summer Camps
community Arts Academy
Fort Wayne Museum of Art Chalk Walk Workshop for Grades K–3 and Grades 4–8
Join Purdue Fort Wayne art education major Dorian Soto and Fort Wayne Open Walls Mural Project founder Paco Reyes to design a square at the 2024 Three Rivers Festival FWMoA Chalk Walk!
July 6: Planning
11 a.m. — Noon
Meet in Visual Arts Building on Purdue Fort Wayne's campus
July 13: Chalking
10 a.m. — Noon
Meet downtown at Chalk Walk Square
$35—Space very limited.
Register now!
Mini Makers Art Camp for Grades PreK - 2
July 8 – 12, 2024 | 9 – 11 a.m. | $125
Meet in Visual Arts Building, Room 210
This camp has sold out! Email [email protected] to be added to the wailist.
Budding artists join Bunche Montessori and Forest Park Elementary art teacher Stephanie Bellinger to engage in process art-making activities —get messy drawing, sculpting and painting masterpieces. When not creating, campers will be outdoors exploring! Please register your camper using their fall 2024–25 grade level.
Dreaming and Designing with Vincent for Grades 2 - 5
June 10 – 14, 2024 | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. | $225
Meet in Visual Arts Building, Room 210
This camp has sold out! Email [email protected] to be added to the wailist.
Dreaming and Designing with Vincent for Grades 2 - 5
June 17–21, 2024 | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. | $225
Meet in Visual Arts Building, Room 210
This camp has sold out! Email [email protected] to be added to the wailist.
Use your imagination and dive deeper into making art this summer with Price Elementary art teacher Bonnie Bloom, Indian Village art teacher Emma Burton, and Hattie Preston art teacher at Northcrest. Campers will explore Vincent Van Gogh's style of artwork and create drawings, paintings, and mixed media pieces mimicking Vincent's bold, colorful style. Enter Vincent's famous bedroom painting to find inspiration for your own space—then make it come to life through printmaking and collage. Next, imagine and craft your dream playground using paint, cardboard, glue and tape. Work in 2D and 3D to bring ideas to life! Please register your camper using their fall 2024–25 grade level.
Please register your camper using their fall 2024–25 grade level.
Dr. Hamilton Tescarollo, founder and director
June 8-13, 2025 for Grades 8 – 12
The Gene Marcus Piano Camp and Festival has both a commuter and residential option. Learn more.
Indiana Clarinet Experience for Grades 8 – 12
June 2-7, 2025 | $650 residential | $550 commuter
The Indiana Clarinet Experience (ICE) is a six-day overnight summer program for clarinetists to have a fun musical experience with a dedicated faculty of young, energetic professionals. The camp takes place in Fort Wayne, Indiana at the Purdue University Fort Wayne School of Music in the Purdue Fort Wayne Music Center where students spend the week on campus with fellow participants. Housing is provided in Purdue Fort Wayne's campus housing and students will be supervised at all times. Lunch and dinner are provided; campers will provide their own breakfast items that can be stored and served in their student apartment kitchens.
For more information, contact Kylie Stultz-Dessent at [email protected].
What to Expect at ICE
Improve at the clarinet.
There will be lots of information presented to help you excel at the clarinet, and plenty of time to practice so that you master all of these new concepts.
Meet new friends.
ICE attracts students from all over Indiana and beyond. Many friendships are formed throughout the week. Group activities outside of class time will encourage making new friendships that last.
Play cool music.
No one wants to play cool music more than the faculty do. Many of them bring their own arrangements and compositions to spice up the repertoire for the small and large ensemble concerts.
Play cool instruments.
This is your chance to learn more about the clarinet instrument family. You can play E-flat clarinet, alto clarinet, bass clarinet, and contra bass clarinet. The end of the camp includes a clarinet choir concert, where people will play all kinds of strange clarinets, big and small.
Play cool music for other people.
Part of the camp experience includes performing a final concert at PFW School of Music. Playing music for ourselves is fun, but playing for other people is even more satisfying.
Work with an energetic and passionate faculty.
Students will have the opportunity to work in a small setting with a dedicated faculty of professional clarinetists and teachers. Additionally, students will hear performances by innovative clarinetists in the professional field.
A summer to remember.
It’s only a week, but the memories will last much longer. Many of our participants look forward to returning each summer to meet friends from around the state and beyond.
Tentative Camp Schedule
9–10 a.m. Group Warm Up and Fundamentals
10–11 a.m. Clarinet Grab-Bag: Special Activity
11 a.m.– noon Private Lessons/Individual Practice
Noon–1:30 p.m. Lunch Break and Outdoor Activity
1:30–2:30 p.m. Chamber Music Rehearsals
2:30–3:30 p.m. Large Group Masterclass
3:30–5 p.m. Clarinet Choir Rehearsal
6–7 p.m. Dinner
7–8:30 p.m. Group Activity
Testimonials
“I don’t think I really knew what to expect when I walked in the door on the first day, but I knew when I walked out on the first day that I couldn’t wait to come back the next. Everyone there—students and instructors—are so supportive. They just want you to thrive and to see you grow as a clarinet player. I can't wait to hopefully return this year!” – Brittany D.
