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This is a preview of our summer camp options. Registration will open February 14.
Members: Click here and use the code that was emailed to you to access early registration or call 802-253-8358.
Not a member yet? Click here to join today and receive access to early registration and other exciting benefits.
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Join us at The Current for an exciting summer of art and adventure! In our weekly camps, professional artists and educators work with small groups of campers to create one-of-a-kind experiences. Our low staff-to-student ratio, a phenomenal team of Teaching Artists, and an incredible cohort of interns ensure campers are supported in every aspect of their experience. Through a blend of high-quality art instruction, STEAM-focused projects, outdoor exploration, and team-building activities, we create a holistic camp experience for all learning styles.
In Summer Camp at The Current, we balance rigorous art-making and citizen science initiatives with time spent outdoors exploring Stowe's abundant natural resources. Teaching Artists guide campers as they draw upon a variety of public lands within walking distance of The Current, wade in the cool water of the West Branch and Little River, and learn from expert community partners like the Stowe Land Trust.
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Sliding Scale Fee Model for 2023 Camps
We are offering a variety of participation levels and additional scholarships, helping families make art a priority.
Woven Wonders of Peru (Ages 5-7)
WEEK 1 (JUNE 26-30)
Join Teaching Artist Rachael Wells in this fiber arts extravaganza! Students will learn the basics of working with woolen fibers and native plants as they sew, weave, and create stuffies, accessories, and more. Inspired by the intricate weavings, cozy clothing, and woolen dolls created by traditional Peruvian artisans, learners will fabricate large and small-scale projects.
Join Teaching Artist Rachael Wells in this fiber arts extravaganza! Students will learn the basics of working with woolen fibers and native plants as they sew, weave, and create stuffies, accessories, and more. Inspired by the intricate weavings, cozy clothing, and woolen dolls created by traditional Peruvian artisans, learners will fabricate large and small-scale projects.
Digital Photography + Adobe Photoshop
(Ages 8-11)
WEEK 1 (JUNE 26-30)
Guided by Teaching Artist Joe Smith, artists in this camp will learn the ins and outs of digital photography and photo editing. Campers will explore the functions of our Nikon digital cameras and learn how to create dynamic photo compositions and edit their photos in Adobe Photoshop to create unique pieces of printed digital art. In addition, artists will learn tricks for photographing a wide array of subjects-from close-up macro photography to long exposure light paintings; these campers will experience it all!
Guided by Teaching Artist Joe Smith, artists in this camp will learn the ins and outs of digital photography and photo editing. Campers will explore the functions of our Nikon digital cameras and learn how to create dynamic photo compositions and edit their photos in Adobe Photoshop to create unique pieces of printed digital art. In addition, artists will learn tricks for photographing a wide array of subjects-from close-up macro photography to long exposure light paintings; these campers will experience it all!
Fine Metal-craft and Chainmail
(Ages 11-17)
WEEK 1 (JUNE 26-30)
Join us as we pilot a metal craft and wearables camp specifically for teens! Teaching Artist Shannon O'Connell brings years of experience teaching silversmithing and jewelry making to this innovative new offering. Campers this week will learn how to create chainmail, set stones, and create original pieces of wearable art from glass, stone, and fine metals. Throughout the week, Shannon will train students on the safe use of acetylene torches, hammers, soldering guns, and more as they develop the confidence they need to use these specialized tools. With a strong focus on skill-building and mastery, this camp gives artists the opportunity to explore a variety of 3-d mediums and challenge themselves to try new techniques with familiar materials.
Join us as we pilot a metal craft and wearables camp specifically for teens! Teaching Artist Shannon O'Connell brings years of experience teaching silversmithing and jewelry making to this innovative new offering. Campers this week will learn how to create chainmail, set stones, and create original pieces of wearable art from glass, stone, and fine metals. Throughout the week, Shannon will train students on the safe use of acetylene torches, hammers, soldering guns, and more as they develop the confidence they need to use these specialized tools. With a strong focus on skill-building and mastery, this camp gives artists the opportunity to explore a variety of 3-d mediums and challenge themselves to try new techniques with familiar materials.
From River to Reef: Painting Aquatic Life Around The World
(Ages 5-7)
WEEK 2 (JULY 10-14)
Dive deep into the marine ecosystems that grace our planet in this exciting exploratory camp! Young artists will discover the magic of coral reefs, deep ocean caves, and Vermont's glacial lakes and rivers. Through research and direct observation of our local streams, learners will uncover what makes these aquatic landscapes so special and learn about the astounding diversity of life that can be found in the most unassuming of streams. Young artists will document marine life in nature journals, paint on-site, and work on several large-scale acrylic paintings throughout the week.
