Fun and creative summer camps at Scrappy Elephant!
Our summer art camps cover a wide range of artistic styles and mediums, from painting and sculpture to stop motion animation and sewing.
Gift Cards
Want to give a child the gift of fun and creativity? Purchase a gift card below for them to put toward a Scrappy summer camp!
Scholarships
Available for all summer camps. Email info@scrappyelephant.com for a scholarship or sponsor a camper below.
Teen Sewing Camp
Build your sewing skills as we spend a week diving headfirst into the world of fabric. Good for both beginners and those with some experience, we’ll work on a variety of projects that strengthen skills while also learning a few new tricks. Students will choose their own fabrics, learn how to draft their own projects and sew from a pattern while also learning how to responsibly handle their sewing machine.
All materials and a daily snack will be provided. Students will need to provide their own lunch and a water bottle.
We ask that students bring a working sewing machine (including power cord, pedal and a zipper foot if possible) as well as sewing kit (pins, measuring tape, marking tools, fabric scissors, extra sewing machine needles, bobbins), although we have some available for use in the studio. (Please let us know if your child will need this so we can be sure we have enough!)
ages 13 and up
$450
Register here!
Artist Discovery Camp
Young Artists will be introduced to a variety of lesser known artists in this engaging full day arts and crafts camp. Students will learn about painters, sculptors and mixed media artists from many diverse cultures and backgrounds, as well as contemporary artists from right here in Charlottesville! After learning about what inspires artists and seeing unique artwork, students will create their own personal arts and crafts projects. The camp will include a walking tour of a few local sculptures and visit from a local artist.
All materials and a daily snack will be provided. Students will just need to bring a packed lunch and a water bottle.
Rising 1st-3rd graders
$450
Register here!
Visionary Artist Exploration Camp
Upper Elementary artists will learn about a variety of lesser known, diverse artists in this fun and creative full day arts and crafts camp. Students will learn about painters, sculptors and mixed media artists from many diverse cultures and backgrounds, as well as contemporary artists from right here in Charlottesville! After learning about what inspires artists and seeing unique artwork, students will create their own personal arts and crafts projects. The camp will include a walking tour of a few local sculptures and visit from a local artist.
All materials and a daily snack will be provided. Students will just need to bring a packed lunch and a water bottle.
Rising 4th-6th graders
$450
Register here!
Pins and Needles Camp
Build your sewing skills as we spend a week diving headfirst into the world of fabric. Good for both beginners and those with some experience, we’ll work on a variety of projects that strengthen skills while also learning a few new tricks. Students will choose their own fabrics, learn how to draft their own projects and sew from a pattern while also learning how to responsibly handle their sewing machine.
All materials and a daily snack will be provided. Students will need to provide their own lunch and a water bottle.
We ask that students bring a working sewing machine (including power cord, pedal and a zipper foot if possible) as well as sewing kit (pins, measuring tape, marking tools, fabric scissors, extra sewing machine needles, bobbins), although we have some available for use in the studio. (Please let us know if your child will need this so we can be sure we have enough!)
For rising 6th-9th graders
$360
Register here!
Eco Friendly Art
Many artists are inspired to create art that celebrates the earth, and use materials that are environmentally friendly. In this fun and engaging full-day camp, students will create a variety of arts and crafts using all recycled, donated and/or sustainable art materials. They will also learn about the different artists who use eco-friendly materials and create artwork that celebrates nature and encourages others to care for the planet.. All materials and a daily snack will be provided. Students will just need to bring a packed lunch and a water bottle.
$450
Register here!
Sustainable Creativity
Protecting the environment is an important theme for many artists, and one that is shared by the Scrappy Elephant. Upper elementary students will get the chance to create their own artwork using sustainable materials, while learning about other artists who do the same, in this full-day arts and crafts camp. Campers will use recycled and upcycled materials and eco-friendly products to create a variety of paintings, sculptures and more that celebrate and promote care for our planet. All materials and a daily snack will be provided. Students will just need to bring a packed lunch and a water bottle.
$450
Register here!
Music Camp: Fantasia
Young musicians will learn about the history behind the songs featured in Disney's Fantasia.
Ages 6-10
$250
Register here!
Super STEAM Camp
Young artists will learn all about the way art interacts with science, technology, engineering and math is this fun half-day arts and crafts camp. They will learn about the science of color, experiment with fluid dynamics, engineer unique moving sculptures, study the science of sound, create with basic circuits and more! All materials and a daily snack will be provided.
$250
Register here!
Middle School Art Camp
Middle School Students (Rising 6th-8th Graders) will explore a variety of arts and crafts in this half day camp. Students will use their creativity on all types of projects, from watercolor painting to stop motion animation and polymer clay to printmaking! All materials and a snack are included!
rising 6th-9th grade
$250
Register here!
