Art Summer Camp Classes on Long Island

An exploratory experience for young artists led by experienced art educators and professional artists. Investigate the full spectrum of Usdan’s art offerings, including drawing, painting, and sculpture for a comprehensive and immersive summer arts experience. Both traditional and contemporary media and practices are explored. 

Art Adventure Majors spend their days in open-air studios engaging in a combination of direct instruction, studio work time, collaboration with other young artists, and sharing and reflecting on their work. All levels welcome.

“You do a lot of fun things, and you have amazing teachers, friends, and things to do!”
-Penina 

“You get to experience all kinds of art in just one class.”
-Sara

For information on COVID procedures in this Department, please visit our COVID Updates page.

In addition to their three-period Major, students enjoy a rotating one-period Recreational Activity every day with their group. Visit our Recreational Activity page for more information.

Whether you are a new or experienced chess player, Usdan’s Chess Major is uniquely designed to meet the needs of each student no matter their experience level. The Usdan Chess Ladder groups students in varying levels, from absolute novices to advanced players. New players learn rules, notation, and the opening, middle, and end games. Advanced players develop a vast repertoire of complex strategies and the ability to apply them in-game. Chess players benefit from improved problem-solving, critical thinking, and concentration. Students hone their skills through game-play and tutoring in competitive chess tournaments and exciting team competitions. Instruction is conducted in the well-ventilated Maurice B. Hexter Center by highly ranked tournament players with decades of experience.

“What I liked most was that I got to play many different people with no pressure.”
—Dylan

“I was able to play a lot of chess and learn from my mistakes.”
—Noah

For information on COVID procedures in this Department, please visit our COVID Updates page.

In addition to their three-period Major, students enjoy a rotating one-period Recreational Activity every day with their group. Visit our Recreational Activity page for more information.

Graphic novels and comics—and the mythology behind them—are heavily ingrained in pop culture. Learn cartooning and graphic-novel story development while sharing resources that inspire you. Develop and design your own creative comics from conception to finished product, while practicing graphic design techniques and using color theory. 

Comic Art Majors spend their days in open-air studios engaging in a combination of direct instruction by experienced art educators and professional comic artists, studio work time, collaboration with other young artists, and sharing and reflecting on their work. They have opportunities to work with faculty other than their lead teacher to add variety and new skills to their learning. All levels welcome.

“We learned techniques and were also free to work on our own stuff.”
—Anya

“We are able to freely design all genres of comic art.”

—Ashton

For information on COVID procedures in this Department, please visit our COVID Updates page.

In addition to their three-period Major, students enjoy a rotating one-period Recreational Activity every day with their group. Visit our Recreational Activity page for more information.

Graphic novels and comics—and the mythology behind them—are heavily ingrained in pop culture. Learn cartooning and graphic-novel story development while sharing resources that inspire you. Develop and design your own creative comics from conception to finished product, while practicing graphic design techniques and using color theory. 

Comic Art Majors spend their days in open-air studios engaging in a combination of direct instruction by experienced art educators and professional comic artists, studio work time, collaboration with other young artists, and sharing and reflecting on their work. They have opportunities to work with faculty other than their lead teacher to add variety and new skills to their learning. All levels welcome.

“We learned techniques and were also free to work on our own stuff.”
—Anya

“We are able to freely design all genres of comic art.”

—Ashton

For information on COVID procedures in this Department, please visit our COVID Updates page.

In addition to their three-period Major, students enjoy a rotating one-period Recreational Activity every day with their group. Visit our Recreational Activity page for more information.

Dance Adventure is an exploratory dance experience for our littlest dancers, offering a fun and supportive space for you to try a variety of dance genres. In open-air studios, students are taught by experienced dance educators and professional dancers and choreographers with a variety of expertise. Dance forms explored in this Major may include ballet, hip hop, contemporary, and/or tap. All levels welcome.

“What I liked most was that I got to be myself.” 
—Ahuva

For information on COVID procedures in this Department, please visit our COVID Updates page.

In addition to their three-period Major, students enjoy a rotating one-period Recreational Activity every day with their group. Visit our Recreational Activity page for more information.

Enhance your ability to listen, blend, make musical decisions, and think critically by playing in a small ensemble led by professional musicians and music educators. Strengthen your skills as both a soloist and an ensemble player simultaneously.