Dive deep into the marine ecosystems that grace our planet in this exciting exploratory camp! Young artists will discover the magic of coral reefs, deep ocean caves, and Vermont's glacial lakes and rivers. Through research and direct observation of our local streams, learners will uncover what makes these aquatic landscapes so special and learn about the astounding diversity of life that can be found in the most unassuming of streams. Young artists will document marine life in nature journals, paint on-site, and work on several large-scale acrylic paintings throughout the week.
Building with Clay: Sculptural Vessels, Figures, and Features (Ages 8-11)
WEEK 2 (JULY 10-14)
Learn everything you've ever wanted to know about building with clay in this comprehensive camp! Young artists will explore the ins and outs of ceramic sculpture as they handbuild and throw on the wheel throughout the week. We will explore the history of ceramic sculpture in ancient civilizations, handbuild faces, figures, and buildings, and add sculptural elements to our cups and mugs in this outside-the-box ceramics camp.
Learn everything you've ever wanted to know about building with clay in this comprehensive camp! Young artists will explore the ins and outs of ceramic sculpture as they handbuild and throw on the wheel throughout the week. We will explore the history of ceramic sculpture in ancient civilizations, handbuild faces, figures, and buildings, and add sculptural elements to our cups and mugs in this outside-the-box ceramics camp.
Movie Making
(Ages 12-17)
WEEK 2 (JULY 10-14)
Join us this summer as Joe Smith guides our young artists through every aspect of filmmaking. Campers will work collaboratively to create scripts, concept art, scenery, props, and more in this whirlwind of a week! In addition to writing and directing, students will star in, film, and edit their movie under Joe's expert guidance. Movie-making with Joe has been a staple of summer at The Current for years, and we are thrilled to offer this highly popular camp again. Families and friends will be invited to an exclusive movie premiere at The Current to celebrate the campers' hard work.
Join us this summer as Joe Smith guides our young artists through every aspect of filmmaking. Campers will work collaboratively to create scripts, concept art, scenery, props, and more in this whirlwind of a week! In addition to writing and directing, students will star in, film, and edit their movie under Joe's expert guidance. Movie-making with Joe has been a staple of summer at The Current for years, and we are thrilled to offer this highly popular camp again. Families and friends will be invited to an exclusive movie premiere at The Current to celebrate the campers' hard work.
Art Among the Stars (PreK/Toddler)
WEEK 3 (JULY 17-21)
Inspired by the beautiful night skies of summer in Vermont, our youngest artists will dive deep into the cosmos in this multimedia camp. Storytimes will feature ancient myths about the stars and moon as told by civilizations worldwide. Students will build rocket ships, paint and name their own constellations, and join all of us in a fantastical, imaginative journey to worlds beyond our own.
Inspired by the beautiful night skies of summer in Vermont, our youngest artists will dive deep into the cosmos in this multimedia camp. Storytimes will feature ancient myths about the stars and moon as told by civilizations worldwide. Students will build rocket ships, paint and name their own constellations, and join all of us in a fantastical, imaginative journey to worlds beyond our own.
Eco Robots
(Ages 5-7)
WEEK 3 (JULY 17-21)
Join us again this summer to create amazing Eco-Robots! Campers will harness their creative ingenuity and thoughtful design skills to create amazing robots out of recycled materials. Our young artists will learn to think creatively, see potential in the most unassuming of objects, overcome building challenges both independently and collaboratively, all while enjoying the outdoors and making vibrant, expressive art!
Join us again this summer to create amazing Eco-Robots! Campers will harness their creative ingenuity and thoughtful design skills to create amazing robots out of recycled materials. Our young artists will learn to think creatively, see potential in the most unassuming of objects, overcome building challenges both independently and collaboratively, all while enjoying the outdoors and making vibrant, expressive art!
Larger Than Life Painting (Ages 8-11)
WEEK 3 (JULY 17-14)
Our young artists have big ideas that merit BIG paintings! Join painter and muralist Shannon O'Connell to create larger than life works of art in this vibrant camp. Young artists will work on independent and collaborative projects throughout this week as they brainstorm ideas for big paintings, visit murals and public art found in Stowe, and learn the secrets of painting on a large scale.
Our young artists have big ideas that merit BIG paintings! Join painter and muralist Shannon O'Connell to create larger than life works of art in this vibrant camp. Young artists will work on independent and collaborative projects throughout this week as they brainstorm ideas for big paintings, visit murals and public art found in Stowe, and learn the secrets of painting on a large scale.
