aafa art camp – Bellevue

American Academy of Fine Arts – Suite 101, 13635 NE 8th St, Bellevue, 98005

Day camp | May 25, 2026, May 26, 2026

Mid-winter art camp | Feb 16–20, 2026

Spring break art camp | Apr 6–10, 2026

Summer Art Camp | Jun 24 – Aug 28, 2026

School hours: half day morning 9:30 am - 12 pm, afternoon 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm. Full day 9:30 am- 3:30 pm

If you need to book other dates not listed, please get in touch with email: arts@aafa.info, Cell: 425-900-3885

Camp Structure & Educational Principles

Mixed-Media Instruction — Encourages the use of a variety of art materials (e.g., acrylic paint, watercolor, clay/modeling, collage, 3D construction, printmaking, when possible). This variety helps children experience different textures, methods, and expressive possibilities. This is aligned with recommended practices for art camps that foster creativity, exploration, and hands-on learning.

Hands-On + Showcase — By the end of each week, children will produce multiple finished artworks. On the last day, we organize a “Parents Showcase / Exhibition” where children help display their works for parents/families — giving them a sense of accomplishment, pride, and creative ownership.

Creativity& Technique — Especially for ages 5–12, we emphasize imagination, storytelling, exploration, and observation, not just technique. Projects are open-ended, giving each child room to interpret, invent, and express themselves. This supports self-confidence, personal expression, and enjoyment.

Balanced Grouping Summary

Our camp uses two balanced age-based groups, allowing teachers to adjust project difficulty, pacing, and support to match each child’s developmental level. Younger students receive simplified steps and guided demonstrations, while older or more advanced learners explore more advanced techniques and more challenging tasks. Small-group instruction ensures every child receives individual attention, learns comfortably at the right level, and enjoys a positive, focused, and successful art experience.

Daily Rhythm & Structure — A stable daily schedule helps kids know what to expect, supports transitions, and maintains flow.

summer camp 2026	Theme	Description / Focus
6/24-6/26	Outdoor Nature	Children explore nature through observational drawing, leaf/texture rubbing, plein-air watercolor painting, and nature-inspired collage. Focus on observing plants, trees, rocks, and landscapes to build appreciation for nature.
6/29-7/3	Cartoon & Manga	Children design cartoon/manga characters, build storylines, and use expressive lines, bold colors, collage, or stylized exaggeration. Emphasis on imagination, storytelling, and visual expression.
7/6-7/10	Mixed Masters – Learn from the Masters	Kids explore famous artists and major art styles using painting, collage, drawing, and printmaking. Develops artistic appreciation and encourages experimentation across styles.
7/13-7/17	Art & Science  Lab	A creative fusion of art and science — children explore color reactions, simple physics-based art, chromatography, crystal patterns, and kinetic/interactive creations. Encourages curiosity, hands-on discovery, and innovative thinking.
7/20-7/24	Pet Paradise	Children create artwork featuring real or imagined pets using drawing, painting, collage, or sculpture. Focus on expressive storytelling, creativity, and playful design.
7/27-7/31	Jungle Art Journey	A tropical-themed week centered on jungle animals, rainforest plants, exotic textures, leaf prints, and 3D models. Explores nature, color, and texture.
8/3-8/7	World Wonders	Inspired by global landmarks, natural wonders, and cultural heritage. Children paint, collage, and build models to create real or imagined “world wonders.”
8/10-8/14	Creative Storybook Art	Students design illustrated story pages, characters, and narrative scenes. Focus on storytelling, sequencing, and imaginative illustration.
8/17-8/21	Underwater & Ocean Art Adventure	Kids draw or model sea creatures, coral reefs, and underwater landscapes using blue tones, fluid lines, and mixed/3D media. Encourages interest in marine nature and creative interpretation.
8/24-8/28	Mixed Media Art Lab	Children experiment with diverse materials—paint, collage, clay, fabric, recycled items, and printmaking—to produce highly original mixed-media artworks.

AAFA Summer Camp 2026 — Daily Rhythm & Structure

Time	Activity	Description
9:00-9:30 am	Before Care	Reading corner, quiet drawing, simple crafts, table games, calm transition, check-in.
9:30- 9:45 am	Drop-Off & Warm-Up	Check-in, settle belongings; free drawing, doodling, line/shape/color warm-up exercises.
9:45-10:00 am	Welcome Circle & Daily Theme Introduction	Welcome circle, introduction of the day’s theme, show sample artworks, explain materials, and project steps.
10:00-11:00 am	Morning Lesson Part 1	Teacher demonstration, start main art project, individual guidance.
11:00-11:15 am	Outdoor / Movement Break	Outdoor play, stretching, snack time, sensory reset.
11:15-12:00 pm	Morning Lesson Part 2	Continue project, add details, prepare for lunch.
12:00-1:00 pm	Lunch	Eat together, quiet reading, or table games, transition time after lunch.
1:00- 2:00 pm	Afternoon Part 3	Afternoon project introduction and art creation.
2:00- 2:20 pm	Outdoor / Movement Break	Outdoor play or an indoor sensory break, light games.
2:20- 3:20 pm	Afternoon Lesson Part 4	Complete artwork, creative extension activities, and prepare pieces for dismissal.
3:20- 3:30 pm	Clean-Up	Clean tools and tables, pack artwork, and prepare for pick-up.
3:30 pm	Pick-Up	Students dismissed to families.
3:30 pm -5:00 pm	After Care	Reading corner, simple crafts, optional quiet homework time, outdoor play, or indoor games.