Family Handbook
This handbook contains the policies, procedures, and practical information families need to know before participating in Art Camp 504 programs.
Some sections apply to all programs, while others—such as swim days and daily camp schedules—apply specifically to Summer and Holiday Camps.
Last updated: August 2026
WELCOME TO ART CAMP 504
Our Approach
Art Camp 504 is a student-centered art studio. We encourage students to develop their own interests and take ownership of their creative process.
Depending on the program, students may choose from teacher-led projects, develop independent work in our open studio, collaborate with other students, or participate in specialized classes and workshops.
Our goal is not simply to teach students how to make art. We want young people to feel confident taking creative risks, solving problems, trying new things, and sharing their ideas.
Our Community
We strive to create an environment where students, families, teachers, and artists feel welcome, respected, and valued.
At Art Camp 504, we believe that art thrives when people with different backgrounds, experiences, perspectives, abilities, and identities can learn and create together.
We are committed to building an inclusive community that celebrates diversity and encourages curiosity, collaboration, and respect.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Student Choice & Creative Independence
Many Art Camp 504 programs are designed around student choice.
In camp settings, teachers introduce projects each morning, and students can choose the activities they want to explore. Students may spend the entire week developing one project or experiment with several different activities.
Students may also create independent projects in our open studio with guidance from teaching artists and interns.
We strongly encourage participation, but we do not force students to complete a particular project or work directly with a teacher if they are not interested.
Students who choose not to participate in a particular activity may work independently, play games, read, spend time in the courtyard, or pursue another appropriate activity.
Because our programs are centered around art-making, families should consider whether this environment is a good fit for students who prefer a high level of outdoor play or physical activity.
SCHOOLHOUSE-STYLE GROUPING
At Art Camp 504, we often group students by interest rather than age.
By around age seven, most students are able to participate in many of the same projects while working at their own skill level.
Mixed-age classrooms allow younger students to learn from older peers while giving older students opportunities to develop leadership skills and confidence.
Students are supported by teachers, assistants, and interns, with additional guidance provided to younger students when needed.
Homeroom
During camp, students begin the day in a small homeroom group of approximately 8–10 students grouped by age.
Homeroom provides a consistent community where students check in, share their work, discuss their goals, and prepare for the day.
CAMP STRUCTURE & STAFFING
Our camp programs maintain approximately a 1:8 student-to-adult ratio.
Summer Camp typically includes lead teachers, support staff, and teenage interns who assist students throughout the week.
Students work in smaller groups with designated classroom teachers while also having opportunities to move between projects and spaces.
We aim to provide the feeling of a small creative community while offering lots of different activities and choices.
CAMP DAYS
OUR LOCATION
Art Camp 504
2803 St. Claude Ave.
New Orleans, LA 70117
Our entrance is on St. Ferdinand. Street parking is available.
Our building is located in the Faubourg Marigny in the heart of the St. Claude Arts District. The building has been a neighborhood fixture since 1880, first as a corner store and later as the beloved Gerken’s Bike Shop.
Other Program Locations
Some programs, including Dungeons & Dragons campaigns, may take place at partner locations. Please check the location listed for your specific class when enrolling.
Current partner locations include:
Z’otz Cafe — 8210 Oak St #2042, New Orleans
Mojo Coffee House — 1500 Magazine St, New Orleans
Go 4 Games — 4953 W Napoleon Ave, Metairie
SUMMER & HOLIDAY CAMP DAILY SCHEDULE
Summer and Holiday Camps follow a daily schedule designed to balance structured projects, independent creative time, meals, outdoor play, and community-building.
Typical Camp Day
8:00–8:30 AM — Before Care
8:30–9:00 AM — Drop-Off & Free Time
9:00–9:30 AM — Homeroom & Morning Meeting
9:30–11:30 AM — Art Workshop
11:30 AM–12:00 PM — Lunch
12:00–12:30 PM — Free Time
12:30–1:00 PM — Afternoon Meeting
1:00–2:30 PM — Art Workshop
2:30–2:45 PM — Clean-Up
2:45–3:00 PM — Free Time & Ice Pops
3:00–3:30 PM — Pick-Up
3:30–4:00 PM — Late Pick-Up
3:30–5:30 PM — Aftercare
Schedules may vary for individual camps, workshops, special events, and field trips.
BEFORE CARE & AFTERCARE
Before and aftercare are available for holiday and summer camps.
Families may register by the week or pay for individual drop-in days. Advance notification is not required for drop-in care.
Before Care
8:00–8:30 AM
$10/day
Late Pick-Up
3:30–4:00 PM
$10/day
Aftercare
3:30–5:30 PM
$20/day
$75 for 5 days
Payment may be made by Venmo @artcamp504, cash, or card at drop-off/pick-up.
