Courses and Activities
CAP participants create an individual schedule from over 50 courses in the visual arts, drama, music, dance, creative and nonfiction writing, computer, and athletics, including swimming. We invite all our students to choose courses that match their passions, as well as try something new!
Students take five courses throughout their time at CAP. Each course meets for approximately one hour per day, five days a week.
Participants first must register for the program, and then select their courses in the spring, typically in May or early June. Course registration takes place on a first-come, first-served basis, although our team makes every effort to ensure every participant is happy with his/her CAP schedule.
Below are the course listings for the 2022 season. Courses for 2023 will be finalized in the Spring and course enrollment will be sent to students who are enrolled in the program in early June.
Please note that all courses are offered for students in both the 3-week and 5-week program unless noted otherwise.
CAP Course Offerings
(Click on the tabs below to see the classes offered.)
Visual Arts
CERAMICS: FOUNDATIONS OF AN ANCIENT MATERIAL (Grades 3-5)
Interested in working with clay? In this class, you will learn about and work with one of the oldest sculpting materials in history. You will learn to sculpt, build, and construct with clay to create different pieces of art that you will be able to take home at the end of CAP!
CERAMICS: SCULPTING AND WHEEL THROWING CLASS (Grades 6-9)
For thousands of years, all around the world, potters have been using the wheel to make beautiful pots. In this class, you will get the chance to learn how to do the same! You will get to use the potter’s wheel every other day to create cups, bowls, and vases. Everything you make can be used to eat, drink, and serve food. When not on the wheel, you will learn how to create unique sculptures using hand-building techniques.
CREATIVE ARCHITECTURE I (Grades 3-5) and II (Grades 6-9)
In this course we will practice both conceptual and physical architecture/design. Students will start by deciding a preferred “program” for their structure, followed by ideating and sketching out the form, simple floor plans, and finally building physical models with the use of a variety of materials. Students will be encouraged to use their imagination and take initiative to make deeply creative and exciting projects!
DIGITAL ARTS I (Grades 3-5) and II (Grades 6-9)
In these classes, we will explore the ever-growing world of digital art. We will use Photoshop, iMovie, and other innovative techniques to create digital paintings and collages, manipulated photographs, GIFs, stop motion animation, and more. We will experiment with different computer methods and techniques to create memorable images and stories. Bring your imagination, ideas, and excitement as we dive into new media!
DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY I (Grades 3-5) and II (Grades 6-9)
This course is designed for its participants to develop their photographic eye by learning techniques to control light, shadows, contrast, aperture, shutter speed and other skills to photograph the things they love about summer. By the end of the course, the participants will each have a collage of images that will represent their time in the sun. We will be learning portraiture, still life, landscape, and photo-journalistic style pictures.
DIY I (Grades 3-5) and II (Grades 6-9)
Dream it. Create it. Clever crafting. Inspired designs. You will make a tote bag, a pillow, design your own stationery, jewelry boxes and so much more. You can also think of ways you might like to decorate your space. In this workshop you will have an opportunity to work on projects with clear and simple directions and to design/create your own projects with the support of the teacher and fellow campers. A wide array of materials will be at your disposal for your creative process. We will also work with some principles of sustainability.
FIBER ARTS I (Grades 3-5) AND II (Grades 6-9)
This course is dedicated to fiber arts! Whether it is knitting, weaving, crocheting, embroidery, or finger weaving, (and more) this course will teach students the basic techniques and ideas behind this wonderful art form. Students will practice and explore different fiber styles, learning about movements, patterns and techniques. Through this course students will be able to connect each stitch to a long-term goal. Over the course of the program, students will have the opportunity to choose different techniques to complete several imaginative and colorful projects.
FUNdations OF ART (Grades 3-5)
Come learn the FUN-damentals of making art! In this class we will experiment with paint, charcoal, watercolor, printmaking, ink, string, and more to make exciting works of art. No prior skills necessary. We will explore the various techniques used by historical and contemporary artist to spark our imaginations!
GRAPHIC STORIES (Grades 3-5)
Graphic stories are an exciting way to show and tell a story through the use of pictures/drawings and words. We will explore different forms of graphic stories- graphic novels, comics, drawings, and illustrations. So, be ready to let your creativity and imagination soar. We will use writing, drawing, and technology to create stories, play games, and make the impossible possible. Through our exploration of graphic novels, comics, and short stories told through pictures, you will have the opportunity to grow the art of writing and storytelling.
