Summer Camp Programs
Come one, come ALL to the "Greatest Summer Camp on Earth!" Welcome to the CARNIVAL OF COLORS & SOUNDS under the "Big Top" of the Arts Center in Kinston, NC! Step right up! Immerse yourself in an extraordinary adventure where creativity knows no bounds and artistic experiences will amaze. Experience the wonder, thrills, and mesmerizing spectacles which will spark imagination beyond your wildest dreams. Our summer camp program is designed to ignite artistic passion in every participant, offering a diverse array of enriching activities that cater to a wide range of interests and skill levels.
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Enter our fun house studios and discover the joy of expression through mediums such as painting, pottery, sculpture, and more. Step into the ring of dramatic arts with theater productions and performing arts workshops that encourage self-expression and collaboration. Join the culinary arts with cooking classes that blend creativity with culinary skills, producing delicious and artful bags of treats that tantalize both the taste buds and the imagination. Under the guidance of our experienced instructors, campers develop not only their artistic abilities but also invaluable life skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and self-confidence. Encircle yourself with ART and enjoy the show!
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Reserve your space today! Camps fill up fast, so register early!
Non-refundable registration fees secure your camper’s space in a camp and are due at the time you initially register. The non-refundable fee is applied to the total camp fee due no later than the first day of each camp.
A snack will be provided at all camps.
Campers registered for a morning camp and a second camp in the afternoon may opt to stay at the Arts Center between camps but need to pack a lunch each day.
Campers should dress comfortably in play clothes.
The Giggle Tent
Designed for our tiniest artists to embark on a journey of creativity and discovery. Little artists will have a blast exploring, learning, and unleashing their imagination under the big top! Let the fun begin!
$25 non-refundable deposit
May 27-May 30, 9am to 11am
Ages 3 to 4
$55 Member/$65 Not-Yet Member
May 27-May 30, 9am to 11am
Ages 5 to 6
$55 Member/$65 Not-Yet Member
Clay Magic Session 1
Designed for our tiniest artists to embark on a journey of creativity and discovery. Little artists will have a blast exploring, learning, and unleashing their imagination under the big top! Let the fun begin!
$25 non-refundable deposit
June 9-June 13, 9am to 12pm
Ages 6 to 9
$100 Member/$110 Not-Yet Member
June 9-June 13, 1pm to 4pm
Ages 10 to 13
$100 Member/$110 Not-Yet Member
Clowning with Brushes
In this magical circus of creativity, painters will learn to see the world around them through the eyes of true masters. Guided by our professional artist ringmasters, campers will perfect their skills, expand their techniques, and create their own masterpieces under the big top. It’s a display of artistic fun, where every brushstroke is part of the show! Save the date for our Art Showcase under the big top Wednesday, August 6, 5pm to 6:30pm.
$25 non-refundable deposit
June 9-June 13, 9am to 12pm
Ages 10 to 13
$80 Member/$90 Not-Yet Member
June 9-June 13, 1pm to 4pm
Ages 6 to 9
$80 Member/$90 Not-Yet Member
Walls of Wonders
A bigger and better mural camp experience this year is now open to our younger campers too! Under the big top, campers will discover the exciting methods behind turning a single image into a masterpiece of giant proportions. With brushes in hand, our young artists will learn the tricks of the trade and create murals sure to steal the show. Save the date for our Art Showcase under the big top Wednesday, August 6, 5pm to 6:30pm.
$25 non-refundable deposit
June 16-June 20, 9am to 12pm
Ages 6 to 9
$80 Member/$90 Not-Yet Member
June 16-June 20, 9am to 12pm
Ages 10 to 13
$80 Member/$90 Not-Yet Member
Wheel of Mystery
For all our older students eager to master the art of spinning clay, we’ve got a sensational workshop just for you! Under the guidance of our expert ringmasters, you’ll learn the basics and everything you need to know to create stunning round forms on the wheel. Get ready for a whirlwind of clay-tivity and hands-on fun! Save the date for our Art Showcase under the big top Wednesday, August 6, 5pm to 6:30pm.
$50 non-refundable deposit
June 16-June 20, 9am to 12pm
Ages 12 to 16
$125 Member/$135 Not-Yet Member
Ringmaster's Rhythm and Song
Step into the spotlight at our all new camp where band, jazz, and chorus come together in a spectacular symphony of sound! With the guidance of our master instructors, campers will learn, grow, and create magical melodies that will steal the show. Whether you’re strumming, drumming, or singing your heart out, it’s a music extravaganza under the big top! Don’t miss the thrilling performance Friday, June 20, at 4pm!
June 16-June 20, 10am to 12pm
Ages Rising 5th to 8th Graders
$25 non-refundable deposit required
The Flying Sculptors
In this pottery class, older students will refine and perfect their clay hand building skills. With shaping of the clay, you’ll be one step closer to creating true masterpieces worthy of a standing ovation. Get ready to elevate your artistry in this thrilling, hands-on adventure! Save the date for our Art Showcase under the big top Wednesday, August 6, 5pm to 6:30pm.
