Art Camps
📍 American Academy of Fine Arts – 657 228th Ave NE, Sammamish
Art camp is all about providing structure to your education. These are the exact exercises you can use to improve your skills as an artist, no matter where you're at right now. Whether you're a beginner or a pro, these courses will push you to the next level.
We offer half-day and full-day camps to K-12 students. Each week, we focus on different topics at camp. Students will be divided into various groups based on their levels. Think of it as a creative pit stop whenever school takes a break. Kids walk in with curiosity and walk out with paint on their hands, big smiles, and artwork they’re proud to show off.
Art Camps for Children (K-12)
American Academy of Fine Arts – 657 228th Ave NE, Sammamish
Mid-winter art camp | Feb 12–13, 2026
Spring Art Camp | Apr 13–17, 2026
Summer Art Camp | Jun 18 – Aug 28, 2026
Day camp | book dates
💡 Tip: Our camps usually fill fast. Grab a spot early so your child doesn’t miss out.
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, 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 present their work to parents and families,/families giving them a sense of accomplishment, pride, and creative ownership.
Creativity & Technique — 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 |
Theme |
Description / Focus |
| 6/18-6/19 | Drawing Explorers | A drawing-centered creative journey where children explore lines, shapes, shading, and observation. Students develop strong foundational drawing skills while adding touches of color through simple painting techniques. |
| 6/22-6/26 | 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. |
| 6/29-7/3 | 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. |
| 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 | IA 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 |
Class Part 1 |
Teacher demonstration, start main art project, and individual guidance. |
|
11:00-11:15 am |
Outdoor / Movement Break |
Stretching, snack time, sensory reset. |
|
11:15-12:00 pm |
Class 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 |
Class Part 3 |
Afternoon project introduction and art creation. |
|
2:00- 2:20 pm |
Outdoor / Movement Break |
Snack time, sensory break, light games. |
|
2:20- 3:20 pm |
Class 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. |
Tuition and promotions
Enroll with your siblings and friends for the same camp, and enjoy 5% off!
Fee: half day $249 (5 days), full day $450 (5 days), drop in $60 half day, drop in $110 full day.
(All materials are included. Bring your snack, lunch (for the full-day camp), and water; microwave provided.
Early care starts from 9 am to 9:30 am and charges $10 per session. The aftercare starts at 3:30 pm, lasts until 5:30 pm, and costs $20/hour. Any extra care needed should be communicated in advance, and the fees will be collected on the day.
If you have more questions, please reach out to us at arts@aafa.info.
Art Camp Class Overview
Watercolor Painting: From Start to Finish
This class introduces classic watercolor techniques and builds slowly from the simple to the more complex. Topics include using value, control of the medium, color mixing, and composition. Demonstrations are part of the class, but painting from still life and photographs is emphasized. Experienced students will focus on assignments to improve color handling, composition, and specific painting challenges.
Clay Figurine
The course will take you through the entire process of sculpting a figurine to a very high finish, emphasizing getting the anatomical structure correct at the beginning. This is key to achieving a likeness. We will show you how to train your eye to see objectively so you can learn to trust your judgment.
Exploring Drawing Different Animals
Did your kiddos like animals? In this class, we'll take them on an exciting journey to discover a variety of wild and sea creatures. Through step-by-step guidance, they'll create artwork using materials like pencils and colored pencils.
"Exploring Different Animals" is designed to nurture your child's creativity while fostering an appreciation for the animal kingdom. Join us for a fun and educational experience where imagination meets the natural world. Watch their love for animals come to life on paper!
Crafting and Painting
Students will use a variety of media, such as colored pencils, pastels, charcoal, watercolor, woodware, and acrylic, to create pieces of art. The course will involve three-dimensional painting, painting in different media, cartoon painting, and many other art forms, and will cover composition, value, color, materials, and techniques. Students paint from still life or other reference materials.
Anime Drawing & Design
In this art class, Students will learn to draw from various outstanding works of different styles and create character designs. How to use professional measurement methods and planning to learn the essential bone and muscle structure to perfect our Anime drawing. The course will take a relaxed approach to drawing Anime characters!
Cartooning and drawing for kids
Cartooning, drawing, for kids! Drawing and cartooning skills unleash a child's creativity by creating zany characters to drop into a story or make a statement. Fledgling cartoonists will learn the basics of expression drawing, line quality, constructing from the imagination, and exaggerating from life while exploring moods and animating actions. Media includes pencil, markers, charcoal, ink, and watercolor.
Modern Acrylic painting
Kids will practice different styles, surfaces, and techniques in this fun class. They will use brushes, briers, mark-making, monoprints, and acrylics on canvas. Explore modern and traditional approaches in the context of a variety of subjects. Children will receive personalized instruction and encouraging support.
Basic skills started with drawing
What will your kids discover when they explore drawing? With this class, your kiddos can take their curiosity and creativity even further, exploring how to draw with step-by-step drawing for kids and sketching tutorials. Whether you’re looking for easy drawing ideas for kids or want to help your little ones learn to draw their favorite animals and characters, we will help them reach their goals. As your youngsters learn to draw, they’ll find opportunities to stretch their creativity with various tools like pencils, chalk, and ink.
Illustration design
"Join our Kids' Illustration Design Course, a playground of colors and creativity! Perfect for young minds, this course is a delightful journey through the world of art. Kids will learn to sketch their favorite animals, design whimsical characters, and tell enchanting stories through drawings. Each project sparks imagination and joy. It's not just about drawing; it's about bringing fantasies to life and expressing unique ideas. Our course makes art accessible and exciting for children, fostering a lifelong love for creativity and expression!"