FAMILY Handbook

LIABILITY WAIVER:

While we take every precaution to ensure the safety of our campers, participation in our summer camp involves inherent risks.

Parents or guardians agree to waive any claims against our organization, its staff, volunteers, or affiliates for injury, loss, or damage arising from participation in the summer camp. These Terms of Service are governed by the laws of Louisiana. Any disputes arising from or relating to these terms shall be resolved through arbitration in accordance with the rules of Louisiana.

ADDRESS:

Art Camp 504: 2803 St Claude Ave, New Orleans LA

• Entrance is on St. Ferdinand

• Street parking available

We partner with a few other venues for Dungeons & Dragons Campaigns. Make sure to check the location of your class when enrolling in D&D campaigns. Locations include:

• Z’otz Cafe: 8210 Oak St #2042, New Orleans, LA 70118

• Mojo Coffee House: 1500 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130

• Go 4 Games: 4953 W Napoleon Ave, Metairie, LA 70001

DAILY SCHEDULE - HOLIDAY & SUMMER CAMPS:

Each morning, our teachers introduce the day's projects, allowing students to select the classes they wish to attend. Students can select one project to explore in depth all week, or they can try out multiple activities during the camp. Students also have the opportunity to create independent projects in our open studio space, guided by teachers and interns.

DAILY SCHEDULE

• 8:00 -8:30: Before care ($10)

• 8:30 - 9:00: Drop Off, Free Time

• 9:00 - 9:30: Morning Meeting

• 9:30 - 11:00: Art Workshop

• 11:00 - 11:30: Lunch

• 11:30 - 12:15: Free Time

• 12:15 - 12:45: Afternoon Meeting

• 12:45 - 2:30: Art Workshop

• 2:30 - 2:45: Clean Up

• 2:45 - 3:00: Free Time & Ice Pops

• 3:00 - 3:30: Pick Up

• 3:30 - 4:00: Late Pick Up ($10)

• 3:30 - 5:30: Aftercare ($20)

BEFORE & AFTERCARE:

We offer before and aftercare every day. You may register by the week or pay for drop in days. Advance notification is not required to attend.

• BEFORECARE, 8:00-8:30: $10/day or $40 for 5 days

• LATE PICK UP, 3:30-4:00: $10/day

• AFTERCARE, 3:30-5:30: $20/day or $75 for 5 days

• Payment options: Venmo @artcamp504 or pay cash or card at drop off/pick up. Write “student name, before/aftercare” in payment description

PACKING LIST

• LUNCH: Pack Monday to Thursday. Friday lunch is provided

• SNACKS: Pack extra snacks. 100% Juice Otter Pops provided

• WATER BOTTLE: Filtered water available on site. Write name on bottle

• BACKPACK: Students bring home their projects on the last day of each session. Send a backpack in case they have smaller projects to bring home before then. We provide students with work bags to use while at camp (they stay on site)

• SUMMER SWIM: On Fridays, bring a swim suit, towel, swim shoes. Swim dates are June 5 - July 31

• SUNSCREEN: Please apply sunscreen before camp. We have sunscreen on site if needed

COMMUNITY NORMS:

• We treat our classmates and instructors with kindness and respect.

• We are calm and focused while working inside our art studio

• We keep our art studio organized and tidy, and we all help each other clean up

• We use conflict resolution strategies to solve our problems with words

• We raise our hands to talk during whole group lessons and listen attentively when the teacher is giving instructions

• We are mindful about sharing and not wasting art supplies. We use art materials and tools appropriately

BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS:

Our community is a supportive, creative space where students are encouraged to explore self-direction and freedom of expression. To maintain this environment, all students are expected to follow our behavior guidelines.

Please note:We are not able to provide one-on-one behavioral support. If a student consistently disrupts class or prevents others from learning, they may be removed from the program following the steps outlined below. Refunds are not provided for behavior-related removals.

BEHAVIORS NOT ALLOWED IN OUR COMMUNITY

• Hurtful or Inappropriate Language: No cursing, name-calling, or words meant to hurt someone else. If it makes another person feel sad or small, don’t say it

• Bullying, Discrimination, any form of Harassment: No repeated unkindness, threats, exclusion, or targeting others with mean words or actions.

• Physical or Verbal Violence: Hitting, punching, kicking, pinching, throwing objects, yelling, stomping

BEHAVIOR CONSEQUENCES

1. Verbal Reminder
   You will be reminded of our community norms and apologize for your actions.

2. Reflection (10 minutes)
   If the behavior continues, you will take a 10-minute reflection break and apologize before returning to activities.

