Creative summer camp for kids and teens in New Jersey
Be part of a fun, art-based program for personal growth!
At Appel Farm’s overnight camp, kids ages 8-16 experience a summer of creative discovery. With an art-based curriculum, they explore their favorite art forms, try new activities, and build friendships in a gender-affirming, non-competitive community.
Trusted by parents, loved by kids
For more than 65 years, families have chosen Appel Farm for one simple reason—we keep creativity and community at the center of our organization.
In fact, our camp has welcomed thousands of young people from all walks of life over the decades. Many are first-time campers, some return year after year, but what they all have in common is the chance to grow in a place that believes in them.
We’re a nonprofit with heart. We focus on accessibility, care, and quality. We offer scholarships, flexible sessions, and an approach that works beautifully for a wide range of kids, including those who might feel overlooked in traditional camp environments.
A safe, fun summer camp for kids to create and grow
Appel Farm is first and foremost a safe summer camp for kids—physically, emotionally, and socially. From day one, campers are welcomed into a community that values kindness and individuality. Every child brings something unique, and we build a space where they can explore it freely.
Our approach is grounded in restorative practices and collaborative problem solving. That means we focus on communication, empathy, and understanding. Campers learn how to express themselves, work through conflicts, and care for one another. And because our staff is trained in Mental Health First Aid, your child is surrounded by adults who prioritize their wellness.
We’re an LGBTQ+-friendly, gender-inclusive camp
The arts are for everyone, and that’s why inclusion is part of our foundation as an organization. At Appel Farm, campers of all gender identities and expressions are welcomed and supported.
With gender-inclusive housing options, campers choose the bunk environment where they feel most at home. Trans, non-binary, and gender-expansive kiddos are seen, respected, and supported throughout.
There are endless possibilities in our 110-acre creative campus
Here, the kiddos have a lot of room to roam, imagine, and try new things every day. Our 110‑acre campus is filled with open fields, shady woods, art studios, performance spaces, and cozy spots to hang out with friends.
Campers might spend the morning creating in a studio, the afternoon playing games outside, and the evening watching a performance under the stars. Ultimately, it’s a place that invites curiosity, relaxation, creativity, and joy at every turn!
Want to see what our unique 110-acre creative campus has to offer? Sign up for an in-person or virtual camp tour!
Appel Farm Arts & Music Center’s summer camp life at a glance
We keep each day balanced between structure and freedom, helping kids feel grounded but never boxed in. We offer both two-week and four-week overnight camp sessions to meet your child’s needs.
Each camper chooses a Major, which is an art form they’ll dive into every morning with the same small group. It’s focused on skill-building, collaboration, and creative growth.
In the afternoons, they mix it up with Minors, which are shorter classes that let them try new things, explore different interests, and just have fun.
On Sundays, all the kids have to worry about is resetting and refreshing. Campers enjoy a more relaxed schedule, with creative workshops, reflection time, and self-led activities.
Fun Fact: We also host guest artists, live performances, and our legendary Beach Day! This is a dedicated day where campers go to a beach town in New Jersey and have fun in the sand, under the sun.
A well-rounded summer camp experience for growing kids
We offer a mix of arts, movement, and outdoor fun that lets each camper build their own experience through process-based learning.
Performing and creative arts
- Music: Campers explore instruments, vocals, songwriting, and ensemble work in a relaxed, no-pressure environment.
- Theater performance: From improv to scene work, campers learn performance skills while building confidence and connection.
- Technical theater: Campers can explore lighting, set design, sound, and more in this hands-on, collaborative space.
- Dance: Modern, hip-hop, and creative movement classes are open to all bodies and experience levels.
Visual, media, and literary arts
- Visual art: Painting, drawing, sculpture, mixed media—you name it. Kids get to try it all in our creative arts camp studio spaces.
- Photography: From darkroom to digital, campers experiment with how to see the world differently.
- Media arts: Video editing, animation, and digital storytelling give campers tools to turn ideas into something phenomenal.
- Creative writing: Here, poetry, journaling, storytelling, and other types of writing become a tool for self-expression and imagination.
Outdoor and environmental experiences
- Sports and games: Campers stay active with games and group play. From casual field games to athletic sports, there’s something for every kid.
- Environmental arts: Art meets nature in our outdoor classrooms, where campers learn, create, and connect with the world around them.
Process-based learning led by exceptional teaching artists
Aside from being great at what they do, our instructors are amazing with kids. Every class is led by professional teaching artists who know how to support young learners. They’re musicians, dancers, filmmakers, writers, and educators who believe in the magic of process-based learning.
What you can expect:
- At Appel Farm, learning means growth, self-expression, and trying something new.
- We meet campers where they are and help them build real skills through play, reflection, and creativity.
