You can’t use up creativity.  The more you use, the more you have.

–Maya Angelou

ABOUT MMASC

The National Art Gallery of The Bahamas (NAGB) is pleased to announce campers our annual Mixed Media Art Summer Camp (MMASC) under the theme Eco Art: Mapping Ecology & Imagination. With two two-week sessions running from July 3rd – July 28th, 2023. Children ages 5 to 17 are welcome to participate and learn visual art techniques, explore different avenues of creativity and develop their knowledge of art.

The NAGB always provides a classic summer camp experience that is fun, engaging, explorative, and above all, safe. It is designed to give campers the opportunity to work with trained art teachers, professional artists and NAGB staff for the duration of the camp. While at the museum, campers will be guided in creating individual art pieces, as well as collaborate with a professional muralist in the painting of a group mural onsite at the museum. There will also be tours, expert-led workshops, field trips, and other theme-related activities.

Campers will be divided into four age groups (5-7, 8-11, 12-14, 15-17) which will allow for a comprehensive learning experience that takes age specific developmental stages into account. The artworks created by our young artists will be featured in the MMASC art exhibition which opens on August 5th at the NAGB and will remain on display into September. Work from the National Collection of The Bahamas that relates to each theme will be used as teaching aids.

ABOUT THE THEME

In ecology, we study the relationships between organisms and their environment. By studying organisms’ interactions with their environment and with each other, ecologists can develop strategies for managing natural resources, protecting biodiversity, and promoting sustainability.

Eco-Art: Mapping Ecology & Imagination allows students to explore sustainability and how our natural resources can be used to create artwork. It also gives them the opportunity to investigate the many ways the study of ecology can enrich the environment, promote human well-being, and aid in preserving our natural resources for future generations.

CAMP HOURS

Camp will be held 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday to Friday. Please pick your camper up on time. At 4:00 p.m., you will incur a fee of $10.00 every thirty minutes that you are tardy. If there is an emergency, please notify us immediately.

Campers must be signed in and out every day by their parent/guardian or person authorized for pick-up. For a substitute pick-up, a parent or legal guardian MUST send a signed note with the child on the morning of the alternate pick-up if someone other than the primary caregiver is picking up your child that day. The note must include the following:

  • Name of child/children
  • Name of parent(s)
  • Date of pick-up
  • Name of person picking up

WHAT TO BRING

  • A refillable water bottle
  • Medications, if applicable
  • A hat and sunscreen for sun protection
  • A great attitude!

The cost of the MMASC includes all art materials, instruction, equipment, workshops, and field trips. Snacks and lunch are also included in the cost of camp; however, if your camper has strict dietary restrictions or allergies, we recommend that you pack their lunch. Each camper will also be provided with two camp t-shirts, with additional shirts available for purchase.

APPLICATION PROCESS (Please read carefully)

Summer Camp enrolment is on a first come, first served basis. Those who prefer to apply online can do so by clicking the register now button below. Paper applications are available at the NAGB’s Mixed Media Store. To complete your child’s application, you must submit the MMASC application and tuition fee.

Payment plans and limited financial aid are available, based on need. The NAGB endeavours to make its summer camp accessible to all without turning any camper away due to financial hardship.

Tuition: 

Early Bird Rate (through May 24th)- $175 (+VAT)

Regular (May 25th onwards) – $200 (+VAT)

Please contact Zearier Munroe-Wilkinson at 328.5800/1 or [email protected] for more information. Completed applications include a camper application form and tuition payment in cash, check, or credit card (Visa or Mastercard only). Checks must be made payable to The National Art Gallery of The Bahamas.

Thank you for your interest in the Mixed Media Art Summer Camp. We look forward to creating with you!

Please note that any photos, digital (audio or video), and written materials created for and/or during the Mixed Media Art Summer Camp remain property of the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas and may be used for promotional purposes at the discretion of NAGB.

POLICIES AND GUIDELINES FOR YOUNG ARTISTS  

The following policies and guidelines are for your camper’s safety, comfort, and enjoyment. Please read them carefully and communicate them to your camper. If you have any questions or concerns, please speak to any camp or education staff member or call (242) 328-5800/1.