Each day, musicians join a two-hour ensemble rehearsal that includes a combination of warm-ups, technical exercises, sound and breathing exercises, and balancing and listening exercises, as well as learning and rehearsing repertoire. Varied pieces are selected from different genres and time periods. Students also have the opportunity to learn new skills such as music theory, composition, beginner piano, beginner ukulele, and music appreciation. Instrumental Ensemble takes place in open-air studios with at least one side completely open and exposed to the surrounding woodland campus.

Lead faculty in our advanced ensembles guide musicians in a true conductor-less chamber music experience. Beginner groups will receive the technical support needed as their lead faculty takes a conductor position most days. 

Ensembles may include string, guitar, wind, and brass groups, as well as mixed instrumental groups. Students will be asked to submit a placement video shortly after enrolling and are grouped according to experience and instrumentation. At least one year of playing an instrument and an ability to read music is required. An ability to perform independently is highly recommended.

“The teacher creates a safe and fun environment and is very encouraging.” 
—Noelani

“I like the people I got placed with, we all became good friends.” 
—Sophia

“I liked how the teacher actually helped me become a better violinist.” 
—Alexa

For information on COVID procedures in this Department, please visit our COVID Updates page.

In addition to their three-period Major, students enjoy a rotating one-period Recreational Activity every day with their group. Visit our Recreational Activity page for more information.

Proper body alignment and posture are essential to dancers as it improves balance and control, and makes them appear more elegant and confident. Focus on building your dynamic alignment with one period of ballet and one period of contemporary dance each day. Under the guidance of experienced dance educators and professional dancers and choreographers, students have opportunities to collaborate and create their own dances, as well as perform for one another and learn ways of giving feedback. Dance studios are open-air with at least one side exposed to the natural environment. All levels welcome.

For information on COVID procedures in this Department, please visit our COVID Updates page.

In addition to their three-period Major, students enjoy a rotating one-period Recreational Activity every day with their group. Visit our Recreational Activity page for more information.

Specifically tailored to the beginning actor, this eye-opening and fun-filled exploratory experience introduces you to acting, singing, and dancing for musical theater under the instruction of an experienced theater educator. Through the use of theater learning games and age-appropriate scene scripts, students are coached in developing self-awareness and a performer’s responsibility to both scene work and onstage partnerships. Classes take place in open-air studios with at least one side exposed to the natural environment.

For information on COVID procedures in this Department, please visit our COVID Updates page.

In addition to their three-period Major, students enjoy a rotating one-period Recreational Activity every day with their group. Visit our Recreational Activity page for more information.

Immerse yourself in the world of musical theater dance under the expert guidance of dance educators and professional dancers and choreographers. Study jazz and tap dance, while also learning about historical works and imagining your own sets and costumes. Dance studios are open-air with at least one side exposed to the natural environment. All levels welcome.

For information on COVID procedures in this Department, please visit our COVID Updates page.

In addition to their three-period Major, students enjoy a rotating one-period Recreational Activity every day with their group. Visit our Recreational Activity page for more information.

This Major is an opportunity to study musical theater through the entire cycle of a production, including audition, rehearsal, blocking, staging, choreography, ensemble work, and performance. Over the course of four weeks, students audition for roles and learn how casting decisions are made, discover the joys of collaboration, and develop responsibility as they work together to put on their show. Usdan’s musical theater productions are directed by professional theater educators specializing in directing and music-directing. Rehearsals take place in open-air studios with at least one side exposed to the natural environment. 

“The show, rehearsal, and auditions are very professional. My favorite part was the way the company becomes a family and the way the show comes together.” 
—Myla

For information on COVID procedures in this Department, please visit our COVID Updates page.

In addition to their three-period Major, students enjoy a rotating one-period Recreational Activity every day with their group. Visit our Recreational Activity page for more information.

Usdan’s amazing woodland setting provides an ideal opportunity to explore Long Island’s vibrant ecosystems. Get your hands dirty as you gain an appreciation for the natural world, viewed through the lens of creativity and sustainability. Connect with nature through learning, mindfulness, observation, and reflection under the guidance of experienced nature educators. Learn about plants, wildlife, sustainable practices, and more with daily activities in gardening, art-making, forest exploration, and caring for the Nature Department's pets. Nature classes will rotate nature educators and therefore create opportunities to learn from their different areas of expertise. Students remain outdoors except for when it rains; then they continue their projects in a well-ventilated studio with plenty of open windows and doors.

