Camp NMOA 2025
July 7 ‑ August 15, 2025
Welcome to Camp NMOA 2025—an exciting six-week summer adventure in the heart of Newark, NJ! From July 7 to August 15, 2025, your child will explore art and science through hands-on discovery, all within the inspiring cultural setting of our world-class art museum.
General Information & Pricing
Join us for six weeks of hands-on, project-based learning, where campers can enhance their art and science skills while building lasting connections.
Enrich your child’s summer at Camp NMOA—where creativity has no limits!
Camp dates: July 7 – August 15, 2025
Ages: 3 – 13
Camp day: 9am–3:45pm
One-hour break includes lunch and recess.
Camp Tuition
$335 per child, per week
Newark residents and NMOA Members receive 10% off.
Pre-care: 8:15–9am
$35 per child, per week
Aftercare: 4–4:45pm
$35 per child, per week
Extended day bundle, includes pre-care and aftercare
$60 per child, per week
Registration
Registration for Camp NMOA 2025 is now open.
Weekly Themes
Week 1: July 7—11 | Science and Art Explosion: Where fun meets discovery!
What happens when art and science collide? Bring to life, explosive projects, colorful chemical reactions, and more.
Week 2: July 14—18 | Museum Mysteries: Uncover Hidden Histories!
Put on your sleuthing caps, to uncover the hidden meanings of artifacts! Solve puzzles, go on scavenger hunts, and discover the hidden stories behind treasures from the past.
Week 3: July 21—25 | Nature’s Palette: Create with Great Outdoors!
Paint with the colors of the natural world, discovering the rhythms of land, air, and sea. Be inspired to create art that celebrates the world around you!
Week 4: July 28—August 1 | Earth and Beyond: Explore Our Planet and the Stars!
3-2-1, blast off into an artistic adventure on Earth as we uncover worlds unknown! Design your own spacecraft, create stunning galaxy paintings, or build models of ecosystems.
Week 5: August 4—8 | Cultural Kaleidoscope: Around the World in 5 Days!
Get ready for an action-packed week as we zoom around the globe. Learn about cultural connections that weave our beautiful human tapestry through art, music, and dance.
Week 6: August 11—15 | Art in Action: Unleash Your Creativity!
Let’s get movin’ and groovin’! Embark on a quest of art where your story unfolds. Get ready to express yourself and shine!
Each week includes:
Artmaking – Create art inspired by our galleries. New projects every week.
Science Experiments – Explore a wide variety of science topics!
Maker – Learn different art techniques and create your own designs.
Planetarium – Go beyond our planet and discover new worlds with our astronomer.
Music & Movement – Learn quick dance routines while getting a workout.
Funday Fridays – Enjoy games, team-building activities, and so much more on Fridays!
Contact Info
Questions? Contact us at 973-596-6637 or email camp@newarkmuseumart.org.
FAQs
General Camp Information
You can reach Camp NMOA staff directly at 973.596.6637. For general Museum inquiries, call 973.596.6550.
No, Camp NMOA offers six one-week sessions, and you can sign up for any combination that suits your schedule. Performance Showcases occur during Weeks 2, 4, and 6, while Weeks 1, 3, and 5 conclude with an Art Exhibition.
Each age group follows a tailored schedule featuring art workshops, gallery tours, science experiments, planetarium visits, and performance art classes. Special events happen throughout the summer, and every Friday alternates between a Performance Showcase and an Art Exhibition for friends and family.
Your CampDoc account allows you to manage registrations, payments, and medical information securely. Each camper has an individual file for health records, ensuring we can address allergies or medical needs. This system also simplifies future registrations.
Yes! Let the camp administrator know in advance to make arrangements. Snacks for other campers must be individually wrapped and nut-free, as we are a nut-free camp.
Registration, Tuition & Cancellations
Payments can be made online via credit card or electronic check through CampDoc. For check, cash, or money order payments, you can mail them to:
Attention: Camp NMOA
49 Washington Street,
Newark, NJ 07102Appointments for in-person payments can also be scheduled.