$50 non-refundable deposit
June 16-June 20, 1pm to 4pm
Ages 12 to 16
$125 Member/$135 Not-Yet Member
Twirling Plates
Presenting young chefs to a taste-bud-tingling adventure under the big top! In this fun-filled culinary circus, little cooks will explore both new and familiar flavors, learning the basics of cooking while gaining confidence in their skills and choices. From mixing to tasting, they’ll whip up delicious dishes that will wow the crowd and leave everyone asking for more! Save room for a showman’s feast Friday, June 27.
$50 non-refundable deposit
June 23-June 27, 9am to 12pm
Ages 6 to 9
$150 Member/$160 Not-Yet Member
June 23-June 27, 1pm to 4pm
Ages 10 to 13
$150 Member/$160 Not-Yet Member
Tightrope Printing
Calling all aspiring print masters to the thrilling world of printing! In this spectacular camp, we’ll take you on a journey through the many incredible forms of this complex art. Starting with the simplest techniques and building up to more new and creative methods, we’ll break down the process piece by piece. Get ready to create prints that will amaze, as we explore the art of printing under the big top! Save the date for our Art Showcase under the big top Wednesday, August 6, 5pm to 6:30pm.
$25 non-refundable deposit
June 23-June 27, 9am to 12pm
Ages 10 to 13
$90 Member/$100 Not-Yet Member
Clay Magic Session 2
​Step right up clay enthusiasts! Back by popular demand, this camp is the encore performance to our June camp, giving every camper a chance to get their hands into the magic of clay! Young artists will embark on a hands-on adventure in the art of pottery! Watch as each camper learns the thrills of shaping clay from start to finish — from molding with soft, wet clay to watching their creation come to life after the kiln’s fiery performance. It’s a show of creativity, craftmanship, and clay-tastic fun! Save the date for our Art Showcase under the big top Wednesday, August 6, 5pm to 6:30pm.
$25 non-refundable deposit
July 7-July 11, 9am to 12pm
Ages 6 to 9
$100 Member/$110 Not-Yet Member
July 7-July 11, 1pm to 4pm
Ages 10 to 13
$100 Member/$110 Not-Yet Member
Spectacle of Curiosity
To all curious minds and future innovators: step right into the ultimate hands-on adventure where science, technology, engineering, art, and math come together under the big top! This year’s theme will have campers exploring how acrobats defy gravity and master arts of illusion. With every experiment, creation, and discovery, young minds will unlock the secrets behind the spectacular feats of the circus world and beyond! Save the date for our Art Showcase under the big top Wednesday, August 6, 5pm to 6:30pm.
$25 non-refundable deposit
July 14-July 18, 9am to 12pm
Ages 6 to 9
$80 Member/$90 Not-Yet Member
July 14-July 18, 1pm to 4pm
Ages 10 to 13
$80 Member/$90 Not-Yet Member
Crafty Funhouse
In this camp, campers will explore the many exciting forms of art from which artists can choose — from mixing mediums to working in three dimensions; from sculpting to printmaking; from mosaics to ink drawing — the possibilities are endless! Get ready for a circus of colors, shapes, and designs as you create art that will steal the show! Save the date for our Art Showcase under the big top Wednesday, August 6, 5pm to 6:30pm.
$25 non-refundable deposit
July 14-July 18, 9am to 12pm
Ages 10 to 13
$80 Member/$90 Not-Yet Member
July 14-July 18, 1pm to 4pm
Ages 6 to 9
$80 Member/$90 Not-Yet Member
Performance Ring of Fire
Welcome to the greatest theater camp on Earth, where campers will sharpen their acting skills and create their very own props, all while unleashing their boundless creativity. Get ready to step into the spotlight and prepare for the performance of a lifetime — it’s time to put on your greatest show ever under the big top! Campers need to pack a lunch each day. Don’t miss the thrilling performance Friday, July 25, at 4pm!
$50 non-refundable deposit
July 21-July 25, 10am to 4pm
Ages 5 to 16
$150 Member/$160 Not-Yet Member
Vocal Acrobatics
Step right up, vocal virtuosos! The renown Carolina Sound troupe returns to teach our older campers the secrets of vocal mastery. Under their expert guidance, campers will learn the fundamentals of powerful sound and stage
presence. At the grand finale, both age groups will join together for a spectacular performance that’s sure to leave the audience in awe! Campers need to pack a lunch each day. Don’t miss the thrilling performance Friday, August 1, at 4pm!
$50 non-refundable deposit for Ages 9-16
July 28-August 1, 10am to 4pm
Ages 9 to 16
$150 Member/$160 Not-Yet Member
$25 non-refundable deposit for Ages 4-8
July 28-August 1, 9am to 12pm
Ages 4 to 8
$80 Member/$90 Not-Yet Member
Ringleader's Runway
In our dazzling fashion camp, campers will learn the art of designing and styling their own garments, master basic hand sewing, create stunning jewelry, and so much more! Campers need to pack a lunch each day. After a week of creativity and couture, they’ll show off all their fabulous creations and strut their stuff in the ultimate fashion show at Belk on Friday, August 8, at 4pm. It’s a circus of style you won’t want to miss!
$50 non-refundable deposit
August 4-August 8, 10am to 4pm
Ages 8 to 16
$150 Member/$160 Not-Yet Member