JDCAC Summer Camps

Get Ready for Summer Camps at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center!

This summer, the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center (JDCAC) will be filled with creativity and imagination as children of all ages, participate in dance, special interest, theatre and visual arts camps. These camps create an opportunity for children to engage in educational activities while having a great time!

Interested in participating in summer camps as an instructor, volunteer or participant? Contact the JDCAC at 334.501.2963. Registration begins May 4. Come join the excitement in Auburn's art community today and make a difference for the younger generation’s future!

All Day Arts Experiences

Looking for an “all day camp?” "BYO Lunch Break" and "After Hours Theatre" are the bridges that will combine the Visual Arts Workshops for Children (Provided by the Auburn Arts Association) and the AACT Summer Intensive and Summer "Play" Camp (Provided by Auburn Area Community Theater) to provide your child with an all-day visual and performing arts experience! All of the details are provided below.

You must sign up for the Visual Arts Workshops for Children and the AACT Camps separately. You can take advantage of either one, or both of the extended hours programs by signing up for what you need.

Art Camps Presented by the Auburn Arts Association

Art for Young Children
This workshop, created by Chichi Lovett and coordinated by Sara Hand Custer, Cultural Arts Administrator, and Lila Stone, Art Education Specialist, will provide pre-school children with a variety of age-appropriate art materials including but not limited to clay, paint and fabric. Classes are taught by area artists and art educators. Price includes cost of all materials and snack. We are an ART workshop with emphasis on art appreciation and the process of creating art. Students will create original art pieces incorporating the elements of art in a variety of age-appropriate lessons using a variety of materials. An exhibition of the children’s artwork is held at the end of each session.

Some lessons may be repeated throughout the summer. Enrollment is limited and pre-registration is required. Registration will begin on May 4th at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. Due to space limitations, we are unable to store artwork, so all work must be picked up by August 14. Remaining artwork will become the property of the Auburn Arts Association (AAA) and will be handled at their discretion which may include being sold to benefit children’s art programs. For more information, please contact the Arts Center. $60/week/child, $55 for each additional child. Payable to AAA prior to camp (discounts available for AAA family members). To become an AAA member, visit auburnarts.org.

Age(s)            Day(s)           Date(s)            Time                         Location
4 – 6              TWR                                     10 a.m. – noon         JDCAC
                      Session l        6/23 – 6/25
                      Session II       7/14 – 7/16
Coordinators: Sara Hand Custer and Lila Stone / Auburn Arts Association
Contact: Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center • (334) 501-2963 • [email protected]

Visual Arts Workshops for Children
This workshop, created by Chichi Lovett and coordinated by Sara Hand Custer, Cultural Arts Administrator, and Lila Stone, Art Education Specialist, will provide a variety of age appropriate classes taught by area artists and art educators. Price includes cost of all materials and snack. We are an ART workshop with emphasis on art appreciation and the process of creating art. Students are given the opportunity to choose two lessons per day where they create original art pieces incorporating the elements of art in a variety of age-appropriate lessons using a variety of materials. An exhibition of the children’s artwork is held at the end of each session.

Some lessons may be repeated throughout the summer. Enrollment is limited and pre-registration is required. Registration will begin on May 4th at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. Due to space limitations, we are unable to store artwork, so all work must be picked up by August 14. Remaining artwork will become the property of the Auburn Arts Association (AAA) and will be handled at their discretion which may include being sold to benefit children’s art programs. For more information, please contact the Arts Center. $80/week/child, $75 for each additional child. Payable to AAA prior to camp (discounts available for AAA family members). To become an AAA member, visit auburnarts.org.

Age(s)               Day(s)              Date(s)          Time                    Location
7 – 12               MTWRF                                  9 a.m. – noon      JDCAC
                          Session l          7/6 – 7/10
                          Session ll         7/20 – 7/24
                          Session III        7/27 – 7/31
Coordinators: Sara Hand Custer and Lila Stone / Auburn Arts Association
Contact: Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center • (334) 501-2963 • [email protected]

Art Camps

Creative Kids
Drawing is a fundamental skill that should be learned by all children. The young artist will be introduced to basic drawing and painting with a fun subject while developing learning and creative skills.

Creative expression will be emphasized while students work with a variety of media such as watercolor, oil pastel, color pencil, pencil, ink and collage etc. $150/child + $25 supply fee. Payable to INST first day of class.

Age(s)          Day(s)           Date(s)              Time                         Location
5 - 8              MTWRF                                  8 a.m. – 10 a.m.         JDCAC
                     Session I       6/15 – 6/19
                     Session II       6/29 – 7/3
Contact: Dong Shang • (229) 347-6293 • [email protected]

Sketching with Pencils, Painting with Brushes

In this fun and engaging class, students will learn how to draw, shade and create gradation with pencils. Learn watercolor painting. Students will develop basic art skills and techniques through these sketching and painting practices. $150/child + $25 supply fee. Payable to INST first day of class.

Age(s)          Day(s)             Date(s)          Time                                          Location
8 - 14            MTWRF                               10:10 a.m. – 12:10 p.m.            JDCAC
                     Session I        6/1 - 6/5
                     Session II       6/29 - 7/3
Contact: Dong Shang • (229) 347-6293 • dong[email protected]

Origami & Paper Quilling

Origami, the ancient Japanese art of folding paper, is a fascinating and creative craft for kids. Through folding, origami uses numerous folds with fine attention to the detail. The value of Origami is not how fast or how many models can be completed, but rather practice patience and precision. Through the practice, the students gain better understanding of patterns, spatial relations and 3-D design elements.

Paper Quilling is the art of rolling narrow strips of paper into coils or scrolls. And arranging them to form elegant art. Students learn how to use the tools to roll coils and scrolls. Then pinch, shape, and arrange then into decorative patterns. $150/child + $25 supply fee. Payable to INST first day of class.

Age(s)           Day(s)            Date(s)            Time                        Location
6 – 12            MTWRF                                 8 - 10 a.m.              JDCAC
                      Session I        6/1 – 6/5    
                      Session II       6/8 - 6/12

Chinese Watercolor Camp

Children love painting. Chinese painting is a unique ancient style of painting that is great, fun and easy to learn as well as a wonderful way for young artists to learn a new painting technique. Students will learn the techniques of Chinese brush painting by painting flowers, birds and animals. $150/child + $25 supply fee. Payable to INST first day of class.

Age(s)        Day(s)              Date(s)             Time                                Location
8 – 15         MTWRF                                   10:15 – 11:45 a.m.          JDCAC
                   Session I         6/1 – 6/5
                   Session II        6/8 – 6/12
Contact: Dong Shang • (229) 347-6293 • [email protected]

Music Camps

Joy’s Music Studio Summer Camp
Do you like music? Do you enjoy singing? If you do, please consider joining us at Joy’s Music and Singing Summer Camp at Auburn’s Jan Dempsey Community Art Center (JDCAC) this summer. This is a small group class. You will learn professional vocal techniques for singing, piano skills, sight singing (i.e. read music scores & write music notes), music theory and some movements to improve your stage presence. There will also be a lot of fun! Registration starts on May 4th and is only accepted in person at the Harris Center. Please contact the instructor for questions and more information. Limited spots are available (Maximum 8 students). Snacks will be offered. $225/child. Payable to INST first day of camp.

Age(s)           Day(s)            Date(s)              Time                            Location
5 – 12            MTWRF         6/8 – 6/12          9 a.m. – 12 p.m.         JDCAC
*Presentation will be held on Friday June 12 at 11 a.m.
Coordinator: Joy Xu • (334) 750-6117 • [email protected]

Auburn Area Community Theatre (AACT) Academy Presents:

The Power of Poetry - Using Rhyme and Rhythm to Discover your "Voice"

Musical Theatre Camp I, II and III
Love to sing, dance and act? Then join us for Musical Theatre Camp (MTC) hosted by the Auburn Area Community Theatre (AACT)! Whether you have been on stage many times, or never, this camp is for you. You’ll learn music, choreography and participate in character development activities for several Broadway Musical numbers. Each year, we choose new songs and different musicals, so you always have a fresh experience. You will have a chance to shine on stage for family and friends at the end of the camp! MTC Jr. and MTC I is $150. MTC II and MTC III are $170/child (Includes a t-shirt, snack each day, rehearsal tracks and sheet music). Payable to AACT first day of camp. Sibling discounts and need-based scholarships available. Scholarship forms and details are available at auburnact.org.

Age(s)            Day(s)            Date(s)                 Time                     Location
                       MTWRF
3 – 5               MTC Jr.          6/15 – 6/19           1 – 3 p.m.             JDCAC
5 – 7               MTC I             6/15 – 6/19           3:15 – 5:15 p.m.
8 – 11             MTC II             6/15 – 6/19           9 a.m. – noon
12 – 18           MTC III            6/15 – 6/19          1 – 4 p.m.

Parent Presentation Friday, June 19 at 5 p.m.
Friday, June 19 there will be extra rehearsal times (TBA) for everyone to prepare for the Parent Presentation from 5 – 6 p.m. that evening.
We need your actor's t-shirt size at registration.
*Children must be potty-trained to attend.
Coordinator: Melanie Brown/AACT • (334) 332-6834 • [email protected]

AACT Academy Summer Intensive
This is a theatre skills and techniques camp appropriate for all levels of experience. Whether you are a beginning or experienced actor, you will be able to learn something new. This fun and fast paced camp will focus on improvisation, voice and movement and scene studies. Each year, we plan different ways to present and practice theater skills, so there is always something new! A special presentation at the end gives everyone a chance to shine on stage. $150 (Includes a t-shirt and snack each day). Payable to AACT first day of camp. Sibling discounts and need-based scholarships available. Scholarship forms and details are available at auburnact.org.