Vector Drawing and Adobe Suite
(Ages 12-17)
WEEK 3 (JULY 17-21)
Using Vector art and the Adobe Suite, campers will combine drawings, paintings, and photographs to create original compositions. Unique among digital design formats, vector drawings are scalable designs that rely on mathematical formulas to create precise ratios between different aspects of images. Campers will use their vector images to create projections, installation art, and immersive experiences that bring digital art into the physical world.
Using Vector art and the Adobe Suite, campers will combine drawings, paintings, and photographs to create original compositions. Unique among digital design formats, vector drawings are scalable designs that rely on mathematical formulas to create precise ratios between different aspects of images. Campers will use their vector images to create projections, installation art, and immersive experiences that bring digital art into the physical world.
Photographing the Natural World: Digital Art and Photography
(Ages 5-7)
WEEK 4 (JULY 24-28)
Photography has long been instrumental in the conservation movement in the United States. This week our campers will explore the history of conservation photography and the American landscape, learn the ins and outs of using a digital camera and composing dynamic photos, and create original digital drawings of the recreational wildlands around Stowe. Using the model of Carleton E. Watkins, whose photographs of Yosemite were instrumental in convincing legislators to designate the area as protected parkland, our young artists will explore and document the beauty of Stowe's parks, recreational areas, and woodlands through photography and digital art-making.
Photography has long been instrumental in the conservation movement in the United States. This week our campers will explore the history of conservation photography and the American landscape, learn the ins and outs of using a digital camera and composing dynamic photos, and create original digital drawings of the recreational wildlands around Stowe. Using the model of Carleton E. Watkins, whose photographs of Yosemite were instrumental in convincing legislators to designate the area as protected parkland, our young artists will explore and document the beauty of Stowe's parks, recreational areas, and woodlands through photography and digital art-making.
Jewelry Design 1: Intro to Glass and Metalworking (Ages 8-11)
WEEK 4 (JULY 24-28)
For the first time ever, Rachael Wells is offering two weeks of her amazing Jewelry Design Camp! All students will explore every aspect of jewelry making from beading to metalwork. With access to both our glass studio and professional jewelry-making equipment, campers will create their own fused glass pendants along with a wide variety of high-quality wearables of their own design. Learners are strongly encouraged to sign up for both weeks in order to have the opportunity to really hone their technical skills as well as use the iterative design process to create gorgeous, polished work.
For the first time ever, Rachael Wells is offering two weeks of her amazing Jewelry Design Camp! All students will explore every aspect of jewelry making from beading to metalwork. With access to both our glass studio and professional jewelry-making equipment, campers will create their own fused glass pendants along with a wide variety of high-quality wearables of their own design. Learners are strongly encouraged to sign up for both weeks in order to have the opportunity to really hone their technical skills as well as use the iterative design process to create gorgeous, polished work.
Fashion Camp 1
(Ages 12-17)
WEEK 4 (JULY 24-28)
Learn how to use a sewing machine, make your own patterns, alter your clothes and more. Expert pattern designer, Donna Collins, leads this groundbreaking fashion camp where young artists learn everything they need to know to create their own stylish garments. With a focus on reusing and recycling old clothes into fabulous new pieces, this camp makes going green look better than ever! Students will learn about the impact of waste in the garment industry and will create their own runway-ready outfits entirely out of recycled and donated clothes. This class will culminate in a fashion show, open to family and friends, in The Current's gallery space.
Learn how to use a sewing machine, make your own patterns, alter your clothes and more. Expert pattern designer, Donna Collins, leads this groundbreaking fashion camp where young artists learn everything they need to know to create their own stylish garments. With a focus on reusing and recycling old clothes into fabulous new pieces, this camp makes going green look better than ever! Students will learn about the impact of waste in the garment industry and will create their own runway-ready outfits entirely out of recycled and donated clothes. This class will culminate in a fashion show, open to family and friends, in The Current's gallery space.
Draw and Discover
(Pre-K/Toddler)
WEEK 5 (JULY 31-AUGUST 4)
Eureka! We've discovered the absolute best way to combine art and science for our youngest learners! This week campers will explore the beautiful summer forests of Vermont, experiment with the best formulas for paint and clay, and discover the joys of scientific exploration and artmaking in this exciting half-day camp.
Eureka! We've discovered the absolute best way to combine art and science for our youngest learners! This week campers will explore the beautiful summer forests of Vermont, experiment with the best formulas for paint and clay, and discover the joys of scientific exploration and artmaking in this exciting half-day camp.
