SUMMER CAMP 2026
REGISTRATION OPENS JAN 14, 6PM
Students learn advanced visual and performing arts skills under the guidance of professional artists.
Daily schedule includes morning and afternoon art classes, with daily trips to Markey Playground and Clouet Gardens. We swim once a week through NORD’s Summer Aquatics Program. Every Friday we either cook lunch with the students or have a Pizza Party. Sessions conclude with a final presentation and art show for family and friends!
ADDRESS: The Tigermen Den, 3113 Royal St in the Bywater
AGES: 7 - 14. Ages vary by class
TIME: 8:30am - 3:30pm
COST: $395/week
Before & Aftercare:
We offer before and aftercare every day. You may register by the week or pay for drop in days.
BEFORECARE, 8:00-8:30: $10/day or $40/week (5 days)
AFTERCARE, 3:30-5:30: $20/day or $75/week
SUMMER CAMP SCHEDULE 2026
Scroll down to view camp descriptions, we have some big schedule changes from last summer!
May 26 - 29: Creative Writing, Illustration, and Scriptwriting, Ages 8 - 14
June 1 - 12: Film & Culinary Arts, Ages 8 - 14 (two weeks)
June 15 - 26: Toy Design Expo, Ages 7 - 14 (two weeks)
June 29 - July 3: Fantasy Camp, Ages 7 - 14
July 6 - 10: Midsummer Mardi Gras Parade Camp, Ages 7 - 14
July 13 - 31: Film Camp, Ages 10 - 14 (three weeks)
Aug 3 - 7: Creative Writing, Illustration and Scriptwriting, Ages 7 - 14
Aug 10 - 14: You’re the Teacher Camp, Ages 6 - 12
FAMILY HANDBOOK:
CLICK to learn about our behavior expectations, refund policy, daily schedule, class structure, dogs and more.
SCHOLARSHIPS & SLIDING SCALE:
RISING ARTISTS PROGRAM: We provide scholarships for students based on financial need. The largest scholarships are reserved for students with the most financial need. APPLY HERE
SLIDING SCALE: We offer discounts up to 25% for families that do not meet scholarship income requirements, but still need financial assistance in order to attend classes. No application is required, you may use the discount code as often as needed. Enter the discount code SLIDING10% or SLIDING25% at checkout to utilize this program.
camp descriptions:
Creative Writing, Illustration and SCRIPT WRITING
Ages 8 - 14 | Session 1: May 26-29 (four days) | Session 2: Aug 3 - 7
In this Creative Writing class, students will use words, images, and a LOT of imagination to bring their own stories to life. They’ll learn the building blocks of storytelling—plot, setting, character development, conflict, resolution, and how to build tension—while creating an original story or script and designing a beautifully bound book. We’ll move between writing and illustration as students draft, revise, and polish their work.
Students who want to dive deeper can add on either a Bookbinding or Screenwriting class. Bookbinding introduces simple sewing to create unique covers and hand-bound books or journals. Screenwriting focuses on formatting and shaping stories for the screen, making it a great fit for anyone interested in Film Camp or turning their script into a short film.
At the end of the session, families are invited to a book reading and art showcase where students present their creations.
Both sessions follow the same curriculum. Students are welcome to sign up for either one—or both! Those joining for the second session can continue their stories, write a sequel, or begin something completely new.
Film & culinary arts
Ages 8 - 14 | June 1 - 12 (two weeks)
Big news: this summer we’re launching a brand-new camp session—and we’ll be filming Creature Academy’s first-ever Cooking Show! Film has quickly become one of our most popular programs, so for Summer ‘26 we’ve expanded to include five full weeks of film-focused classes.
In this two-week session, students will select from Culinary Arts, Set Design, and Film classes. They can try a little bit of everything or decide to focus in one content area.
In Culinary Arts, students start with kitchen safety and basic techniques, then dive into cooking dishes from around the world—with plenty of New Orleans flavor mixed in. We’ll cook and eat delicious meals together and also prepare food for the big family event.
In Set Design, students will transform the Tigermen Den into the Creature Academy Dining Hall. They’ll create everything from wall décor and centerpieces to signs, artwork, and even “living menus” (yes—really living). Anything is possible in our enchanted forest!
In Film, students will plan and produce the very first Creature Academy Cooking Show. Some sessions will be intro-friendly for new filmmakers, while others are designed specifically for our returning film students. Those who already are familiar with shooting and editing will have the chance to create their own short films with guidance from our instructors.
The camp wraps up with a family meal, with seatings on Friday afternoon, Friday evening, and Saturday brunch (June 12 & 13). We’ll screen the student films during the meal—and again at the Broad Theater later in the summer!
toy design expo
Ages 7 - 14 | June 15 - 26 (two weeks)
The only thing more exciting than playing with toys is designing them! In this creative and hands-on session, students will challenge themselves to craft fun, durable, and one-of-a-kind toys using a variety of art supplies and unique found objects.