Age(s)           Day(s)            Date(s)         Time                 Location
3 – 18           MTWRF                              1 – 4 p.m.          JDCAC
Session I                              6/22 – 6/26                           
Session II                             7/20 – 7/24                           
*Children will be placed in four age groups: ACT Jr., 3 – 4 (children must be potty-trained); ACT I, 5 – 7; ACT II, 8 – 11; and, ACT III, 12 – 18.
* Parent Presentation on the last day of each camp from 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
We need your actor's t-shirt size at registration.
Coordinator: Melanie Brown/AACT • (334) 332-6834 • [email protected]

AACT Academy Summer “Play”
From auditions to performance, young actors will be able to go through the whole process of producing a play. Using a children’s literature story for our base, the actors will be able to write some of their lines, develop their character, create their own set, costume and make-up design sketches. We will not actually be able to build their set designs, but we will use simple stage make-up, costumes and props. Be prepared to have them raiding the closets to find what they need! The actors will be expected to practice their lines and do some character development work at home. $180/child (includes t-shirt, snack and materials to create simple prop and costume pieces). Payable to AACT first day of camp. Sibling discounts and need-based scholarships available. Scholarship forms and details are available at auburnact.org.

Age(s)            Day(s)             Date(s)             Time                Location
7 – 12             MTWRF          7/6 – 7/10         1 – 5 p.m.       JDCAC
*Parent presentation will be on Friday, July 10 at 5 p.m.
We need your actor's t-shirt size at registration. 
Coordinator: Melanie Brown/AACT • (334) 332-6834 • [email protected]

BYO Lunch Break
“BYO Lunch Break” will begin immediately after Art Camps presented by the Auburn Arts Association. Each camper must provide their own lunch. After eating, the kids will be led in group games, both inside and outside (weather permitting). Digital devices, while not banned, will be heavily discouraged. There are no scholarships or sibling discounts available for this class. $25/child. Payable to AACT first day of camp.

Age(s)             Day(s)                Date(s)              Time                   Location
3 – 12              MTWRF                                                                  JDCAC 
                        Session I            6/22 – 6/26        12 – 1 p.m.        
                        Session II            7/6 – 7/10         12 – 1 p.m.        
                        Session III           7/20 – 7/24       12 – 1 p.m.        
Coordinator: Melanie Brown/AACT • (334) 332-6834 • [email protected]

After Hours Theater
“After Hours Theater” will begin immediately after the AACT Summer Intensive Camps. The kids will participate in theater games and will have an opportunity to explore some of the theater concepts they are learning. There are no sibling discounts or scholarships available for this class. $20/child. Payable to AACT first day of camp.

Age(s)              Day(s)              Date(s)             Time                 Location
3 – 12               MTWRF                                                             JDCAC
                         Session I          6/22 – 6/26       4 – 5 p.m.         
                         Session II         7/20 – 7/24        4 – 5 p.m.        
*The AACT Summer “Play” Theater camp goes until 5 p.m. so there is no need for After Hours Theater that week.
Coordinator: Melanie Brown/AACT • (334) 332-6834 • [email protected]

Special Interest Camps

The Knight School Chess Academy Summer Camp
Are your summer campers looking for a fun, new and exciting activity that is also intellectually stimulating? The Knight School has an amazing, kid-oriented, party-based national curriculum and array of activities that kids find absolutely compelling and intoxicating. We provide all chess sets, clocks, prizes, lessons…everything! Campers get the cool green Knight School shirt as well as some primo one-on-one time with our great chess coach! Experts and beginners both thrive in our unique chess approach. Interested in adding an exciting new element to your already-great summer lineup? $200. Payable to INST first day of class.

Age(s)          Day(s)             Date(s)                Time               Location
6 – 13           MTWRF          7/13 – 7/17          1 – 4 p.m.       JDCAC
Coordinator: Davis Talley • (205) 527-6877 • [email protected]

Superhero Training Camp
Calling all superheroes! Wear your favorite costume and come get strong with an obstacle course, get smart with science experiments and get creative with art projects – all superhero themed! $85/child. Payable to INST first day of camp.
Age(s)            Day(s)             Date(s)                  Time                Location
4 – 8               MTW              6/1 - 6/3                  3 – 5 p.m.        JDCAC
Coordinator: Summer Williams • (334) 329-9361 • [email protected]

Science Camp

At science camp, kids will be hands on with experiments, explosions and explorations. They will watch awesome demos, work with partners and groups to conduct science experiments and learn safe and easy experiments they can perform at home!
Join us for partner science experiments, cool demos and friendly building competitions daily! Action packed fun guaranteed to please your favorite Einstein! $85/child. Payable to INST first day of camp.
Age(s)            Day(s)          Date(s)                       Time                Location
6 – 10             MTW            7/20 - 7/22                 4 – 6 p.m.        JDCAC
Coordinator: Summer Williams • (334) 329-9361 • [email protected]

World Explorers Camp
This camp will open children’s eyes to geography, world cultures, and different perspectives. So grab your passport and join us as we travel the world through crafts, foods, traditions, and geoliteracy. The adventure awaits! $85/child. Payable to INST first day of camp.

Age(s)         Day(s)            Date(s)                       Time                   Location
5 – 9            MTW              6/15, 6/16 & 6/17        3 – 5 p.m.          JDCAC
Coordinator: Brandy Wynn • (334) 559-5917 • [email protected]