Courses and Activities

ADVANCED CERAMICS: BIOMORPHIC CREATURES TO DYSFUNCTIONAL OBJECTS (Grades 6-9)

For experienced young ceramicists, this advanced course dives deep into conceptual and sculptural exploration. You'll take on weekly challenges that blend technique, creativity, and critique - crafting biomorphic forms, dysfunctional objects, and other unexpected creations. Inspired iconic artists, you'll push boundaries and refine your personal voice in clay. 

AVATAR BUILDING (Grades 3-5 & 6-9)

Are you a voracious reader? Artist? Inventor? In Avatar Building, students will be asked to create their own character. Whether it be a version of yourself, an imaginary creature or someone special in your life the character will be transformed from drawing to painting to a 3D clay figurine. Students will additionally be asked to write a short blurb about who their character is and some FAQs to share with their classmates. 

BEGINNER CERAMICS: FOUNDATIONS IN HANDBUILDING (Grades 3-5)

Start your ceramics journey by learning essential handbuilding techniques - pinching, coiling, slab building, and basic sculpting. This fun, supportive course is perfect for beginners and focuses on developing core skills through structured, hands-on projects. You'll create both functional and artistic works while building confidence in the studio. No experience necessary. 

CLAYMATION (Grades 3-5)

So you want to transform a rock into a beautiful cat? You can do that with clay! In this class, we will learn how to develop clay characters and scenery for short animations shot frame by frame. 

COLORFUL CREATIONS: A PAINTING CLASS (Grades 3-5 & 6-9)

Join is for a vibrant and explorative painting class! This exciting course offers young artists the opportunity to experiment with a wide array of mediums, including acrylics, oils, ink and gouache, on both small and large scale canvas' and mixed media surfaces. Guided by a friendly experienced instructor, students will learn essential techniques in color mixing, brushwork, and composition while expressing their unique creativity. Each project is designed to inspire imagination, collaboration and self-expression, allowing students to create unique and captivating artworks. Embark on this artistic adventure and discover the endless possibilities of painting and mixed media!

DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY (Grades 3-5 & 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 instructor 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. 

INTERMEDIATE CERAMICS: BEYOND THE BASICS (Grades 3-5)

Ready to take your ceramics practice to the next level? This class is designed for students with prior handbuilding experience who want to dive deeper into creative exploration. You'll work on more complex forms and techniques while experimenting with surface treatments, textures, and personal expression. Projects are guided but offer space for independence and risk-taking. Ideal for returning students or those with prior experience. 

INTERMEDIATE CERAMICS: PLAYFUL FORMS & SCULPTURAL THINKING (Grades 6-9)

This course is for students who have some handbuilding experience and are ready to explore more expressive, imaginative forms. Through weekly challenges, you'll create whimsical and unconventional ceramic sculptures inspired by contemporary and historical artists. You'll expand your skills in coil and slab construction, experiment and texture, and explore storytelling through form. Great for returning students or confident beginners. 

LEGENDS OF THE ART WORLD: RENAISSANCE TO 2025 (Grades 3-5)

Students will embark on a vibrant journey through history with Legends of the Art World, a captivating course exploring the groundbreaking lives and works of the greatest artists from the Renaissance to the contemporary art scene of 2025. In their image and likeness, students will practice art techniques and styles to explore what is true and authentic to their own artistic voice, spirit, and purpose. From Leonardo da Vinci's visionary sketches and Michelangelo's breathtaking frescoes, through the revolutionary brushstrokes of Van Gogh and Picasso, to female legends like Hilma af Klint and Frida Kahlo, and trailblazing contemporary creators like Banksy and Yayoi Kusama, students will engage deeply with the personal narratives, historical contexts, and transformative legacies of art history's most influential figures. This course provides an insightful blend of visual analysis, biographical exploration, critical reflection, and hands-on drawing and painting practice, cultivating a nuanced understanding of how creative imagination continually shapes and redefines our world. 

MOSAIC CREATIONS (Grades 3-5 & 6-9)

In this class students will explore the art of mosaic making! Beginning with paper, paint and scissors and transitioning to wood, ceramic tile and adhesive, you will learn how to create a personalized piece using a variety of materials. Focusing on the theme of home (a person, place or object that makes you feel connected to yourself), students will be asked to think about what they identify with and transform it into their work. 