Kids Can Sew Camp
Build your sewing skills as we spend a week diving headfirst into the world of fabric. Good for both beginners and those with some experience, we’ll work on a variety of projects that strengthen skills while also learning a few new tricks. Students will choose their own fabrics, learn how to draft their own projects and sew from a pattern while also learning how to responsibly handle their sewing machine.
All materials and a daily snack will be provided.
We ask that students bring a working sewing machine (including power cord, pedal and a zipper foot if possible) as well as sewing kit (pins, measuring tape, marking tools, fabric scissors, extra sewing machine needles, bobbins), although we have some available for use in the studio. (Please let us know if your child will need this so we can be sure we have enough!)
Rising 3rd-6th graders
$250
Register here!
Creating with STEAM
Rising 4th-6th Grade Artists will be going full STEAM ahead while they experiment with the interactions between Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. In this half-day camp we will experiment with chemical reactions, create some creative photography, build sculptures with circuits, engineer artistic machines and more! All materials and a daily snack will be provided.
$250
Register here!
All About ART!
Each day of this week long arts and crafts camp will be dedicated to a different art medium! This half-day camp for rising 1st-6th graders will explore painting, drawing, clay/sculpture, fiber arts, and paper art through fun and engaging art projects.
All materials and a daily snack will be provided.
$250
Register here!
Sewing Adventures Camp
Build your sewing skills as we spend a week diving headfirst into the world of fabric. Good for both beginners and those with some experience, we’ll work on a variety of projects that strengthen skills while also learning a few new tricks. Students will choose their own fabrics, learn how to draft their own projects and sew from a pattern while also learning how to responsibly handle their sewing machine.
All materials and a daily snack will be provided. We ask that students bring a working sewing machine (including power cord, pedal and a zipper foot if possible) as well as sewing kit (pins, measuring tape, marking tools, fabric scissors, extra sewing machine needles, bobbins), although we have some available for use in the studio. (Please let us know if your child will need this so we can be sure we have enough!)
Rising 3rd-6th graders
$250
Register here!
Art and Nature
Art and Nature
Rising 4th-6th Graders
This week is all about plants and animals in art! Campers will create polymer clay animal sculptures, observe plants to create botanical drawings, use natural and recycled materials in printmaking and much more! We will have fun celebrating the beauty of nature and the mission of the Scrappy Elephant.
$250
Sign up here!
"Wild" About Art
‘Wild’ About Art
Rising 1st-3rd Graders
Wildlife is the theme of this week’s camp! Artists will create wild animal sculptures using clay, paint wildflowers, use natural and recycled materials to create unique animal habitats and much more. We will have fun celebrating the beauty of wildlife and the mission of the Scrappy Elephant!
$250
Sign up here!
Middle School Camp Create
Calling all 6th-8th graders who love art. We have a camp for YOU! Join Beth for a week of painting, sculpting, fiber art and so much more.
$250
Sign up here!
Morning Sewing Machine Camp
Students will learn the components of a sewing machine including how to load the bobbin, thread the machine, learn to sew a straight line, gain control of the sewing speed and pace, seam finishes, backstitching, pivoting and seam allowances. From there, they’ll learn how to lay out a pattern, read the instructions and assemble it. They’ll walk away from the class with a finished garment they can wear and the knowledge to make more!
We ask students bring a working machine (including power cord and pedal) but if they don’t have one, we can provide one. A sewing kit (pins, measuring tape, marking tools, fabric scissors, ruler) is suggested, but not required. Students will be provided with a materials list upon registration.
Ages 8 and up
$250
Sign up here!
Full STEAM ahead with Art!
Full STEAM Ahead with Art!
Rising 4th-6th Graders Explore science, technology, engineering and math through Art! This camp will focus on art that moves! We will design imaginary vehicles, make stop motion animations, create kinetic paintings, build high flying mobiles and much more! Campers will have fun learning to be creative with STEM!
$250
Sign up here!
Afternoon Sewing Machine Camp, ages 10-13
Students will learn the components of a sewing machine including how to load the bobbin, thread the machine, learn to sew a straight line, gain control of the sewing speed and pace, seam finishes, backstitching, pivoting and seam allowances. From there, they’ll learn how to lay out a pattern, read the instructions and assemble it. They’ll walk away from the class with a finished garment they can wear and the knowledge to make more!
We ask students bring a working machine (including power cord and pedal) but if they don’t have one, we can provide one. A sewing kit (pins, measuring tape, marking tools, fabric scissors, ruler) is suggested, but not required. Students will be provided with a materials list upon registration.
for ages 10-13
$250
Sign up here!
Beginner Hand Sewing
Campers will begin the week learning basic hand sewing skills and stitches by making a Needle Book to hold their needles and a Pin Cushion. Throughout the week they will build their skills by stitching a Cookie Coin Holder, a Stuffed Animal and learn a simple way to decorate their own fabric. If time allows, we will spend the last day learning how to operate a real sewing machine to make a small pillow with their designed fabric.