General:

  • Classes will start promptly at 9:00 a.m.; attendance and punctuality are essential.
  • There is no roughhousing, running, or yelling within the museum. We will have opportunities for outside play and free time. Because the NAGB is open to the public, we must respect other visitors.
  • Campers must not leave their class groups and must travel with a teaching artist or teaching assistant. There will always be adult supervision.
  • Please send campers ready for outside time by applying sunscreen daily before drop-off.
  • Food and drink are not permitted in the galleries.

Dress Code:

  • Wear the camp t-shirt and comfortable pair of pants. Bring a hat if you would like one when we are outside. Wear clothing you do not mind getting messy. We will be working with a range of media that might stain clothing.

Anti-Bullying Policy:

  • The NAGB is a no-tolerance zone for bullying of any kind, be it verbal or physical. Any child exhibiting this behavior may be asked to leave camp at the discretion of camp staff. Please encourage positive behavior with your children before attending camp.

Cell Phone Policy:

  • If your child brings a cell phone to camp, it must always stay in their backpack and be used only in case of emergency.

Medical:

  • If your child requires an EpiPen or any type of medication, please label the item with your child’s name and send it with your child on the first day of camp.
  • Campers should also bring a refillable water bottle as we will provide water to ensure they stay hydrated.

RULES AND REGULATIONS 

Campers will not be dismissed from camp (to go home or anywhere!) without an authorized, responsible party. When campers are dismissed or in the case a camper needs to be dismissed early, a responsible party must notify Katrina Cartwright, Education and Outreach Manager. Campers must be signed in every morning and signed out every afternoon by a parent, guardian or authorized party.

  • Each camper will remain with his assigned group during all daytime activities.
  • All campers must attend all activities unless NAGB staff have been notified by a parent or guardian.
  • No outgoing phone calls unless special permission is granted by NAGB staff.
  • No food or drink is allowed in the galleries.
  • No use or possession of cigarettes, alcohol, or contraband; inappropriate language or actions (fighting); objects that might be used as weapons or any other items which might be considered dangerous. With respect to the above, there is a zero-tolerance policy.
  • Campers should leave their electronic devices at home. If they bring them, including cell phones, iPods, iPads, or other devices, they shall be surrendered upon entering the campsite and returned at the end of the camp session.

DISCIPLINE POLICIES 

My Rights Policy

Every child in the summer program is here to have a fun and exciting experience. However, it is very difficult for a child to enjoy him or herself when they are ridiculed because they are different.

Children’s rights will be observed by staff and other children.

  • Every child has the right to be treated with respect.
  • Every child has the right to play in a friendly environment.
  • Every child has the right to be safe from bullies.
  • Every child has the right to be themselves without being ridiculed.
  • Every child has the right not to be threatened.
  • Every child has the right to have fun.

For the safety and enjoyment of every child, the My Rights Policy will be strictly adhered to. Any child found violating the My Rights Policy will be disciplined. The scope of disciplinary action will range from verbal warning or reminder to suspension. Children are to follow the My Rights Policy and these simple rules:

  • Use kind words (no name calling –not even jokingly; no foul language).
  • Use walking feet indoors.
  • Follow teacher’s directions.
  • Use kind hands (no hitting, pushing, or play-fighting).

Disciplinary Action

First warning is given along with an explanation as to why the behavior is inappropriate. If the behavior continues, it will be followed by the following disciplinary action:

  • The participant will sit out of an activity for a period of time.
  • If it occurs again, they will sit out of an entire activity. Parents will be notified at afternoon pick-up regarding the inappropriate behavior.
  • The camp leader can, at their discretion, arrange with the parent for the child to be picked up and removed from camp for the rest of the day.
  • If the behavior continues, a phone call will be made to the parents to discuss the behavior and a potential full day suspension.
  • If the participant’s behavior shows no improvement, ultimately, they may be asked to withdraw from the camp.

PARTIAL SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION