Summer Arts Camps
Ignite creativity at COCA Summer Arts Camps
Registration for 2025 Summer Arts Camps opens on Monday, January 27. COCA members at the Designer level and above receive access to early camp registration starting Monday, January 13.
Campers have the opportunity to learn and experience new things, build their skills, and—most importantly—have fun. At COCA, we pride ourselves on offering some of the most creative Summer Arts Camps for kids and teens.
Summer Arts Camps are offered at our campus in University City and at University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy (UHSP), formerly known as St. Louis College of Pharmacy.
2025 Camp Dates: MAY 27–AUG 15
- In this Section
- Summer Arts Camps Handbook
- COCAedu Summer Arts Camps in the Community
Why COCA Summer Arts Camps?
Our amazing faculty
Our campers enjoy a unique and fun-filled summer experience taught by professional artists and teachers! COCA’s talented teaching artists also work professionally as exhibiting artists or performers throughout the region.
Our personalized approach
We provide a safe, comfortable, arts-learning environment where our campers can truly enjoy art and the art-making process. Many of our camps are multidisciplinary and are taught by multiple teaching artists. COCA camps are designed to engage all types of learners.
Presentations & performances
Campers learn in a FUN, RELAXED environment where they can express their creativity and gain self-confidence. At the end of the week, campers have an opportunity to share their work.
A longer summer
Our camps start the day after Memorial Day and run through August 15, providing your family with 12 full weeks of summer arts opportunities!
No extra fees
All art supplies, groceries, technology supplies, and equipment, as well as field trips, are included (when applicable) in the camp price.
A variety of options for summer fun
With hundreds of camps, COCA offers summer arts camp experiences that meet your family’s needs. Choose from morning, afternoon, and full day camp options.
Sliding Scale Tuition for Camps
COCA offers a sliding scale tuition program for qualifying students. Applications open JAN 20.
Inclusion Services
COCA has highly experienced teaching artists on staff who lead group instruction for 10–20 campers each day. COCA’s teaching artists are prepared to make accommodations within their instruction to timing, directions, physical activity level, and/or complexity to help students succeed.
Parents/Guardians are asked to notify COCA during the online registration process or by contacting the registration office at registration@cocastl.org or 314.561.4898 to request accommodations. COCA staff will follow up on all requests to craft the best plan of action and arrange for reasonable modifications or services necessary. Notification of needed services is key to create a positive experience for all campers.
Campers who require the one-on-one support of an assigned aide or para may bring their own support person, provided that person passes a criminal background check.
COCA’s inclusion model works well for campers who:
- Are able to participate in and enjoy group activities with limited breaks
- Are able to understand/follow directions, with help and reminders
- Can adapt to multiple transitions each day with prompts and coaching
Campers who should consider attending COCA camps with an aide (provided by their families):
- Require 1:1 support during the school year to assist with directions or transitions
- Have a tendency to run away or withdraw during group activities
- Need help with self-care; COCA staff are not qualified/licensed to assist with toileting students
COCA’s camp model does not support campers who:
- Are unable to be successful in groups much of the day
- Have aggressive/violent behaviors or self-injure
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register my camper?
Register for camps online, by phone, or in person. Visit our Camp Registration Information page for more information.
Are Before Care & After Care available?
COCA offers supervised Before Care and After Care for campers ages 5+. Register at the same time you register for camps. Some exclusions apply for offsite camps—see specific camp descriptions for details.
What should my camper wear?
Campers should wear comfortable clothing in which they can paint, move, and play, and closed-toe shoes. Campers in circus camps should either wear shorts or shorts under a dress or skirt. Special dancewear requirements, when needed, will be included in the camp description. Culinary campers should have their hair pulled back.
Do campers bring their own lunch/snacks?
Full-day campers and campers staying for both morning and afternoon camps have a supervised lunch period. Full-day campers should bring a lunch, drink, and two snacks. Half-day campers should bring one snack (soda and juice machines available). All campers should bring a closed, reusable water bottle; water filling stations are available.
COCA camps have a nut-free policy. All snacks and lunches must be entirely nut free.
There is no refrigerator or microwave. An allergy-free table is available.
Does my camper’s age matter?
Camps are for students ages 3–20. Students should be the appropriate age for the camp during the week in which they are participating. We believe participating in the age-appropriate camp is important because:
- The age ranges are broad already
- The quality of camps remains higher if we stay true to the ages
- Participating campers are closer to the same age socially
How do I transfer or withdraw my camper from camp?
Visit our Camp Registration Information page for information about transfers and withdrawals.
Is tuition assistance available?
COCA offers sliding scale tuition for qualifying students for COCA Summer Arts Camps. Visit our Sliding Scale Tuition page for more information. The application period opens January 20.
How can I get my student added to a waitlist?
For camps that have reached their maximum capacity, students may choose to be placed on a waitlist. To be added to a waitlist for a camp, you can join the waitlist online or contact the Registration Office at registration@cocastl.org. Students will be contacted by email if a vacancy in the program arises.
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