3. Parent Phone Call
   Ongoing behavior will result in a phone call home.

4. Removal for the Day
   If the behavior still does not improve, parents will be asked to pick you up early. If they are unavailable, you will sit out for the rest of the day’s activities.

5. Removal for the Week
   If inappropriate behavior continues the next day, you will be sent home for the remainder of the week. Students are welcome to return to camp the following week.

6. Removal from the Program for the Season
   If there is no improvement following the one-week suspension, the student will be removed from all enrolled classes for the rest of the season (Spring, Summer, Fall). They may return the following season after receiving appropriate behavior support.

SEVERE BEHAVIOR INFRACTIONS:

If a student’s behavior puts themselves, another student, or a teacher at risk of harm, they will be suspended from camp the following day. This includes:

• Physically hurting themselves, another student or teacher

• Intentional leaving the building / running down the street

After serving the one-day suspension, students may return depending on the severity of the incident. If the same behavior occurs again, the student will need to be picked up immediately and will not be able to return for the remainder of the season.

CAMP STRUCTURE:

ROOMS AND TEACHER RATIO

• Our camps have a 1/8 student to adult ratio. We also have 4-6 teenage interns supporting our students each week of camp

• Summer Camp has 45-55 students per week and 6 lead teachers. Students work in small groups with their designated class teacher. Students are split between the following rooms: Great Hall (two teachers), Atrium, Kitchen, Library, Upstairs Studio.

STUDENT AGES

Since our first year at Art Camp 504, we’ve embraced a “Schoolhouse Style” approach. We group students based on interest, rather than age. We have found that by age 7, our students are all able to work on the same projects, at their own level. Our community is a unique blend of adults, teens, kids of all ages, and dogs. This open and inclusive structure gives our students the freedom and respect they thrive on.

• Each project is led by a designated lead teacher and supported by an assistant or intern. This ensures that younger students receive the extra guidance they need when tackling more complex projects.

• Over the years, we’ve seen incredible benefits to this mixed-age approach. Younger students are inspired by working alongside older peers, learning new ways to think about art and experimenting with techniques they might not have tried on their own. At the same time, older students develop invaluable leadership skills as they serve as mentors and role models for the youngest members of our camp.

• We maintain clear and firm behavior expectations to ensure that Art Camp 504 is a space where everyone feels safe and welcome. Conversations and language, particularly among older students, are closely monitored to ensure they’re always appropriate for even the youngest campers. If a student behaves inappropriately, we act quickly to address the situation. Fostering a respectful, inclusive, and creative environment is our top priority.

OPEN STUDIO:

Art Camp 504 is a student-run art studio, where students determine their own artistic interests and goals. Students may select from teacher led projects, or they can endeavor to craft their own projects in our open studio space. Our teaching artists monitor the open studio and assist students where needed.

Our teaching philosophy is to inspire students to create - we encourage all forms of independent projects and celebrate each students’ creations at the end of each session.

PROJECT EXPECTATIONS:

Each day, we offer a variety of teacher-led projects for students to choose from, along with access to our open studio space. Our program is designed for students who are eager to engage in creative art-making.

While we highly encourage participation, we do not require students to complete projects or work directly with our teachers if they are not interested. If they choose not to join an activity, they are welcome to play foosball, or spend time in the courtyard—as long as they remain respectful of others and the space.

Please talk with your student ahead of time to ensure our program is a good fit for their interests. Our focus is on art-making, and the environment may not be ideal for children who seek a lot of outdoor free play or high levels of physical activity.

AGE EXCEPTIONS:

We may consider age exceptions for students who are within one year of the listed age requirement and who demonstrate exceptional maturity and behavior. If an age exception is granted, we expect the student to consistently show strong focus, fine motor skills, the ability to clean up independently, and attentive listening.

If a student does not meet these expectations, they may be removed from the program without a refund. They are welcome to enroll again once they meet the age requirement.

To request an age exception, please contact community@artcamp504.org.

SUMMER swim: optional for students

We swim every Friday morning of Summer Camp at the Stallings St. Claude Rec Centeras part of NORD’s Summer Aquatics Program. Our private camp swim slot is 10:00–11:00 AM, and the pool is closed to the public during this time.