- Small class sizes mean your child gets attention, encouragement, and space to explore.
- Our classes support different learning styles and experience levels, making this a truly beginner-friendly summer camp.
- Kids learn how to give and receive feedback, collaborate on projects, and trust their creative instincts, which are great life skills they can take with them anywhere!
Everything you’d expect from a top-quality camp (And then some!)
We value learning and creativity, but the campers’ comfort and safety will always be our number one priority.
- Housing/Bunking: Our modern bunks are air-conditioned, clean, and cozy, with private bathrooms and plenty of space to relax. Campers can choose from different bunking options based on what feels right for them.
- Food: Meals are tasty, healthy, and kid-approved. We serve vegetarian options and allergy-friendly meals every day, with ingredients from our on-site organic garden.
- Health and Safety: Two on-site nurses, regular doctor visits, and a 24/7 Health Center mean campers are always cared for. Overnight camp safety is a top priority, and we’re just over a mile from a major hospital.
- Supervision: Our staff is trained, experienced, and deeply invested in your child’s growth. You can rest assured that your child is always seen and supported.
Testimonials
Check out our camp dates, rates, and scholarship program (2026)
We want families to have clear, straightforward information as they plan ahead. Below you’ll find session dates, tuition options, and details about financial aid for Summer 2026 at Appel Farm Arts Camp.
Appel Farm summer 2026 camp dates
Appel Farm Arts Camp offers both two-week and four-week sessions, giving families flexibility based on their child’s interests, schedule, and readiness for time away from home.
Many families choose a two-week session as an introduction to camp, while others opt for the four-week experience to allow campers more time to grow creatively, build friendships, and fully immerse themselves in the arts-focused camp community.
Two-week sessions
- July 5 – July 18, 2026
- July 19 – August 1, 2026
Four-week session
- July 5 – August 1, 2026
Appel Farm summer 2026 tuition rates
| Session Length | Supported Rate | True Cost Rate | Sustaining Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 Weeks | $3,750 | $4,000 | $4,250 |
| 4 Weeks | $6,500 | $6,750 | $7,000 |
- Supported rate: A partially subsidized option for families who need additional flexibility. This rate does not reflect the full cost of operating our summer camp programs.
- True cost rate: Reflects the actual cost of camp, including facilities, program materials, and equitable pay for staff.
- Sustaining rate: Includes a tax-deductible donation that helps support scholarships for families who would otherwise be unable to attend.
Appel Farm summer camp scholarships and financial aid
Appel Farm Arts Camp welcomes young people who may not otherwise have the resources to attend summer camp. We believe that creativity, community, and belonging should be accessible to all!
As you plan for summer 2026, we encourage families to take a look at the tuition options above and choose the rate that best fits their situation. If one of the listed rates works for your family, selecting that option helps us reserve scholarship support for families who need it most.
Important scholarship details to know before applying:
- Scholarships are available for two-week sessions only
- If your camper would like to attend for four weeks, you are welcome to register and pay the difference in tuition
Scholarship awards are made on a rolling basis- First round of decisions: February 2026
- Final decisions: April 2026
- All awards depend on available funding from Appel Farm and our partners
Discover what makes Appel Farm special
Explore programs, dates, and what makes Appel Farm such a unique summer experience—or talk directly with our team!
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What is the best age to go to summer camp?
Appel Farm welcomes campers ages 8–16, and there’s no “perfect” age to start—just the right time for your child. Some kids come for the first time at 8, others at 12 or older. We also offer a Counselor in Training (CIT) Program for teens ages 15–17 who are ready to grow into leadership roles. Ultimately, our supportive environment helps every camper feel right at home.
What is the purpose of a summer camp?
Summer camp gives kids the chance to grow in ways they often can’t during the school year. At Appel Farm, our purpose is to help kids explore creativity, build friendships, and develop confidence in a space that values individuality and community.
What do kids do at summer camp?
So much! Campers spend their days creating art, dancing, writing, making music, trying new things, and enjoying the outdoors. Every camper chooses their own schedule, with a Major art focus in the morning and two Minors in the afternoon. They also have free choice time, evening activities, and special events like Beach Day and guest performances.
Is there a way for kids to join the summer camp for free?
We offer scholarships that cover the cost of a two-week session. Families can apply for financial assistance as part of the registration process, and scholarships are awarded on a rolling basis depending on available funding. We do our best to make camp accessible for as many families as possible, so if you’re interested, reach out or visit our scholarships page for more info.
Can kids come alone, even if they don’t know anyone?
Yes. Lots of our campers come solo and even leave with a whole new group of friends. Our staff is great at helping kids settle in, get comfortable, and connect with others right away. We’re a non-competitive, inclusive summer camp, which means every camper is welcomed and supported, no matter their personality or experience.