We offer a 10% discount on weekly rates for NMOA Members and Newark residents. To learn more about becoming a Member, click here. Please note that we do not offer sibling discounts. However, we do provide a limited number of scholarships. For more information, please complete this form.
Camp registration fees are refundable as follows:
- 90% refund if cancelled before June 1, 2025
- 50% refund if cancelled between June 2 and June 30, 2025
After July 1, 2025, no refunds will be issued, including for registrations made after that date.
Daily Operations & Logistics
Morning drop-off occurs at the South Wing entrance between 8:45 and 9am (unless pre-care is scheduled). For pick-up at 3:45 to 4pm, park in the driveway, sign your child out, and present a valid ID.
Notify camp staff via email or phone beforehand. Upon arrival, call the camp office to have your child brought to the South Wing Entrance. You must sign them out and present ID.
Late fees are $1 per minute, per child, and will be charged to your CampDoc account if unpaid at pick-up. After-care is available until 4:45pm for an additional fee.
Yes! Pre-care is offered from 8:15 to 9am, and after-care runs from 4:00 to 4:45pm for $35 per session.
For security and logistical reasons, we cannot accommodate drop-offs during camp hours. Our staff is focused on supervising the campers and cannot leave their posts. If you need to drop off something for your child, please make arrangements to do so during morning drop-off or after pick-up.
Campers must wear their Camp NMOA t-shirt daily, excluding the first day, to ensure easy identification. Comfortable bottom clothing and closed-toed shoes are required for activities. Avoid expensive clothing as art and science projects can be messy.
One Camp NMOA shirt will be distributed on the first day of camp to all registered campers. The t-shirt will be given to the parent/guardian during drop-off. Additional t-shirts are available for $5 each. Additional t-shirts can be purchased during pick-up. Payments for additional t-shirts can be made in cash or charged to your CampDoc account.
Activities & Special Events
Yes! Campers are grouped by age (3-4, 5-6, 7-8, 9-10, and 11-13), ensuring that activities are tailored to their developmental level. Each class is led by professional educators and teaching artists with experience working with children, providing projects in art, science, and performance that align with each age group’s abilities and interests.
The Performance Showcase takes place on Fridays during Weeks 2, 4, and 6 at 3pm. in the Billy Johnson Auditorium, located on the lower level of the South Wing. Friends and family are invited to watch as campers present songs, dances, poems, or plays they’ve created during the week.
Every other week, campers will perform a showcase based on the camp theme for families. Videos of the Performance Showcases are available for purchase at $25. They will be ready for viewing one week after the performance. To order, email camp@newarkmuseumart.org with your child’s full name and age group. The fee will be added to your CampDoc account.
Yes, recess is held daily and divided by age groups (3-6 and 7-13). Depending on the weather, recess is either outdoors in the Garden or indoors in a Program Hall.
If your child has allergies to pollen, bees, or other environmental factors, please include this information in their CampDoc health records and notify us if accommodations for outdoor recess are needed.
During recess, campers can choose from a variety of activities, such as playing with child-friendly toys, engaging in friendly competitive games, or reading a book. Please note that electronic devices, including cell phones, tablets, iPads, and smartwatches, are not allowed during recess.
Lunch & Snacks
Lunch is not provided by the camp, as we are not certified to do so. As a nut-free camp, it is imperative that you do not send your child with any food containing nuts or produced in a facility that processes nuts. Please pack a healthy lunch, a reusable water bottle, and the appropriate number of snacks each day.
For 3- & 4-year-olds, include two additional snacks. For campers aged 5 and up, one extra snack is suggested. Camp educators will review lunch boxes to ensure compliance with our nut-free policy at the start of each day and verify that your child has sufficient food for the day.
Yes, water fountains and refillable water stations are available. Please send a reusable water bottle labeled with your child’s name, as we do not provide individually packaged water bottles.
