COCA Campers in kitchen during culinary camp

Summer Arts Camps

Ignite creativity at COCA Summer Arts Camps

May 28–August 16, 2024 | Ages 3–18

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.

New in 2024! 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.

General registration for 2024 Summer Arts Camps is now open.

Browse & Register for CAMPS – U.City

BROWSE & Register for CAMPS – UHSP

Download 2024 Camp Guide


Camper holding puppet made from brown paper bag with green construction paper
Campers in hip-hop camp dancing
Camper using pencil to draw during camps

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. Each Friday, campers have an opportunity to spotlight the work created throughout the week.

A longer summer

Our camps start the day after Memorial Day and run through August 16, 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.

Summer Arts Camps Puzzle Piece

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  
COCA camper holding up drawings of Bluey and Bingo

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. 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). 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:

  1. The age ranges are broad already
  2. The quality of camps remains higher if we stay true to the ages 
  3. 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.

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, contact the Registration Office at registration@cocastl.org. Students will be contacted if a vacancy in the program arises.

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Uplifting the Arts in Our Community

Help COCA continue to provide meaningful arts experiences that foster creativity and confidence for our students.