Arts training greatly benefits children and teens, experts say. For example, theatre helps kids build confidence, making art teaches them how to innovate and writing lets them share their own stories. Plus arts classes are fun – especially during summer.
UAB ArtPlay Community Education is again offering cool summer camps for kids and teens in 2026, and registration is now open. The camps are all in June or July, and they’re daytime, typically 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
ArtPlay offers immersive, award-winning musical theater camps. Kids ages 7-12 can take part in “Matilda the Musical Jr.” (June 8-26). Teens ages 13-18 can join a production of Disney’s “Newsies Jr” (July 6-24), and teens who love theater but prefer to be backstage can work on “Newsies Jr.” through the new Stagecraft and Production Camp.
The lineup includes visual arts: Eco Art Exploration (June 1-5), kids ages 6-12 make art from everyday stuff; Watercolor and Pastels (June 29-July 1), ages 13-18.
There’s a creative writing studio (June 29-July 1) where authors ages 13-18 create work and share it at a presentation
Early registration is encouraged. Spaces fill up fast. There’s early-bird pricing until March 15, and a UAB employee discount.
For details, including times and fees, go to alysstephens.org/connect/summer-camps.
