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

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!