Summer Programs 2026

How to Register

All registration happens through Pine Cobble.

Whether your camper is joining us at Buxton or at Pine Cobble, registration for all Buxton-Pine Cobble Summer Camp offerings is handled through the Pine Cobble School website. Every camp listed on this page, both campuses, can be found and registered for in one place.

We know this is a little different from years past. So, if you have any questions about the process, please reach out at summers@buxtonschool.org, and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.

Register at Pine Cobble →

Pay It Forward

Help send another kid to camp.

Buxton has always believed that a transformative experience should be available to every child, regardless of a family’s financial situation. When you register, you have the option to pay it forward, contributing directly to a fund that helps cover tuition for campers whose families demonstrate financial need.

Every dollar goes directly to a camper’s spot. You’ll find the Pay It Forward option during checkout on the Pine Cobble registration page.

Policies & Need to Know

Drop-off & Pick-up

Drop-off begins at 9 AM, and pick-up is at 3 PM. Please sign your child in and out each day. Buxton is a living campus, home to faculty, families, and animals year-round. Please observe the 12 MPH speed limit at all times. We’d rather you be a little late than speed.

Late Pick-up

Late pick-up after 3 PM will incur a fee of $1 per minute for the first 10 minutes and $5 per minute after that. After 3:30 PM, campers will be held at the Buxton Library. If you are running late, please call or text Zoe at 646-408-4028 as soon as possible.

What to Bring

A packed lunch, a full water bottle, snacks, and closed-toe shoes are required. Please leave valuables and smartphones at home. Buxton is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

Health & Safety

Please do not send your camper if they are feeling unwell. Campers must be symptom-free for 24 hours before returning to camp. Please note any allergies or medical needs on your registration form.

Tuition & Refund Policy

Enrollment is a commitment to the full registered session. Camp tuition is non-refundable and non-transferable.

View Camp Handbook →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this camp right for my child if they have no experience?

Almost certainly yes. Most camps are designed to welcome beginners, and the individual camp descriptions will tell you what level of experience, if any, is expected.

What ages are accepted?

Each camp has its own age range listed in the description below.

What if my child has an allergy or medical need?

Please include all relevant information during registration. You’re also welcome to reach out to Zoe directly before your session begins.

What is your cancellation policy?

All camp registrations are final. Tuition is non-refundable and non-transferable for any reason, including illness or schedule changes. If Buxton cancels a session, families will receive a full refund. Please review camp dates carefully before enrolling.

Can my child enroll in more than one session?

Of course! Families are welcome to register for multiple sessions throughout the summer.

Still have questions?

Reach out to Zoe, Director of Summer Programs, at zoe.rosenbloom@buxtonschool.org.

Buxton Campus

June 29 – July 2

Baking Camp

Instructor: Carol  •  Ages 8–10  •  Buxton Kitchen  •  Full Days (9 AM–3 PM)

Get ready to mix, measure, and make delicious memories! Our one-week Baking Camp is designed for aspiring young bakers who love getting hands-on in the kitchen. Campers will learn foundational baking skills while creating a variety of sweet and savory treats from scratch, including muffins, cookies, quick breads, and cupcakes. Each day builds confidence and kitchen know-how, from measuring techniques and kitchen safety to mixing methods and decorating skills.

Pine Cobble Campus

June 29 – July 2

Ceramics (Half Days)

Instructor: Julia  •  Ages 5-7  • PC Art Building  •  Half Days

Ceramics camp offers campers an introduction to clay through tiles, coil pots, sculpture, and glazing, with an opportunity for more guided work on the wheel. Campers will express their creativity while being guided through techniques with structured demonstrations, hands-on lessons, and fun prompts. Learning happens both indoors and outdoors, taking full advantage of a beautiful Berkshires summer.

Buxton Campus

July 6 – 10

No Buxton programming this week.