No, lunch purchases are not available. Be sure to pack your child’s lunch each day.
To maintain a smooth and organized schedule, we ask that all lunches be dropped off with your child during the morning drop-off period. If you forget to pack lunch, we will contact you to arrange for lunch delivery by 11am This ensures that campers can begin their lunch break on time without disruption.
No, food delivery services such as DoorDash, UberEATS, Grubhub, etc., are not permitted at camp. If your child’s lunch is forgotten, we will notify you before 10am so you can arrange a lunch drop-off. Lunch may only be delivered by you or someone listed on your child’s pick-up list. When you arrive at the South Wing Entrance, please call to let us know and ensure the lunch is clearly labeled with your child’s full name. Lunches will be checked for nut-containing items. Security at the South Wing desk is not responsible for misplaced lunches if camp staff has not been notified.
As a museum-based camp, we are not licensed to store or provide food to campers. Allowing food delivery would require additional space, staff, and food safety certifications, which we do not have. Therefore, we ask parents to pack a healthy, nut-free lunch and snacks for their child each day to meet their dietary needs.
No, campers cannot purchase food from PJ’s Café or vending machines. All food must be brought from home.
Health, Safety & Supervision
Our camp staff includes experienced educators and teaching artists, many of whom have been with Camp NMOA and the Museum for several years. In addition, our high school assistants are part of The Newark Museum Explorers Program, a competitive college and career preparation initiative for local students.
Our staff are responsible for the care, safety, and well-being of all campers. To maintain a safe and organized environment, someone must be at the desk to handle check-ins, check-outs, and emergency situations. Leaving the desk unattended could compromise camper safety and disrupt camp operations. We appreciate your cooperation in helping us maintain a smooth-running camp experience.
Staff do not enter bathrooms with campers but remain outside the door. Campers use restrooms in small groups of 2 to 4 at a time. If a camper experiences any issues, we encourage them to speak with their camp educator or inform their parent/guardian. In such cases, we will modify bathroom procedures, allowing campers to go in one at a time to ensure their comfort and privacy.
Yes, the 3—4 year old group will have a daily nap time in the afternoon. Please ensure you pack a blanket and pillow for your child to rest with. Additionally, we require an extra set of clothes in a plastic bag. While campers must be toilet-trained, we understand accidents can occur and want to ensure your child is prepared.
Please be aware that Camp NMOA is not licensed as a daycare by the state. As such, we are not permitted to change diapers or pull-ups, nor can we enter the bathroom to assist campers. It is essential that your child is fully toilet-trained before attending camp.
The cutoff date for campers to be 3 years old is March 1, 2025. If toileting accidents persist after our policies have been clearly communicated to you, we reserve the right to withdraw your child from camp.
The Museum no longer requires proof of vaccination, negative COVID-19 tests, or temperature screenings. However, if your child feels unwell before camp, we ask that you keep them home until they are symptom-free to prevent the spread of illness. If your child begins to feel sick during camp, our staff will notify you immediately. For their safety and the well-being of others, we may ask you to pick them up as soon as possible.
All camp staff are trained in CPR and first aid. For minor injuries, such as scrapes or bumps, staff will provide basic first aid, like applying a band-aid or ice pack. We ask that parents/guardians include all camper’s health concerns and medication(s) necessary in their CampDoc health record. Camp staff should receive these items (i.e., EpiPens, inhalers, etc.) on the first day of camp with a label of the camper’s full name and parent/guardian’s contact phone number.
If your child requires more serious care or is feeling ill, we will make every effort to contact you or your emergency contact using the information you have provided. If we are unable to reach you and believe your child needs to go to the hospital, a staff member will escort your child to the emergency room across the street and stay with them until you arrive.
Please note that our First Aid/CPR and Epinephrine certification allows camp staff to administer medication only in emergency situations, such as with EpiPens and inhalers. For all other medications, parents/guardians must be present to administer them to their child.