• Location: 4300 St. Claude Ave, New Orleans, LA 70117 (outdoor pool behind the rec center)

• Supervision: Two teachers, two interns and lifeguards on duty at all times

• Changing Areas: Gendered locker rooms (male/female) and single-stall bathrooms are available

• DATES: June 5 - July 31 (no swim for May or August camps due to pools being closed to camps)

Students that choose not to swim will stay on site to continue working on their art projects with a teacher.

SWIM TRANSPORTATION

Transportation is provided by our teacher and camp parent Darrel Medford of Nola Soul Food Tour and Transport, a proud camp sponsor.

• The pool is a 5-minute drive

• Students are transported in two rounds:

  • First van leaves camp at 9:30 AM

  • Second van at 9:45 AM

• Return trips: 11:00 and 11:15 AM

• Staggered transport allows for smooth locker room use

If arriving after 9:45 AM, families may drop campers directly at the pool. Staff will be on-site 9:40–11:15 AM.

SWIM RULES (NORD)

To swim, students must:

• Submit a hard copy of the Swim Release Form (once per summer; copies available at camp)

• Pass a swim test to use the deep end. It is not required to pass a swim test for the shallow end

• Wear proper swim attire (no t-shirts; swim shirts OK)

• Remove all jewelry, including earrings

• Follow all lifeguard rules (no running, rough play, excessive splashing, or underwater breath-holding games)

❌ No goggles that cover the nose
❌ No inflatable floaties/swimmies

WHAT TO BRING

• Come dressed in swim clothes with sunscreen already applied

• Bring a change of clothes, towel, and swim shoes

FAMILIES WELCOME!

Parents, guardians, and siblings are always welcome to join us at the pool on Fridays.

outdoor play & RECESS:

We have a shaded, fenced in backyard on site, where students are allowed to take an outdoor play break any time they need. Our famous foosball table is outside under a covered awning.

• Students have a 45 minute break after lunch. During this break, students can play outside, read or play with legos in the library, work on their projects, or just relax.

• In the Great Hall, a teacher will lead indoor games and dance during recess for students that which to partake.

FOOD & DRINK:

• LUNCH: Please pack a lunch Monday - Thursday. Every Friday we cook lunch with the students. The menu will be announced one week before camp begins, and includes vegetarian and gluten-free options. We do not cook with shellfish, pork or nuts. We have a refrigerator and microwave for student use.

• SNACKS: We provide 100% juice Otter Pops every day for Holiday and Summer camps and after school classes. Aftercare includes an additional healthy snack and another ice pop.

• WATER: We have a reverse osmosis filtered water fountain on site. We encourage students to reduce waste by bringing a water bottle (write your name on it). We have cups for students that forget a water bottle.

FOOD ALLERGIES:

Generally we do not restrict the food that students may bring to camp. However, if a student in a specific camp week has severe food allergies, we notify parents of the allergen and restrict the food students may bring.

Our staff is trained on administering an EpiPen in case of emergencies.

FRIDAY PRESENTATIONS:

Every camp session ends with a special Family Art Show & Student Presentation to celebrate our campers’ hard work! For two-week sessions, the presentation will take place on the final Friday of the session.

• STUDENT PARTICIPATION:While presentations are optional, we strongly encourage all students to participate. It’s a fun, supportive way to build confidence and public speaking skills in a relaxed environment.

• POTLUCK:Families are invited to bring a snack or drink to share at our potluck table during the event.

PRESENTATION SCHEDULE - SUMMER CAMP:

For Summer Camp, we offer three presentation blocks (with the exception of the first week of camp, May 26-29). Each presentation features student hosts and a set order of presenters. You will sign up for your presentation block in advance.

• First Group | 3:00-4:00pm | Art Walk 3:00-3:15, Speeches 3:15-4:00

• Second Group | 4:00-5:00pm | Art Walk 4:00-4:15, Speeches 4:15-5:00

• Third Group | 5:00-6:00pm | Art Walk 5:00-5:15, Speeches 5:15-6:00

If your student is in the third presentation group, they will be supervised by the aftercare teacher. Please sign up for aftercare that Friday if your student is in the latest group. You do not need to sign up for aftercare if your student is in the 4pm presentation slot.

LOST AND FOUND

We collect all belongings at the end of each week and place them in our Lost and Found. Any fresh food or perishable items are removed before storage. We hold items for three weeks before donating unclaimed belongings. We are happy to hold an item for longer if you let us know you are coming for it.

Art Camp 504 is not responsible for artwork and other property left on the premises and has no liability if such property is lost, stolen or damaged.