NEEDLE-FELTED ANIMALS (Grades 6-9)

Wool is a fascinating fiber. It looks and feels like weightless fluff, but it can be transformed into amazingly sturdy works of art that seem to have life and energy. We will start this class learning the basics - how to handle the materials and get the wool to do what they want it to do. Then we will use images of animals skeletons to guide our construction of flexible armatures, which stabilize our sculptures and make them poseable. We'll use needle-felting techniques to cover the armatures, refine the animal shapes, and add detail to suit each student's vision and style. Felting takes time and requires patience and attention to detail, and many people find that felting makes them feel calm and relaxed. Be warned, though; you may become obsessed!

NEEDLE-FELTED MINIATURE FEAST (Grades 3-5)

Wool is an AMAZING natural material! It may be light and fluffy, but it can be sculpted into firm, sturdy objects using just a special needle and a lot of careful work. Felted objects can look cute, beautiful, realistic, goofy or spooky; but they all have a mysteriously life-like quality. We will start this class learning the basics - how to handle the materials and get the wool to do what we want it to do. Then we will use the magical process of needle-felting to transform bits of fluff into whimsical, colorful, and highly detailed miniatures of our favorite foods - from shawarma to sushi, stromboli to strawberry shortcake. By the end of the class we will be ready to assemble our creations into a giant felt feast!

PAINTING WITH WOOL: NEEDLE-FELTED PORTRAITS & LANDSCAPES (Grades 3-5)

Making a painting without a brush or drop of paint! In this course, you will create beautiful, highly detailed portraits and landscapes using only dyed wool and sharp needles. Using these tools and a variety of needle-felting tricks and techniques, you will be able to create an image that has depth, texture, and incredible detail. You can even make your painting 3D by creating objects that "pop out" of your painting! We will choose photos or drawings as references and inspiration, and there will be an enormous collection of wool colors and textures to choose from. 

PAPYRUS ART (Grades 3-5)

This five-week course introduces students to the ancient art of creating and painting on papyrus paper and also collages. The course covers the history of papyrus, techniques for preparing the paper, and both traditional and modern painting methods. We will do a deep dive exploring shapes, symbols, emojis, Pixar, Disney and modern artists. The course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of papyrus as both an artistic medium and historical artifact. Students will build an art portfolio, contribute to a collective ZINE, and participate in a final art show. 

REALISTIC DRAWING (Grades 3-5 & 6-9)

Students will learn a variety of drawing techniques to apply scale, proportion, and perspective to their drawings. This will help their drawings appear more realistic while still allowing for personal expression. Students will build confidence in using drawing materials in creative ways. 

WATERCOLOR PAINTING (Grades 3-5 & 6-9)

Students will explore a variety of watercolor techniques, with a focus on understanding the versatility of the medium. Lessons will include demonstrations on color mixing, wet-on-wet, dry brush, and texture techniques. Students will create paintings based on still life objects, photographs, and their own chosen subjects.

AI & CREATIVE LIFE (Grades 6-9)

Students will explore the rapidly evolving intersection between generative artificial intelligence and human creativity. The course will cover basic techniques across disciplines from writing, poetry, image generation, mini-scripting, and video creation. Students will learn how imagination, thought, and curiosity, together with technology, can radically expand creative capacity. Each week will culminate in creative work that will be included in a collective class ZINE. 

ENTREPRENEURSHIP 101 (Grades 3-5 & 6-9)

Learn to develop a business plan for your own business idea. Students will learn to take risks and persevere, while making business-like decisions about strategy, marketing and finance (optional activities include building a website and designing business cards). Students build confidence "learning by doing" throughout and prepare to make their pitch presentations!

GRAPHIC STORIES (Grades 3-5)

Graphic stories are an exciting way to show and tell a story through the use of 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 grown the art of writing and storytelling. 

IMAGINATION EXPLORERS: CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE! (Grades 3-5)

A playful journey into storytelling where young writers explore magical creatures, silly adventures, secret maps, and wild inventions. Students will create their own characters, build imaginative settings, and learn how to tell exciting stories from beginning to end - all while having fun. 

