Art Camp Handbook

Welcome to Art Camp at Corner House Studio! We’re so excited to create, explore, and play with your young artist! This handbook includes everything you need to know about how our camp runs, what to expect, and how we can work together to make this the best experience possible.

  • Our program is focused on inspiring creativity and building confidence over following instructions and making things perfect. Artists will learn:

    • Explore a variety of art making techniques and mediums, including painting, drawing, sculpture, and mixed media

    • Build social-emotional skills through collaboration and creativity

    • Practice kindness, respect, and responsibility in a supportive community

    • Have fun, try new things, and feel proud of their work.

  • Sign In / Drop Off
    Camp drop-off begins each morning at 8:50 AM in front of the studio at 6472 Moraga Avenue. For the safety of all campers, a parent or guardian must sign in each child and provide the name of the adult responsible for pick-up that day.

    Timely Arrival
    We strongly encourage timely arrival. Camp begins promptly at 9:00 AM with a group welcome, important art demonstrations, and an introduction to the day’s materials. Late arrivals can be disruptive to the flow of camp and may cause your child to miss key instructions that set them up for a successful and enjoyable day.

    We can not accommodate early drop-offs and the studio door will remain locked until 8:50 am.

    Sign Out / Pick Up
    Camp sign out takes place between 2:50–3:05 PM. All artists must be signed out by the parent, guardian, or designated adult listed on the morning sign-in sheet.

    Early Pick Up
    If your child needs to leave camp early, please plan to pick up before 12:00 PM or after 2:00 PM. From 12:00–2:00 PM, our camp is at the park, and coordinating mid-day pickups during that time can be challenging.

    Late Pickup Fee
    We understand that delays happen. However, if your child is picked up more than 10 minutes after camp ends, a late fee of $10 per 5-minute increment will be charged. This fee supports the staff who remain on-site to supervise your child beyond regular hours.

  • 9:00–10:30 Morning Art Session I
    10:30–11:00 Snack + Play Break
    11:00–11:45 Morning Art Session II
    12:00–12:15 Walk to Montclair Park
    12:15 - 1:30 Lunch / Recess in the park
    1:45–2:00 Art-Inspired Short Films
    2:00–2:45 Afternoon Art Session
    2:45 - 3:00 Closing Circle Time

    Note: Schedule may vary slightly based on age group, weather, and special activities.

  • At Corner House Studio, we pride ourselves on creating a safe, supportive, and inspiring environment for every young artist.

    Staff-to-Camper Ratio
    We maintain a ratio of 1:6 or better, ensuring each child receives plenty of individual attention and encouragement.

    Experienced & Talented Educators
    Our lead teachers are all practicing artists who hold BFAs in Studio Art. They bring a wealth of artistic knowledge, creativity, and care to their teaching. Just as important, they are kind, patient, talented, and smart—dedicated to making each child feel confident and inspired.

    Trained & Caring Team
    All staff members are trained in safety protocols, positive behavior management, and our studio’s unique, confidence building approach to creativity.

  • To help your child have a fun, comfortable, and creative day at camp, please send them with the following each morning:

    ✅ Daily Essentials:

    • A labeled water bottle

    • Nut-Free Lunch packed in a labeled, easy-to-open container
      (Please note: we do not have access to a refrigerator or microwave—pack items that stay safe at room temperature.)

    • A nut free snack for the morning break

    • A backpack to carry jackets, lunch & water bottle to the park

    👕 Clothing & Comfort:

    • Clothes that can get messy! We’ll be working with paint, glue, clay, and more.

    • Closed-toe shoes for safety during outdoor play and art activities

    • Layers for changing weather — we will spend time outside every day

    🚫 What to Leave at Home:

    • Toys, trading cards, electronics, and anything irreplaceable
      We want to avoid distractions and keep valuable items safe.

  • 🏥 Illness

    Please keep your child home if they are feeling unwell or showing signs of illness, including fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or any potentially contagious condition.

    If your child becomes ill during the camp day, we will contact you immediately. Please ensure we have current emergency contact information in care.com.

    💊 Medication (& EpiPens)

    Corner House Studio staff do not administer medication. If your child requires medication during the camp day, please arrange for it to be taken before or after camp hours.

    Please inform us in advance if your child carries an EpiPen. In the case of a severe allergy requiring an EpiPen, campers must be able to self-administer with staff guidance.

    Be sure the EpiPen is

    • Labeled with your child’s name

    • Stored in an accessible location (e.g. backpack or hip pack)

    🩹 Injuries & First Aid

    All staff members are trained in basic first aid. We will treat minor scrapes, bumps, and cuts with care. If anything beyond a minor incident occurs we will contact you immediately.

    🚨 Emergency Preparedness

    In the event of an emergency evacuation, our designated meeting location is Montclair Park, one block from the studio. We practice safety protocols as part of our staff training to ensure a calm and organized response in an emergency situation.

  • We believe in creating a positive inclusive environment where every artist can thrive creatively. Our behavior policy exists to keep our community respectful, safe, and focused on creativity and fun.

    All artists are expected to:

    • Participate actively and safely in studio activities

    • Respect others, teachers, materials, and space

    • Keep hands and bodies to themselves

    • Follow directions from teachers and staff

    • Use kind language and actions

    Addressing Disruptive Behavior

    If an artist’s behavior makes it hard for others to feel safe, focus, or enjoy the program, we will work with families to find solutions. However, if disruptive behavior continues after support and communication, your child may be dismissed from the program.

    Any behavior that puts others at risk—such as hitting, kicking, pushing, or making threats—may result in immediate removal from the program.

  • We understand that summer plans and unexpected situations can arise. If your child will be absent, please let us know by emailing the studio. This helps our teachers plan the day and manage group activities smoothly.

    Camp fees are non-refundable and we are not able to offer make-up days for missed sessions. In the case of missed days we will do our best to catch artists up with their work, but alternative projects may be offered.

  • Corner House Studio is a place where creativity thrives! Our summer camp is designed to give young artists the chance to explore a wide range of materials and artistic techniques in a fun, supportive environment.

    🖌️ What We Create

    Each art camp features a unique theme and a fresh set of projects that introduce campers to:

    • Drawing and painting

    • Sculpture and 3D construction

    • Printmaking and mixed media

    • Collaborative and individual work

    We focus on building artistic confidence through creative exploration, not perfection. Our goal is for every camper to feel proud of what they’ve made and how they’ve grown as artists.

    🧵 Materials We Use

    Campers will work with a variety of professional-quality and kid-friendly materials, including:

    • Tempera, acrylic and watercolor paint

    • Oil pastels, chalk pastels, markers, and india ink

    • Clay, cardboard, wood, and found objects

    • Specialty tools and materials for printmaking, sculpture, and collage

    We encourage kids to experiment, make bold choices, and express their ideas in new and exciting ways.

    👜 Bringing Art Home

    Each week includes multiple finished projects. Some artwork will come home gradually, while larger or more complex pieces may stay in the studio until the end of the week to allow for drying and finishing touches.

  • By registering for any of our programs, you grant Corner House Studio permission to use photos or videos taken during class for marketing and promotional purposes. If you prefer for your child not to be included, please let us know.

  • Thank you for choosing Corner House Studio! We’re honored to spend our days creating, laughing, and learning with your young artist.

    If you have any questions before or during camp, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

    📍 Studio Location:

    Corner House Studio
    6472 Moraga Avenue
    Oakland, CA 94611

    📞 Phone:

    (510)-985-4124
    (available during camp hours)

    📧 Email:

    makeart@cornerhouse.studio

    We can’t wait to make art, memories, and a whole lot of joyful mess this summer!