Summer Camps

Summer in the Arts at Northern

The summer arts camps at NIU are a unique blend of intensity and fun. Campers with a passion for the visual arts, theatre, or jazz get the time to focus on their art – and to learn from the very best teachers.

Campers enjoy six days of arts and recreational activities, sleep in newly renovated university residence halls, and eat in university dining facilities. Classes are taught on-campus by NIU faculty, graduate and undergraduate students, and alumni. Each camp ends with a gala show that is open to the public.

Last year’s camps closed before the discount deadline date of June 1. Don’t wait until the last minute to register! For more information about summer camps, click on your favorite camp at left or e-mail us at artscamps@niu.edu.

Check out our page on Facebook for photos of last year's fun!

Junior and senior high school students love these camps and many return year after year. Here’s what a few of the 2011 campers had to say:

Visual Arts Camp

Our days consisted of making art, thinking about art, and having fun.  The instructors were so helpful, always willing to help us with our artwork to make sure it was the best it could be. 
Makayla Hughes

I expected to learn a lot of new things at this camp and meet new people, and I did.  The guest talks were inspirational.
Kyra Schmidt

I had hoped that the camp would be serious about teaching art – and it was! I loved my mixed media collage class – it was so much fun and the teacher was so lively.
Alexis Guerrero

I loved the two studio classes I had, illustration and sculpture.  Both teachers were great and I learned so much.  I liked that we got so much time to work independently on our own art work.  The counselors were inspirational!
Sabrina Hernandez

Theatre Arts Camp Junior

My favorite workshops were dance and auditioning because I was able to express myself in dance and learned a lot of basic auditioning skills.  Our production rehearsals were a ton of fun. We had a great script and director. 
Cortney Cassidy

The workshops and classes exceeded my expectations.  I came back to the camp this year because I had an awesome time last year.  I loved the storytelling workshop and the talent show because they were so much fun and taught me a lot!
Samantha Sepke

I learned a lot this week and know I will take that information forward in future performances.  I made a lot of new friends in my production rehearsals.
Dayna Splansky

Improvisation was so much fun!  And I really loved the movement class.
Jamie Lynn Query

I’ve never been so happy at a camp! The improv games were the best, and we had a great group. 
Mary Owen

NIU Jazz Camp

The instructors and counselor were all incredibly smart and had so much to offer.  I came to camp to learn and I did.  I know I grew as a musician this week. 
Nick Novotny

It was an honor working with Professor Carter, because he has so much experience and knowledge.  He has talked with the greatest players and he knows their secrets.  I really loved this camp!  I had fun with my friends, playing and learning.
Tyler Mauer

I returned to camp this year to continue to work on and improve on concepts I learned last year.   I enjoyed all the performances, especially the counselors.
Taylor Beekman

I really enjoyed the jam sessions.  I love jamming.  I also liked the counselor and faculty concerts – it’s nice to hear some beast players.
Jeremy Whetstone

Theatre Arts Camp Senior

I loved the show.  Our director was amazing and the play made me laugh so hard! 
Isabelle Louis

I loved the feeling of acceptance and family that I got this week.  I wouldn’t change anything about this camp.
Clare Van Echaute

I’ve learned so much and have been so inspired.  I will miss this camp.  I wish this was school not camp. 
Brigid Crawford

I loved learning improvisation.  It’s a different skill that helps you not only in theatre, but in life, too.  The teachers and counselor were all amazing. It’s obvious that they love they do.
Kennedy Musich