ARTS EDUCATION

CAAPA Camp

Where young artists spend their summer creating magic. 

Our comprehensive weekday intensive for ages 8-15 combines classical performing arts with creative enrichment, culminating in a showcase that celebrates each camper's artistic journey.

Coming Back Summer 2026

Poster for CAAPA summer camp organized by Coalition for African Americans in the Performing Arts, featuring silhouettes of people with raised arms and large colorful text.

A Summer That Changes Everything

CAAPA Camp isn't just summer childcare—it's where young artists discover their passion and build skills that last a lifetime. For one transformative week, campers aged 8-15 dive deep into music, dance, theatre, and visual arts while exploring creative writing, multimedia design, and even behind-the-scenes production work.

What makes our camp extraordinary is the breadth of experiences we offer. From traditional classical training to innovative multimedia projects, from outdoor activities to quiet reading time in our Book Nook, every camper finds their spark. Our seasoned teachers and volunteers create a nurturing environment where creativity flourishes and friendships bloom.

Camp runs 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM Monday through Friday, with all meals and snacks provided. But the real nourishment comes from watching your child light up as they discover new talents, build confidence, and prepare for our final showcase—a magical performance where families witness the incredible growth that happens when young artists are truly supported.

Coming Back Summer 2026

Two boys smiling and making playful gestures in a classroom, one wearing a bright orange shirt and the other with a green backpack nearby.
Children wearing yellow T-shirts and colorful bird masks perform on stage during a school or community event, with adults in the background and a banner reading 'CAM'.
Two women, one with braided hair and the other with curly gray hair, wearing purple shirts, one with 'STAFF' printed on the back, working at a table with a large blue cloth, in a room with white cinder block walls and a large speaker in the backgroun
Children and young adults attending a camp event indoors, sitting on chairs, many wearing masks, some standing near a table with balloons, a large colorful sign reading 'CAMP' on the wall.
Stacks of black and gray backpacks on a table with a sign that reads 'Camp Backpacks'.
A woman speaking to a group of children seated in a room during a camp activity, with three adults standing in the doorway smiling.
Three children participating in a sack race outdoors on grass, with a brick building and large window in the background.
A diverse group of people, mainly young women, sitting in a row, each with a colorful drum in front of them. They are in a well-lit room with large windows and are engaged in music or drumming activity, with some clapping or playing their drums.
A man with a yellow jacket shaking hands with a young girl in black clothing during a group gathering or event, with multiple children and adults present in the background.
Children rehearsing on stage with two adults overseeing, in a bright room with large windows and a display board.
Children performing a dance in a school gymnasium or auditorium, dressed in black T-shirts and pants, with some holding white cloths, standing in front of a decorated stage with a backdrop and displayed banner.
A group of children and adults standing on a stage during a performance or event, with a woman in a blue dress speaking into a microphone in front of them.
A group of children and adults gathered around a blue table in an indoor setting, with a boy in the foreground writing on a notepad, surrounded by people who appear to be participating in a workshop or community event.
Two young girls sitting at a table in a classroom, smiling, wearing blue shirts with 'CAMP' written on them, with a sign in the background that says 'I CHOOSE CRAFTS'.
An African American woman with short hair, wearing a blue t-shirt, is sitting down and hugging a child who is resting their head on her shoulder. The woman appears emotional, as do some children around her in a busy indoor setting, possibly a group e
A woman and a young girl share a hug at a crowded event. Both are wearing blue T-shirts with 'CAMP' printed on them, surrounded by children and adults also dressed in blue at an outdoor gathering.
Children in blue shirts skating on an indoor ice rink, some using red skating aids, with other skaters in the background.
A young girl with braided hair and pink beads, wearing a beaded necklace, sitting at a blue table with a plastic bag of milk in front of her, in a classroom setting.
Weekly schedule chart for camp activities with days of the week listed and various activities in colored blocks, including sports, crafts, and games.
Children and staff at a birthday party or celebration in a large hall, decorated with blue and yellow star-shaped balloons, some children sitting at tables with food and drinks.
A woman holding a microphone speaking to a group of children at a camp event, with children raising their hands, balloons, and a banner in the background.
Children playing on a red spinning playground equipment outdoors, with several kids waiting and some playing in the background, wearing masks and casual clothing.
Children playing on swings in a playground near a brick building, with a fence and grass in the background.
Two young girls with dreadlocks participating in sack races outdoors, smiling and laughing, near a chain-link fence with a brick building and windows in the background.
Two women on stage, one speaking into a microphone and the other smiling and raising her hand, with a poster of diverse African American children and adults in the background.
A young girl with braided hair holding a microphone, standing among a group of children wearing blue shirts at an outdoor event.
School display with cutout hands holding art projects, framed photos of children, and various colorful crafts and drawings on paper and boards.
A diverse group of women and children are at an indoor art event, viewing and discussing colorful artwork and crafts displayed on a wall and tables.
People viewing artwork and crafts displayed on a wall and table at an art exhibition, with handmade decorated guitars and framed pictures.
Two women wearing blue shirts, smiling, and standing indoors. One woman is holding a microphone and a pamphlet, with the other woman standing behind her.
Group of young children singing or performing on stage during a camp event, dressed in matching blue camp t-shirts.
A group of children in blue t-shirts participating in a choir or singing performance, with some raising their hands and others standing on a stage.
Children in matching blue shirts performing a dance on a stage with a sign that says 'growth' and decorative plants in the background.
Children performing a dance on stage, some with arms extended, wearing matching blue T-shirts with 'CAMP' printed on them. An audience is visible in the foreground.
A group of children singing on stage at a camp, wearing blue T-shirts that say 'Camp'.
A large group of children and adults on a stage for a group photo at an event called CAAPA CAMP, with a banner above that reads 'Cultivating Artists, Musicians, & Performers.' All are wearing matching blue T-shirts with the C A A P M logo.
Group of children and adults sitting and standing on a stage, with some children wearing blue shirts, at an indoor event with a decorated backdrop and a light-colored curtain on the side.
A group of young girls wearing blue t-shirts, some with medals, standing on a stage in a school auditorium, clapping and smiling as they watch a woman hug a younger girl. Other girls are seated on the stage, some smiling and observing the scene.
Group of children and adults in matching blue T-shirts at a graduation or award ceremony, standing barefoot in a large room with white walls, blue curtains, and banners that say 'Graduation' and 'Camp'.

