Let the kids blossom creatively this summer at one of these art camps

These summer camps for children and teens open the door to self-expression, skill-building and the joy of discovery.


A camper explores hands-on marine science during Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium’s Mote SEA STEM Camp.
A camper explores hands-on marine science during Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium’s Mote SEA STEM Camp.
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Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium

Mote Marine’s dynamic summer camps offer hands-on, age-appropriate adventures rooted in real-world science and coastal exploration. City Island Adventure Camp invites younger campers to roam Mote’s waterfront campus, where mangroves, marine life and open-air discovery spark curiosity at every turn. Mote SEA STEM Camp challenges older students to think like scientists, with lab experiments, research activities and behind-the-scenes access to working aquariums and marine research. For those ready to go beyond the classroom, the Summer Field Explorations takes learning into the wild, with offsite excursions that may include kayaking, snorkeling and up-close study of local ecosystems. Visit Mote.org.


Young musicians bring the sounds of summer to life during Sarasota Orchestra’s immersive music camp.
Young musicians bring the sounds of summer to life during Sarasota Orchestra’s immersive music camp.
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Sarasota Orchestra 

Sarasota Orchestra’s Summer Music Camp, a two-week immersive experience, welcomes students of all skill levels into a vibrant, collaborative setting. With dedicated tracks for strings, band and percussion, campers take part in ensemble rehearsals, technique classes and skill-building sessions. Beginners can try an instrument for the first time, while more experienced students refine their abilities — all with individualized attention from skilled instructors. The result is more than music-making; it’s the thrill of playing together and discovering what’s possible. Visit SarasotaOrchestra.org.


Students in grades 1-5 receive instruction on guitars and keyboards at Music Compound’s Summer Camp.
Students in grades 1-5 receive instruction on guitars and keyboards at Music Compound’s Summer Camp.
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Music Compound 

Turn up the volume this summer at Music Compound’s Summer Camp, where young musicians jump in, plug in and play. Running June through July, these camps welcome students in grades 1–12 for an energetic mix of hands-on instruction and live performance. Younger campers get their start with Intro to Music, Kidz Rock Band, Musical Theater and Drum Circle, while older students dial it up with Modern Band, Songwriting, DJ & Music Production and Jazz Band. Whether picking up an instrument for the first time or fine-tuning their sound, campers explore, collaborate and build confidence in a setting that feels more like a studio than a classroom. Each week ends with a live performance for family and friends. Visit MusicCompound.com.


Young artists proudly share their creations during Art Center Sarasota’s Summer Art Camp.
Young artists proudly share their creations during Art Center Sarasota’s Summer Art Camp.
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Art Center Sarasota 

Art Center Sarasota’s Summer Art Camp sessions invite young artists to experiment boldly in various forms of media. Each themed week — from “Let’s Get Messy!” to “Mad Art Scientists” and “Story Worlds” — offers a fresh creative adventure, guided by professional teaching artists who encourage exploration, risk-taking and self-expression. Campers, grouped by age, build skills while discovering their own artistic voice in a supportive, high-energy environment. The week culminates in a mini exhibition for family and friends. Visit ArtSarasota.org. 


Joy and expression fill the stage at Sarasota Opera’s Summer Camp, as young performers bring music and storytelling to life.
Joy and expression fill the stage at Sarasota Opera’s Summer Camp, as young performers bring music and storytelling to life.
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Sarasota Youth Opera

The Sarasota Youth Opera Summer Camp invites aspiring performers, ages 8 and up, into the rich, collaborative world of opera, where music, movement and storytelling unfold in tandem. Guided by professional artists and production staff, campers move seamlessly between disciplines — from vocal training and acting to costumes, props and the subtle artistry behind the scenes. New this season, the Sarasota Opera Vocal Academy offers a concentrated experience for pre-college singers, refining technique and preparing the next generation of vocal artists. Whether just beginning or already devoted to the craft, students find not only their voice, but the power behind it. Visit SarasotaOpera.org.


A young artist explores stop-motion creativity during Sarasota Art Museum’s Summer Camp, where digital tools expand traditional artmaking.
A young artist explores stop-motion creativity during Sarasota Art Museum’s Summer Camp, where digital tools expand traditional artmaking.
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Sarasota Art Museum 

At Sarasota Art Museum, the Summer Camp program transforms the museum into a working studio, where young artists, ages 7 to 13, move fluidly between painting, ceramics, mixed media and, new this year, digital art. Each themed week invites exploration — from graphic storytelling and kinetic sculpture to nature-inspired works and larger-than-life creations — guided by teaching artists who encourage curiosity and bold thinking. Within the museum’s galleries and studios, campers engage not only with materials, but with the broader language of contemporary art. The experience culminates in a Friday exhibition, where students install and share their work, stepping into the role of artist in every sense. Visit SarasotaArtMuseum.org.


Campers and teaching artists gather outside Florida Studio Theatre as part of the organization’s Summer Camp program.
Campers and teaching artists gather outside Florida Studio Theatre as part of the organization’s Summer Camp program.
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Florida Studio Theatre

At Florida Studio Theatre’s Summer Camp, young performers dive into acting, improv, musical theater. Designed for ages 5 to 17, these dynamic sessions are led by professional teaching artists who guide campers through storytelling, character development and ensemble work in a supportive, high-energy environment. From playful introductions for younger students to more advanced training for teens, each program encourages confidence, collaboration and creative risk-taking. Many sessions culminate in original performances on FST’s stages — giving campers the chance to step into the spotlight and share their work with family and friends. Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

 

author

Su Byron

Su Byron has worked in the regional arts and cultural world for the past 25 years as a writer, an editor, and a public relations and marketing specialist. For 12 of those years, she was the co-publisher of the Sarasota Arts Review, a monthly arts and entertainment newspaper. Su is a freelance writer whose regular columns and articles appear in a host of regional and national publications.

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