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Art

Creative Arts & Theater at Camp Lakota

At Camp Lakota, creativity isn’t a class, it’s a way of life. Our Creative Arts program gives campers the freedom to explore, experiment, and surprise themselves. From the moment your child steps into the pottery room or picks up a tie-dye kit on the College Hall porch, they’re in a space designed to inspire.

As an ACA-accredited camp, our facilities, activities, and instructors are held to rigorous standards, so you can focus on the excitement ahead. Not sure your child is “the artsy type”? That’s exactly what camp is for. Our instructors are trained artists and educators who love what they do, so they meet every camper where they are and help them find their spark.

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Camper doing an art project at Camp Lakota

Arts & Crafts Activities Your Child Will Love

Our Creative Arts program features a rotating selection of hands-on activities you won’t find in a typical school day. Campers can explore any combination of:

  • Tie-dye on the College Hall porch, a classic Lakota tradition
  • Candle and soap making
  • Leather stamping
  • Beading and jewelry making
  • Pottery, including throwing, hand-building, and glazing in our dedicated pottery room
  • Friendship bracelets and other fiber arts
  • Painting and visual arts

All activities are offered to all age groups, from our youngest Braves through our senior Chiefs. Explore a full day at Camp Lakota to see how arts fits into the full camp schedule or visit our programs page to find your child’s age group.

Camp Lakota campers participating in camp activity

Dramatic Arts: The Stage Is Theirs

Every summer, Camp Lakota puts on a full theatrical production, a play or musical that campers can participate in from audition to opening night. It’s one of the most beloved traditions at Lakota, and one that campers talk about for years.

Beyond the main show, our Dramatic Arts program includes:

  • Dance performances
  • The camp talent show
  • Improv games and comedy workshops
  • Camp skits and cabin performances

No acting experience is required of course, and no auditions that eliminate; every camper who wants to be involved is found a place. It’s the kind of moment that helps a quiet kid discover their voice, or a confident kid find an even bigger stage. Explore our Events & Night Activities to see what else lights up a Lakota summer.

Camp Lakota camper painting

Why Parents Choose Lakota for Creative Kids

There’s no shortage of summer camps in New York – so what makes Lakota different for kids who love to create?

  • Activities go beyond the basics: from tie-dye and candle making to leather stamping, these aren’t arts-and-crafts as usual.
  • Passionate instructors: Our creative arts staff are working artists and dedicated educators who genuinely love their craft.
  • A full theatrical experience: Most camps don’t produce an annual musical. Lakota does, with costumes, lighting, and an audience full of cheering friends.
  • Freedom to explore: Campers aren’t locked into one track. The kid who loves pottery in the morning can still do improv in the afternoon.
  • ACA-accredited and trusted: Camp Lakota is accredited by the American Camp Association, meeting nationally recognized standards for health, safety, and programming.

Something real to bring home: Whether it’s a glazed pottery piece, a beaded bracelet, or a memory of a standing ovation on stage, campers leave with something they made.

Ready to Give Your Child a Creative Summer at Lakota?

Whether your child dreams of performing on stage or glazing their first pottery piece, Camp Lakota’s Arts program has a place for them. Come see what a summer of real creativity looks like.

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arts and crafts banner at Camp Lakota outside of NYC

Frequently Asked Questions About Lakota’s Arts Program

What types of arts and crafts does Camp Lakota offer?

Camp Lakota’s Creative Arts program includes tie-dye, candle and soap making, leather stamping, beading and jewelry-making, pottery, and painting. We choose activities specifically because they go beyond what kids experience in school.

Does Camp Lakota have a theater or drama program?

Yes, the Dramatic Arts program includes an annual play or musical, a talent show, dance performances, improv games, and camp skits. All campers are welcome to participate regardless of experience.

Do campers need prior art or theater experience?

No experience needed, and we mean it! Our philosophy is that every child is creative. Our instructors are there to help campers discover and develop their interests, not evaluate existing skills.

Are arts activities appropriate for younger campers?

Absolutely, all activities are adapted for every age group. Our Braves enjoy age-appropriate projects, while older campers take on more complex and independent work. Every art session is supervised by a trained instructor.

Is the arts program included in camp tuition?

Yes, Creative Arts activities are part of Camp Lakota’s standard daily schedule and included in your tuition. Visit our Dates & Tuition page for complete pricing information.

Can campers take their artwork home?

Yes! Campers often bring home tie-dyed shirts, handmade jewelry, and glazed pottery. These pieces are among families’ favorite camp souvenirs.


Are You Ready For The Perfect Summer?