When does summer camp enrollment open?

McHarper Manor Summer camp early bird registration opens on Friday, February 6th 2026 @ 9am.
 

Early Bird Registration Perks:

Early Bird registration includes added flexibility as a thank-you for planning ahead.​

Before May 1, 2026, Early Bird camp registrations may:

• Be exchanged for another available camp of equal length and value, regardless of any price increase, OR be converted to studio credit for the full amount paid

• Studio credit issued through Early Bird perks is valid through December 1, 2026.

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When will Early Bird pricing end?

Remaining camp spots will increase by $20 per multi-day session on April 2nd. We are also unable to guarantee $10 FRIYAY discounts on Friday mini camps (when combined with week-long-registration) after this time.

 

Creative Care: Lunch Hour

Have a camper attending both AM and PM sessions? Pack a lunch and let them stay with us! Campers will enjoy supervised lunch time followed by relaxed creative play and quiet activities to recharge before their afternoon camp. Cost: $30 per week (during early bird enrollment)

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What ages are camps designed for?

We use suggested age ranges to help guide placement, but readiness and pacing matter just as much as age.

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• AM Camps: Suggested for campers who have completed kindergarten (elementary-aged)
   

• PM Camps: Suggested for 4th grade through middle school
   

Every child is different, and you know your child best. If you think your child may be better suited for a camp outside the suggested range, please reach out before registering. We’re happy to help talk it through and guide you toward the best fit.

 

What does “camp readiness” mean?

Our camps are designed for children who can participate comfortably in a small-group art setting.

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Campers should be able to:

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• Use scissors independently
   

• Follow group directions
   

• Stay seated and engaged in a guided project for about 30–45 minutes at a time
   

• Participate without needing one-on-one support
   

These expectations help ensure a positive experience for everyone in the room.

 

AM Camp Experience

Suggested for: Campers who have completed kindergarten (elementary-aged)

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AM camps move at a supportive, structured pace and are appropriate for campers throughout the elementary years. They are a great fit for artists who enjoy clear instructions, step-by-step guidance, and a more predictable rhythm to the day.

Campers should be able to follow group directions, use scissors independently, and stay engaged in a guided project for 30–45 minutes at a time without needing one-on-one support.

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AM camps are often a great option for elementary-aged children who prefer a more guided creative experience, including older siblings attending alongside younger campers.

 

PM Camp Experience

Suggested for: 4th grade through middle school

 

PM camps are designed with older students in mind and allow for more independence, deeper creative exploration, and peer-to-peer interaction. Projects may involve more open-ended decision-making and longer work periods.

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Campers are intentionally grouped with others of similar ages to help ensure conversations, collaboration, and the overall social experience feel age-appropriate and comfortable.

 

Can siblings attend camp together or attend outside their suggested age range?

Yes — when possible, we’re happy to accommodate siblings attending camp together. If an older child would like to attend alongside a younger sibling, we often have ways to modify projects so the experience stays engaging and appropriate. Likewise, if you feel your younger child is capable of meeting the expectations of an older camp — including staying engaged, following directions, and participating without one-on-one support — they may be a good fit for a PM camp.

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As always, you know your child best. Please reach out with specific questions or scenarios before registering so we can help guide you.

 

How are campers grouped during the day?

We group campers intentionally to support comfort, connection, and a positive creative experience.

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In AM camps, grouping is based more on friendships, familiarity, and comfort than on age alone. This helps elementary-aged campers feel settled and confident, especially when siblings or friends attend together.

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In PM camps, grouping is more intentionally based on similar ages to support age-appropriate conversation and social dynamics for older students.

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While multiple ages may attend the same session, table groupings are always made thoughtfully with the needs of the group in mind.

 

Camp Behavior Policy

Our goal is to provide a safe, respectful, and enjoyable creative environment for all campers and staff. This policy applies to both behavior and conversation during camp.

For general behavior concerns — such as difficulty staying engaged, repeated disruptions, or inappropriate conversation — we follow a consistent three-step approach:

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1. A gentle reminder and redirection
    

2. A clear warning and choice
    

3. Parent contact and early dismissal if needed
    

If a camper is dismissed early and the same behaviors continue without meaningful improvement, the camper may be removed from the remainder of the camp session. Camp fees are non-refundable in these situations.

 

Zero-Tolerance Safety Policy

For the safety of all campers and staff, we maintain a zero-tolerance policy for verbal or physical aggression toward others. This includes threatening language, intimidation, hitting, pushing, or throwing objects.

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Any instance of aggressive behavior will result in immediate parent contact and dismissal from camp and bypasses the three-step behavior process. Camp fees are non-refundable in these cases.

 

Our commitment

We approach behavior with empathy and support, but our instructors must prioritize the safety, comfort, and enjoyment of the entire group. Clear expectations help ensure camp remains a positive experience for everyone.

 

What if my child needs extra support?

While we strive to be inclusive and supportive of many learning styles, our camps may not be the best fit for children who require one-on-one assistance or frequent redirection.

For some families, private lessons, parent-assisted classes, or shorter workshops are a better match. We’re always happy to help explore those options with you.

 

What if I’m unsure whether camp is a good fit?

If you’re unsure, please reach out before registering. We’re always happy to talk through expectations and help guide you toward the best experience for your child.

 

2026 Camp Cancellation & Credit Policy

Because camp spots are limited and materials and staffing are prepared in advance, all camp registrations are subject to the following policy. By registering, families acknowledge and agree to these terms.

 

Early Bird Registration Perks:

Early Bird registration includes added flexibility as a thank-you for planning ahead.

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Before May 1, 2026, Early Bird camp registrations may:

• Be exchanged for another available camp of equal length and value, regardless of any price increase, or
   

• Be converted to studio credit for the full amount paid
   

Studio credit issued through Early Bird perks is valid through December 1, 2026.

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After May 1, 2026, all registrations — including Early Bird — follow the standard cancellation policy below.

 

Standard Summer Camp Cancellation & Credit Policy:

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From date of purchase through May 1, 2026:
Registrations may be exchanged for another available camp of equal or lesser value or converted to studio credit valid through December 1, 2026.

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From May 1 until 15 days before camp begins:
We will attempt to fill your spot with a waitlisted camper.
If a replacement is found, you may transfer to another camp or receive studio credit minus a $25 administrative fee per camp.
If no replacement is found, no credit or exchange will be issued.

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Less than 15 days before camp begins:
No refunds, credits, or exchanges will be issued.

Families may send a replacement camper (friend or family member who meets age and readiness requirements) with advance notice and updated emergency contact information.

 

Missed Camp Days

If a camper misses one day of a multi-day camp, we’ll do our best to help them experience part of what was missed when they return.

If a camper misses the final day of camp, completed projects will be held for 30 days for pickup.

 

Camps cancelled by us

We reserve the right to cancel camps due to low enrollment, staff illness, extreme weather, or circumstances beyond our control.

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If we cancel a camp, families may choose to transfer to another camp, receive studio credit, or receive a full refund.

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These policies exist to ensure fairness, sustainability, and a positive experience for all campers. We truly appreciate your understanding and partnership.

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