The adventure begins with students forming their own toy companies—either individually or in groups. They’ll develop a brand, write a mission statement, and design business cards, logos, and marketing posters to showcase their creations.
Toy-making options include puppets, stuffed animals and clothes, trading cards, dollhouses, action figures, board games, and more. Students will also design packaging and tags and price their toys for sale.
Every afternoon, we’ll “test” the toys through organized play sessions, providing opportunities for collaborative feedback and improvement. On the final day of camp, students will set up booths to present and pitch their innovative creations at the Toy Design Expo for family and friends!
fantasy camp
Ages 7 - 14 | June 29-July 3
Unleash your imagination in Fantasy Camp! Dive into distant realms as we dream up and create fantastical characters through two engaging workshops: Dungeons & Dragons and World Building.
Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) is one of our most popular classes, teaching teamwork, problem-solving, character development, and even math. Students will be grouped by experience level, ensuring everyone has a fun and exciting adventure tailored to their skills.
In the World Building workshop, students will bring their characters to life through drawing, writing, and roleplay. They’ll craft their own armor and accessories using kid-friendly cardboard-cutting power tools and sculpt and paint miniatures of their D&D characters.
We’ll also introduce LARPing (Live Action Role Play), where students will act out thrilling scenarios from their D&D adventures. Camp culminates in a live-action performance for family and friends, showcasing the incredible characters and worlds created throughout the week. The sky’s the limit—let the adventure begin!
bywater midsummer mardi gras parade camp
Ages 8 - 14 | July 6 - 10
Join us for the 5th Annual Bywater Midsummer Mardi Gras, hosted by our Art Camp 504 students and featuring the legendary Preservation Hall Jazz Band! This year’s theme is Creature Academy, so get ready for wild creatures from other dimensions, lush flowers and foliage, quirky professors, curious scientists, and maybe even a few returning astronauts.
Throughout the week, students will design and sew their own costumes using sewing machines and simple patterns. They’ll also work with recycled materials, old costume pieces, and all kinds of unexpected objects to build creative, one-of-a-kind looks. Students who love to move can join our Parade Dance Troupe and design their own choreographed dance. We’ll also make adorable throw bags and special Creature Academy–themed throws. Meanwhile, our young chefs will be in the kitchen preparing sweet and savory treats for Friday’s neighborhood celebration.
The camp culminates with the Bywater Midsummer Mardi Gras Parade, followed by a neighborhood porch concert with Preservation Hall Jazz Band. Come celebrate, catch some throws, and dance the night away!
FILM CAMP
Ages 10 - 14 | July 13-31 (Three weeks)
We have some exciting updates for this summer’s Film Camp! This year, the camp runs for three weeks, giving students more time to develop their original stories as well as dive deep into post-production. Working in small groups, students will collaborate to write scripts, design sets, make props and costumes, rehearse, film, and edit their projects.
Using footage shot throughout the year as well as during Film Camp, we’ll work together to produce a 30-minute film telling the story of our adventures at the Creature Academy. The extra week gives students the chance to develop their own independent films, make audio tracks in GarageBand, explore animation, and learn more advanced editing techniques.
The first few days focus on the fundamentals: film theory, cinematography, production design, directing, and performance. Students will learn digital media skills, including animation and creating movie posters and graphics in Canva. This workshop is open to all experience levels, and students will choose roles that match their interests. For students interested in screenwriting, we recommend pairing this camp with our Creative Writing Camps.
The workshop wraps up with a Film Premiere at the Broad Theater, where students share their films with family and friends on the big screen! We’ll also host ticketed screenings in August and September to showcase all the films from the past year.
JUNETEENTH: Friday, June 19th, is an optional day for students. We'll celebrate the contributions of historical and contemporary African American filmmakers through film screenings and a talk from a local guest speaker.
you’re the teacher camp
Ages 6 - 12 | Aug 10 - 14
Wow, it’s hard to believe summer is coming to a close! Our final session is all about our students taking the lead—what do you want to create and explore?
Students will learn how to plan and teach their own short activities for their peers, including gathering materials, creating example projects, and breaking lessons into manageable steps. Each day will feature exciting events like fashion shows, puppet performances, and talent showcases. We’ll also clean out the fridge and whip up creative dishes using leftover ingredients.
This relaxed and reflective week is designed to help students wind down from summer and ease back into the school mindset. For this session only, drop-in days are available.
The week wraps up with a student-led presentation for family and friends, showcasing their creativity and leadership. Let’s make the most of our last week together!