“You get to see animals, do crafts, go on hikes, and make new friends.”
—Jayden

For information on COVID procedures in this Department, please visit our COVID Updates page.

In addition to their three-period Major, students enjoy a rotating one-period Recreational Activity every day with their group. Visit our Recreational Activity page for more information.

Build skills in contemporary, modern, and hip hop techniques under the instruction of experienced dance educators and professional dancers and choreographers. Students work with cutting-edge forms, under the guidance of choreographers who combine traditional and contemporary influences. Dance studios are open-air with at least one side exposed to the natural environment. All levels welcome.

For information on COVID procedures in this Department, please visit our COVID Updates page.

In addition to their three-period Major, students enjoy a rotating one-period Recreational Activity every day with their group. Visit our Recreational Activity page for more information.

Expand your knowledge of percussive dance forms that challenge you to tap, step, and pop-and-lock it out. Under the guidance of experienced dance educators and professional dancers, each day campers spend one period in tap, another in hip hop, and a third collaborating and creating their own dances. Dance studios are open-air with at least one side exposed to the natural environment. All levels welcome. If you have two or more years of experience in percussive dance (hip hop, jazz, tap, or step), we recommend taking our Rhythm Studies II Major.

For information on COVID procedures in this Department, please visit our COVID Updates page.

In addition to their three-period Major, students enjoy a rotating one-period Recreational Activity every day with their group. Visit our Recreational Activity page for more information.

This Major includes the fundamental ingredients of any visual artist’s education, taught by experienced art educators and professional artists. Explore your individual interests and develop your own creative style as you learn traditional and contemporary techniques and concepts in two-dimensional art through media such as acrylic, watercolor, ink, graphite, and more. Create your own life drawings, landscapes, portraits, and abstract works, all while gaining exposure to a variety of artists and practices. Classes are tailored to the level and interests of the group. 

Painting & Drawing Majors spend their days in open-air studios engaging in a combination of direct instruction, studio work time, collaboration with other young artists, and sharing and reflecting on their work. They have opportunities to work with faculty other than their lead teacher to add variety and new skills to their learning. All levels welcome.

“We get to be creative, have freedom, and we learned a lot about painting!” 
—Ella

For information on COVID procedures in this Department, please visit our COVID Updates page.

In addition to their three-period Major, students enjoy a rotating one-period Recreational Activity every day with their group. Visit our Recreational Activity page for more information.

This Major includes the fundamental ingredients of any visual artist’s education, taught by experienced art educators and professional artists. Explore your individual interests and develop your own creative style as you learn traditional and contemporary techniques and concepts in two-dimensional art through media such as acrylic, watercolor, ink, graphite, and more. Create your own life drawings, landscapes, portraits, and abstract works, all while gaining exposure to a variety of artists and practices. Classes are tailored to the level and interests of the group. 

Painting & Drawing Majors spend their days in open-air studios engaging in a combination of direct instruction, studio work time, collaboration with other young artists, and sharing and reflecting on their work. They have opportunities to work with faculty other than their lead teacher to add variety and new skills to their learning. All levels welcome.

“We get to be creative, have freedom, and we learned a lot about painting!” 
—Ella

For information on COVID procedures in this Department, please visit our COVID Updates page.

In addition to their three-period Major, students enjoy a rotating one-period Recreational Activity every day with their group. Visit our Recreational Activity page for more information.

Dive deep into the fundamental principles of composition and lighting with Usdan’s woodland campus as your backdrop. Photography Majors spend their days in the studio and around campus engaging in a combination of direct instruction by experienced arts educators and professional photographers, studio work time, collaboration with other young artists, and sharing and reflecting on their work. Mac computers are used in this Major for imaging, photo enhancement, printing, and digital presentation. 

Campers are asked to supply their own digital camera, though a limited number of cameras are available to lend out if necessary. All levels welcome. 

“I loved all the fun projects we did, the fun photo walks, and how much I learned. Teachers were amazing too.”  
—Sophie

“My favorite part of Photography was the collaborations between students and other classes.” 
—Danielle 

For information on COVID procedures in this Department, please visit our COVID Updates page.

