Youth art League Summer camp 2026
An Immersive Arts Experience in the Heart of Trenton for young artists
This summer camp is made possible through the generous support of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, NJM Insurance Group, the Princeton Area Community Foundation, and the City of Trenton.
The Youth Art League Summer Camp at Artworks Trenton offers a vibrant, multidisciplinary arts experience for students entering 5th through 10th grade.
Held in the heart of downtown Trenton at Artworks’ spacious, sky-lit studios, the camp provides an immersive environment where young artists can explore various art forms, including painting, sculpture, digital arts, and storytelling.
Led by local teaching artists, the program emphasizes project-based learning, encouraging students to develop their creativity and artistic skills through hands-on activities and innovative workshops. Field trips to local cultural sites further enrich the experience, connecting campers with the broader artistic community.
Last Summer’s YAL Adventures
The Youth Art League Summer Camp embarked on exciting adventures last summer, including a trip to the Garden Theatre where students created their own short films and experienced the thrill of seeing their work on the big screen. Campers also explored Ellarslie Museum and visited the Clifford Ward exhibit at Grounds For Sculpture, where they received a personal tour from the artist himself. These enriching field trip experiences were made possible through a partnership with GOTrenton and the generous support of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts (NJSCA), Flagler College, and New Jersey Manufacturers (NJM).
Enroll into the full 5 week program and get a discount!
Save $25 when you enroll into the whole program!
July 7 – August 7, 2026
Tuesdays – Fridays | 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Ages 10 – 15
Location: Artworks Trenton, 19 Everett Alley
Why Choose YAL Summer Camp?
- 🎨 Project-based workshops in multiple art forms
- 🖥️ Guidance from professional teaching artists
- 🚌 Field trips to local museums and arts organizations
- 🌟 Affordable weekly tuition options
- 📍 Centrally located in downtown Trenton
Field Trip Schedule
As part of the Youth Art League Summer Camp experience, campers will participate in select field trips to regional arts and cultural destinations that connect classroom creativity with real-world artistic experiences. These trips are designed to inspire young artists, encourage curiosity, and introduce students to a wider creative community.
2026 Field Trips Include:
• July 17 – Princeton University Art Museum
• July 24 – New Jersey State Museum
• July 31 – Princeton Garden Theatre
Field trips are included as part of camp programming and will take place during regular camp hours.
Enroll into specific weeks
Week 1
July 7 – 10, 2026
Kick off the summer with an immersive week of creativity at Artworks Trenton! Young artists will explore hands-on projects in painting, sculpture, mixed media, and collaborative artmaking while getting comfortable in our studio spaces and creative community.
Week 2
July 14 – 17, 2016
Artists will continue experimenting with new materials and techniques through project-based workshops led by local teaching artists. This week also includes a special field trip to the Princeton University Art Museum, where artists will connect their own creativity with works from across history and culture.
Week 3
July 21 – 24, 2026
From storytelling to design, artists will dive deeper into creative expression through multidisciplinary art projects and collaborative activities. This week features a field trip to the New Jersey State Museum for additional inspiration and exploration.
Week 4
July 28 – 31, 2026
What happens when you lose control? This week encourages artists to explore storytelling through art, design, and creative media while building confidence in their artistic voice. Artists will also enjoy a special trip to the Princeton Garden Theatre, connecting visual art with film and creative storytelling.
Week 5
August 4 – 7, 2026
Celebrate the final week of Youth Art League Summer Camp with exciting projects, collaborative artmaking, and opportunities to reflect on everything created throughout the summer. Artists will experiment with new ideas, complete final works, and end the season surrounded by creativity and community.