
| Animation Camp: 10-13 | 103 (002) | Oona Taper | Monday through Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM July 29, 2024 - August 09, 2024 |
Description
Bring artwork to life using traditional and digital media to create one-of-a-kind animations. In this exciting camp, students learn principles of animation while exploring various techniques, including stop-motion, frame-by-frame methods, digitally modified video, and computer-aided techniques. Students will use digital tools such as laptops, still cameras, video cameras, sound recorders, iPads, sketchbook work, and other traditional processes to express contemporary artistic hybrid methods.
|
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
| Fashion Camp: 10-13 | 104 (001) | Nat Lachall | Monday through Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM July 01, 2024 - July 12, 2024 |
Description
This camp introduces young designers to the fashion world, helping them discover their unique style while learning the technical skills necessary to transform their designs from concept to reality. Activities guide students through developing original ideas, finding inspiration from their surroundings, and responding to the work of other artists and designers. Students will build fundamental skills in fashion research, drawing, draping, garment construction, and machine and hand sewing. They will also explore sculptural draping using paper to create exciting experimental looks and deconstruct garments to invent new forms. Each session features different projects, allowing students to enroll in multiple camps throughout the summer.
|
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
| Advanced Drawing Camp: 10-13 | 104 (001) | Melanie P. Brown | Monday through Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM July 29, 2024 - August 09, 2024 |
Description
This advanced camp invites students with prior drawing experience to explore various materials and techniques that will expand their artistic abilities. While continuing to develop their technical skills, students will focus on using drawing to organize their thoughts and feelings and express their ideas. Students will work with various materials, including pencil, charcoal, pastel, ink, and mixed media. Visiting the Art Institute of Chicago will allow campers to observe and sketch from a vast collection of paintings, sculptures, and other objects to inspire their studio work. Students will explore endless possibilities in a supportive environment that fosters growth and artistic confidence¿whether experimenting with innovative processes or refining their unique style.
|
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
| Fashion Camp: 10-13 | 104 (002) | Sarah M Pramuk | Monday through Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM July 15, 2024 - July 26, 2024 |
Description
This camp introduces young designers to the fashion world, helping them discover their unique style while learning the technical skills necessary to transform their designs from concept to reality. Activities guide students through developing original ideas, finding inspiration from their surroundings, and responding to the work of other artists and designers. Students will build fundamental skills in fashion research, drawing, draping, garment construction, and machine and hand sewing. They will also explore sculptural draping using paper to create exciting experimental looks and deconstruct garments to invent new forms. Each session features different projects, allowing students to enroll in multiple camps throughout the summer.
|
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
| Fashion Camp: Accessories and Embellishments: 10-13 | 106 (001) | Faviola Margarita Anaya Esquivel | Monday through Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM July 29, 2024 - August 09, 2024 |
Description
Young designers will learn to enhance and embellish existing garments using exciting surface design techniques like embroidery, beading, and applique. They'll also experiment with non-traditional materials to create one-of-a-kind accessories that complement their style. Activities will guide students through developing original ideas, finding inspiration in their surroundings, and engaging with the works of other artists and designers.
|
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
| Video Game Design Camp:10-13 | 106 (001) | Christopher Lee Collins, Asya Dubrovina | Monday through Friday, Monday through Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM July 01, 2024 - July 12, 2024 |
Description
Video games are renowned for their unforgettable characters, captivating narratives, and stunning visuals. They offer an immersive experience that provides an exciting escape and engages players in unique and interactive ways. In this dynamic and challenging camp, students explore video game production by experimenting with coding and illustrating playable computer games. They even have the opportunity to share their creations with friends online! Students will use traditional and digital media to engage in activities such as sketching in their notebooks, storyboarding narratives, editing sound effects, and digital drawing. By exploring different platforms for game creation, students will unlock their creativity and develop one-of-a-kind video games.
|
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
| Video Game Design Camp:10-13 | 106 (001) | Christopher Lee Collins, Asya Dubrovina | Monday through Friday, Monday through Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM July 01, 2024 - July 12, 2024 |
Description
Video games are renowned for their unforgettable characters, captivating narratives, and stunning visuals. They offer an immersive experience that provides an exciting escape and engages players in unique and interactive ways. In this dynamic and challenging camp, students explore video game production by experimenting with coding and illustrating playable computer games. They even have the opportunity to share their creations with friends online! Students will use traditional and digital media to engage in activities such as sketching in their notebooks, storyboarding narratives, editing sound effects, and digital drawing. By exploring different platforms for game creation, students will unlock their creativity and develop one-of-a-kind video games.