Pine Cobble Campus

July 6 – 10

Comics and Cartooning

Instructor: Rafael  •  Ages 10–14  •  PC Art Building  •  Full Days (9 AM–3 PM)  •  July 7–10

In this camp, we’ll do a deep dive into comics, cartooning, and other forms of visual storytelling. We’ll explore the history of comics from ancient picture-stories to newspaper cartoons to superhero comics to manga to graphic novels, using these discoveries to spark our own ideas. You’ll learn new skills in drawing and cartooning, including designing unique characters, drawing body language and facial expression, and creating dynamic panel and page designs. We’ll work across mediums from pencils, pen and ink to watercolor, painting, and collage. By the end of camp, you’ll have multiple self-published comics to share with the world.

Buxton Campus

July 13 – 17

No Buxton programming this week.

Pine Cobble Campus

July 13 – 17

No Pine Cobble programming this week.

Buxton Campus

July 20 – 24

Guitar Camp (Half Days)

Instructor: Jamie  •  Ages 9–14  •  Buxton  •  Half Days (9 AM–12 PM)

Get ready to rock! This week-long half-day camp is a fun, hands-on dive into all things guitar with Jamie. Whether you’ve never touched a guitar or you’ve been strumming for a while, these group lessons meet you right where you are. Campers will work through single notes, basic notation, tablature, open chords, and multi-part songs, and will learn how to figure out their favorite songs using online resources. The week closes with a short performance on the final day. All campers are encouraged to bring their own guitar; electric guitarists should bring a small amplifier.

Pine Cobble Campus

July 20 – 24

DJing

Instructor: BeatNest • Ages 11–14 • PC Art Building • Full Days (9 AM–3 PM

Campers become DJs in this hands-on experience where they learn how to mix songs, use real DJ gear, and build their own mini DJ sets. From beatmatching to transitions, students explore different styles and gain confidence performing their music.

Buxton Campus

July 27 – 31

Beginner Cooking & Baking

Instructor: Aliah  •  Ages 6–9  •  Buxton Kitchen  •  Full Days (9 AM–3 PM)

Get ready to cook, bake, and explore! This hands-on camp takes young chefs from garden to table, harvesting fresh ingredients, learning basic cooking skills, and creating delicious treats. We’ll experiment with spices, master kitchen safety, whip up simple recipes, and spend plenty of time outside. Whether you’re brand new to cooking or ready to level up, this camp is all about making friends, having fun, and getting comfortable in the kitchen.

Arts & Ceramics (Session 1 of 2)

Instructors: Julia & Alyssa  •  Ages 6–12  •  Buxton Art Complex  •  Full Days (9 AM–3 PM)  •  Also: August 3–7

Dive into a world of creativity. Whether you’re new to art making or already have some experience, this is the perfect place to develop your skills and express yourself. Campers explore painting, printmaking, ceramics, and sculpture. The ceramics portion covers hand-building, coil pots, pinch pots, and basic glazing. The studio art portion focuses on drawing, painting, block printing, eco-printing, and non-toxic botanical dyes.

From Story to Stage! (Session 1 of 3 — Ages 5–10)

Instructor: Emily  •  Buxton Theatre  •  Full Days (9 AM–3 PM)  •  Also: Aug 3–7 (ages 5–10), Aug 10–14 (ages 7–12)

Get ready to play, create, and take the stage! This fun, energetic camp is the perfect introduction to theatre for kids. Through theatre games, improv exercises, puppets, masks, and even stage combat, campers build confidence, creativity, and stage presence. By Friday, it all comes together in a short performance. No experience necessary, just a big imagination and a willingness to jump in.

The Sun as Your Lens and the Natural World (Session 1 of 2)

Instructor: Daniele  •  Ages 10–14  •  Buxton Photo Studio  •  Full Days (9 AM–3 PM)  •  Also: August 17–21

Step out of the darkroom and into the light for a week of experimental, hands-on image-making. Using the sun as our primary light source, we’ll explore cyanotypes, lumen prints, and site-specific photograms. Campers forage for natural specimens, coat paper with light-sensitive emulsions, experiment with botanical toners, and create large-scale shadow-maps. Every camper leaves with a portfolio of ethereal prints made of sunshine and shadows.

