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 2023 season. Courses for 2024 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
DIGITAL ARTS (Grades 3-5) and (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 collages, manipulated photographs, GIFs, stop motion animation, claymation, short movies 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 (Grades 3-5) and (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.
FASHION DESIGN (Grades 3-5)
Unleash your inner fashionista and embark on an exciting journey into the world of fashion illustration! Experience the thrill of bringing your creative ideas to life through stunning sketches, drawings and paintings. Join our exclusive fashion house and collaborate with friends to design unique and alternative outfits for every occasion. Get ready to make a stylish statement and become a trendsetter!
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.
IMAGINARY HISTORIES: CREATING ARTIFACTS (Grades 3-5)
Do you like archeology? Do you wonder about times long ago? Do you find yourself imagining what it would have been like to live in the distant past? If so, look no further. In this workshop, you will tell the tales of a civilization that you will invent yourself. You will find inspiration from real ancient cultures (Greece, Rome, Egypt, and more) as you develop your own imaginary tales of times long ago. In a mixed-media project that combines art and writing, you will name your own civilization and describe their customs and traditions in your own personal history story. You will get to draw the people, their outfits, what they ate and did for fun. You will also have the option to make fake artifacts of our own. Let your imagination take you back in time and far away!
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!
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 (Grades 3-5) and (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.
"OLD SCHOOL" ANIMATION (Grades 3-5) and (Grades 6-9)
In this course, students will learn about pre digital animation and engage in classic illustration techniques to create their favorite characters. Students will explore moving animation by practicing flipbook making, stop-motion and zoetrope drawing. With a focus on illustration, students will also produce finished color illustrations by hand. This course is designed to improve drawing skills and help students learn to make more professional-looking animation artwork.
PAPIER-MACHE CREATIONS I (Grades 3-5) and (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!
PORTRAIT CREATIONS (Grades 3-5)
Do you love to draw people? You're not alone; for thousands of years humans have felt compelled to record themselves and one another through drawing and painting mediums. In this class, we'll take a look at how portraiture has evolved through the ages and complete daily warm ups to strengthen our observational abilities. In this largely self-directed course, students will have the opportunity to devote their time to the mediums of their choice, culminating in the completion of one major self portrait.
PRINTMAKING (Grades 3-5) and (Grades 6-9)
This course is designed for students to learn the fun, as well as the basic skills and vocabulary of printmaking. Students will explore a variety of materials used in the printmaking process. This includes water based materials, monotype prints, multi-block prints, as well as collagraph and rubbing techniques. As students advance we will print on a range of papers, fabrics, tinted surfaces and work with glues and collage techniques in the course.
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.
SCULPTURE (Grades 3-5) and (Grades 6-9)
Students are introduced to basic materials, processes and concepts of working three dimensionally. Focus for the course will be on the formal and conceptual elements of sculptural language. Students will have the opportunity to explore a range of different materials including clay, cardboard, wire, plaster and paper mache in their three dimensional designs.
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, sound and technical work for Noontime Performances!
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!
CRAZY TEXTBOOK CREATION (Grades 3-5)
Did you know that an elephant weighs less than the tongue of a whale? And that baby giraffes are able to stand on their own within half an hour of being born? Or that the world's longest place name is 85 letters long?! In this workshop, we will be making our own textbooks using crazy facts that we find, or even make up ourselves. You will have the opportunity to illustrate your textbook and be the official expert on whatever wild topic you choose!
CREATIVE BOOK ARTS (Grades 3-5)
Make our own artist books and explore an array of DIY publishing, mixed-media, and book binding techniques. We will draw inspiration from zines, chapbooks, pop-up books and more. Students will emerge from this course with their own handmade book.
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.
GAME BASED STORYTELLING (Grades 6-9)
Have you ever helped Link bring peace back to Hyrule? Defeated Bowser in an epic battle to save Princess Peach? Or built your very own world in Minecraft? All of these games began with a good story -- one full of adventure, obstacles, friends and foes. In Game Based Storytelling, you'll read and learn how game designers craft journeys of the heroes in their stories. You will consider the decisions (and consequences of those decisions) that players must make for their hero, and then author your own adventure story that asks the reader to choose a path to successfully complete their quest. It's dangerous to go alone, so take this writing journey with us!
IMAGINARY HISTORIES: CREATING ARTIFACTS (Grades 3-5)
Do you like archeology? Do you wonder about times long ago? Do you find yourself imagining what it would have been like to live in the distant past? If so, look no further. In this workshop, you will tell the tales of a civilization that you will invent yourself. You will find inspiration from real ancient cultures (Greece, Rome, Egypt, and more) as you develop your own imaginary tales of times long ago. In a mixed-media project that combines art and writing, you will name your own civilization and describe their customs and traditions in your own personal history story. You will get to draw the people, their outfits, what they ate and did for fun. You will also have the option to make fake artifacts of our own. Let your imagination take you back in time and far away!!
PLAYWRITING (Grades 6-9)
The goal of this class is to explore the basic craft of Playwriting 101 with equal value given to both the process as well as the product. The class will include ensemble building exercises, theater games, character work through physicality, playwriting/play-making development, etc. We will discuss and identify burning/important issues, while exploring ways to dramatize ideas, concepts of plots, character, structure and scripting for performance throughout the summer.
WRITE YOUR LIFE (Grades 6-9)
Have you ever thought your life would make a great novel? Screenplay? Stand-up comedy routine? in this class, we'll get creative with nonfiction and learn to look at our lives and ourselves in exciting new ways. We'll take real people, places and events and use them as inspiration for poetry, plays, essays, comics, songs and more! If you've got a story to tell, this is your place to tell it!