The camp takes allergies very seriously and is committed to ensuring the safety of all campers. If your child has any food allergies, please inform us prior to the start of camp so we can take the necessary precautions. We are a nut-free camp, and all snacks must be individually wrapped and produced in a nut-free facility. Additionally, we ask that you check with the camp administrator before bringing any snacks to ensure they comply with our health and safety guidelines. Our staff is trained to manage allergy-related emergencies, and we will work with you to accommodate your child’s needs.
Communication with Parents/Guardians
You will receive reminders and important updates via email and text through CampDoc. To ensure you receive timely notifications regarding camp activities, schedules, and other essential information, please make sure your contact information is accurate and up to date by June 30th or upon registration. Failure to update your contact details may result in missed communications.
At Camp NMOA, we prioritize creating an environment that supports the developmental needs of our campers. As such, cell phone use is prohibited during classes and recess. If a parent/guardian needs to contact their child, please call the camp office directly at 973-596-6637, and we will facilitate communication with your child.
Behavior & Emotional Well‑Being
During the first few weeks, if a camper is struggling to adjust, they may sit by the CAMP desk with camp staff in a quiet space. We have a library of books available for them to browse, and they can have some downtime. If they are still having difficulty, we will check in to see if they are ready to return to class or if they would like to talk with their parent/guardian for additional support before rejoining the group.
While we understand that adjusting to camp can be challenging, we encourage campers to gradually acclimate by participating in class, engaging with their classmates, and connecting with their Educator. The CAMP desk is intended for administrative support and emergencies, not for extended breaks or “hanging out.”
If your child is experiencing separation anxiety, we recommend having a conversation with them beforehand to help them prepare. If they become upset during drop-off, you are welcome to sit with them in the auditorium until they feel more comfortable. For privacy, you may also use the restrooms in the auditorium lobby. Please note that for safety reasons, parents/guardians are not permitted to enter the classrooms. Your child must be ready to attend class when the camp day begins.
At Camp NMOA, we strive to maintain a positive and safe environment for all campers. If a camper consistently misbehaves, exhibits disruptive outbursts, or engages in behavior that is harmful to themselves, other campers, or educators, we will take immediate steps to address the situation. Our approach includes:
- Behavioral Support: We will work closely with the camper to understand the cause of the behavior and provide appropriate support, which may include one-on-one time with a staff member or a calm-down period in a designated area.
- Parental Involvement: If the behavior persists, we will contact the parent/guardian to discuss strategies for improvement and ensure that the camper’s needs are being met. This may involve creating a behavior plan or making accommodations as needed.
- Safety and Well-being: If the behavior becomes harmful or poses a safety risk to the camper, other children, or staff, we may need to temporarily remove the camper from the group to ensure everyone’s safety.
- Possible Withdrawal: In cases of repeated or severe disruptive behavior, and after all support measures have been exhausted, we reserve the right to ask the camper to withdraw from the camp program.
Our goal is to support every camper in having a positive and enriching experience, but safety and respect for all campers and staff are our top priorities.
Diversity, Equity, Accessibly & Inclusion
Camp NMOA is committed to providing an inclusive environment for all campers. If your child requires learning accommodations or has special needs, please notify us prior to registration so we can make the necessary arrangements. We will work with you to provide tailored accommodations, which may include adjustments to activities or additional support. Our Museum also offers accessible areas, such as ramps and elevators, to ensure full participation for campers with physical disabilities. A detailed layout of these areas is available upon request. Please contact us in advance to ensure your child receives the support they need for a positive camp experience.
We are dedicated to embedding the principles of diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion (DEAI) in all aspects of our work and organizational culture. In undertaking this work, the Museum is committed to anti-racism–conscious efforts and deliberate actions intended to create equal opportunities for all on both an individual and systemic level. More information on The Newark Museum of Art’s commitment to DEAI can be found here.