★★★★★ 

Participant Feedback

  • "CAAPA has a major impact on the community, bringing color to the classics, allowing audiences access to a variety of visual and performing arts."

    — Kathi Muhammad

  • Colorful Google logo with a pie chart overlay.

    "I've met some wonderful people and participated in activities such as yoga, choral group, zumba, the theater, and much more."

    — Veronica Plater

  • A colorful pie chart with five segments in red, yellow, green, blue, and an empty segment at the top, forming a circle with the Google logo in the center.

    "Outstanding program that provides activities stimulating education and growth in health, cognition, movement, music, and social skills."

    — Jo Ann Edelin

  • Facebook logo with a white lowercase F on a blue circular background.

    "CAAPA provides the opportunity to enjoy quality performances at affordable prices."

    — Helane Miller

  • Colorful pie chart with a large capital letter G in the center, divided into segments of red, yellow, green, and blue.

    "Great program, with exposure to the arts that I may have not been a part of before. Thank you"

    — Sandra Hall

  • Colorful Google logo with a circular design and a blue 'G' in the center.

    "Nice place for 60+ center. Good place to make friends. Very welcoming and focused on personal development."

    — Marie Vyas

  • Close-up of a smiling man with a bald head, light skin, and brown eyes, outdoors with greenery in the background.

    "An incredible non-profit organization serving everyone from kids to seniors, general audiences to master artists."

    — Tony Howell

  • Colorful donut chart with segments in red, yellow, green, and blue surrounding a black circle with a blue letter G in the center.

    "Great facility for weddings, family reunions, birthday parties, and more. Great location. Plenty parking."

    — Katie Sheppard

  • Colorful Google logo with blue, green, yellow, and red sections on a black background.

    "A fantastic experience."

    — Constance Moore

  • Facebook logo with white f on blue circular background

    "High Quality Entertainment"

    — Sylvia Beverly

  • Colorful pie chart resembling the Google logo with five segments in red, yellow, green, blue, and black.

    "Absolutely one of the best African American Charities that supports artists"

    — Lawrence Ford 

  • Colorful circle chart with segments in red, yellow, green, and blue, forming the shape of a letter G.

    "The presentation on safe travel tips was informative and helpful. I purchased several items mentioned and felt safer using them."

    — Betty Marshall

Get Updates

Top Questions

Program Audience: Ages 8 to 15

Program Director: Pamela Simonson Parker

  • None! CAAPA Camp welcomes complete beginners alongside more experienced young artists. Our diverse activities ensure every camper finds their passion.

  • Just excitement to create! We provide all art supplies, instruments, costumes, and materials. Send your child in comfortable clothes and we'll handle the rest.

  • Yes! Every camper receives breakfast, lunch, and snacks daily. We accommodate dietary restrictions—just let us know when you register for our waitlist.

  • Our final showcase is designed so every camper can participate comfortably. Whether they love the spotlight or prefer supporting roles, we find the perfect fit for each personality.

  • Our experienced staff maintains proper supervision ratios and follows all safety protocols. We work closely with parents to ensure any special needs or medical considerations are addressed.

  • Absolutely. We believe every child deserves access to transformative arts experiences. Contact Director Pamela Simonson Parker to discuss your child's specific needs.

  • Join our waitlist by clicking "Get Updates" above. We'll notify you as soon as registration opens, plus share camp updates and photos from previous years.

  • Yes! CAAPA believes financial circumstances shouldn't prevent children from experiencing the magic of camp. Scholarship information will be available when registration opens.

Ready to give your child a summer they'll never forget?

Coming Back Summer 2026