Ages: 6 – 8 years old
$250
Sign up here!
Sights and Sounds of Steam
Sights and Sounds of STEAM
Rising 1st-3rd Grade
Students will use art to explore sound, color and other elements in STEM. They will experiment with sounds by creating musical sculptures, try out the science of color mixing, observe nature to create art, produce simple stop-motion animations and much more! Its sure to be a fun week of learning and creating!
$250
Sign up here!
Afternoon Sewing Machine Camp, ages 8-10
Students will learn the components of a sewing machine including how to load the bobbin, thread the machine, learn to sew a straight line, gain control of the sewing speed and pace, seam finishes, backstitching, pivoting and seam allowances. From there, they’ll learn how to lay out a pattern, read the instructions and assemble it. They’ll walk away from the class with a finished garment they can wear and the knowledge to make more!
We ask students bring a working machine (including power cord and pedal) but if they don’t have one, we can provide one. A sewing kit (pins, measuring tape, marking tools, fabric scissors, ruler) is suggested, but not required. Students will be provided with a materials list upon registration.
for ages 8-10
$250
Sign up here!
Ancient Art Adventures
Ancient Art Adventures
Rising 4th-6th Graders
Ancient cultures have many amazing art
forms that we can use today to create our own masterpieces. Campers will learn about and create sculptures inspired by Ancient Greek Myths, Ancient Egyptian inspired jewelry, Japanese printmaking and much more. Throughout the camp they will be able to bring their own fresh, creative ideas to ancient art!
$250
Sign up here!
Afternoon Sewing Machine Camp, ages 13 and up
Students will learn the components of a sewing machine including how to load the bobbin, thread the machine, learn to sew a straight line, gain control of the sewing speed and pace, seam finishes, backstitching, pivoting and seam allowances. From there, they’ll learn how to lay out a pattern, read the instructions and assemble it. They’ll walk away from the class with a finished garment they can wear and the knowledge to make more!
We ask students bring a working machine (including power cord and pedal) but if they don’t have one, we can provide one. A sewing kit (pins, measuring tape, marking tools, fabric scissors, ruler) is suggested, but not required. Students will be provided with a materials list upon registration.
for ages 13 and up
$250
Sign up here!
Awesome Art History
Awesome Art History
Rising 1st-3rd Graders
Campers will create artwork while learning about artists and artforms throughout history. We will learn about the ancient Chinese art of brush painting, impressionist style art with Monet and Cassatt, modern sculptors like Calder and Nevelson, and much more. Our creative campers will learn about historic artists, but make art that is all their own!
$250
Sign up here!
Camp Create, Week 7
“Artsy Engineers”
Rising 1st-5th Graders
Campers will explore science, engineering and technology through art in this STEAM inspired camp. Experiment with symmetry, design a robot, build a castle and make some simple animations!
t-shirt and snack included
$225
Sign up here!
Camp Create, Week 6
Week 6: August 7-11 PM
“Colorful Expressions”
Rising 4th-6th Graders
This week will give campers the chance to express themselves through color. They will paint monochromatic masterpieces, shade with pastels, paint silhouette landscapes and create unique self portraits!
t-shirt and snack included
$225
Sign up here!
Camp Create Week 5
Week 5: July 24-28 AM
“Color Creativity!”
Rising 1st-3rd Graders
Creative Campers will explore color using all different materials! They will make totally unique pastel color wheels, Colorful Ice Cream Paintings, Watercolor Collages and more!
t-shirt and snack included
$225
Sign up here!
Camp Create, Week 4
“Bright Ideas in Art!”
Rising 4th-6th Graders
Explore how light can be used in many ways when creating art! In this STEAM inspired camp students will create SunPrints, Shrink Film Sun-Catchers, wire paper circuits, digital light painting and more!
t-shirt and snack included
$225
Sign up here!
Camp Create, Week 3
“Artsy Engineers”
Rising 1st-3rd Graders
Campers will explore science, engineering and technology through art in this STEAM inspired camp. Experiment with symmetry, design a robot, build a castle and make some simple animations!
t-shirt and snack included
$225
Sign up here!
Camp Create, Week 2
“Making Mythical Creatures”
Rising 4th-6th Graders
Campers will explore different types of sculpture mediums while creating artwork inspired by mythical creatures. Using Paper Mache, polymer clay, assemblage and more students can create their own Dragons, Unicorns, Mermaids and more!
t-shirt and snack included
$225
sign up here
Camp Create- Week 1
Week 1: June 20-23 9am-12pm
“Soaring into Sculpture”
Rising 1st-3rd Graders
Campers will make a variety of sculptures that will help their creativity soar! They will sculpt Paper Mache Hot Air Balloons, Model Magic Birds, Butterfly Mobiles and More.
t-shirt and snack included
note- this is a short week due to the Juneteenth holiday on Monday
$180
Sign up here!