JOURNALISM: TELL YOUR STORY (Grades 3-5 & 6-9)

Students will learn all about the world of journalism. They'll discover what journalism is and who is involved in the process. Students will 'zoom in' on specific areas of journalistic writing. They'll also 'zoom out' to study how other sources of media (including entertainment-media and social) shape our understanding of the world. You may engage with other areas of journalism including but not limited to photojournalism, travel journalism, podcast and audio journalism, and/or magazine writing and design. 

PLANET EARTH MYTHOLOGIZED: JOURNEYS & ORIGIN STORIES ACROSS CIVILIZATION (Grades 6-9)

From the creation myths of ancient Mesopotamia and the hero quests of the Greeks to the dreamtime visions of Aboriginal Australia and the cosmic balance of Mesoamerican lore, to the American Dream to Marvel characters and video games - mythology is at the soul civilization. In this course, students explore world myths as living stories that help us understand the blueprint of our shared past, our time now, and the unknown future. We will reflect the fears, hopes and truths of humanity through the power of origin stories. We'll examine how origin stories have evolved through oral traditions, texts, and epic poetry - and how they now re-emerge in comic books, cinema, AI-generated narratives, and global memes. The course culminates in an imaginative exercise: crafting original myths for the world yet to come. How will transhumanism explore AI gods, climate justice deities, spacefaring origin tales, and myths born from a post-human Earth? Myth is in every age, generation, and century as prophecy, poetry and power. 

SCREENPLAYS: SHORT FILMS (Grades 6-9)

Do you ever find yourself yearning for the next best hit but feeling constantly disappointed by what's on the big screen? Do you catch yourself getting into heated debated with your friends about how a movie should have ended? If so, this is the place for you! In this creative space, we will examine short films, dissect their strategies, and use them in our own writing. We will create screenplays of the movies we've always wanted to see be made. By the end of the month, our worlds will get a chance to float off the page, as we film a short scene of our masterpieces!

STRANGE NEW WORLDS: WRITING SPECULATIVE FICTION IN UNCERTAIN TIMES (Grades 6-9)

This course dives into speculative fiction - sci-fi, dystopian, utopian, and surreal tales - to explore how writers imagine alternate realities in response to real-world chaos, change, and possibility. Perfect for those wanting to sharpen their world-building chops!

DANCE CHOREOGRAPHY (Grades 6-9)

This class provides students with the basic skills and knowledge of the choreographic principles. Through discussion and practical experience, the students develop a basic understanding of dance as a performing art form. Study of basic dance choreography to include construction of a phrase, structure and form in a composition, and the basic elements of time, space and energy. 

DANCE KARAOKE (Grades 6-9)

Tap into your inner pop star in this fun dance class that draws inspiration from your favorite musical artists. You'll learn choreography from old and new music videos in a supportive environment where everyone brings their good energy. We'll also create our own dances to some of your favorite songs. If you've ever seen a video or concert footage and said, "I wish I could do that," then this class is for you. Dancers in this class will have plenty of opportunity for creative collaboration and idea sharing - let's dance to your favorite songs and videos! We'll focus on a new song each week, exploring different styles and performance skills. No formal dance experience necessary. 

DISNEY DANCE-LOVERS (Grades 3-5)

Have you ever imagined yourself on stage or screen in a Disney musical? Aladdin, Lion King, Descendants, High School Musical. There are so many to choose from! Become a "Disney Star" for the summer. We'll learn parts of some classic dance numbers from Disney hits in a high energy, collaborative setting. From animals to teen pirates to mythical creatures, add your special flavor to your favorite Disney characters each week. You'll learn dance skills choreography, with an emphasis to team building and creative freedom. No formal dance experience necessary. 

HIP HOP DANCE (Grades 3-5)

Get ready to groove and unleash your inner dancer in this electrifying class that combines the timeless allure of jazz with the infectious energy of hip hop! Dive into the captivating history of jazz music and discover its profound influence on the vibrant world of hip hop today. From the legendary Charleston of 1913 to the dynamic and thrilling moves of hip hop in the '70s and beyond, this class will not only ignite your passion for dance but also ensure you have a blast throughout. Each session concludes with an exhilarating combination that will leave you energized and feeling totally hip! Come join us and let the rhythm move you!

