Discovering U

In this new camp, students will learn how to create, write, and illustrate their very own zines – small, handmade booklets that they will fill with their own stories and artwork. This camp will focus on self expression and creativity while covering topics such as their emotions, goals, dreams and more. Campers will explore these through collage, drawing, and simple writing techniques to bring their unique visions to life. This camp focuses on collaboration and sharing stories with others!

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Pack your pencils and prepare for an adventure into the land of illustration! In this new camp, young illustrators dive into the fundamental elements of art – line, shape, color, light, form, and space. Through hands-on lessons, campers will learn how to break references down into their core elements for usage in their own artwork. Prepare to see the world differently, and unlock the tools to create your very own unique images!

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Want to experiment with art styles and create art like the masters? From Van Gogh to Basquiat, campers will dive into the world of famous artists and use their unique techniques in their own art projects. Campers will learn to mimic iconic styles while developing their own artistic voice through painting, drawing, and mixed media.

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This new camp is designed to foster creativity and self-expression in young artists through the exploration of jewelry-making and various art techniques. Campers will engage in hands-on art projects, encouraging them to express their individuality while developing fine motor skills and enhancing their artistic abilities.

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If you had a hammer, would you use it to drive a nail? Or would you rather use it to forge a nail from red hot iron? This camp is designed to ignite your passion for blacksmithing and introduce you to the seemingly endless ways of expressing yourself by shaping iron with fire and hammer. You will gain basic knowledge of iron and its characteristics, an understanding of the dynamics of forging, and the ability to safely shape iron with heat and a hammer. An additional waiver for Chicago Avenue Fire Arts Center is required with registration. 

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Glitter, puffy paints, tie-dye, and glow-in-the-dark art projects are all found in this magical art camp! Campers will create, reflect, and dream up magical landscapes that evoke peace, excitement, and curiosity. Spend time reflecting on what brings us peace before we shut our eyes at night and any dreams that we would love to see brought to life. Campers will also learn how to recreate their dreams by expressing them through art mediums of watercolor, mixed-media pieces, beads, and mobiles. Tie-dye pillowcases will come home at the end of the week in remembrance of sweet memories in this new camp.

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Do you have a hearty imagination and a strong spirit for adventure? The classic game of high fantasy, magic, monsters, fae, dungeons and dragons teaches fierce problem solving, fervent teamwork, and ferocious creativity that cannot be matched. Learn the game at a beginner level, create your own character, and play in an adventure designed to be both an introduction and a challenge to your skills.

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Do you have a large imagination and a craving for adventure, but in Space!? This camp will explore a tabletop role-playing game similar to Dungeons and Dragons but with a Star Wars/Star Trek/Sci-Fi focus. Create your own character and explore the stars in adventures that introduce campers to the game and challenge their skills to collaborate, problem solve, and communicate.

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Use creative mathematical thinking to transform patterns and shapes into art. Explore the properties of polygons, platonic solids, and other two and three dimensional shapes. Design unique patterns and construct models in a real-world exploration of the art of geometry. 

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Do you love clay? Then prepare to get messy, creative and muddy! In this fun, hands-on camp you will make animals, ornaments, pinch pots and even famous characters with all sorts of clay and dough, from Air-Dry Clay to Model Magic. Slab, pinch, hand build, and sculpt your way through this creative camp that features an exciting combination of projects. 

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Design and build a sculpture of a robot with moving parts using materials recycled from home. What do you want your robot to do for you? Learn about simple machines, like the wheel and axle and the lever, and add them to your creation. We will explore electricity, circuits and motors to make things move! 

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Whether you are new to the theater world or a longtime thespian, this camp will provide you with a strong foundation in a variety of dramatic skills such as acting, directing, improvisation, character building, blocking, and more! Campers will play a variety of theater and improv games to strengthen their stage presence in preparation to act and direct in a short play with their peers!

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Brought to you by Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre, campers will engage in learning about masks and creating a mask of their own design, which they will decorate. Mask making will explore a variety of materials and skills, including sculpting with clay, paper mache technique, and decorating with various materials. Campers will have a chance to use their masks to express a movement or a feeling, while working in small groups or independently.

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Expressing, feeling, learning, creating! In this self-expressive camp, youth will learn how to communicate their feelings through painting, drawing, and group project activities. Using positive psychology tools to activate self-compassion, creativity and communication, youth will bring what’s on the “inside” to life on paper! Youth will take home their personal collection of artful creations and a group art project to share with family and friends!

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From contemporary movement to improvisation, join us in exploring dance styles that focus on expression and creativity! We will move our bodies all week through interactive dance games and activities that aid you in creating your own piece of work! At the end of the week, you will be able to demonstrate your amazing talent at our dance showcase.

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Unleash your creativity in this fun-filled week of nature-inspired art! Campers will explore leaf rubbings, flower pressing, collaging, and cyanotype printing, blending art with the beauty of the natural world. Through hands-on art projects and outdoor activities, campers will observe, create, and connect with nature in new ways.

*No camp on June 19th due to the Juneteenth Holiday

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Brought to you by Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre, campers will engage in exploration of materials and design a hand puppet, which will be used to create and tell a story. Different materials and techniques will be used during this camp session, including paper mache and sewing.

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This new camp is an exciting adventure in creativity, movement and mindfulness! Every day is packed with activities, fun games, and imaginative projects promoting physical activity and emotional well-being. Campers will practice yoga poses while engaging in lively group games that foster teamwork and cooperation. Through creative activities like art projects and reflective journaling, campers will spark their imagination and encourage self-care in a supportive environment.

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