Spring Break Arts Camps
You don’t have to wait for summer to have fun at COCA Arts Camps! Join us over spring break (MAR 16–20) for unique and fun arts learning experiences. You’ll find favorites from COCA’s popular Summer Arts Camps as well as a few surprises, all taught by COCA’s faculty of amazing and experienced teaching artists. Camps available for ages 3–10.
Plan for your camp experience and get answers to your questions. View COCA Camp Handbook
Why Spring Break Arts Camps at COCA?
Our Amazing Faculty
COCA campers enjoy a unique and fun-filled camp experience taught by our talented teaching artists who also work professionally as exhibiting artists or performers throughout the region.
Our Arts-Learning Experiences
We provide a safe, comfortable, arts-learning environment where 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. Family and friends are invited to performances and exhibitions (as noted) spotlighting the work created throughout the week.
No Extra Fees
All art supplies, culinary camp groceries, technology supplies and equipment are included (when applicable) in the camp price.
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 3–18. 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.
Sliding scale tuition is emailed within 5 business days after submitting the application with instructions on how to register using your rate. Registration for camps should be submitted AFTER you are notified about your sliding scale tuition. COCA cannot apply a rate to previous registrations. Applicants must reapply each year.
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.
Sliding Scale Tuition for Camps
COCA offers a sliding scale tuition program for qualifying students.
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 and is fully vaccinated.
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
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