MODERN + CONTEMPORARY DANCE (Grades 3-9)

By using open discussion and themed movement, participants will work together in groups of active play to discover their own style of dance, and collectively create an original work of moving art that would be shared with family and friends. We will also explore using our voices with movement, moving between speaking, singing and silence. 

MUSICAL THEATER JAZZ DANCE (Grades 3-9)

Perfect for students who love Broadway dance and want to learn the many different styles and how to pick up combinations quickly and perform them with confidence, this class features Broadway show tunes from beginning to end. In addition to technique and performance skills, you will also be taught the history of the song, the composer, the artists, and its influence in musical theater history, from Golden Age musicals to today's current show while developing your personal style and character.

CAP MUSICAL (Grades 5-9)**Only available to 5-week campers**

We are excited to announce that this year's musical at CAP will be Once Upon a Mattress: Youth Edition!

Once Upon a Mattress: Youth Edition is a one-hour adaption of the beloved musical, designed for young performers. 

Many moons ago in a far-off place, Queen Aggravain decreed no couples could marry until her son, Prince Dauntless, found a bride. Princesses came from far and wide to win the hand of the prince, but none could pass the impossible tests given to them by the Queen. That is, until the "shy" swamp princess, Winnifred the Woebegone, showed up. Would she be able to pass the Sensitivity Test, marry her prince and help Lady Larken and Sir Harry to the altar? Carried on a wave of wonderful songs, by turns hilarious and raucous, romantic and melodic, this rollicking spin on the classic tale The Princess and the Pea provides some side-splitting shenanigans. After all, a princess is a delicate thing. 

MUSICAL THEATER JAZZ DANCE (Grades 3-9)

Perfect for students who love Broadway dance and want to learn the many different styles and how to pick up combinations quickly and perform them with confidence, this class features Broadway show tunes from beginning to end. In addition to technique and performance skills, you will also be taught the history of the song, the composter, the artists, and its influence in musical theater history from Golden Age musicals to today's current show while developing your personal style and character. 

ONCE UPON A STAGE (Grades 3-5 & 6-9)

Step into a world where stories leap off the page and come alive on stage! Once Upon s Stage invites young creators on a magical journey where they don't just watch stories - they become them. In this class, students will have the chance to write, produce, and perform their own original tales - or reimagine a favorite story as a dramatic adventure filled with music, movement, and heart. Whether they're inventing wild new characters or stepping into the shoes of legendary ones, kids will explore the full power of their imagination through acting, dancing, and storytelling. Along the way, they'll build confidence, practice teamwork, and develop their voice - both onstage and off. Join us for an unforgettable experience where every student is a storyteller and every story finds a spotlight!

PHYSICAL STORYTELLING (Grades 3-5 & 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. 

READY, SET, IMPROV! (Grades 3-5)

In this class, you'll have tons of fun playing theatre games, using your imagination to create characters, build scenes, and invent whole new worlds through improvisation. Improvisation (or "improv") is a type of theatre where you come up with stories on the spot! We'll perform our favorite improv games and activities during both Noontime Performance. If you love acting, playing games, and making up stories, this class is for you!

SET DESIGN/CONSTRUCTION (Grades 6-9)

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, sounds, and technical work for Noontime Performances!

SKETCH COMEDY (Grades 3-5 & 6-9)

Do you love SNL? Is there a TikTok star who makes you laugh with funny skits? In Sketch Comedy, you will explore the history of the genre and learn the basics of short-form written comedy for yourself. You'll be exposed to various types of sketches - from character sketches to parodies - as you expand your understanding of what makes things silly (and how to make them sillier). With changes to brainstorm, write, and perform, we will work together to make sense (or chaos) of this world through humor. 

JAZZ BAND (Grades 3-9)

This class is for students who have 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 on our own! This class is for the 'cool cats.' Drums, piano, and amps are provided. Everyone else must bring their own instrument.

