Looking for activities to do right now?  Check out our Photo Club!

2023 Summer Camps

Learn about photography, animation and much more in our hands-on, exploratory camps at MOPA! Camps are great for all levels of experience and explore image making, idea sharing and a variety of creative techniques!

Week-long, full-day camps for ages 9 to 17, offered from June 19 through August 11
Monday through Friday 9:00am – 3:00pm.

$300 MOPA members or Explorer Pass holders
$330 Non-member

*10% sibling discount
*10% discount for military and first responder families
*Limited scholarships available – apply through the registration form!

*NOTE: Age categories are used as a guideline to direct parents to camps with appropriate learning approaches and content. All camps are designed for any skill level. We welcome you to register your children in whichever category you think is best!  Please email us at camp@mopa.org with questions!

Camps for ages 9-12 (Entering grades 4-7)

[SOLD OUT – WAITLIST] June 26-30
A World of Wonder: Nature Photography
Teaching Artist: Megan Swiertz
Campers will discover the hidden worlds of the Balboa Park and see the sights through the lens of a camera. Join us on an adventure that will lead us through Spanish Village, cactus garden, Palm Canyon and much more!
*All equipment will be provided.

[SOLD OUT – WAITLIST] July 17-21
Sensory Photography: Photoplay through all 5 senses! 
Teaching Artist: Megan Swiertz
Learn how to take pictures without looking, explore textures, capture the sounds and smells of Balboa Park, and become inspired by different foods. Each day we will focus on a different sense and create projects inspired by them!
*All equipment will be provided.

[SOLD OUT – WAITLIST] August 7-11
Animation Studio: Stop Motion Animation
Teaching Artist: Steven Topham
Create your own characters and animate stories in a series of fun and creative projects with local animator, Steven Topham! Bring your imagination to life!
*All equipment will be provided.

Camps for ages 13-17 (Entering grades 8-12)

June 19-23 – The Science of Photography
Teaching Artist: Megan Swiertz
Experiment with a variety of tools and techniques in this hands-on camp that explores the photographic process from multiple perspectives. Make images without a camera, write with light, and explore the boundaries of what photography can be!
*All equipment will be provided.

[SOLD OUT – WAITLIST] July 10-14
Abstract Photography
Teaching Artist: Vanessa Alcaraz
Experiment through this unconventional approach to photography by focusing on patterns, forms, textures, light, and shadows. Explore artistic photographic processes like image transfers, projector photography, collage and more!

*All equipment will be provided.

[SOLD OUT – WAITLIST] July 31-August 4
Work of Art: Mixed Media
Teaching Artist: Vanessa Alcaraz
Do you love photography, but also love to draw and paint? Compose stunning photos while exploring Balboa Park, then use those images as a canvas for unique works of art. Flex your creativity by using art techniques and mediums like painting, drawing, and collage.
*All equipment will be provided.