When using Venmo, please include the student’s name and “before/aftercare” in the payment description.
OUTDOOR PLAY & RECESS
We have a shaded, fenced-in backyard where students can take outdoor breaks.
Our covered outdoor area includes our famous foosball table.
During camp, students have a 30-minute break after lunch. During this time, students may:
Play outside
Read
Build with Legos
Work on art projects
Relax
Teachers may also lead indoor games and dancing in the Great Hall.
WHAT TO BRING
For Summer and Holiday Camps, students should bring:
Lunch
Pack lunch Monday through Thursday. Friday lunch is provided during Summer Camp.
Snacks
Bring extra snacks. We provide 100% juice Otter Pops during Holiday and Summer Camps.
Water Bottle
Filtered water is available on site. Please label your student’s water bottle with their name.
Backpack
Students bring their projects home at the end of each session. A backpack is helpful for transporting smaller projects during the week.
We provide work bags for students to use while at camp. These bags remain at Art Camp 504.
Sunscreen
Please apply sunscreen before arriving at camp. Sunscreen is also available on site if needed.
Swim Days
For Summer Camp swim days, students should bring a swimsuit, towel and change of clothes.
FOOD & DRINK
Lunch
For Summer Camp, families should pack lunch Monday through Thursday.
Every Friday, or the last day of camp, students participate in cooking lunch together. The menu is announced approximately one week before camp begins and includes vegetarian and gluten-free options.
We do not cook with shellfish, pork, or nuts.
A refrigerator and microwave are available for student use.
Snacks
We provide 100% juice Otter Pops during 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.
Students are encouraged to bring reusable water bottles to reduce waste. Cups are available for students who forget a bottle.
Food Allergies
We generally do not restrict the food families bring to camp. However, if a student enrolled during a particular week has a severe food allergy, families may be notified and restrictions may be placed on foods brought into the program.
Our staff is trained to administer an EpiPen in an emergency.
COMMUNITY & BEHAVIOR
COMMUNITY NORMS
We want Art Camp 504 to be a place where everyone can learn and create safely.
Students are expected to:
Treat classmates and instructors with kindness and respect.
Use calm, focused behavior while working in the studio.
Help keep the studio organized and clean.
Use words and conflict-resolution strategies to solve problems.
Listen attentively when teachers are giving instructions.
Raise their hands during whole-group lessons.
Share art supplies thoughtfully and avoid unnecessary waste.
Use art materials and tools safely and appropriately.
BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS
Art Camp 504 is a supportive, creative environment that encourages self-direction and freedom of expression.
At the same time, students must be able to participate safely and respectfully in a group setting.
Behaviors We Do Not Allow
The following behaviors are not permitted:
Hurtful or inappropriate language
Cursing, name-calling, or language intended to hurt or demean another person.
Bullying, discrimination, or harassment
Repeated unkindness, threats, exclusion, or targeting another person through words or actions.
Physical or verbal violence
Hitting, punching, kicking, pinching, throwing objects, yelling, stomping, or similar behavior.
Behavior Support Process
When behavior concerns arise, we use a progressive process:
1. Verbal Reminder
The student is reminded of our community norms and asked to repair the situation.
2. Reflection Break
If the behavior continues, the student may take a 10-minute reflection break before returning to activities.
3. Parent/Guardian Contact
Continued concerns may result in a phone call home.
4. Removal for the Day
If behavior does not improve, a parent or guardian may be asked to pick up the student early. If they are unavailable, the student may sit out for the remainder of the day's activities.
5. Removal for the Week
If inappropriate behavior continues, the student may be sent home for the remainder of the week and may return the following week.
6. Removal from the Program
If there is no improvement following a one-week suspension, the student may be removed from all enrolled classes for the remainder of the season.
Students may return in a future season after receiving appropriate behavioral support.
Individual Behavioral Support
Art Camp 504 is not able to provide one-on-one behavioral support at this time.
Families should consider whether our group-based, student-directed environment is appropriate for their student before enrolling.
Refunds are not provided for behavior-related removals.
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.
ART & TECHNOLOGY
HOT GLUE & ART TOOLS
We encourage students of all ages to learn how to use creative tools safely.
Students may use mini, low-temperature hot glue guns independently after receiving instruction in hot-glue safety.
Teachers work with students who are nervous about using the tools and teach them how to use them safely.
If you do not want your student to use hot glue, please let us know.
ELECTRONICS & DIGITAL MEDIA
Electronics may be used for educational and creative purposes, including:
Finding reference images
Filming
Animation
3D modeling
Graphic design
Digital media projects
Electronics are used during guided digital media classes and are supervised by teachers.
We limit electronics use to one class period per day during camp.
If a student uses a device for watching unrelated videos, playing games, or texting friends, the device may be held by staff and returned at dismissal.