MASK MAKING THEATER (Grades 3-5)
Imagine a young adult version of Where the Wild Things Are only better. Is that even possible? Yes, you will fashion and build your own masks and then learn how to inhabit them. You and your imagination can literally run wild as you create characters to work with the masks. We will devise a short performance piece with masks and buffoon characters. Add music and zany costumes and see what the recipe yields!
MODEL MAKING CONSTRUCTION I (Grades 3-5) and II (Grades 6-9)
In this hands-on course, students will dive into the tools and techniques involved in constructing scale models. Campers will transform their personal vision into a three-dimensional reality. If you are interested in constructing rooms with a cool atmosphere, this is the perfect class for you.
MULTIMEDIA CREATIONS I (Grades 3-5) and II (Grades 6-9)
In mixed media, we will discover the many ways different materials can be combined into one artwork. Woven sculptures incorporating fabric and metal, photographs we take and draw on top of, and making our own paper to collage with are just the beginning-- we will explore it all. If you've ever had trouble choosing just one material for your next art project, this is the class for you!
MURALS I (Grades 3-5) and II (Grades 6-9)
Students begin their journey by exploring large murals works by famous artists around the world. Each student will have an art journal that they use to document their mural making journey as they go, with words, pictures, and moments of creativity. In this magic moment of process comes alive a mural using their ideas to make their own mural. The students will choose and create their own color palette by mixing their own paints and spend time experimenting with different tools, like large and small brushes, rolling pins, brayers, bubble wrap to create their first mural layer. Students will paint, and use printmaking techniques as they explore a layering process. Each day as the students are reflecting on their experience, working through obstacles, and sharing their ideas and discoveries, there are investigating new ways to add details and layers to their murals.
PAPIER-MACHE CREATIONS I (Grades 3-5) and II (Grades 6-9)
In this course, students will create a whimsical papier-mâché creation with whatever creative touches they desire. Students will each be creating their own design by taking 2D sketches and transferring them into a completed 3D realistic model. through a variety of projects that utilize an assortment of media, including painting, drawing, sculpture, mixed media, and more. They'll also explore famous artwork and artists in order to get their inspiration and imagination flowing. See what your imagination can design!
POP UP CARD DESIGN I (Grades 3-5) and II (Grades 6-9)
Have fun exploring the world of Pop Up Cards. How are they made? What's never been tried? Beginning with examples of simple pop up cards, each camper will do a deep-dive into the limitless ways in which one can create amazing pop ups.
PUPPET MAKING (Grades 3-5)
In this class you will create a small puppet theater and a set of puppets in order to make your own puppet show. Each week we will do a different style of puppets made from different materials. Some possible styles include: stick puppets, box puppets, finger puppets, sock puppets, glove puppets. Each child will choose from a list of stories provided, choose a story they have written, or use another story that they like.
SET DESIGN / CONSTRUCTION (Grades 6-9) 5-week campers only.
Ever wonder how the scenery and props in a play or musical get to where they’re going? Ever wonder how all those lights and sound effects happen? And ever wonder if you can do it too? Well, you can! This is where you can discover all the tricks that make a show go! We will design and build the sets or props for the major production and handle all the lights, sound and technical work for Noontime Performances!
STRUCTURAL DESIGNS: DOLLHOURSES, SPACE STATIONS, CASTLES, AND MORE! (Grades 3-5)
If you love building miniature pieces and designing rooms, This class is for you! We will create our own structures, going room by room - decorating floors and walls, constructing furniture and all the unique details that will make your structure a home. You might choose to make a space station, a dollhouse, a castle, a stadium, or a barn. The delight is in the details. Please bring your imagination!
Writing
BC BUZZ AND NEWS (Grades 6-9)
Do you have an eye for detail? Are you interested in everything and everyone in the world around you? Are you consistently in the ‘know’ and notorious for asking ‘why’? If so, then the BC Buzz and News class is for you! This year we will focus on researching topics that are important to you; whether you want to go out and conduct a series of interviews, write a hard-hitting local or world news investigation, or want to start your own creative writing series, there will be plenty of opportunities to explore what interests you and to see your own work!
CREATIVE WRITING (Grades 6-9)
Do you have a story to tell? In this class, we will dive into creative writing across genres, exploring fiction, poetry, nonfiction, scriptwriting, and more! Through games, exercises, prompts, and workshops, you will experiment with new forms, sharpen your skills, and discover your unique artistic voice in a collaborative, fun, and supportive environment.
