5 Things Parents Should Know Before Enrolling In Summer Art Camps

Summer art camps are an exciting opportunity for kids to explore their creativity, meet new friends, and try out new projects. As schools close for the mid-year break, camps across Singapore begin filling up with children eager to splash paint, mould clay, or sketch their imaginations into life. For many families, it’s a time to balance fun with learning and give kids a meaningful way to enjoy their holidays.

If you’re considering enrolling your child in an art camp this summer, it helps to know what to look out for. Not all camps are the same, and making a few smart choices at the start can lead to a positive experience that your child will talk about long after it ends. Here's what parents should keep in mind before signing up.

Understand the Camp’s Art Curriculum

Before picking a summer art camp, take some time to understand the types of activities your child will do there. Every camp has its own style. Some may focus on painting and drawing, while others dive into hands-on crafts like collage, pottery, or sculpture. A good camp balances skill-building with creativity, encouraging children to explore different forms of art without feeling pressured.

It also helps to consider your child’s interests and comfort level. If they’re new to structured art classes, a camp that leans into play and experimentation might suit them better than one that's project-heavy. On the other hand, if your child already enjoys sketching detailed comics or designing characters, look for a curriculum that includes drawing fundamentals and character development.

Here are a few things to look at when checking a camp’s programme:

1. Are there a mix of drawing, painting, and crafting activities?

2. Will kids be taught basic techniques, or is it more free-form?

3. Is the art tailored by age group so younger kids aren’t overwhelmed?

4. Are there opportunities to try different mediums throughout the week?

A varied curriculum helps kids discover new things they enjoy rather than staying stuck with what they already know. It also keeps them from getting bored halfway through the week.

Check the Credentials of the Instructors

Qualified and friendly instructors make a huge difference in the overall camp experience. No matter how exciting the activities seem on paper, it’s the people guiding the class who shape the tone, coach the kids, and step in when support is needed. That’s why looking at the camp’s teaching team is just as important as looking at the curriculum itself.

Art instructors should be more than just good at painting or drawing. They should also understand how to work with kids, especially in a group setting. The ability to explain ideas clearly, show patience, and encourage confidence in the kids is just as important as knowing how to blend colours or sketch a scene.

When researching a camp, here are some instructor-related questions to ask:

1. Do the teachers have teaching experience, especially with children?

2. Have they led art projects or camps before?

3. How many instructors are there per group or class?

4. Do they give individual feedback when needed?

Let’s say your child is shy and isn’t used to group activities. An instructor who takes the time to check in and guide gently might help them settle in much faster than someone who only focuses on the loudest voices in the room.

Good instructors help kids feel proud of what they create. They know when to step back and let ideas flow, and when to help a child who’s stuck. A strong team can turn a simple art project into a happy memory your child brings home every day.

Consider the Camp’s Schedule and Duration

Every family has its own schedule. Some children attend holiday care or travel during certain weeks, while others are free through the whole break. That’s why looking at the timing and length of an art camp matters more than you might think. Before booking a spot, check that the camp doesn’t clash with other plans and fits into your daily routine.

Start by looking at how long the camp runs for. Is it a one-week programme or something that goes on for several weeks? Both have their perks. A shorter camp lets your child test the waters if it’s their first time doing anything like this. Longer camps, on the other hand, allow for deeper projects and time to build friendships.

Don’t forget to check how each day is structured. Camp days vary. Some are full day while others run for half a day. Think about what works best for your child’s energy levels and what you, as a parent, can manage for drop-offs and pick-ups.

Here are a few practical questions to think about:

1. Does the schedule fit in with your work timings or plans for the school holidays?

2. Is the camp flexible if you need to adjust certain dates?

3. Will your child have enough time for breaks, play, and meals during the day?

4. Does the duration provide enough time to enjoy the full camp experience without overloading the week?

An example of how this plays out in real life—if your child has piano lessons twice a week or swimming training over the weekends, look for a weekday-only camp. That way, their activities don’t clash, and they still get a mix of learning and fun.

Making sure the camp timing works well in your calendar makes everything smoother, helps avoid stress, and ensures your child arrives with a clear mind, ready to create.

Evaluate Safety and Supervision Measures

It’s natural to want peace of mind when sending your child somewhere new. That’s why checking the camp’s safety practices and how closely children are supervised is so important. Fun and learning should always go hand in hand with safe spaces, especially when working with art tools, water sources for cleaning up, and group settings.

Start by looking into whether the camp has written safety policies. Are there clear rules on how tools like scissors, glue guns or paints are handled? Do instructors step in when children need help managing materials or following instructions? These little details add up.

Other safety points to look for include:

1. Are there first-aid trained staff on site?

2. What’s the staff-to-child ratio? Smaller groups get more personal attention.

3. Are kids grouped by age to avoid mismatched skill or supervision levels?

4. Is there clear structure for breaks, hand-washing, and snack times?

Some camps might also share information about their workshop layout. Open, organised spaces allow instructors to keep a better eye on everyone. An airy studio with good lighting and labelled supplies helps keep order during busy workshop times. When kids feel cared for and watched over, they’re more likely to enjoy themselves and let their creativity grow.

It’s worth checking in with the organisers directly if any part of the safety setup feels unclear or missing. A responsible camp team will be happy to go over their approach. Hearing about the steps taken behind the scenes often gives parents confidence they’ve made the right choice.

Visit the Camp and Read the Reviews

One of the easiest ways to learn about a camp’s vibe is by visiting before enrolling. It gives you and your child the chance to see the space, explore the setup, and get a sense of how the sessions might run. Kids often respond well to visual previews and being able to picture themselves there. It also helps ease any nerves before the first day starts.

If you can’t manage a full visit, look out for photos, videos, or open day events. These give a behind-the-scenes look and may answer small but meaningful questions like where kids leave their bags or what types of projects they’ve done in the past.

Reading reviews from other parents can also be helpful. Stories shared by past camp-goers often touch on things that aren't always advertised. Look for mentions of how the instructors handled different personalities, what sort of artwork came home, and if the children wanted to go back later.

When reviewing a camp in Singapore, consider:

1. Are the kids generally happy and excited to attend?

2. Do parents talk about positive staff involvement?

3. Is there consistent feedback about structure and communication?

4. Are there any red flags or repeated concerns?

Seeing the space and hearing from other parents helps fill in any gaps. You’ll walk away with a better picture of what your child’s experience might be like and whether it fits your expectations.

Finding the Right Fit for Your Family

As you narrow down your options, keep in mind that the best summer art camp doesn’t have to tick every box perfectly. It just needs to feel right for your child and routine. Your young artist might prefer a camp that leans more into crafts one year and then painting the next. That’s all part of the journey.

Giving your child a space to express themselves, try new tools, and grow their imagination is the heart of why art camps continue to be popular during school breaks. Keep your focus on what feels like a safe, caring, and creative setting and the rest usually follows.

Once you’ve found the right match, your child is set to enjoy an experience that combines fun and growth through each brushstroke, smudge, or folded corner. All that’s left now is to help them pack their art smock and prepare for a colourful summer ahead.

Finding the right enrichment activity for your child over the school holidays can be a challenge, but once you do, it can be incredibly rewarding. If you're looking for a creative outlet that encourages both joy and learning, take a look at our art camps in Singapore at Go Bananas! Art & Craft. We blend fun with education, making sure every young artist comes away with unforgettable memories and a stronger passion for the arts.