|
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
| Drawing and Painting Camp: 10-11 | 107 (001) | Alex Dahm | Monday through Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM July 01, 2024 - July 12, 2024 |
Description
This camp allows students aged 10-11 to focus on their drawing and painting skills in a highly creative and challenging environment. Through individual and collaborative projects, students explore a range of traditional and experimental materials and techniques. They will learn various drawing methods, building their technical, spatial, and creative abilities while focusing on essential elements of 2D design and art. Students investigate contemporary subjects and themes using pencil, charcoal, pastel, ink, gouache, water-based paint, and mixed media through skills such as line, perspective, tone, proportion, composition, value, gesture, and contour. Inspiration comes from visits to the Art Institute of Chicago Museum to observe and sketch various paintings, sculptures, and objects. This camp, designed for beginners and those looking to develop their drawing and painting skills further, can be repeated for ongoing skill enhancement and idea building.
|
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
| Video Production Camp: 10-13 | 107 (001) | Pablo Enrique Monterrubio-Benet | Monday through Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM July 15, 2024 - July 26, 2024 |
Description
Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram have created a vibrant new landscape for young artists eager to explore their creativity. This camp empowers students to elevate their video production skills by producing short videos through various contemporary techniques. Participants will explore video production principles and learn essential elements such as storyboarding, the filming process, basic special effects, and editing. Using iPads and video equipment from the SAIC media centers, students will gain hands-on experience to practice these skills at home using standard digital devices. Through this immersive experience, they will develop their artistic voice while fully embracing the digital age of storytelling.
|
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
| Drawing and Painting Camp: 10-11 | 107 (002) | Anna Chapman | Monday through Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM July 15, 2024 - July 26, 2024 |
Description
This camp allows students aged 10-11 to focus on their drawing and painting skills in a highly creative and challenging environment. Through individual and collaborative projects, students explore a range of traditional and experimental materials and techniques. They will learn various drawing methods, building their technical, spatial, and creative abilities while focusing on essential elements of 2D design and art. Students investigate contemporary subjects and themes using pencil, charcoal, pastel, ink, gouache, water-based paint, and mixed media through skills such as line, perspective, tone, proportion, composition, value, gesture, and contour. Inspiration comes from visits to the Art Institute of Chicago Museum to observe and sketch various paintings, sculptures, and objects. This camp, designed for beginners and those looking to develop their drawing and painting skills further, can be repeated for ongoing skill enhancement and idea building.
|
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
| Drawing and Painting Camp: 10-11 | 107 (003) | Ömürhan Alptekin-Torres | Monday through Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM July 29, 2024 - August 09, 2024 |
Description
This camp allows students aged 10-11 to focus on their drawing and painting skills in a highly creative and challenging environment. Through individual and collaborative projects, students explore a range of traditional and experimental materials and techniques. They will learn various drawing methods, building their technical, spatial, and creative abilities while focusing on essential elements of 2D design and art. Students investigate contemporary subjects and themes using pencil, charcoal, pastel, ink, gouache, water-based paint, and mixed media through skills such as line, perspective, tone, proportion, composition, value, gesture, and contour. Inspiration comes from visits to the Art Institute of Chicago Museum to observe and sketch various paintings, sculptures, and objects. This camp, designed for beginners and those looking to develop their drawing and painting skills further, can be repeated for ongoing skill enhancement and idea building.
|
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
| Drawing and Painting Camp: 12-13 | 108 (001) | Melanie P. Brown | Monday through Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM July 01, 2024 - July 12, 2024 |
Description
This camp allows students aged 12-13 to focus on their drawing and painting skills in a highly creative and challenging environment. Through individual and collaborative projects, students explore a range of traditional and experimental materials and techniques. They will learn various drawing methods, building their technical, spatial, and creative abilities while focusing on essential elements of 2D design and art. Students investigate contemporary subjects and themes using pencil, charcoal, pastel, ink, gouache, water-based paint, and mixed media through skills such as line, perspective, tone, proportion, composition, value, gesture, and contour. Inspiration comes from visits to the Art Institute of Chicago Museum to observe and sketch various paintings, sculptures, and objects. This camp, designed for beginners and those looking to develop their drawing and painting skills further, can be repeated for ongoing skill enhancement and idea building.
|
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
| Drawing and Painting Camp: 12-13 | 108 (002) | Melanie P. Brown | Monday through Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM July 15, 2024 - July 26, 2024 |
Description
This camp allows students aged 12-13 to focus on their drawing and painting skills in a highly creative and challenging environment. Through individual and collaborative projects, students explore a range of traditional and experimental materials and techniques. They will learn various drawing methods, building their technical, spatial, and creative abilities while focusing on essential elements of 2D design and art. Students investigate contemporary subjects and themes using pencil, charcoal, pastel, ink, gouache, water-based paint, and mixed media through skills such as line, perspective, tone, proportion, composition, value, gesture, and contour. Inspiration comes from visits to the Art Institute of Chicago Museum to observe and sketch various paintings, sculptures, and objects. This camp, designed for beginners and those looking to develop their drawing and painting skills further, can be repeated for ongoing skill enhancement and idea building.
