PERFORMING ARTS CAMP

calendar1 WEEK SESSIONS

studentGRADES : RISING 1ST-6TH

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In DEAN's Performing Arts Camps, campers explore acting, movement, dance, storytelling, and special effects makeup in a playful, pressure-free environment. From improv games and choreography challenges to stage magic tricks and makeup transformations that age campers from 10 to 100, every day brings fresh opportunities to experiment, collaborate, and build confidence.

Programs like You've Got Talent and SFX Makeup Magic invite campers to discover their creative spark for performance while working alongside friends in a supportive space that celebrates every idea—whether they're performing a comedy sketch, learning a dance routine, or creating movie-quality makeup effects.

There's no formal performance or pressure here, just the fun of trying something new. At the end of the week, during our Friday Showcase, campers can share what they've created—whether it's a skit, a dance, a creative mash-up they've designed together, or a makeup transformation reveal. It's the perfect introduction to performing in front of an audience, with a focus on fun, teamwork, expression, and discovery.

Curriculum is thoughtfully adapted for each age group, with techniques and independence progressing from foundational skills in younger grades to more complex challenges as campers mature.

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SKILLS & TECHNIQUES

Each week, campers engage in performance exercised and projects, learning key skills and mindsets:

  • Foundation Skills: Improvisation techniques, stage presence, expressive movement, rhythm and musicality, and ensemble collaboration
  • Technical Abilities: Vocal projection, storytelling through gesture and action, basic choreography concepts, character development, and creative scene-building with peers

    As they rehearse and perform, campers strengthen essential character skills:
  • Collaboration and Empathy: Creating scenes and routines together while connecting with scene partners and responding to each other's creative choices
  • Confidence and Self-Regulation: Taking creative risks in a supportive space and maintaining focus during rehearsals and group activities

Each camper leaves the camp with newfound skills and progress in various performance areas that they can take with them wherever they go!

icons 1 GENERAL DAILY SCHEDULE

DEAN Zone, Breakfast, & Assembly
7:30am-9:00am
Morning Circle
9:00am
Activity Period
approximately 1 hour
Snack and Stretch Break
approximately 15 minutes, outside weather permitting
Activity Period
approximately 1 hour
Lunch, DEAN Zone & Pool
approximately 1 hour, outside weather permitting
Activity Period
approximately 2 hours (included in this time can be a stretch break as needed)
Daily Reflection
2:45
Assembly, Snack & DEAN Zone
(until 5:30pm)

HOURS

Flexible Drop Off & DEAN ZONE
7:30am - 9:00am
Core Program
9:00am - 3:00pm
DEAN Zone & Flexible Pick-Up
3:00pm - 5:30pm

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YOU'VE GOT TALENT! EXPLORERS (1ST-2ND)

Spotlights on. Imagination ready. It’s showtime!

In You’ve Got Talent! Explorers, designed for 1st and 2nd graders, campers explore performance in fun, approachable ways. Each day features rotating activities inspired by surprise challenge cards, inviting campers to experiment, imagine, and discover new ways to express themselves.

Campers jump into improvisation games, simple choreography, expressive movement, storytelling, and creative scene-building with peers. Through playful challenges, they build confidence using their voice and body, practice working together, and experience the joy of being part of a performance ensemble.

The week wraps up with a Friday Finale, where campers share favorite moments from the week and celebrate creativity, teamwork, and the excitement of discovering what makes them shine.

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SFX MAKEUP MAGIC ACHIEVERS (3RD-4TH)

It's time to create some movie magic!

In SFX Makeup Magic, campers step into the world of special effects to create transformations inspired by stage and screen. With guidance from skilled instructors, they explore how makeup can tell a story as they learn to design characters and bring imaginative ideas to life.

Throughout the week, campers practice hands-on techniques like mixing custom colors, layering makeup, sculpting simple prosthetics, and adding realistic details such as wrinkles, scars, and bruises. Using professional palettes and tools, they build focus and perseverance as they refine techniques, responsibility as they work carefully with materials, and creativity as they experiment with texture, color, and character design.

By the end of the week, campers proudly present their special effects creations at a Friday showcase, sharing the characters and transformations they worked on all week. They head home with new artistic skills, growing confidence, and the excitement of seeing their ideas come to life in unforgettable ways.

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YOU'VE GOT TALENT! ACHIEVERS (3RD-4TH)

Curtains up!

In You’ve Got Talent! Achievers, 3rd and 4th graders explore performance with growing intention and collaboration. Through a rotating set of activities, campers try new performance styles each day, stretching their creativity while discovering strengths and interests.

Campers dive into improvisation, character development, basic choreography, vocal projection, expressive movement, and collaborative scene-building. As they connect skills and shape short performances with peers, they learn how focus, practice, and teamwork help ideas come together on stage.

The week wraps up with a Friday Showcase, where campers proudly share favorite scenes and moments from the week, celebrating creativity, collaboration, and the confidence that comes from practicing and performing with purpose.

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SFX MAKEUP MAGIC NAVIGATORS (5TH-8TH)

Create the illusion. Sell the story!

In SFX Makeup Magic, campers dive deep into the art of special effects makeup, designing transformations inspired by film, theater, and character-driven storytelling. Campers move beyond simple effects to think like professional makeup artists by planning concepts, researching references, and translating ideas into realistic designs.

Throughout the week, campers refine advanced techniques such as custom color mixing, detailed layering, sculpting and applying prosthetics, and building realistic effects like aging, wounds, scars, and bruising. Using professional palettes and tools, they practice precision, patience, and problem-solving while managing materials responsibly and revising their work to improve realism and impact.

By the end of the week, campers proudly present their finished transformations at a Friday showcase, explaining their design choices, techniques, and creative process. They head home with polished effects, stronger artistic confidence, and the satisfaction of mastering a challenging craft that blends technical skill with bold imagination.

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YOU'VE GOT TALENT! (5TH-8TH)

Own the stage!

In You’ve Got Talent! Navigators, campers in grades 5–8 take a more intentional, self-directed approach to performance and creative expression. Daily challenges invite campers to explore a wide range of performance styles while taking ownership of their ideas, choices, and creative risks.

Campers work with greater focus on improvisation, character development, storytelling, choreography, vocal projection, and ensemble collaboration. As they shape scenes and refine routines, they learn how preparation, feedback, and teamwork strengthen a performance and help ideas land with an audience.

The week culminates in a Friday Showcase, where campers present the performances they’re most proud of. This celebration highlights creative growth, collaboration, and the confidence that comes from stepping on stage and sharing original work with purpose.

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Passport to YUM


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the world of sweet imagination


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is it cake?


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DEAN Adventure Camps - Premium summer day camps serving Haverford PA (Main Line/Philadelphia area) and Lawrenceville NJ (greater Princeton). Specialty programs for ages 4-16 include woodworking, machine sewing, robotics, culinary arts, performing arts, STEM, and leadership and entrepreneurship development. Full-day care with breakfast, lunch, and snacks included. Serving families from Bryn Mawr, Ardmore, Radnor, Princeton, Hopewell, and surrounding communities since 2001. Call 610-660-9600.