FANTASY WRITING AND ROLEPLAY (Grades 3-5)
Have you always wanted to be a witch? A dragon? A gnome? To write the next Harry Potter? In this class, we will create our own worlds, characters, and adventures and explore them through both writing and play. If you have a wild imagination and a love of all things fantasy, this is the class for you!
GRAPHIC STORIES (Grades 3-5)
Graphic stories are an exciting way to show and tell a story through the use of pictures/drawings and words. We will explore different forms of graphic stories- graphic novels, comics, drawings, and illustrations. So, be ready to let your creativity and imagination soar. We will use writing, drawing, and technology to create stories, play games, and make the impossible possible. Through our exploration of graphic novels, comics, and short stories told through pictures, you will have the opportunity to grow the art of writing and storytelling.
SONGWRITING AND STORYTELLING (Grades 6-9)
Do you love to write? Do you love music? This summer we will be learning how to create our own songs! We will learn different styles of songwriting from famous songwriters like Ed Sheeran, Paul McCartney, and Kanye West. We will incorporate their methods into our own craft . This class is open to both musicians and non-musicians alike!
Dance
BROADWAY STARS OF THE FUTURE I (Grades 3-5) and II (Grades 6-9)
Broadway is at the core of American show business history. For years and years we sing along, dance and get inspired by the amazing storytelling of our favorite broadway shows. But what if we could actually create our own story? Broadway stars of the future is an amazing opportunity for children to develop multiple skills in an exciting and fun way. Students will write, produce and perform their own stories. They will create characters, compose music, dance and act in a story that directly speaks to their hearts. This is an excellent way to increase abilities such as teamwork and communication skills and especially to validate and empower our kids' voice and intention to make a difference in the world we live in. The class is a great way to socialize, make new friends by creating something powerful they all relate to.
JAZZ AND HIP HOP DANCE I (Grades 3-5) and II (Grades 6-9)
Jazz and Hip Hop go together like...milk and cereal! If you want to groove to some cool vibes, this class is for you. You will be fully immersed into the beautiful history of jazz music and how it influenced hip hop in today’s culture. Starting from the Charleston in 1913 to the powerful and exciting world of hip hop dance in the ‘70s and today, this class will not only inspire and produce great dancers, but you will also have tons of fun doing it! Each class ends with a fun combination that will leave you energized and feeling hip! So join in and get movin’ to the rhythm.
SOUL TRAIN CHORUS (Grades 5-9)
Love singing? Love dancing? Love music? Then this class is perfect for you! Taught by longtime CAP Event Coordinator, Ethan, the AMAZING, STUPENDOUS, and “MUSICAL-ish” Soul Train Chorus is coming back to CAP. In this class, you will have joyous good times singing, harmonizing, and movin’ and groovin’ to pop, rock, and soul jams from the classics to the latest hits. This class is guaranteed to be the grooviest, “singing-est,” and most “fun-est” class ever!
Theater
CAP MUSICAL (Grades 5-9) 5-week campers only.
Description coming soon…
BROADWAY STARS OF THE FUTURE I (Grades 3-5) and II (Grades 6-9)
Broadway is at the core of American show business history. For years and years we sing along, dance and get inspired by the amazing storytelling of our favorite broadway shows. But what if we could actually create our own story? Broadway stars of the future is an amazing opportunity for children to develop multiple skills in an exciting and fun way. Students will write, produce and perform their own stories. They will create characters, compose music, dance and act in a story that directly speaks to their hearts. This is an excellent way to increase abilities such as teamwork and communication skills and especially to validate and empower our kids' voice and intention to make a difference in the world we live in. The class is a great way to socialize, make new friends by creating something powerful they all relate to.
IMPROV AND THEATER GAMES I (Grades 3-5) and II (Grades 6-9)
Improvisation, or improv, is a form of theater where the actors are given no script or time to rehearse, but rather, must come up with their action on the spot! In this class, you'll play theater games, create original scenes and characters, and learn the fundamentals of improv. The course will culminate in a sharing of our favorite improv games and activities at Noontime Performances and the camp community. If you love acting, and making up stories, this class is for you!
MASK MAKING THEATER (Grades 3-5)
Imagine a young adult version of Where the Wild Things Are only better. Is that even possible? Yes, you will fashion and build your own masks and then learn how to inhabit them. You and your imagination can literally run wild as you create characters to work with the masks. We will devise a short performance piece with masks and buffoon characters. Add music and zany costumes and see what the recipe yields!
