Art & Lit (Grades 2-5)
1 week sessions 9:00am–3:00pm $715
In DEAN's Art & Lit Studio, stories leap off the page as campers bring their imaginations to life through written word and illustrated art. Each day unfolds like a story itself, where campers journey into the secrets of storytelling, discover the power of character development, and create new worlds through illustration. From crafting original short stories and poetry to designing comics packed with action and emotion, every Art & Lit program invites campers to learn how the magic happens when words and images work together. With guidance from encouraging instructors, campers explore the full creative process: brainstorming ideas, developing characters, designing layouts, and sharing their finished work with pride. Every session gives them the chance to see their ideas evolve from concept to creation in a fun, supportive environment that celebrates curiosity and creativity.
Skills & Techniques
Each week, campers engage in storytelling and illustration projects, learning key skills and mindsets:
- Foundation Skills: Character development, plot structure, story pacing, and visual storytelling
- Technical Abilities: Working with traditional and modern tools—sketchbooks, pens, bookbinding materials—to create comics and illustrated storybooks, exploring how words and images work together to express ideas and emotion
As they revise and refine their work, campers strengthen essential character skills:
- Collaboration: Practicing peer feedback and working side by side with fellow storytellers
- Resilience and Authenticity: Building confidence through revision and discovering their own unique creative voices
At the end of the week, counselors hold on to the copy of your camper’s work to send off to the publishers, and in 6-8 weeks, campers will receive their very own professionally bound copy of their work!
General Daily Schedule
Morning introduction
Activity period—approximately 1 hour
Snack and stretch break—approximately 15 minutes, outside weather permitting
Activity period—approximately 1 hour
Lunch and Recess break—approximately 1 hour, outside weather permitting
Activity period—approximately 2 hours (included in this time can be a stretch break as needed)
Clean up, pack up, dismissal
Dates, Hours, and fees
| 2026 Dates | |||||
| Week | Program | ||||
| June 22 - 26 | Dream, Write, Publish | ||||
| July 6 - 10 | Comic Creators | ||||
| July 13 - 17 | Dream, Write, Publish | ||||
| July 20 - 24 | Comic Creators | ||||
| July 27 - 31 | Dream, Write, Publish | ||||
| August 3 - 7 | Comic Creators | ||||
| August 10 - 14 | Dream, Write, Publish | ||||
| Hours | |
| 9:00am – 3:00pm | |
| Fees | |
| $715 5-day week | |
Themes + Weekly Overview
Comic Creators
Get ready to see imagination leap off the page!
In Comic Creators, campers will turn their ideas into full-length comics, mastering every step from storyboarding and plot design to illustration and color theory. They’ll learn how to draw dynamic characters, craft expressive speech bubbles, and use onomatopoeias that pack a punch-just like the pros.
Collaboration keeps ideas flowing, curiosity drives bold creative choices, and responsibility shines as they bring their vision to life with focus and care.
The week ends with a show-stopping finish: a bound edition of their very own comic—an accomplishment they can proudly place on the family bookshelf!
*Published comics may take 8+ weeks after camp to be received.
Techniques Learned in Comic Creators
Illustration
Storyboarding
Plot Structure
Character Development
Tracing
Dream, Write, Publish
Calling all storytellers! In Dream Write Publish, campers will turn their imaginations into real books, learning step by step how stories are built.
They’ll map out plot structure, create memorable characters, and strengthen reading and writing skills as they draft, edit, and polish their tales. With tracing, illustration, and color theory, they’ll bring their words to life through vibrant artwork, then explore the design process to prepare their stories for print.
Along the way, collaboration and empathy guide their peer feedback, while curiosity drives their storytelling choices.
Every camper finishes the week with a bound book—an accomplishment they can proudly place on the family bookshelf!
*Books may take 8+ weeks after camp to be received.
Techniques Learned in Dream, Write, Publish
Illustration
Plot Structure
Character Development
Tracing