Camps

Summer Camps

Our summer camps are where STEP VA began! We currently offer two

types of camps: Arts Camp and Tech Camp.

 

Arts Camp

Arts Camp is for participants, ages 6-23 years. The camp runs daily for one week with option for either a morning session (9 a.m. to 12 p.m.) or afternoon session (1 to 4 p.m). Participants may register for one Arts camp session only.

 

New campers

For our first-time campers, we ask that parents complete an extensive registration form that allows STEP VA staff to better understand the camper’s sensory profile. Once we receive the registration form, a STEP VA staff member will call the parent for a brief interview to discuss the camper’s unique needs in depth.

 

Buddy system

Each camper is paired with a volunteer buddy who is a STEP VA-trained teen (13+). The buddy is the camper’s peer model for the entire camp session and stays with the camper for all activities.

 

What to wear

Campers should wear clothing that is comfortable and allows them to move freely during dance class. We recommend shoes that stay on the foot (no flip flops!) for the safety of everyone in dance class. If your student has special dance shoes, they are welcome to wear them during dance class.

 

The art classes are typically “low mess” classes but if we anticipate possible splatters of paint, we will advise parents ahead of time so they can send a paint shirt with their camper.

 

What happens at camp?

STEP VA’s camps are drop-off only; parents do not attend camp with their participant.

 

Buddies meet their campers at check-in. The day usually begins with a fun group activity and then the campers split into 3-4 groups. Each group follows a schedule that rotates through art, music, dance, and theater classes. In the final hour of camp, we serve snacks (typically fresh fruit with chips or cookies and water). After snacks, the full camp rehearses their one-act play. Buddies escort their campers to parents at dismissal.

 

Food and drink

All campers are encouraged to bring a bottle of water with them and they are welcome to drink during class. We also serve snacks toward the end of the camp session. However, if your camper has special dietary needs, please feel free to send them with food and we will make sure they get them during snack time.

 

STEP VA is a NO NUT PRODUCTS organization. We have several participants with serious nut allergies so we ask that families refrain from sending campers with snacks containing nuts.

 

Camp showcase

On Friday, the campers perform their one-act play for friends and family. The performance is free and open to the public.

 

All campers receive a STEP VA camp t-shirt, which they wear for the Friday showcase.

 

Tech Camp

Tech camp is STEP VA’s newest camp offering. It is a 4-day camp that runs 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and is designed for participants, ages 13+, who would like to learn about the non-stage aspects of theater.

 

Tech campers may also register for Arts Camp.

 

Tech campers are invited to serve as stage crew for the Arts Camp showcases.

 

New campers

For our first-time campers, we ask that parents complete an extensive registration form that allows STEP VA staff to better understand the camper’s sensory profile. Once we receive the registration form, a STEP VA staff member will call the parent for a brief interview to discuss the camper’s unique needs in depth.

 

What to expect

Tech camp is a drop-off camp only; parents do not attend camp classes their participant.

 

Upon arrival, campers check-in with the camp director. The day begins with a group activity and then campers split into smaller groups that rotate through different topics. Past topics have included: set design, sound systems, costume design, playwrighting, and photography.

 

Each group has a team of volunteer buddies, who are STEP VA-trained teens and adults (ages 13+). The volunteer buddies serve as peer models and also provide extra support for those campers who need it.

 

What to wear

Campers are encouraged to wear comfortable clothes that allow them to move freely. Set building involves painting so campers are welcome to bring a paint shirt or apron to protect their clothing. The final day of camp is the set “load out”; we recommend close-toed shoes to protect the camper’s feet during the load out process.

 

Food and drink

All campers are encouraged to bring a bottle of water with them and they are welcome to drink during class. We also serve snacks toward the end of the camp session. However, if your camper has special dietary needs, please feel free to send them with food and we will make sure they get them during snack time.

 

STEP VA is a NO NUT PRODUCTS organization. We have several participants with serious nut allergies so we ask that families refrain from sending campers with snacks containing nuts.

 

Last day of camp

On the final day of camp, all campers are expected to take part in the set “load out.” This is where the set pieces they designed and built during camp are loaded onto a trailer for transport to the Arts Camp site. All tech campers are expected to participate in the load out.e special events.