San Diego Unified students who are completing 7th or 8th grade are invited to register for free summer arts programs offered in partnership with The VAPA Foundation and community arts partners.
Students can explore music, dance, theatre, and visual arts while building skills, meeting new friends, and staying creative over the summer.
Families can register online at: https://vapafoundationsummercamp.corsizio.com/
Available Programs
Band & Orchestra Summer Program
Dates: June 8–July 2
Time: Weekdays, 9–11:30 a.m.
Location: Challenger Middle School
Students can keep playing over the summer, learn new songs, and receive expert instruction from San Diego Youth Symphony. Orchestra and band sections are available.
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Hip Hop & Break Dance Studio
Dates: June 22–July 2
Time: Weekdays, 9–11:30 a.m.
Location: CPMA Middle School
Students can learn hip hop and break dance from professional breakers. No experience is necessary.
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Beginning Acting & Musical Theatre Summer Camp
Dates: June 8–July 2
Time: Monday–Friday, 9–11:30 a.m.
Location: CPMA Middle School
Students can explore acting scenes from plays and movies, singing, and fun dance routines through a “Working Towards Broadway” theatre camp.
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Mariachi Summer Session
Dates: June 8–July 2
Time: Daily, 9–11:30 a.m.
Location: Bell Middle School
Students can participate in a free mariachi program focused on trumpet, guitar, violin, and vocals, with instruction from City Heights Music School.
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Chicano Lowrider Piñata Studio
Dates: Session 1: June 8–18; Session 2: June 22–July 2
Time: Weekdays, 9–11:30 a.m.
Location: Bell Middle School
This hands-on paper mache and mixed-media art camp is inspired by San Diego’s vibrant lowrider scene. Students will design and build their own custom piñata using colorful materials.
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Dance Summer Camp with Pink Polish Dance Studio
Dates: June 8–July 2
Time: Weekdays, 9–11:30 a.m.
Location: Bell Middle School
Students can learn jazz, hip hop, majorette, and pom in a free summer dance camp.
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Advanced Mosaic Lab / Community Mosaics
Dates: June 22–July 2
Location: See flyer for details
Students can work with professional materials and tools, build individual skills, and help create a durable mosaic mural for a school campus. The program also supports teamwork, community engagement, social-emotional development, and problem-solving skills.
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