Beginning to Build: Boats and Bridges
(Ages 5-7)
WEEK 5 (JULY 31-AUGUST 4
Explore structural building in this architectural art camp! Young artists in this camp will learn about different types of historical bridges, boat making techniques, and design their own boats and bridges based on ancient designs using paper, clay, wood, and stone. We will make and test models throughout the week as we finalize our designs and campers will end the week by participating in a celebratory boat launch.
Explore structural building in this architectural art camp! Young artists in this camp will learn about different types of historical bridges, boat making techniques, and design their own boats and bridges based on ancient designs using paper, clay, wood, and stone. We will make and test models throughout the week as we finalize our designs and campers will end the week by participating in a celebratory boat launch.
Jewelry Design 2: Intro to Glass and Metalworking (Ages 8-11)
WEEK 5 (JULY 31-AUGUST 4)
For the first time ever, Rachael Wells is offering two weeks of her amazing Jewelry Design Camp! Students will explore every aspect of jewelry making from beading to metalwork. With access to both our glass studio and professional jewelry-making equipment, campers will create their own fused glass pendants along with a wide variety of high-quality wearables of their own design. Learners are strongly encouraged to sign up for both weeks in order to have the opportunity to really hone their technical skills as well as use the iterative design process to create gorgeous, polished work.
For the first time ever, Rachael Wells is offering two weeks of her amazing Jewelry Design Camp! Students will explore every aspect of jewelry making from beading to metalwork. With access to both our glass studio and professional jewelry-making equipment, campers will create their own fused glass pendants along with a wide variety of high-quality wearables of their own design. Learners are strongly encouraged to sign up for both weeks in order to have the opportunity to really hone their technical skills as well as use the iterative design process to create gorgeous, polished work.
Field Guide to Stowe: Art and Scientific Observation
(Ages 12-17)
WEEK 5 (JULY 31-AUGUST 4)
Artists in this camp will become experts on all aspects of life in Stowe! They will create their own guidebook to the flora and fauna of the Stowe area as they draw, paint, and explore in the woods and wild places of Stowe. Throughout the process campers will learn to make detailed observations of what they see, organize and communicate data in a clear format, and develop a life-long appreciation for the natural world.
Artists in this camp will become experts on all aspects of life in Stowe! They will create their own guidebook to the flora and fauna of the Stowe area as they draw, paint, and explore in the woods and wild places of Stowe. Throughout the process campers will learn to make detailed observations of what they see, organize and communicate data in a clear format, and develop a life-long appreciation for the natural world.
Pollinator Mosaics
(Ages 5-7)
WEEK 6 (AUGUST 7-11)
Campers this week will find and draw some of our most beloved pollinators! As they explore the pollinator habitats in our area, campers will document the species they find, learn about their ideal living spaces and favorite foods, and create detailed mosaics of these beautiful insects. Taking a close-up look at our native pollinators, campers will make glass and clay mosaics inspired by the unique scales and patterns on the wings of butterflies and moths and learn about the life-cycles of these amazing flying creatures.
Campers this week will find and draw some of our most beloved pollinators! As they explore the pollinator habitats in our area, campers will document the species they find, learn about their ideal living spaces and favorite foods, and create detailed mosaics of these beautiful insects. Taking a close-up look at our native pollinators, campers will make glass and clay mosaics inspired by the unique scales and patterns on the wings of butterflies and moths and learn about the life-cycles of these amazing flying creatures.
Sewing, Dyeing, and Mending: Functional Fiber Art
(Ages 8-11)
WEEK 6 (AUGUST 7-11)
Inspired by the Visible Mending and Slow Fashion Movements, campers this week will harvest native and non-native plants to create dyes, sew by hand and with the machine, and learn everything they need to know to mend their favorite garments. Artists in this camp will learn sewing techniques for patching, mending, and embellishing garments, while developing a working knowledge of the science behind dye-making. As they gather plants and make their own dyes, students will create a dye journal, documenting the colors achieved from each plant and the ratios of ingredients used.
Inspired by the Visible Mending and Slow Fashion Movements, campers this week will harvest native and non-native plants to create dyes, sew by hand and with the machine, and learn everything they need to know to mend their favorite garments. Artists in this camp will learn sewing techniques for patching, mending, and embellishing garments, while developing a working knowledge of the science behind dye-making. As they gather plants and make their own dyes, students will create a dye journal, documenting the colors achieved from each plant and the ratios of ingredients used.