Dance
BROADWAY STARS (Grades 3-5) and II (Grades 6-9)
Step into the captivating world of Broadway and become the author of your own mesmerizing story! Broadway Stars is a thrilling opportunity for children to embark on an extraordinary journey where they will unleash their creativity and develop a wide range of skills in a fun and engaging way. In this class, students will have the chance to write, produce and perform their very own stories. They will bring characters to life, compose captivating music, dance with passion and act with flair, all in a narrative that speak directly to their hearts. This exceptional experience will foster essential qualities such as teamwork and communication skills while validating and empowering our kids' voices and their desire to make a positive to make impact in our world. Join us on this enchanting adventure, where friendships are formed, and powerful stories come to life.
JAZZ AND HIP HOP DANCE (Grades 3-5) and (Grades 6-9)
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 on 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 DANCE: IMPROV TO DISCOVERY (Grades 3-5) and (Grades 6-9)
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 explore using our voices with movement, moving between speaking, singing and silence.
SOUL TRAIN CHORUS (Grades 3-5) and (Grades 6-9)
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!
SWING DANCE (Grades 3-5) and (Grades 6-9)
Through Swing we experience rhythm. self expression and each other. The partnership between the music, the dancers and the rhythm are explored with foundational movement from the swing and jazz vocabulary. Get ready to share your own creative spirit and your individual swing style.
Theater
CAP MUSICAL (Grades 5-9)
We are excited to announce that this year's (2023) musical will be "The Little Mermaid" Jr.
From the producers: Written to flow seamlessly between land an sea, Disney's The Little Mermaid Jr. provides plenty of opportunities to bring these locations to life through creative movement and configurations. The fantasy of being underwater means your entire cast and crew can let their imagination run wild.
So we're thinking "green screen effects," "black/neon glow lighting," puppets and all the fun creativity that can only happen in a CAP summer musical production. Auditions will take place the first day of CAP and all students enrolled in the class will be cast.
BOUND FOR BROADWAY (Grades 3-5)
Are you s start in the making? The loudest singer in the car? Or maybe a wallflower who could take on a spotlight with the right push? In Bound for Broadway we will explore iconic, star-driven musical theater solos. Students will explore musical theater storytelling through theater games and singing techniques, stretching their imagination and letting their creativity flow! Come let your star shine in Bound for Broadway.
BROADWAY BOOTCAMP (Grades 3-5)
Students will learn what it takes to rehearse and perform Broadway ensemble numbers made for young audiences. Campers will sharpen their music and dance skills as they learn to sing and perform choreography at the same time, while fully embracing the style of the show. Each ensemble number will have short scenes before, after or in between that involve all campers. There will be opportunities for solo moments.
BROADWAY BOOTCAMP (Grades 6-9)
Students will have the opportunity to perform small scenes and songs from Broadway shows, with a focus on contemporary musical theater repertoire. Campers will hone their musical and performance skills through learning harmonies, individual coaching, creating characters, interpreting text and collaboration. There will be opportunities for solo, duet, and ensemble performances.
BROADWAY ENSEMBLE (Grades 6-9)
Singing, acting or dancing? Why choose when you can have all three! Broadway Ensemble is a crash course in all things musical theater performance. Students will perform some of their favorite musical theater songs while learning melodies, choreography and building characters in the world of a musical ensemble. This class is perfect for the student who wants to try a little bit of everything or for a triple threat in the making.
BROADWAY STARS (Grades 3-5) and (Grades 6-9)
Step into the captivating world of Broadway and become the author of your own mesmerizing story! Broadway Stars is a thrilling opportunity for children to embark on an extraordinary journey where they will unleash their creativity and develop a wide range of skills in a fun and engaging way. In this class, students will have the chance to write, produce, and perform their own stories. They will bring characters to life, compose captivating music, dance with passion and act with flair, all in a narrative that speak directly to their hearts. This exceptional experience will foster essential qualities such as teamwork and communication skills while validating and empowering our kids' voices and their desire to make a positive impact on our world. Join us on this enchanting adventure, where friendships are formed, and powerful stories come to life.
IMPROV AND THEATER GAMES (Grades 3-5) and (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!
LET'S ACT! (Grades 6-9)
"All the world's stage." Take away the glamorous costumes, lights, sounds and set pieces and what are you left with? An actor and their stage. In Let's Act, we will explore the power of the actor through the human body and voice. Students will explore script analysis, character development, movement techniques and the power of their own voice through theater games, scenes and monologues. Students will walk away knowing that they do not need a stage to be an actor, because all the world's a stage.
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)
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)
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.
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.
SING YOUR HEART OUT (Grades 3-5)
Whether you sing at the top of your lungs or just hum a tune in the background, everyone has a song in their heart waiting to break free! in this class, students will explore the basics of singing techniques by diving into different styles and genres of music. They will also have the opportunity to try their hand at showmanship by singing in the spotlight at Noontime Performances. Come release your inner songbird and walk away feeling more confident singing your favorite song and maybe a few more!
SOUL TRAIN CHORUS (Grades 3-5) and (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 (Grades 3-5) and (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!
EDIBLE ARTS (Grades 3-5) and (Grades 6-9)
If you've ever been told not play with your food, Edible Art might be for you! In this course, you'll have a chance to sculpt rock-candy castles, build marshmallow murals, piece together M&M mosaics, string "sweet" bracelets and much more! Whether you'd like to follow a design or come up with your culinary creation, Edible Srt is sure to be delicious time for artists and foodies alike.
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.
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.
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 (Grades 3-5) and (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 2023 season at CAP! We're looking for kids who want to have fun!
CREATIVE SPORTS (Grades 6-9)
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 (Grades 3-5) and (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 3-5) and (Grades 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.
WIFFLE BALL (Grades 3-5) and (Grades 6-9)
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.