Multicultural Fusion Dance

Instructor: Anna  •  Ages 8–12  •  Buxton Location TBD  •  Full Days (9 AM–3 PM)

Explore the world through movement! Campers travel across cultures through Flamenco, Classical Indian, West African, Latin, and Modern dance, learning foundational steps, rhythms, and the stories behind each tradition. Each day focuses on a different style, weaving together movement, music, costumes, and history. Campers develop their own choreography and learn a group fusion phrase, both performed in a family showcase at week’s end. No experience required.

Pine Cobble Campus

July 27 – 31

Gardening

Instructor: Jackie  •  Ages 5–9  •  Pine Cobble  •  Full Days (9 AM–3 PM)

In this hands-on camp, young gardeners will trade the classroom for the soil as they explore the magic of the growing season and the life cycle of plants from seed to harvest. Throughout the week, campers will become nature detectives on daily discovery walks to identify local flora and helpful insects, while taking ownership of the Pine Cobble campus by planting and tending to various pots, window boxes, and raised garden beds. Working together in our community garden, children will develop a deep sense of environmental stewardship and teamwork, complemented by daily journaling and reflection time to document their scientific observations through drawings and stories. From the first morning meeting to the final afternoon reflection, this program fosters a meaningful connection to the world around them.

Buxton Campus

August 3 – 7

Beginner Cooking Camp

Instructor: Maggie  •  Ages 6–9  •  Buxton Kitchen  •  Full Days (9 AM–3 PM)

Get ready to cook, bake, and explore! This hands-on camp takes young chefs from garden to table, harvesting fresh ingredients, learning basic cooking skills, and creating delicious treats. We’ll experiment with simple recipes, master kitchen safety, and spend plenty of time outside. Whether you’re brand new to cooking or ready to level up, this camp is all about making friends, having fun, and getting comfortable in the kitchen.

Arts & Ceramics (Session 2 of 2)

Instructors: Julia & Alyssa  •  Ages 6–12  •  Buxton Art Complex  •  Full Days (9 AM–3 PM)

See July 27–31 for full description. Second and final session of Arts & Ceramics.

From Story to Stage! (Session 2 of 3 — Ages 5–10)

Instructor: Emily  •  Buxton Theatre  •  Full Days (9 AM–3 PM)

See July 27–31 for full description. Second session, ages 5–10.

Speak Out: Art and Activism

Instructor: Rafael  •  Ages 10–14  •  Buxton Library  •  Full Days (9 AM–3 PM)

What do you want to say, and how do you want to say it? In this camp, we’ll look at the role art can play in making the world a better place. We’ll explore historical and contemporary political art including protest signs, posters, murals, puppets, and performance art, then learn techniques to make stencils, banners, T-shirts, posters, zines, and sculptures. We’ll explore the issues you care about and seek the best ways to use your art to change the world.

Choreography & Modern Dance

Instructor: Anna  •  Ages 8–12  •  Buxton Location TBD  •  Full Days (9 AM–3 PM)

In this weeklong camp, students explore modern dance and improvisation as tools for creating original choreography. Through movement games, creative exercises, and collaborative process, campers develop dance pieces that are entirely their own, building core skills like balance, turning, jumping, and recovery. We’ll dig into the history of dance, experiment with music and props, and explore how spontaneous movement becomes intentional performance. The week closes with a family showcase.

Pine Cobble Campus

August 3 – 7

No Pine Cobble programming this week.

Buxton Campus

August 10 – 14

Advanced Cooking & Baking (Session 1 of 2)

Instructor: Aliah    Ages 10–13  •  Buxton Kitchen  •  Full Days (9 AM–3 PM)   •  Also: August 17–21

Take your skills to the next level. This small, intensive camp is designed for experienced young chefs ready to explore sophisticated cooking techniques. You’ll master complex flavor combinations and prepare impressive multi-course meals. Perfect for older students with prior cooking experience who are ready for a real culinary challenge.