MUSIC BEATS (Grades 3-5)

Learn how to create beats and music like your favorite artists! In this class we will learn how to create beats and short pieces on both the iPad and the computer. We will learn how to record your voice or instrument and put it all together with your beats. 

MUSIC PRODUCTION (Grades 6-9)

Learn how to record like in a recording studio. In this class, we will learn how to produce a song, record using microphones and mix and master using GarageBand. If you ever wanted a great recording of your voice or instrument or wanted to produce a song, this is the course for you!

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 3-5 & 6-9)

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 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.

AI & CREATIVE LIFE (Grades 6-9)

Students will explore the rapidly evolving intersection between generative artificial intelligence and human creativity. The course will cover basic techniques across disciplines from writing, poetry, image generation, mini-scripting, and video creation. Students will learn how imagination, thought, and curiosity, together with technology, can radically expand creative capacity. Each week will culminate in creative work that will be included in a collective class ZINE.  

CLAYMATION (Grades 3-5)

So you want to transform a rock into a beautiful cat? You can do that with clay! In this class, we will learn how to develop clay characters and scenery for short animations shot frame by frame. 

DIGITAL ANIMATION (Grades 3-5 & 6-9)

Have you ever wondered how animators make drawings "come to life in cartoons? In this course, students learn how to think like an animator: we will use iPads to draw digitally on the Procreate App, break down the foundations of movement, and explore different animation techniques and styles to create the illusion of movement - all through drawing! Suitable for beginners and experiences digital animators.  

DIGITAL ART (Grades 3-5 & 6-9)

Do you love drawing - and ever wish you could just press "undo"? Digital art making might be the course for you! In this class, students learn how to think like a digital artist and use the Procreate App on the iPad. Digital art-making opens up a whole new world of possibilities - drawing with layers, using different "brushes," experimenting with assisted drawing, and more! Learn what makes digital art such a fun and special medium by exploring different techniques, styles, and projects. All experience levels are welcome!

DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY (Grades 3-5 & 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. 

GAME DESIGN (Grades 3-5 & 6-9)

In Game Design, you will get the chance to play and explore a wide variety of genres - from card games to board games, centuries-old classics to recent masterpieces - as your explore what makes gaming fun to you and your co-gamers. We will play, discuss, analyze, and imagine our way through countless games, unpacking the unique stories we can create through gaming and what makes us care. If you love gaming and want the chance to experience what it's like to design one, this is the class for you!

INNOVATIVE MULTIMEDIA DESIGN: BLENDING TRADITION & TECHNOLOGY (Grades 3-5 & 6-9)

This class takes young artists on a creative journey where traditional mediums like collage, ink, and paint meet the digital realms of Canva and Adobe Express. Through hands-on projects, students will explore the principles of design, visual storytelling, and artistic innovation. Students will learn to create captivating artworks and dynamic multimedia projects, blending physical and digital techniques. Emphasizing collaboration and creativity, this course encourages students to push the boundaries of their imagination, develop their unique artistic voice, and craft compelling stories through a fusion of traditional and modern design practices. Join us for an inspiring adventure in multimedia design where creativity knows no limits!

MAKE A MOVIE (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 (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. 

STOP MOTION ANIMATION (Grades 6-9)

Using clay, skittles, post its or almost anything else you might think of, students will learn how to create short stop motion animations using the iPad. Students will also learn how to time sounds effects or beats to their animations to create a finished animation. 

BACKYARD GAMES (Grades 3-5)

Summertime is about backyard games: kickball, tag football, wiffle ball, dodgeball, foursqaure, 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 (Grades 3-5 & 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 2025 season at CAP! We're looking for kids who want to have fun!

SOCCER (Grades 3-5 & 6-9)

Soccer is a great way to provide students with physical exercise through engaging practices featuring ball control, shooting, passing, defense and goalkeeping. Our experienced coaches will lead warm up and skill building drills. We'll learn fundamental skills and develop new ones, while having fun in a safe and supportive environment!

SWIMMING (Grades 3-5 & 6-9)

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 3-5 & 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 like the Royals? Who will be our CAP World Series Champion? Good sportsmanship needed.