In addition to their three-period Major, students enjoy a rotating one-period Recreational Activity every day with their group. Visit our Recreational Activity page for more information.

Expand your knowledge of percussive dance forms that challenge you to tap, step, and pop-and-lock it out. Under the guidance of experienced dance educators and professional dancers, each day campers spend one period in tap, another in hip hop, and a third collaborating and creating their own dances. Dance studios are open-air with at least one side exposed to the natural environment. All levels welcome. If you have two or more years of experience in percussive dance (hip hop, jazz, tap, or step), we recommend taking our Rhythm Studies II Major.

For information on COVID procedures in this Department, please visit our COVID Updates page.

In addition to their three-period Major, students enjoy a rotating one-period Recreational Activity every day with their group. Visit our Recreational Activity page for more information.

Sculptors create three-dimensional art with wood, plaster, wire, metal, and more. Inspiration is all around as students experiment with new materials and imagery—both representational and abstract—and work together with classmates to produce large-scale installations and sculptures. 

Sculpture Majors spend their days in open-air studios engaging in a combination of direct instruction by experienced art educators and professional sculptors, studio work time, collaboration with other young artists, and sharing and reflecting on their work. They have opportunities to work with faculty other than their lead teacher to add variety and new skills to their learning. All levels welcome. 

“In this class you can use different materials to create cool sculptures. I LOVED working with mixed media.”
—Emile 

For information on COVID procedures in this Department, please visit our COVID Updates page.

In addition to their three-period Major, students enjoy a rotating one-period Recreational Activity every day with their group. Visit our Recreational Activity page for more information.

Our most sophisticated student performers are invited to participate in the entire process of making live musical theater, from audition to performance. Former company members describe the Troupe experience as “summer stock theater for teens.” Recent shows include Finian’s Rainbow, Grand Hotel, Sunday in the Park with George, Carousel, and Singin’ in the Rain. The Troupe presents a fully staged musical production at the end of the summer. Rehearsals take place in open-air studios with at least one side exposed to the natural environment. 

Usdan will provide guidelines for a required video audition shortly after enrollment. 

Admission to the Usdan Troupe will be limited to qualified applicants who submit an audition recording, until capacity is reached. Students will be asked to submit their recording shortly after enrollment. Students who have taken this Major previously do not need to audition again.

“My favorite part was everything! The students ... teachers ... their talent ... how much I learned ... the overall experience changed my view on performing.”  
—Alaina

For information on COVID procedures in this Department, please visit our COVID Updates page.

In addition to their three-period Major, students enjoy a rotating one-period Recreational Activity every day with their group. Visit our Recreational Activity page for more information.

Make an audience laugh, make them wonder. Sharpen your comic timing and learn to tell a story that will have them begging for more. Under the instruction of a professional theater educator and performer, students spend their days engaging in warm-ups and exercises, working on individual and small-group pieces, and sharing and receiving feedback from fellow actors and your comedy coach. Classes take place in open-air studios with at least one side exposed to the natural environment.

For information on COVID procedures in this Department, please visit our COVID Updates page.

In addition to their three-period Major, students enjoy a rotating one-period Recreational Activity every day with their group. Visit our Recreational Activity page for more information.

Foster your love for music and community in Usdan’s Vocal Ensemble. Led by professional music educators, vocalists in this Major focus on vocal technique, diction, solo and ensemble singing. Music repertoire is chosen from varied genres, composers, and time periods. In addition to learning and rehearsing vocal repertoire, students have the opportunity to learn a secondary skill, such as sight-singing, basic piano skills, solo/NYSSMA preparation, and beginner ukulele. Vocal Ensemble takes place in open-air studios with at least one side completely open and exposed to the surrounding woodland campus.

“We learn in a great environment!”
—Anthony

“We sing and perform a very wide range of music that is amazing to sing. I enjoyed the whole process of learning the music...and seeing it all come together is an amazing thing” 
—Kennedy

For information on COVID procedures in this Department, please visit our COVID Updates page.

In addition to their three-period Major, students enjoy a rotating one-period Recreational Activity every day with their group. Visit our Recreational Activity page for more information.