“ICE taught me more than I could have imagined in just one week. It also allowed me to bond with many new people over a common love of the clarinet. Every single aspect of it was great, and I would definitely participate again!” – Will Z.
This program was made possible, in part, through the support of Associated Chamber Music Players. The mission of ACMP is to stimulate and expand the playing of chamber music for pleasure among musicians worldwide, of all backgrounds, ages and skill levels, by connecting people and supporting chamber music activities for individuals, groups and institutions. Join ACMP - Membership is FREE!
Instructors
Kylie Stultz-Dessent, Director
Kylie Stultz-Dessent is a versatile artist with a varied career as educator, soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral performer. She is currently serving as visiting instructor of clarinet and music theory at Purdue University Fort Wayne in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Kylie has performed with numerous regional orchestras and is a member of The Novacane Quartet, an award winning clarinet quartet. She holds degrees from Indiana University and the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. Kylie co-founded the Indiana Clarinet Experience (ICE) in 2014.
Erik Franklin, Director
Clarinetist Erik Franklin has given hundreds of concerts in nearly all fifty states, performing concerts in venues from veterans’ homes to Carnegie Hall. A former member of the U.S. Army Field Band, Mr. Franklin balances his time teaching at Towson University, performing with his award-winning chamber groups, and directing the Indiana Clarinet Experience. Mr. Franklin is a resident of Baltimore, MD, and holds degrees from Indiana University and Furman University.
Chris Dessent, Instructor
Chris Dessent is a music educator, composer, arranger, and multi-instrumentalist. He is currently a Director of Bands at Fishers High School in Fishers, Indiana. A versatile composer and arranger, Chris has several newly published works of varying levels and styles. His primary instrument is the clarinet, and he thoroughly enjoys being a part of the Indiana Clarinet Experience as a staff member.
Music Technology Camp for Grades 6–8
Monday, July 29 – Thursday, August 1
9 a.m. – 4 p.m. | $250
Sweetwater + PFW Music Building, 5501 U.S. Hwy 30 W, Fort Wayne, IN 46818
Learn about music production in this behind-the-scenes camp! Students will work with industry professionals, learn about careers in music and experiment with the latest recording software such as Pro Tools, Logic, and Ableton. Camps take place in PFW's facility on the campus of Sweetwater Sound.
Please register your camper using their fall 2024–25 grade level.
Registration has closed.
Summer Theatre Masters for Grades 8–12
Gain confidence in your acting abilities and character and scene development. Master audition techniques and exercises using industry-standard practices. Please register your camper using their fall 2024–25 grade level.
Meet at Kettler Hall, Door 7, Room G32.
June 17–21 | 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. | $89
Registration has closed.
Summer Youth Drama for Grades 4–8
Learn theatre essentials and how to work together with your fellow actors on a real stage. Class will culminate in a live performance. Please register your camper using their fall 2024–25 grade level.
Meet at Kettler Hall, Door 7, Room G32.
June 24–28 | 10:45 a.m.–12:15 p.m. | $89
Registration has closed.
Summer Dramagination for Grades K–3
Learn theatre basics on a real stage! Students will use their imagination to create, act out, and direct stories. Class will culminate in a live performance. Please register your camper using their fall 2024–25 grade level.
Meet at Kettler Hall, Door 7, Room G32.
June 24–28 | 9:45–10:45 a.m. | $79
Registration has closed.
Individualized Audition Preparation
Theatre veterans Gloria Minnich and Kate Black will fine tune your techniques ensuring you get the part. Contact instructors for times and rates.
Learn more!
30th Annual Summer String Camp for Grades K – 12
June 23–27, 2025 | 9 a.m.–2 p.m. | $325
Purdue Fort Wayne Music Center
Registration has closed.
Run by Fort Wayne Philharmonic musician Marcy Trentacosti, this camp features string orchestra, chamber ensembles and group classes for violin, viola, cello, and bass. Students are coached by Philharmonic musicians and must have a minimum of two years of string instruction to take part in this camp. Learn new music in a week of string orchestra, group classes and chamber music playing. Culminating recital on Friday at 1 p.m.
Please register your camper using their fall 2025–26 grade level.
*Bring a sack lunch and drink to class each day.
Twinklers Class for New Players
June 23–27, 2025 | 9 a.m.–2 p.m. | $125
Purdue Fort Wayne Music Center
If your child has just begun playing violin within the last 6-12 months, come and join us for our Twinklers class. This class is designed to offer a week of group class instruction for beginning students. The focus will be on bow hold, violin hold, left hand flexibility, and rhythm and movement in a group setting.
Please register your camper using their fall 2025–26 grade level.