If inappropriate device use continues, the student may lose access to electronics during camp.
Students may use their devices during aftercare, although we encourage students to spend that time creating, playing, and connecting with other students.
Art Camp 504 is not responsible for electronics that are lost or damaged.
SUPPLIES
All standard art materials are included with tuition.
We go through a lot of supplies throughout the year and gratefully accept donations.
WE COLLECT DONATIONS SUCH AS:
Costumes, hats, accessories, and clothing for upcycling
Sequins, sparkle fabric, faux fur, gems, and feathers
Air-dry and polymer clay
Collage materials
Tapes
Paint and paint pens
Recycled toys and game pieces
Tissue paper and cardboard tubes
Bottle caps
Plastic bottles
CDs and reflective materials
Old electronics and keyboards
SUMMER SWIM
SWIM: OPTIONAL FOR STUDENTS
Summer Camp includes an optional Friday morning swim opportunity through NORD's Summer Aquatics Program.
Location
Stallings St. Claude Recreation Center
4300 St. Claude Ave.
New Orleans, LA 70117
The private camp swim session is 10:00–11:00 AM, when the pool is closed to the public.
Students who do not want to swim remain at Art Camp 504 and continue working on art projects with a teacher.
Supervision
Students are supervised by Art Camp 504 teachers and interns, with lifeguards on duty.
Swim Requirements
Students who swim must:
Submit a Swim Release Form once per summer.
Pass a swim test to use the deep end. A swim test is not required for the shallow end.
Wear appropriate swim attire.
Remove jewelry, including earrings.
Follow all lifeguard rules.
No running, rough play, excessive splashing, or underwater breath-holding games are permitted.
Goggles that cover the nose and inflatable floaties/swimmies are not permitted.
What to Bring
Students should arrive:
Wearing swim clothes
With sunscreen already applied
With a change of clothes
With a towel
Transportation
Transportation between Art Camp 504 and the pool is provided by our camp transportation partner.
The pool is approximately a five-minute drive away.
Students are transported in two groups, with staggered departure and return times.
Families arriving after the final camp departure may drop their student directly at the pool during the designated staff supervision window.
Parents, guardians, and siblings are welcome to join us at the pool.
FAMILY & STUDENT EVENTS
FAMILY ART SHOWS & STUDENT PRESENTATIONS
Many camp sessions conclude with a Family Art Show and Student Presentation celebrating students' work.
For two-week sessions, the presentation takes place on the final Friday.
Participation in presentations is optional, but we strongly encourage students to participate. Presentations are a supportive opportunity to practice public speaking, build confidence, and celebrate creative work.
Camp presentations are offered in two or three time blocks, each about an hour long. Families will sign up for a presentation block on site, during camp. Times are 3:15, 4:15 and 5:15pm.
PARENT & FAMILY INVOLVEMENT
We love having families involved in our community!
Parents and guardians may volunteer during camp or participate as guest artists.
If you work in the arts, we especially welcome guest artists to visit the studio, share their work, talk about their creative process, and answer students' questions.
Guest artists help expose young people to a wide variety of creative careers and artistic practices.
Interested in volunteering?
Email community@artcamp504.org
ENROLLMENT & POLICIES
Absences, Refunds & Transfers
We know plans change! Please review the policies below before enrolling so you know what to expect if your plans change or your child is unable to attend.
Absences & Make-Up Sessions
We’re unable to offer refunds, credits, or make-up sessions when a student misses a class or camp day due to a personal scheduling conflict.
Because our programs have limited enrollment and staffing is planned in advance, tuition is reserved for your child’s spot whether or not they attend.
Refund Policy
When you cancel your registration, any non-refundable portion of your tuition supports Art Camp 504’s scholarship program, helping make creative programs accessible to more families.
Refunds and transfers are managed directly through Active, our registration platform.
24-Hour Cancellation Window
All registrations include a 20% non-refundable deposit. However, if you change your mind, you may cancel within 24 hours of enrollment for a 100% refund, including the deposit.
Summer Camp
Before March 1
Original payment method: 80% refund, with the 20% deposit retained.
Future class credit: 90% refund issued as a credit balance toward a future class or camp.
March 2–May 1
Original payment method: 50% refund of the total payment.
Future class credit: 60% of the total payment issued as a credit balance toward a future class or camp.
After May 2
Summer Camp registrations are non-refundable.
Holiday Camps & After-School Classes
15+ days before the program starts
Original payment method: 80% refund, with the 20% deposit retained.
Future class credit: 90% refund issued as a credit balance toward a future class or camp.
7–14 days before the program starts
Original payment method: 50% refund of the total payment.
Future class credit: 60% of the total payment issued as a credit balance toward a future class or camp.
6 days or fewer before the program starts
Registration is non-refundable.