To arrange a pick-up, please text us at 504-913-2989.

GROUPME

To keep our community connected and ensure you don’t miss out on exciting updates, we’re happy to offer a new way to stay in touch! In addition to our newsletters and social media channels, Art Camp 504 will now provide the option to join GroupMe groups.

GroupMe is a simple group messaging app that allows us to share announcements, important updates, and more—all in one place on your phone or computer. Download the GroupMe app and join the group below for all things Art Camp 504!

Art Camp 504 Updates + Announcements

Teachers will also use GroupMe chats for each camp throughout the summer to share reminders, announcements, and even photo updates. Already registered for one of the camps below? Get a head start by joining the relevant groups! 

Creative Writing Camp  (May 25 - 29)

Culinary, Film & Set Design Camp (June 1 - 12)

Toy Design Camp - (June 15 - 26)

Fantasy Camp - (June 29 - July 3)

Parade Camp - (July 6 - 10)

Film Camp - (July 13 - 24)

Digital Media, Culinary + Ceramics - (July 27 - July 31)

Creative Writing Camp - (August 3 - 7)

You’re the Teacher Camp - (August 10 - 14)

Parents with young artists attending camp with us this summer - interested in carpool coordination? Get connected with parents from your area by joining one of the groups below!

Uptown Art Camp 504 Parents

Mid City Art Camp 504 Parents

Downtown Art Camp 504 Parents

Westbank Art Camp 504 Parents 

SCHOLARSHIPS & SLIDING SCALE

RISING ARTISTS PROGRAM:We offer scholarships for students based on financial need. The largest scholarships are reserved for students with the most financial need.

• HOW TO APPLY: Each camp has a deadline for submission and a notification date. Visit our website to view dates and apply online.

• RETURNING SCHOLARSHIP STUDENTS: Must complete the scholarship application by the listed deadline every time you want to attend a new class. As a returning student, you only need to enter your basic info (name, contact info), and the class you want to attend - no additional information is needed

SLIDING SCALE:We offer discounts up to 25% for families that do not meet income requirements for the scholarship program, but still need financial assistance in order to attend classes. Enter the discount code SLIDING10% or SLIDING25% at checkout to utilize this program. You may use this code as many times as you would like.

supply wishlist

All materials are included with tuition. We always appreciate donations and go through a ton of art supplies. Below is our supply wishlist! We love any and all donations.

• COSTUMES & CLOTHES: Kid and adult sized costumes, hats and accessories. Items that can be upcycled. Lightly used plain or patterned t-shirts with no text or logos that we can press designs onto, kid and adult size

• ART SUPPLIES: Sequin / shiny / sparkle fabric, faux fur, gems, feathers, air dry and polymer clay, mini hot glue sticks, duct tape (especially fun patterns), collage materials

• PAINT: Spray paint, multisurface paint, acrylic paint (small containers), exterior house paint - black, silver, dark blue, paint pens

• RECYCLED OBJECTS: Bits and pieces of broken, misplaced toys and games, tissue paper / paper towel rolls, soda can rings, fruit nets, bottle caps, plastic water bottles all sizes, reflective items (bike reflectors, CDs), old electronics and keyboards

hot glue

We allow and encourage our campers of all ages to use hot glue guns independently. We use mini, low heat guns and teach hot glue safety. We teach students that are scared how to properly use the tools so that they don’t burn themselves. Let us know if you do not want your camper working with hot glue.

ELECTRONICS:

We allow electronics for educational purposes such as finding reference photos, filming, animation, 3d modeling, graphic design, and more. Electronics are only used during guided digital media classes, supervised by teachers at all times. We limit electronics use to one class period per day.

If a student uses their device for watching videos, playing games or texting friends, it will be taken away and returned at dismissal. If this continues to be an issue, the student will not be allowed to use electronics at camp.

Campers are allowed to use their devices during aftercare, though we encourage them to play games and make art with the other students during that time. We are not responsible for any electronics lost or damaged.

parent volunteers

We love having parent volunteers at camp! Email us if you are interested in volunteering during camp hours. If you work in the arts, we’d love to have you come as a guest artist! Guest Artists give short presentations to the students about their work, and answer questions. It’s a great way to expose our young artists to a variety of career paths.

