Montclair Day Camps for Kids
Les Artistes! 

During this week, children discover the tactile joy of sculpture. Using simple tools and working with clay, papier-mâché, cardboard, recycled materials, and found objects, they create three-dimensional collaborative group sculptures while exploring balance and structure through stacking and assembling materials. They experiment with surface decoration by painting, wrapping, or adding patterns to finished sculptures, and also create original works or pieces inspired by famous artists. Campers prepare a mini art gallery by arranging their sculptures and creating name cards and labels to accompany their work. Throughout the week, children develop language skills by describing textures, tools, colors and shades, face and body parts, movements, and the steps of their creative process, strengthening both their artistic expression and confidence in using French. To add a cultural dimension, they will also learn about renowned French sculptors such as Auguste Rodin, Camille Claudel, Jean Arp, Louise Bourgeois, and Niki de Saint Phalle.

Field Trip: Children will visit the Wildflower Sculpture Park, where they will explore large-scale outdoor artworks and discover how sculpture interacts with nature and public spaces, extending their understanding of art.

During this week, our campers become actors, exploring theater, performing arts, and cinema through puppet-making, playwriting, and storytelling. They will craft original scenes while designing simple costumes and props using fabric, cardboard, and recycled materials, culminating in a lively performance. Children act out their scenes with attention to emotions, gestures, and body language, practice narrating actions, and create simple dialogues in French. Activities are designed for both beginner and advanced French speakers, so every child can participate and build confidence. They will also memorize and perform simple lines, strengthening theatrical and language skills. To expand the theme of arts de la scène, campers will learn stage, cinema, and performance vocabulary, design their own “affiche de spectacle” (performance poster), and be introduced to famous French actors and comedians, learning to recognize their faces, gestures, and iconic expressions. Throughout the week, children practice memorization, expressive acting, and collaborative storytelling, all while using French in playful, hands-on ways.

Field Trip: Children will enjoy a local theater outing to discover the behind the scenes of a performing arts creation.

During this week, fashion and creativity take center stage as children become little designers. They will turn old clothes and everyday materials like fabric, felt, newspaper, and cardboard into new outfits and fun accessories, exploring sustainable fashion in a hands-on and playful way. Campers will sketch their ideas, mix colors and textures, and experiment with patterns, while making small clothing pieces or accessories to bring their creations to life. They may also create fashion illustrations, decorate miniature mannequins, design fun “lookbooks,” and put together their own mini fashion magazine to showcase their work. The week ends with a mini fashion show where children proudly present their outfits and accessories to friends. Throughout the week, children practice French naturally, learning words for colors, fabrics, shapes, and clothing, expressing likes and dislikes, giving compliments, and talking about their designs. They will also learn about famous French designers, from classics like Coco Chanel and Christian Dior to playful and imaginative creators like Jean-Paul Gaultier and Christian Lacroix, discovering how imagination, creativity, and self-expression come together in the world of fashion.

Field Trip: Children will visit the Paterson Museum’s “Silk City exhibit” where they will discover the rich history of textile manufacturing in Paterson

During this week, children will explore the art of writing and storytelling, bringing their imagination to life through hands-on projects. They will craft and illustrate their own books, design unique covers, experiment with different styles of letters and fonts, and create colorful bookmarks, while also exploring other forms of writing such as poetry and journaling. Campers may create a scrapbook, write and memorize simple poems, experiment with calligrams and playful Oulipo exercises, and discover classical French children’s books and characters. Throughout the week, children use French in playful, hands-on ways that are accessible to all skill levels, learning words and expressions related to books and writing, and the places where stories live. This week encourages imagination, self-expression, and collaboration, giving every child the opportunity to bring their ideas to life while building confidence and language skills.

Field Trip: Campers will visit the Montclair Public Library and participate in an outdoor storytelling workshop.

During this week, children explore how images can tell stories. Using a variety of tools including pencils, pastels, wax crayons, markers, kid-friendly digital drawing tablets, and light boxes, they will experiment with different ways to bring their imagination to life and practice drawing from observation. Activities include tracing on paper, step-by-step drawing exercises, and other guided techniques. Campers may illustrate a story, design an advertisement for a favorite product, create drawings inspired by nature, or even craft their own comic strips and graphic novel pages. Throughout the week, children use French in playful, hands-on ways that are accessible to all skill levels, describing pictures, shapes, objects, and spatial relationships while talking about their creative choices. To add a cultural dimension, they will discover the work of famous French illustrators such as Jean-Jacques Sempé and explore beloved French comic characters, learning how simple drawings can tell stories, show emotions, and make us laugh.

Field Trip: Campers will visit the Van Vleck House and Gardens for a nature-inspired drawing session.

During this week, children explore movement in a playful and creative way through dance, rhythmic games, and yoga. Through different styles of dance from around the world, including ballet, jazz, hip-hop, folk, and traditional dances, they discover how rhythm and gestures can tell a story. They take part in balance and coordination games, create simple group dances, and enjoy movement-based activities such as freeze dance, follow-the-leader sequences, and rhythm storytelling. Throughout the week, children build French language skills by learning dance-related vocabulary, body parts, action verbs, and simple instructions. They practice following directions, describing movements, and using French in playful, hands-on ways while exploring rhythm, patterns, and expressive gestures. Activities are designed for all levels of French, so every child can participate confidently and enjoyably. The week culminates in a lively, informal performance where campers share dances, rhythms, and creative movements with their peers. This week encourages collaboration, self-expression, and joyful learning, helping children connect music, motion, and French vocabulary in an immersive, hands-on experience.

Field Trip: Children will take part in a dance workshop led by a local dance studio, bringing rhythm, fun, and structured movement into the mix.

During this week, children dive into the joy of cooking in a playful and hands-on way. They will prepare simple sweet and savory recipes, experiment with fresh, seasonal ingredients, and taste their own creations, discovering the creativity, fun, and magic of the culinary arts. Campers will also have the chance to follow child-friendly recipes inspired by famous French chefs, learning how to recreate simple classics while practicing French vocabulary naturally. Throughout the week, children learn the names and uses of everyday kitchen tools (spoons, whisks, rolling pins, and mixing bowls) as well as tableware like plates, cups, forks, and napkins. They practice cooking actions and explore sensory words to describe smells, tastes, and textures, all in French. Children also practice sharing and presenting their dishes, setting beautiful tables, and working together, building teamwork, confidence, and communication skills in a deliciously engaging way. To add a cultural touch, campers will discover simple French recipes and culinary traditions, giving them a taste of France while learning language naturally through playful, hands-on experiences.

Field Trip: Children will visit the City Green Farm Eco Center, connecting with seasonal produce and exploring farm-to-table concepts.