Campers explore a new art form each week, like dance, theater, step, or fashion. Mornings are filled with arts-based workshops and skill-building.

Afternoons include reflection, recreation, and themed activities that help youth develop confidence, connection, and creative voice.

Each week ends with a performance or showcase that celebrates their growth.

DROP-OFF, PICK-UP & LATE FEES

What are the daily drop-off and pick-up times for GiftedSummer?

• Drop-off: 7:30 AM – 8:00 AM

• Camp Day: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

• Pick-up: 4:00 PM – 4:30 PM

• All campers must be picked up by 4:30 PM unless otherwise noted.

Where do I park during drop-off and pick-up?

The loading zone in front of our building is designated for active drop-off and pick-up during GiftedSummer. We ask that parents/guardians:

• Escort their child into the lobby daily to sign them in before camp begins.

• Curbside drop-off is not permitted, unless your student is 9th grade (or 14+) and approved for self check-in.

We are located in a shopping plaza with plenty of free parking available in the main lot. Please avoid leaving your car in the loading zone. If needed, move it to a regular spot if you plan to stay longer than a few minutes.

What happens if I’m late to pick up my camper?

We understand that life happens. However, our team is scheduled until 4:30 PM. A late fee of $2 per minute will be applied for any camper picked up after 4:30 PM. This allows us to respect the time of our staff and maintain a safe, prepared environment for all.

• Repeated late pick-ups may result in a camper forfeiting their spot for the remainder of the week, without a refund.

Are there exceptions for Friday Showcases?

Yes! On Fridays, we invite families and friends to attend our end-of-week Community Showcase from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM. Pick-up directly follows the event. Show lengths may vary slightly by week.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE

When is the deadline to register for each camp week?

Registration for each upcoming week of camp closes at 5:00 PM on the Thursday before. This helps us prepare materials, meals, and groups for the best camper experience possible.

Our team includes trained teaching artists, educators, and high school mentors from our GiftedProducer program.

Every team member is deeply committed to youth development and shares a passion for culturally responsive arts education.

Our ratios vary by age group, but we typically maintain no more than a 1:10 staff-to-camper ratio, ensuring close support and supervision.

Please pack and clearly label:

• A backpack with lunch, snacks, and a reusable water bottle

• An extra set of clothes (optional)

• Sunscreen (applied at home; we’ll remind campers to reapply if needed); cap/sunglasses for outdoor recreation

• Comfortable warm-weather clothes and closed to shoes/sneakers for movement and art (athletic preferred). No crocs or sandals for safety reasons. A light jacket/sweater is fine for when in the A/C environment.

Campers may participate in outdoor activities daily. Please apply sunscreen before drop-off and dress child to their comfort and needs.

Should I pack breakfast, lunch and snacks?
Yes. Please send the following if you are not interested in receiving the provided breakfast or lunch through Wake County Summer Feeding.

We encourage campers to eat breakfast before coming to camp, if there are unique preferences or coming to camp after 9am, noting there is a morning meal cutoff time.

If choosing your own meal, bring:

• Two snacks and lunch; choose to add healthy options when possible for fuel

• All campers should bring a refillable water bottle.

Are there any food restrictions?
While TheGifted Arts is not a nut-free program, we ask families to clearly label items that use nut alternatives (like sun butter) to avoid confusion. If your child has any food allergies or dietary restrictions, please note them in your registration form so we can take proper precautions.

Can I purchase breakfast/lunch at camp?
Breakfast and lunch is provided for FREE by default through Wake County Summer Feeding.

If an optional lunch provider becomes available, we will notify families before summer begins.

High School students are able to purchase lunch near campus with parental/guardian permission only. They must remain in the site based shopping plaza and go as a group/buddy system.

At TheGifted Arts, we nurture a culture of respect, expression, and accountability. We ask all campers to participate fully, respect one another’s differences, and follow safety guidelines. If challenges arise, we approach them with care and communication and partnering with families when needed. Every child deserves to feel safe and empowered here. With that being said, we are always learning and growing, so please contact us should you have any questions or concerns.

What medical or behavioral information should I share during registration?

Please include any relevant medical needs (like asthma, diabetes, allergies) or behavioral information that would help us best support your child. This includes mental health considerations, learning differences, or social/emotional challenges. Our team uses this information to ensure every camper feels seen, safe, and supported.

Will camp staff administer medications?
We are only able to store and administer life-saving medications, such as EpiPens or prescribed inhalers. All medications must be clearly labeled with your child’s full name. A caregiver will be required to complete a Medication Authorization Form at check-in.

What if my child becomes sick at camp?
If your camper shows signs of illness (fever, vomiting, pink eye, flu-like symptoms), they will need to be picked up immediately. If they’ve had a contagious illness in the past 72 hours, please keep them home until they’re fully recovered to ensure the safety of all. Siblings will also need to leave if illness is present.

Can my child attend multiple weeks?
Absolutely! Many campers attend for several weeks to experience different artistic disciplines. Each week brings new themes and opportunities to grow.

Is there a discount for signing up for all seven weeks?
Yes! Families who register and pay in full for all 7 weeks receive a bundled discount.

Do you offer sibling discounts?
Yes. Each additional child from the same household receives 10% off their registration fee.

Are scholarships available?
Yes! Thanks to our generous donors and partners, we offer scholarships to qualified applicants, while funds are available and applied on a first come first served basis.

If cost is a barrier, we encourage you to apply during registration and reach out with questions, as soon as possible.

We understand that plans can change. To honor the commitment of our staff and the resources required to create a high-quality experience for each artist, our policy is as follows:

• Grace Period: You have 48 hours from the time of purchase to cancel without any fees.

• Cancellations made more than 2 weeks before your registered camp week are eligible for a refund, minus a $25 cancellation fee per camper, per week.

• Cancellations within 2 weeks of your camp start date are not eligible for a refund or credit, as materials and staffing are finalized at that time.

  • Example Breakdown (Single Week Registration):

    • You registered your child for 1 week of camp at $95.

    • You cancel 3 weeks before the camp begins.

    • Your refund will be $70, after subtracting the $25 cancellation fee.

    • If you cancel within 2 weeks of the start date, no refund or credit will be issued.

• If you paid in full for the entire 7-week summer, your cancellation fee will be $120 total, and the remainder will be refunded if cancellation is made more than 2 weeks before the first camp date.

  • If you cancel within 2 weeks of your start date, you will receive a 50% refund of your total tuition.

  • Example Breakdown:

    • You registered for all 7 weeks of camp at the full rate of $565.

    • You cancel 10 days before camp begins.

    • Your refund will be 50% of the total tuition, which equals $282.50.

    • If you had canceled more than 2 weeks before the first day, your refund would have been $445, after subtracting the $120 cancellation fee.

• All cancellations must be submitted in writing to info@thegiftedarts.org for processing.

• Need to reschedule? Rescheduling is processed as a cancellation and rebooking. Cancellation fees still apply.