MURDER MYSTERY SHOWCASE (Grades 6-9) 5-week campers only.
It’s a classic case of the “whodunit?!” Was it the butler? The maid? We don’t know who’s to blame in these classic Murder Mysteries. Come learn the art of acting while bringing fun Murder Mystery cases to life! Students will begin to explore character, improvisation, vocal techniques, and of course - theater games! If you love to act, and want to perform in a play, this class is for you!
PHYSICAL STORYTELLING (Grades 3-5) and (Grades 6-9)
Do you love telling stories but hate public speaking? Have you ever had a dream where you've needed to say something but lost your voice? In Physical Storytelling, we will draw from the fundamentals of stage combat, clowning, puppetry and music interpretation in order to craft theatrical pieces that tell stories using only the human body. No acting or dance experience necessary.
SET DESIGN / CONSTRUCTION (Grades 6-9) 5-week campers only.
Ever wonder how the scenery and props in a play or musical get to where they’re going? Ever wonder how all those lights and sound effects happen? And ever wonder if you can do it too? Well, you can! This is where you can discover all the tricks that make a show go! We will design and build the sets or props for the major production and handle all the lights, sound and technical work for Noontime Performances!
Music
iBAND (Grades 3-5)
Who thought that putting technology and music together could be so fun? In this class we will learn how to play music on the iPad! We will play music as an ensemble, work individually on some tech savvy apps, and create music in small groups.
iBAND BEATMAKING (Grades 6-9)
Who thought that putting technology and music together could be so fun? In this class, we will learn how to make Beats using Garageband. We will work individually and as a group learning how to create music using loops, and real instruments on the iPad. By the end of this class, students will know how to program beats, and create original electronic compositions.
INSTRUMENTAL COVERS (Grades 6-9)
Have you ever wanted to learn a song with no words on your instrument? Maybe video game music like Fortnite or Minecraft themes? Or maybe you heard a song you like in one of your favorite movies like Star Wars or Harry Potter? In this class, we discover the music behind the words of your favorite songs.
JAZZ BAND (Grade 3-9)
This class is for students who have some experience on their instruments, whether it be through private lessons or school band. What is the blues and swing music REALLY about? We will learn the music of jazz musicians who came before us both by ear and from written music. We will learn how to improvise and even make up some songs of our own! This class is for the 'cool cats'. Drums, piano, and amps are provided. Everyone else must bring their own instrument.
POP BAND SUPERSTARS (Grades 3-9)
This class is for students who have been playing an instrument for at least 1 year (voice included) and are looking to take their own creative approach on music. We will be focusing on creating their own individual sound to come together and make our own songs while also focusing on popular songs from a variety of genres. We will focus on showmanship as well as stage presence to create future artists and performers. All instruments welcome!
ROCK BAND (Grades 3-9)
These classes are for students who have been playing an instrument for at least two years (or singing for one) and would like to get experience playing popular songs in an ensemble setting. We will focus on how to play a groove, basic improvisation, using dynamics, and how music is arranged for multiple instrumentalists (and vocalists). Sign up for Rock Band during the period you prefer, and be ready to play on the first day so we can put our bands together. Students may need to switch rock band periods to allow everyone playing time.
SONGWRITING AND STORYTELLING (Grades 6-9)
Do you love to write? Do you love music? This summer we will be learning how to create our own songs! We will learn different styles of songwriting from famous songwriters like Ed Sheeran, Paul McCartney, and Kanye West. We will incorporate their methods into our own craft . This class is open to both musicians and non-musicians alike!
SOUL TRAIN CHORUS (Grades 5-9)
Love singing? Love dancing? Love music? Then this class is perfect for you! Taught by longtime CAP Event Coordinator, Ethan, the AMAZING, STUPENDOUS, and “MUSICAL-ish” Soul Train Chorus is coming back to CAP. In this class, you will have joyous good times singing, harmonizing, and movin’ and groovin’ to pop, rock, and soul jams from the classics to the latest hits. This class is guaranteed to be the grooviest, “singing-est,” and most “fun-est” class ever!