|
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
| Drawing and Painting Camp: 12-13 | 108 (003) | Lindsey Kircher | Monday through Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM July 29, 2024 - August 09, 2024 |
Description
This camp allows students aged 12-13 to focus on their drawing and painting skills in a highly creative and challenging environment. Through individual and collaborative projects, students explore a range of traditional and experimental materials and techniques. They will learn various drawing methods, building their technical, spatial, and creative abilities while focusing on essential elements of 2D design and art. Students investigate contemporary subjects and themes using pencil, charcoal, pastel, ink, gouache, water-based paint, and mixed media through skills such as line, perspective, tone, proportion, composition, value, gesture, and contour. Inspiration comes from visits to the Art Institute of Chicago Museum to observe and sketch various paintings, sculptures, and objects. This camp, designed for beginners and those looking to develop their drawing and painting skills further, can be repeated for ongoing skill enhancement and idea building.
|
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
| Comics and Graphic Novels Camp: 10-13 | 112 (001) | Emma B. Rosengarten | Monday through Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM July 01, 2024 - July 12, 2024 |
Description
Students elevate their illustration skills in this camp by creating unique comics and graphic novels. Emphasis is placed on storytelling, introducing students to character development, plot structure, scripting, and storyboarding. The course teaches skills in drawing and illustration, focusing on techniques such as penciling, inking, coloring, and understanding space and perspective. Students will explore various traditional and non-traditional mediums, including colored pencils, oil pastels, watercolors, digitally edited drawings, and handmade zines. Inspiration also comes from artist presentations, trips to the Art Institute of Chicago, and visits to downtown Chicago, where a vast array of public art sparks creativity. These experiences will provide opportunities for drawing practice and serve as an introduction to the fundamentals of comic narratives and stylistic expression.
|
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
| Comics and Graphic Novels Camp: 10-13 | 112 (002) | Alex Dahm | Monday through Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM July 29, 2024 - August 09, 2024 |
Description
Students elevate their illustration skills in this camp by creating unique comics and graphic novels. Emphasis is placed on storytelling, introducing students to character development, plot structure, scripting, and storyboarding. The course teaches skills in drawing and illustration, focusing on techniques such as penciling, inking, coloring, and understanding space and perspective. Students will explore various traditional and non-traditional mediums, including colored pencils, oil pastels, watercolors, digitally edited drawings, and handmade zines. Inspiration also comes from artist presentations, trips to the Art Institute of Chicago, and visits to downtown Chicago, where a vast array of public art sparks creativity. These experiences will provide opportunities for drawing practice and serve as an introduction to the fundamentals of comic narratives and stylistic expression.
|
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
What Makes Our Middle School Summer Camps Special
- Students are able to dig deep into their areas of interest. Each course provides an immersive experience that teaches young makers both conceptual and technical skills while allowing them the freedom to explore and innovate.
- Our museum, the Art Institute of Chicago, is integral to students’ experiences. Be prepared to have your child teach you about their favorite pieces in our collection!
- Our faculty are not only amazing mentors and teachers but have robust artistic practices themselves. Each online class has one instructor and one classroom assistant, allowing for a 7-to-1 student-to-adult ratio.
- Our courses are great ways to make new friends who share similar interests.
What Do SAIC’s Middle School Program Camps Look Like?
At the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC), the nation’s premier art and design school, we understand that self-expression, out-of-the-box thinking, and cultural awareness flourish when youth make art. With us, students learn to explore, imagine, and discover in their own unique ways. We help them on their path to becoming the creators, innovators, and problem-solvers of the future regardless of where their academic interests take them.
Led by our renowned faculty, our camps will focus on arts-based skill building, concept development, and self expression within a community of creative peers and mentors. Frequent visits to the Art Institute of Chicago will supplement exciting in-class projects that allow students to dive deep into their areas of interest.
Example Daily Schedule
9:00–9:15 a.m. Welcome, warm-up exercises & morning sketches
9:15–9:30 a.m. Morning check-in and demonstrations
9:30–10:30 a.m. Studio time
10:30–10:45 a.m. Snack break
10:45 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Studio time continued
12:00–1:00 p.m. Lunch
1:00–2:00 p.m. Research, reflection, mid-day critique
2:00–3:00 p.m. Museum trip
3:00–4:00 p.m. Studio time and checkout
Contact Us
Continuing Studies staff members are available Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. CT at 312.629.6170 or cs@saic.edu to answer your questions. We are here to help!