2026 Sessions
Session 1:
June 24 – July 5
Grades 9 – 12 (Central Camp)
Grades 7 – 8 (Camp Bernstein)
Session 2:
July 8 – July 19
Grades 9 – 12 (Central Camp)
Grades 7 – 8 (Camp Bernstein)
Session 3:
July 22 – August 2
Grades 7 – 9 (Central Camp)
Grades 5 – 7 (Camp Bernstein)
Session 4:
August 5 – August 16
Grades 7 – 9 (Central Camp)
Grades 5 – 7 (Camp Bernstein)
Citizenship
Students should arrive at Blue Lake eager to learn, make new friends, and have a great time. The staff strives to create a sense of community among students through the cabin environment, unit activities, and daily camp life. Campers are expected to focus on their art by working hard during their classes, and to be kind, considerate, and respectful toward others. Campers are required to follow all camp rules, which are designed to reflect basic expectations of good citizenship that positively contribute to an inclusive community environment.
Camper Pledge
Campers are expected to accept and conform to all regulations of Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp and must sign the Camper Pledge upon their arrival at camp. Parents are expected to review the Camper Pledge with campers ahead of time and ensure their understanding of Blue Lake’s policies.
‘As a camper of Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, I agree to abide by camp regulations and to cooperate with camp authorities in furthering its ideals. I agree not to use or possess tobacco, vaping products, alcoholic beverages or unauthorized drugs, not to deface camp property, not to participate in bullying, hazing, threats, or violence, not to endanger the safety of myself or others, nor to go out of bounds without permission. I understand that if I violate any camp regulations, I jeopardize my good standing with Blue Lake, my parents will be notified, and I may be expelled immediately from camp.’
Phones
A part of Blue Lake’s philosophy centers on allowing a camper to focus — without outside distraction — on their own growth and self-improvement, whether artistic or personal. In fact, this is a long-standing tradition within many American residential youth camps. Independence cannot flourish, but homesickness certainly will, with constant communication from home. Therefore, Blue Lake does not permit students to use landlines or personal cell phones while at camp. Campers should plan to leave their phones and other cellular devices with parents/guardians upon check-in, and families are expected to fully support this camp policy.
Communicating with Home
Because part of the camp experience is learning independence, we strongly discourage visits during the session. While at Blue Lake, students spend their time in various scheduled and supervised activities. Participating fully in these activities, whether instructional classes, recreation, evening events, time with friends, or meals with cabin mates, is what makes the camp experience complete. Students have the opportunity to learn and grow as individuals, and the time away from family fosters independence in a well-structured educational setting. If family circumstances dictate that visiting is absolutely necessary, we require that it be limited to the middle Sunday, in conjunction with our camp schedule. Visitors are limited to immediately family designated in your student’s account.
Housing Policy
Blue Lake is committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for all students at camp, and we view our housing policy as part of our broader efforts toward inclusion. While traditional binary (male or female) cabins are appropriate for the majority of participants, this housing does not meet the needs of some students. Gender inclusive housing options allow students who identify as gender-fluid, gender-diverse, and similar the ability to choose the best option for them. Through gender-inclusive housing practices, we aim to provide an environment where all students feel comfortable in their accommodations.
We recognize that some parents, guardians, and students may have questions about how this policy is implemented. For more information, contact the Director of Student Services or Admissions — we would be happy to discuss housing options to determine the best placement for your student.
Housing Assignments
Housing is assigned by gender and grade level. Some consideration is also given to grouping campers by arts focus, although students should expect to be housed with others studying a variety of disciplines. Students indicate their housing selection during the online application process. Housing assignments will be provided just prior to the camp session. While all areas within the housing unit are considered inclusive, your student’s specific cabin assignment will be based upon your preference:
Housing Selections
Single gender cabins are open to campers assigned male or female at birth. This option is best described as a traditional binary (birth sex male or female) camper cabin.
Gender-inclusive single gender cabins are open to campers who identify as that gender regardless of sex assigned at birth, as well as campers who feel comfortable in a gender-inclusive living space.
All-gender cabin group provides a gender-inclusive housing option intended to be a safe, inclusive, and supportive community for students of all gender identities and expressions. This option supports students who identify as gender non-conforming, non-binary, transgender, or gender-fluid, and places students with cabin mates and counselors of any gender.
Cabin Mates
Those wishing to request a cabin mate may do so during the application process. Campers who wish to be housed together must apply to camp within the same timeframe, and request each other as cabin mates. Cabin mate applications must be submitted within 72 hours of each other in order to be considered. An attempt will be made to house students together but requests are not guaranteed. You may request only one cabin mate. Notification of your housing assignment will be sent with final instructions prior to camp.
Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp aims to create an encouraging environment where young artists can reach their full potential, both artistically and personally. All Blue Lakers share in the responsibility of creating a culture of belonging through respect for one another. We strive to recognize the unique spirit of each individual, and endeavor to eliminate barriers that hinder potential.
Blue Lake is a non-profit summer school of the arts that welcomes individuals of any race, religion,
gender, sexual orientation, identity, and national or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs,
and activities of the organization. Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp does not discriminate in the administration
of its programs, policies, accommodations, employment, or tuition assistance.