Teen Ceramic Studio
(Ages 12-17)
WEEK 6 (AUGUST 7-11)
Open to new and experienced ceramic artists, this camp is a week-long intensive in all things clay! Campers who are new to clay will learn a variety of handbuilding techniques, how to center on the wheel, and how to prepare their work for the kiln. Returning campers will hone their wheel throwing skills, experiment with pulling handles, and use a variety of innovative glazing techniques as they take their clay skills to the next level. Throughout this camp, all artists will create functional and sculptural ceramic artwork and gain confidence and expertise in the ceramic studio.
Open to new and experienced ceramic artists, this camp is a week-long intensive in all things clay! Campers who are new to clay will learn a variety of handbuilding techniques, how to center on the wheel, and how to prepare their work for the kiln. Returning campers will hone their wheel throwing skills, experiment with pulling handles, and use a variety of innovative glazing techniques as they take their clay skills to the next level. Throughout this camp, all artists will create functional and sculptural ceramic artwork and gain confidence and expertise in the ceramic studio.
Art is Magic!
(Pre-K/Toddler)
WEEK 7 (AUGUST 14-18)
What could be more magical than the imagination of a child? This week, our youngest artists will dive deep into their imaginations and into art exploration as they create the magical worlds of their dreams. Storytime will feature myths and magical stories from around the world to inspire campers as they draw, paint, and build the landscapes, inhabitants, and features of their own fantastical worlds.
What could be more magical than the imagination of a child? This week, our youngest artists will dive deep into their imaginations and into art exploration as they create the magical worlds of their dreams. Storytime will feature myths and magical stories from around the world to inspire campers as they draw, paint, and build the landscapes, inhabitants, and features of their own fantastical worlds.
Stories in Clay
(Ages 5-7)
WEEK 7 (AUGUST 14-18)
Prepare to dig deep into the rich history of this earthy medium! Campers will learn about the first ceramic objects ever made, hunt for clay in the wild, and of course, make their own beautiful vessels out of clay. Young artists in this camp will use handbuilding techniques such as pinching, coiling and slab-building to create their clay cups and bowls and, will come to understand the different stages of clay and the fundamentals of glazing and decorating their pottery.
Prepare to dig deep into the rich history of this earthy medium! Campers will learn about the first ceramic objects ever made, hunt for clay in the wild, and of course, make their own beautiful vessels out of clay. Young artists in this camp will use handbuilding techniques such as pinching, coiling and slab-building to create their clay cups and bowls and, will come to understand the different stages of clay and the fundamentals of glazing and decorating their pottery.
Creek Critters: Science, Sketching, and Sculpture (Ages 8-11)
WEEK 7 (AUGUST 14-18)
How do you measure the health of a stream? Or a river? In this camp we will 'take the temperature" of our local bodies of water by participating in the Citizen Science Initiative, Creek Critters. Young artists will explore the rivers and streams around Stowe, hunting for signs of life from macroinvertebrates to wading birds. Join us as we sketch, paint, and photograph our finds, share the data with scientists across the nation using the Creek Critters app, and create larger-than-life sculptures of the creatures we find in our waterways.
How do you measure the health of a stream? Or a river? In this camp we will 'take the temperature" of our local bodies of water by participating in the Citizen Science Initiative, Creek Critters. Young artists will explore the rivers and streams around Stowe, hunting for signs of life from macroinvertebrates to wading birds. Join us as we sketch, paint, and photograph our finds, share the data with scientists across the nation using the Creek Critters app, and create larger-than-life sculptures of the creatures we find in our waterways.
Fashion Camp 2
(Ages 12-17)
WEEK 7 (AUGUST 14-18)
Donna Collins is offering a second week of her popular and beloved Fashion Camp at The Current. Open both to students who participated in week one of Fashion Camp and new campers alike, this is an opportunity to learn the ins and outs of sewing by hand and on the machine and design their own garment patterns, and custom embellishments. Through the alteration of recycled garments, students will learn about the environmental damage caused by fast fashion, and actively fight against it in the most stylish way possible. This class will culminate in a fashion show, open to family and friends, in The Current's gallery space.
Donna Collins is offering a second week of her popular and beloved Fashion Camp at The Current. Open both to students who participated in week one of Fashion Camp and new campers alike, this is an opportunity to learn the ins and outs of sewing by hand and on the machine and design their own garment patterns, and custom embellishments. Through the alteration of recycled garments, students will learn about the environmental damage caused by fast fashion, and actively fight against it in the most stylish way possible. This class will culminate in a fashion show, open to family and friends, in The Current's gallery space.
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