Digital Arts
DIGITAL ARTS I (Grades 3-5) and II (Grades 6-9)
In these classes, we will explore the ever-growing world of digital art. We will use Photoshop, iMovie, and other innovative techniques to create digital paintings and collages, manipulated photographs, GIFs, stop motion animation, and more. We will experiment with different computer methods and techniques to create memorable images and stories. Bring your imagination, ideas, and excitement as we dive into new media!
iBAND (Grades 3-5)
Who thought that putting technology and music together could be so fun? In this class, we will learn how to play music on the iPad! We will play music as an ensemble, work individually on some tech savvy apps, and create music in small groups.
iBAND BEATMAKING (Grades 6-9)
Who thought that putting technology and music together could be so fun? In this class, we will learn how to make Beats using Garageband. We will work individually and as a group learning how to create music using loops, and real instruments on the iPad. By the end of this class, students will know how to program beats, and create original electronic compositions.
INTRO TO PROGRAMMING: MIT SCRATCH (Grades 3-5)
Do you have an interest in programming or an interest in learning how to make your own video games? In this class we will be exploring the basics of video game design and programming through Scratch, a kid friendly programming language for all ages.
MAKE A MOVIE I (Grades 3-5)
Let’s make a movie that’s all your own! In this class, you will create a stop motion animation based on characters you create. We will also be shooting an action film and having fun with commercial spoofs! Learn new camera angles, and bring your imagination to the silver screen.
MAKE A MOVIE II (Grades 6-9)
Looking out at the world and into our imaginations, we will create short films varying from documentaries to commercial spoofs to live action dramas! This class will explore sound, motion, special effects, creativity, and more. While learning how to shoot and edit, we will make videos filled with the creatures, characters, and worlds both imagined and real.
VIDEO GAME DESIGN (Grades 6-9)
Do you love video games? Have you ever wanted to make a video game of your own? Well now you can! In Video Game Design we will be exploring how to make RPGs, Platformers, Dungeon Crawlers and everything in between! Using Gamemaker, you will learn the basics of creating a game: making levels, programming movement, creating your own character and finally putting it all together! But these games aren’t just for CAP, you can take them home and play them with your friends and family!
Athletics
BACKYARD GAMES (Grades 3-5)
Summertime is about backyard games: kickball, tag football, wiffle ball, dodgeball, foursquare, TAPS, tag, and Frisbee. What’s your favorite backyard game? In this class, students can help choose the games and even create new ones! Come have fun in CAP’s backyard.
BASKETBALL I (Grades 3-5) and II (Grades 6-9)
Learn how to play like the pros! Become a better passer, shooter, dribbler, and rebounder! We’ll practice the fundamentals of basketball and play fun, competitive games like horse, 3 on 3, and knock out, too. Join the CAP basketball team to develop your skills and become a team player. Become your favorite player and see how you do in the 2016 season at CAP! We're looking for kids who want to have fun!
CREATIVE SPORTS (Grades 3-5)
In CAP’s Creative Sports, we will develop new games using elements of all of the games we love to play. Have an idea for a new sport? Love to combine your talents together into one amazing moment of triumph? Then Creative Sports is for you! We seek to create moments of exhilarating competition in a good spirited atmosphere where fair play and fun rule.
SOCCER I (Grades 3-5) and II (Grades 6-9)
Soccer is the most popular sport in the world! To play soccer is to speak a global language! Come join the CAP soccer squad as we learn the fundamentals of games and drills. We will develop skills that will not only help in soccer, but in all athletics as well. In this class, we will work on the basic skills of soccer: dribbling, passing, shooting. Soccer is an excellent way to learn the importance of teamwork and sportsmanship. And it’s FUN!
SWIMMING (Grades 3-9)
In this course, we will work on basic water safety and strengthen our aquatic abilities. We will learn skills like submersion techniques, breath control, gliding, crawl-stroke, kicking while prone or on back, and survival skills like treading water and jumping in with recovery. More advanced swimmers will practice new skills including rhythmic breathing, freestyle, backstroke, underwater swimming, deep water comfort, and diving.
VOLLEYBALL (Grades 6-9)
Volleyball is one of the greatest outdoor/indoor sports and this is an opportunity to learn all about it. We focus on learning the basic skills of the game like passing, serving, and hitting. Develop confidence in your game, and have an awesome time. Come join us for a summer of CAP Volleyball!
WIFFLE BALL (Grades 3-9)
What better way to spend your summer days than playing a Brooklyn neighborhood tradition, Wiffle Ball! So, oil up your mitts and get ready to practice fun drills, play games, and keep stats! We'll choose team names. Who'll be the Yankees? How about the Mets? Who likes the Royals? Who will be our CAP World Series Champion? Good sportsmanship needed.
