Spring Break Arts Camps
You don’t have to wait for summer to have fun at COCA Arts Camps! Join us over spring break (March 18–22) 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 4–10.
- In this Section
- Spring Break Arts Camps 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.
Sliding Scale Tuition for Camps
COCA offers a sliding scale tuition program for qualifying students.
Camp 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+. Our Before Care and After Care program is popular and fills quickly. If this is a service you need, we encourage you to register at the same time you register for camps.
What should my camper wear?
Campers should wear comfortable clothing in which they can paint, move, and play, and closed-toe shoes. Special dancewear requirements, when needed, will be included in the camp description.
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).
COCA camps have a nut-free policy. All snacks and lunches must be entirely nut free.
There is no refrigerator or microwave available. An allergy-free table is available.
Does my camper’s age matter?
Spring Break Arts Camps are for students ages 4–10, and students should be the appropriate age for the camp in which they are participating. Below are reasons why we believe that being the appropriate age is important:
- The age ranges are broad already.
- The quality of camps remains higher if we stay true to the ages and 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 a sliding scale tuition program for qualifying students for COCA Spring Break Arts Camps. Visit our Sliding Scale Tuition page for more information.
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
Sponsors
Uplifting the Arts in Our Community
Help COCA continue to provide meaningful arts experiences that foster creativity and confidence for our students.