STUDENT ABSENCES:

Refunds and make-ups will not be given for student absences due to personal scheduling conflicts.

after school CLASS POLICIES:

low enrollment:

Art Camp 504 reserves the right to cancel a class due to insufficient enrollment. If a class hasn’t met enrollment one week before the start date, the start date will be postponed one week and you will receive a refund for the missed class. If the class has still not met enrollment the following week, we will postpone the start date another week and issue refunds for those dates. Students may switch to a different class or receive a full refund when classes are postponed.

substitute Teachers:

If a lead after school teacher is unable to teach their scheduled class, we will have another Art Camp 504 teach that day so that class is not cancelled.

PHOTO RELEASE:

During enrollment, you will select if you would like to consent to the photo release. Students that do not sign the photo release will not appear in any photos or films.

I understand that Art Camp 504 may make recordings, photographs, videos, films, and written materials regarding its programs and the children participating in its programs, and may use and distribute these materials for educational, training, and promotional purposes.  

These materials may include the names, images, or likenesses of children participating. 

Our social media accounts include Facebook, Instagram,YouTube and TikTok.

Parents may update their responses at any time for future camps by emailing community@artcamp504.org.

FILM CREDITS:

Our default is to use first names or made-up names when crediting students. If you enroll in Film Camp, you will receive a form where you can select if you would like for us to also include the students’ last name. We only include last names with parental permission.

dogs at art camp:

Our canine camp counselors are an integral part of our community. They spend part of the day in their pen, and most of the day out in the open with the kids. If your camper is afraid of dogs, we invite them to come to Art Camp to meet them before deciding if you’d like to enroll.

• ZIGGY STARDUST and PRINCESS SUPERNOVA are the Camp Director Sam’s dogs, they attend every session. They are Japanese Chins and have been attending camp since they were puppies. Ziggy loves attention and chasing the ball around. He gets very excited, and then gets overwhelmed by the excitement and needs breaks. He teaches the kids pure joy and boundaries. Princess is a perfect little angel… most of the time. She likes soft pets, and finds the calmest kids to set next to while they work. 

• MAMA is Mr. Fin’s dog and is the wise old grandmother of Art Camp 504. Mama likes to nap and observe the children from a fluffy bed most of the day. Her favorite thing is to run around in Clouet Gardens with all of her friends! She comes to camp most days with Mr. Fin.

• We will also have the occasional visit from Japanese Chins Pop Tart, Remi, Chi Chi and on rare occasion Sookie. All the Japanese Chins running around making gremlin sounds is quite the spectacle!

About OUR FACILITIES:

We're located in the Faubourg Marigny in the heart of the St. Claude Arts District. Our building has been a neighborhood fixture since 1880 — first as a corner store, then as the beloved bike shop Gerkens.

• BATHROOMS: We have three single-occupancy, gender-neutral bathrooms, all stocked with menstrual products and equipped with touchless electric hand dryers.

• ACCESSIBILITY: We have a ramp entrance on St. Claude Ave. Our building is not currently fully ADA compliant — our doorways are narrower than required and the bathrooms are not wheelchair accessible. We are planning door-widening renovations after summer camp, with the goal of being fully ADA compliant by Fall 2026.

• EARLY CHILDHOOD: We have a baby changing table and wipes. Our bathrooms have step stools for the sinks. We have a potty training toilet seat on site.

Diversity and Inclusion Statement:

At Art Camp 504, we believe that art thrives in an environment that celebrates diversity and embraces inclusivity. We are committed to fostering a creative community that values and respects the unique perspectives, experiences, and identities of all individuals.

We strive to create an environment where people from all backgrounds, cultures, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, and socioeconomic statuses feel welcome, heard, and valued. We recognize that diversity enriches our artistic endeavors, fuels innovation, and enhances the vibrancy of our programs and initiatives.

Through our commitment to diversity and inclusion, we aim to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and promote equity within the arts. We actively seek to amplify underrepresented voices, provide opportunities for marginalized groups, and create platforms for dialogue and collaboration across diverse communities.

We are dedicated to ensuring that our organization reflects the diversity of the world we live in and that our programs are accessible and inclusive to all. By embracing diversity and inclusion, we not only strengthen our artistic community but also contribute to a more equitable and compassionate society.

MISCONDUCT

We have a zero-tolerance policy for harassment or misconduct of any kind, including verbal, sexual, or physical harassment. Participants who engage in such behavior toward others, including staff, will be immediately removed from their current course and prohibited from participating in future programs. Any incidents should be reported to the administration with supporting documentation. Upon review, appropriate action will be taken to address the situation and remove the offending individual. A documented report of the incident will be maintained on file.