St. Louis Public Library (SLPL) provides free summer camps for students ages 3–18 throughout the summer. SLPL collaborates with various community organizations to bring these camps to their branches.
This summer, COCA hosted camps at the Buder, Carpenter, Schlafly, Kingshighway, and Machacek branches, offering various programs for artists within the 3–7 age range.
Pet Parade Camp:
Pet Parade was offered at Buder Library. Teaching artist Caleb Delos-Santos encouraged campers to use their imaginations to create and illustrate animal characters. Each day, they explored concepts like “How do animals like to play?” through art, movement, images, videos, and books.
Fairy Garden Camp:
Fairy Garden at Carpenter Library was led by teaching artist Mikayla Delos-Santos. Campers engaged in craft-making, acted out magical stories, and learned about fairies through pictures and videos. On the final day, they performed a special fairy dance for friends and family, using wands they created as props.
Dreaming Big Camp:
Dreaming Big at Buder Library was led by teaching artist Margaret Haasenstab. Campers were introduced to influential artists, explorers, and scientists, inspiring them to create their own adventures. Each day, they crafted projects related to the theme, including rocket ships, hot air balloons, and star-studded sunglasses.
Garden Art Camp:
Garden Art ran at Carpenter Library with teaching artists Anna Blair and Mikayla Delos-Santos. Campers enjoyed various hands-on garden projects. They created chia pets, fairy gardens, and vegetable garden scenes; potted wildflower seeds; played garden-themed games; and learned about nature through books and images.
