camps
Our full day camps offer a creative space for children on school breaks and days off. Open to children in grades K-5, we engage children around a theme and balance their day with art time, outdoor time, stories, discussion, and quiet moments.
Please note: We do NOT take preschoolers for drop-off programming! Children must be IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (or entering kindergarten for summer programs) to enroll.
School Day Off Camps
The Loft offers art-based full day camp for children in grades K-5. Each camp day balances art projects, outdoor play, storytime, and quiet moments. Students explore, create, and connect with peers in a supportive, engaging environment.
Camp Details:
Time: 9:00am – 3:00pm
Price: $135 per day ($245 for 2-day camps)
Aftercare: Not included unless noted
Scholarships: Available for families receiving free/reduced meals (contact lia@theloftcollective.org)
Sample Camp Day
9:00 - Arrival and invitation, open play at our sensory stations
9:30-9:50 - Group meeting , introduction to the day
9:50-10:30 - Art Block 1
10:30-11:15 - Outdoor snack and play
11:15-12:00 - Choice time
12:00-12:15 - Story and wash hands
12:15-1:00 - Lunch and outdoorplay
1:00-1:30 - Quiet reading time
1:30-1:45 - Story and project discussion
1:45-2:25 - Art Block 2
2:25-2:50 - Choice time, independent work
2:50-3:00 - Clean up and dismissal
Upcoming camps
Please check your school’s calendar before signing up for camps! Registration opens October 26.
In HYATTSVILLE
Prince George’s County:
Wednesday, March 10: Nature’s Great Glow Up
Monday, April 19: Imaginary Places
Monday, May 17: Rare Forms
DCPS:
Thu-Fri, Feb 11-12: (un)Broken Hearts Club
Friday, April 9: Imaginary Places
Friday, April 16: Pet Parade
Friday, May 14: Rare Forms
in TAKOMA
Montgomery County:
(optional aftercare until 5:30)
Monday, January 25: Wind Chasers Club
Tuesday, March 9: Nature’s Great Glow Up
Monday, April 12: Imaginary Places
Thursday, April 22: Pet Parade
Monday, May 17: Rare Forms
DCPS:
Tuesday, January 26: Wind Chasers Club
Wind Chasers Club:
Starting with paper airplanes, we'll explore simple origami that can be carried on a gentle breeze. We'll also look at the power of wind in Japanese artist Hokusai's Great Wave. Air is a powerful force, and the inspiration for our projects this week.
The (un)Broken Hearts Club:
What do we do when something we love breaks? We will explore what that feels like and how to heal through repair. With pieces, parts, and fiber arts, we will learn how to face the truth, honor imperfections, and make broken things whole. (We actually might need an adult version of this camp.)
Nature’s Great Glow-Up:
How do animals adapt to darkness? How many fireflies could light up a room? Have you ever seen an actual worm glow? Many creatures have make their own light in the darkest of spaces. We will learn about these night artists and make one of our own. We'll use some fun materials like blacklights and glow in the dark paint!
Imaginary Places:
Build an imaginary space with us! What would it be like if plants took over cities? If gravity was optional? If everything was edible? If rainbows were bridges to other places? If humans were tiny and bugs were huge?We'll introduce surrealists like Magritte and Dalí. What would your upside-down world look like?
Pet Parade:
We have a lot to learn from our pets. They move through the day differently than we do. If our pets were our guide, what could they show us that we don't see? Whether you have a pet or just want one (and it seems most kids fall into one of these categories), this camp will be a fun exploration of our world through an animal's eyes.
Rare Forms:
What are the benefits and challenges to being unique? We'll look at animal species with small populations. Are their low numbers because of their unusual adaptations, or have they become endangered because of changes to their environments? We'll also consider games like Pokémon, where the less common cards are the most valuable. We'll make trading cards that highlight rare images and unique patterns.