Transfer Policy
Need to switch to a different class? Transfers are managed directly through Active, our registration platform.
Transfers are subject to a $10 transfer fee.
There is no transfer fee within the first 48 hours after purchase.
Transfers are available up to 7 days before the start of the original session.
If the new class has a different price, your registration total will automatically adjust to reflect the cost of the new class.
Please note that transfers are subject to availability. If the new class is full, we may not be able to accommodate the transfer.
AFTER-SCHOOL CLASS POLICIES
Low Enrollment
Art Camp 504 reserves the right to postpone or cancel an after-school class if enrollment is insufficient.
If a class has not met its minimum enrollment one week before the scheduled start date, the start date may be postponed by one week and families will receive a refund for the missed class.
If enrollment remains insufficient, the class may be postponed again.
When a class is postponed, families may choose to:
Move to another available class, or
Receive a full refund.
Substitute Teachers
If an after-school lead teacher is unable to teach, Art Camp 504 will provide another qualified Art Camp 504 teacher whenever possible so the class does not need to be cancelled.
OUR FACILITIES
ABOUT OUR VENUE
Bathrooms
We have three single-occupancy, gender-neutral bathrooms.
Bathrooms are stocked with menstrual products and equipped with touchless electric hand dryers.
Accessibility
We have a ramp entrance on St. Claude Avenue.
Our building is not currently fully ADA compliant. Doorways are narrower than required and our bathrooms are not wheelchair accessible.
Door-widening renovations are planned with the goal of achieving full ADA compliance by Fall 2026.
Early Childhood
Our facility includes:
A baby changing table
Wipes
Sink step stools
A potty-training toilet seat
Families with specific accessibility needs are encouraged to contact us before enrollment so we can discuss the current facilities and determine whether the program can meet their needs.
DOGS AT ART CAMP 504
Our canine camp counselors are an important part of our community.
Dogs may spend part of the day in their designated area and part of the day in the studio with students.
Our regular camp dogs include:
Ziggy Stardust and Princess Supernova, Camp Director Sam's Japanese Chins.
Mama, Mr. Fin's dog, also spends many days at camp.
We may occasionally have visits from other Japanese Chins as well.
If your student is afraid of dogs, families are welcome to visit Art Camp 504 before enrolling so they can decide whether the environment is a good fit.
LOST & FOUND
We collect belongings left behind at the end of each week and place them in Lost & Found.
Fresh food and other perishable items are discarded.
Unclaimed belongings are held for three weeks before being donated.
We are happy to hold an item longer if a family contacts us and lets us know they are coming to pick it up.
Art Camp 504 is not responsible for artwork, personal belongings, or other property left on the premises and cannot guarantee replacement for items that are lost, stolen, or damaged.
SAFETY & PARTICIPATION
LIABILITY & PARTICIPATION
Participation in Art Camp 504 programs involves inherent risks associated with art-making, tools, physical activity, transportation, swimming, and participation in group activities.
Families acknowledge these risks as part of the enrollment process and agree to the applicable terms and liability waiver.
Art Camp 504's Terms of Service are governed by the laws of Louisiana.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION
Art Camp 504 believes that creativity flourishes in communities where people feel safe, respected, and valued.
We welcome students and families from all backgrounds and strive to create programs that celebrate different perspectives, experiences, cultures, identities, abilities, and socioeconomic circumstances.
We believe diversity strengthens our artistic community and helps young people become more curious, empathetic, collaborative, and creative.
HARASSMENT & MISCONDUCT
Art Camp 504 has a zero-tolerance policy for harassment or misconduct of any kind, including verbal, sexual, or physical harassment.
Participants who engage in this behavior toward other participants or staff may be immediately removed from their current program and prohibited from participating in future Art Camp 504 programs.
Any concerns or incidents should be reported to administration with supporting documentation whenever possible.
Art Camp 504 will review reported incidents and take appropriate action to address the situation and protect our community. Documented reports may be maintained on file.
PHOTO & VIDEO RELEASE
During enrollment, families select whether they consent to the Art Camp 504 photo release.
Students without photo-release consent will not appear in Art Camp 504 photos or films.
With permission, Art Camp 504 may create and use photographs, videos, recordings, films, and written materials relating to our programs and participating students for educational, training, and promotional purposes.
Families may update their photo-release preference for future programs at any time.
QUESTIONS & CONTACT
We want families to feel informed and connected throughout their experience at Art Camp 504.
For questions about programs, enrollment, scholarships, accessibility, volunteering, or other family concerns, please contact:
Effy MacMorris
504-913-2989
Please review the information specific to your student's program before each session, as schedules, locations, activities, and policies may vary.
Thank you for being part of Art Camp 504!
We are so glad you're here. Our community is built by the students, families, teachers, artists, and neighbors who show up ready to create, experiment, learn, and have fun together.