From Story to Stage! (Session 3 of 3 — Ages 7–12)

Instructor: Emily  •  Buxton Theatre  •  Full Days (9 AM–3 PM)

See July 27–31 for full description. Third and final session, ages 7–12.

Art and the Natural World

Instructor: Rafael  •  Ages 6–9  •  Buxton Art Studio  •  Full Days (9 AM–3 PM)

In this weeklong workshop, we’ll explore a wide range of ways to respond to the natural world through art. We’ll observe plants, animals, and landscapes through drawing, watercolor, and photography; engage in printmaking and collage using natural materials; and create sculptures and ephemeral installations from plants, rocks, and soil. We’ll also learn about local ecology, identifying plant species, forest succession, and animal habitats, spending most of our time outdoors on the beautiful Buxton trails.

Gamers Rise Up! (Session 1 of 2)

Instructor: Moon  •  Ages 8–11  •  Buxton Library  •  Full Days (9 AM–3 PM)  •  Also: August 17–21

This camp explores one core idea: what makes a game fun? We’ll play games ranging from PE games like tag and pickleball to group games like Mafia and Ninja, to board games like Ransom Notes, Coup, and One Night Werewolf. After playing, we’ll discuss what makes them work, then tweak them to create our own versions. The goal is to leave camp with a real sense of how to design games you can play with others.

Photography & Cyanotypes

Instructors: Katherine & JP  •  Ages 10–14  •  Buxton Photo Studio  •  Full Days (9 AM–3 PM)

Step into the darkroom and discover the magic of light. Katherine and JP ’25 will guide campers through the experimental world of alternative photography and screen printing. Campers forage for flowers, leaves, and plant material to create one-of-a-kind cyanotypes and photograms, then explore screen-printing to transfer images and patterns onto fabric and paper. Every camper leaves with a collection of their own work. No previous experience or camera required.

Pine Cobble Campus

August 10 – 14

No Pine Cobble programming this week.

Buxton Campus

August 17 – 21

Advanced Cooking & Baking (Session 2 of 2)

Instructor: Aliah  •  Ages 10–13  •  Buxton Kitchen  •  Full Days (9 AM–3 PM)  •  6 campers max

See August 10–14 for full description. Second and final session of Advanced Cooking & Baking.

Ceramics

Instructor: Julia  •  Ages 6–10  •  Buxton Ceramics Studio  •  Full Days (9 AM–3 PM)

Ceramics camp offers campers an introduction to clay through tiles, coil pots, sculpture, and glazing, with an opportunity for more guided work on the wheel. Campers will express their creativity while being guided through techniques with structured demonstrations, hands-on lessons, and fun prompts. Learning happens both indoors and outdoors, taking full advantage of a beautiful Berkshires summer.

Gamers Rise Up! (Session 2 of 2)

Instructor: Moon  •  Ages 8–11  •  Buxton Library  •  Full Days (9 AM–3 PM)

See August 10–14 for full description. Second and final session of Gamers Rise Up!

The Sun as Your Lens and the Natural World (Session 2 of 2)

Instructor: Daniele  •  Ages 10–14  •  Buxton Photo Studio  •  Full Days (9 AM–3 PM)

See July 27–31 for full description. Second and final session of The Sun as Your Lens.

¡Sin miedo al éxito! Spanish Immersion

Instructor: Margarita  •  Ages 7–10  •  Buxton  •  Full Days (9 AM–3 PM)

Unlike traditional language classes focused on grammar and worksheets, this program immerses campers in Spanish through Latin American culture. We’ll explore the twentieth-century Mexican Muralismo movement, practice mural-making and painting, listen to Cumbia, Nueva Canción, reggaeton, and more, and cook food from Latin America together, all while learning the history of Spanish-speaking Latin American countries.

Return of the Puppets!

