April 10, 2023 – (KEY WEST, FL).  The Key West Art & Historical Society will be offering five one-week summer ArtCamp! sessions at Fort East Martello Museum, 3501 South Roosevelt Boulevard.  Beginning June 5, ArtCamp! will provide full-day, in-person, week-long summer camp experiences for curious learners aged 5 to 12.  Campers will experience museum exhibits, enjoy the adjacent Martello Parade Grounds, and engage in fun activities, collaborative projects, and hands-on STEAM activities.

Using the art, history, and creativity of the Florida Keys as a jumping-off point, campers have the chance to engage in fun, inspired activities that will ignite their imaginations!  Whether your camper enjoys piratical pursuits, creative expression with found objects, storytelling, or choosing their own adventure—or perhaps all four—the Key West Art & Historical Society offers a variety of options for summertime learning and exploration.

“We are thrilled that ArtCamp! will be back again this year at the museum,” says Kassandra Collett, education specialist for the Society.  “We will incorporate several learning opportunities that engage campers in play and discovery, which is so important for their growth and development.  Each day will be a fresh, new experience, both exploring inside the museum and spending time outside.  We look forward to welcoming returning campers as well as meeting many new families.”

ArtCamp! will be staffed by the Key West Art & Historical Society’s experienced educators and learning experts.  Five weekly sessions will be available throughout the months of June through August, beginning June 5 through August 4.  The camp day will run from 9:00am to 3:30pm.

The program kicks off with campers discovering what life was like for eighteenth century Caribbean pirates.  There will be numerous pirate-themed activities, crafts, and codebreaking which will culminate in campers finding treasure in our local waters.  Later camps include “Art in Nature,” a Wreckers Camp that will transport campers back in time to live a day in the life of a wrecking captain during Key West’s golden age, “Crafting with Beads,” and the ever-popular “Adventure Camp” in which campers are invited to work together on puzzles and projects to bring balance back to a mythical world.

Summer ArtCamp! registration begins on April 12, 2023.  The cost is $200 per week for Society members and $250 per week for non-members.  Supplies for each camp are provided by the organization.  Space is limited, early registration is encouraged.  For additional information about ArtCamp!, visit www.kwahs.org/childrens-programs, or contact Kassandra Collett at 305-295-6616 x504, [email protected].  ArtCamp! is sponsored in part by the Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture, the Florida Council on Arts and Culture and the State of Florida, with additional support provided by The Helmerich Trust.  Your Museums. Your Community. It takes an Island.

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IMAGE 1: The Key West Art & Historical Society is offering week-long ArtCamp! sessions this summer at Fort East Martello Museum beginning on June 5, running through August 4.  Themes vary each week and incorporate STEAM learning and activities.  Visit www.kwahs.org/childrens-programs to register.  (Photo Credit: Key West Art & Historical Society)

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