Meet the Director | Marcella Trentacosti
Marcy Trentacosti is the director for the CAA Summer String Camp and has been a full-time section violinist in the Fort Wayne Philharmonic since 1976. Marcy also is the conductor of the Fort Wayne Philharmonic Youth Concert Orchestra. She graduated from Indiana University in 1981 with a Bachelor of Music Education and in August 2008 received her MM in violin performance from Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, Ohio. Marcy participated in the Rome Festival Orchestra in Rome, Italy; Chicago Civic Orchestra; Bach, Beethoven, Breckenridge Music Festival and was concertmaster of the Marion Philharmonic. She taught orchestra at Snider High School, Woodside Middle School, Canterbury School and Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp. Marcy maintains a private teaching studio and teaches for the Purdue University Fort Wayne Community Arts Academy.
If you have questions, please contact Marcy at 260-432-3218
Video Production Camp for Grades 6 – 8
June 17–21, 2024 | 9 a.m.– 4 p.m. | $275
Helmke Library, Purdue Fort Wayne Campus
Registration has closed.
From basic equipment tips and tools to understanding the impact video can have on an audience, students will walk away with an understanding of how to tell a story. Work with camera, microphone, and edit footage shot in and out of class using DaVinci, free editing software. Final camper projects will be screened at Cinema Center! Video Production Camp is directed by Dr. Art Herbig and Alix Watson of the Purdue Fort Wayne Center for Collaborative Media.
Please register your camper using their fall 2024–25 grade level.
Virtual Reality Camp for Grades 6–8
July 8–12, 2024 | 9 a.m.– 4 p.m. | $225
Meet in Visual Arts Building, Room 211
Please register your camper using their fall 2024–25 grade level.
This camp is full! Please email [email protected] to be added to the waitlist.
Campers create their own virtual worlds full of interactive objects that provide an opportunity to experience how a virtual world looks and acts. Use industry standard software including Meta Quest, VRIF adn VRTK on Meta Quest 2 Occulus head sets.
Through this intensive week, students will understand how emerging technologies are shaping the way we create, educate, and learn. This summer camp is a unique experience that will teache ways to implement visualization and interaction. More importantly, students create their own worlds populated with funny characters and avatars.
From 9 a.m. to noon models are created. After lunch, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., experience immersive interactions through Meta Quest 2 Occulus virtual reality devices.
Campers can replicate this experience at home using free software. Flash drive is provided to save the information and content.
Bring your own lunch Monday–Thursday. Friday a pizza lunch will be provided.
About the Director
Andres Montenegro is an associate professor of art and design. His work develops immersive environments using real time 3D animations while integrating physical computing in installations based on interactive responses and multichannel projections. He has an extensive experience with software and hardware oriented toward the generation of different styles of rendered images using painting as the main source of research.
His teaching experience covers a span of more than 25 years. First teaching in the public education system in Chile from 1987 to 1995, he has been assistant professor at University of Playa Ancha, from 1996 to 2003, developing creative 3D animation, multimedia and experimental web projects through special interfaces. He also has taught at the University of Wisconsin--Whitewater as an assistant professor of multimedia, 3D modeling and animation from 2007 to 2009. In 2008, he taught Interactive installations, 3D modeling, and animation for artists and designers at Einar Granum School in Oslo, Norway. He has taught advanced media in Visual Communication at Madison Area College of Madison, Wisconsin in 2010. His current work is centered on developing new ways of narrating using 3D imagery.
Physics Research Camp
June 17-21, 2024 | 9:30 am - 3:00 pm
Grades 9-12
Fee: Free, Made possible by a grant from Lily Endowment Inc.
Are you a curious mind and longing for exploring and discovering the fundamentals of the nature? You are whom we are looking for! PFW physics department is proud to bring the summer research camp back on-campus after the long pause from the pandemic. Join our physics research camp and immerse yourself in small groups (3-4) working with individual faculty member in a setting similar to research labs and enjoy the excitement of scientific discovery! Our camp is designed to intrigue and foster research-oriented thinking in high school students, and provide them with a platform to explore and investigate the world of physics under the guidance of our physics professors and experienced mentors. You will learn to ask the right questions, design experiments, and analyze data, all while having fun and making friendships when you explore the wonder of physics! Lunch will be provided.
Applications will be accepted starting March 25, 2024 and closes May 6, 2024. Click here to apply.
Questions? Contact Department of Physics at [email protected] or 260-481-6306.
Through competitions, summer exploration camps, and career programs, elementary, middle, and high school students are introduced to the world of engineering, technology, and computer science. Awards and recognition are a key component of the competitive events, recognizing excellence and effort as they reinforce self-confidence. All programs encourage students to use innovative thinking, collaborate on problem-solving, apply classroom learning, and explore their future career options with encouragement from Purdue Fort Wayne faculty and community partners. Our STEM youth programs build self-confidence, engage exploration of STEM, and encourage students in their future.
To check out the summer camps, visit ETCS' Summer Exploration Camps.
For other outreach opportunities and one-day competitions, such as Eweek Model Bridge Building Contest and Lego League, go here.
At a glance for 2024
- Summer camps are offered in June and July.
- Costs range from $50 to $500 (residential camp).
- 1 Elementary camp
- 5 Middle school camps
- 8 High school camps