Instructor: David  •  Ages 9–13  •  Buxton Theatre  •  Full Days (9 AM–3 PM)

Dive into the hilarious world of soft-sculpture rod-puppets and object storytelling with New England Puppet Arts’ David Lane. Campers will sketch, design, pattern, and stitch a fleece-style puppet of their own imagination, then hit the boards to explore how it moves and what stories it has to tell. Together, the group will create an original puppet drama script performed at the end of the week in the Buxton Barn Theater.

Pine Cobble Campus

August 17 – 21

No Pine Cobble programming this week.

Julia is the Buxton ceramics teacher and has also taught classes on Modern Feminism in Literature and color theory. They are a recipient of the International Ceramics Sculpture award. They are excited to join camp this summer and bring some of their creativity to the littles. Their favorite color is green, and they love taking long walks with their sweet puppy, Ziggy.

David is a theatre maker and painter based in North Adams, Massachusetts. He teaches an annual workshop for adults in wooden puppet carving at MASS MoCA and co-directs the New England Puppet Intensive at the Historic Eclipse Mill. His newest project, “Émile Zola’s The Belly of Paris,” will premiere this November at the Adams Theater. Learn more at newenglandpuppet.org

Moon is a Buxton faculty member who teaches algebra, calculus, and data & statistics, and also runs wonderfully experiential immersive courses on color theory and board games. She was born on St. Patrick’s Day, which tells you everything you need to know (she’s surrounded by lots of luck!).

Aliah is Buxton’s beloved baker and one of the most visited people on campus. She spends the year baking sweet treats for students, stepping in to make lunch and dinner, and is someone students often drop into the kitchen just to spend time with. Her kitchen serves as both a communal gathering spot and a workspace. She’s a patient listener, a lot of fun, and she’s so excited to bring that same warmth into the kitchen with campers.

Daniele is the Buxton photography teacher. She is an artist living and working in Hudson, New York, where she also keeps a small flock of chickens. Originally from Mill Valley, California, she graduated from the Cooper Union School of Art and has spent her career making sculptures, drawings, and public artworks that explore ecology, natural history, and the world around us. Daniele has led workshops at Buxton over the years, and this summer she is joining camp for the first time as a faculty member. To learn more about Daniele and her art at danielefrazier.com

Margarita is the Associate Director of Residential Programming and teaches all things Spanish language and culture, history, and humanities. She’s also a Buxton alum, a heritage Spanish speaker who grew up in a predominantly Spanish-speaking community in New Jersey, learning the language from her family. It was a Latin American history class right here at Buxton that turned a deep connection into a lifelong passion. Since then, she’s worked as a translator, led Spanish-language workshops for kids and adults, and worked in fully Spanish-speaking environments. She brings all of that into everything she teaches.

Katherine Finkelstein is a former Buxton faculty member, working artist, and photographer whose practice centers on collective experience and world-building. She holds a BA from Bard College and an MFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and runs Motherbox Gallery in Brooklyn, NY. Learn more about Katherine’s work.

JP ’25 is a Buxton alum currently studying history at Kenyon College with a passion for art, politics, liberation theology, and music. We’re so excited to welcome them back!

Bio coming soon.

Anna is a teaching artist, dance improviser, and choreographer originally from Chile, now based in Hudson, NY. With over 20 years of experience teaching and performing across the US, Africa, England, and India, she brings a global perspective to her work. Her signature Fusion Dance program weaves together African, Bharatanatyam, Flamenco, Latin, and modern styles, and she is the founder and director of Mayta Fusion Dance Company.

Rafael is an artist and art teacher living in North Adams. He has made art his whole life and loves exploring many different mediums, from painting to sculpture to animation. He has been a high school and middle school art teacher for over ten years, currently at the Academy at Charlemont and previously at Phillips Andover Academy. He has taught workshops and summer camps at places including the University of Alaska in Fairbanks, InSight Photography in Brattleboro, and the Museum of the Moving Image in New York.