Summer Camps in Steamboat: Why Kids Love Perry-Mansfield Arts Day Camp!
If you’re searching for summer camps in Steamboat Springs that go beyond the usual sports and crafts offerings, there’s a place tucked into acres of Aspens with fresh mountain air that’s been sparking imaginations for more than a century. Perry-Mansfield Summer Arts Day Camp is an unparalleled performing arts camp in Steamboat — and this summer, it could be the reason your child can’t stop talking about camp at the dinner table.
Whether you’re a local family or visiting for the season, here’s why so many parents make this camp part of their kids’ summer.
🎭 A Century of Creativity Right in Our Backyard
Did you know your child would be walking on legendary ground? Over 100 years ago, two trailblazing women — Charlotte Perry and Portia Mansfield — founded this camp in the middle of the Colorado woods. They believed that being close to nature, with its tall trees, fresh mountain air, and sunshine, helps a child’s imagination grow bigger and bolder.
Today, Perry-Mansfield Performing Arts School and Camp is the oldest continuously operating performing arts camp in the entire country. When your child is here, they become part of a giant, generations-deep family of artists who have been dancing, acting, and creating on this very land for over a century. That kind of history is rare — and it’s right here in Steamboat Springs.
🌟 What Makes This Arts Camp in Steamboat so Special
This isn’t a sit-still-and-listen kind of camp. From the moment kids arrive, they dive headfirst into the magic. Every week is a brand-new journey across the arts, including:
- The Stage: Campers learn real dance moves and discover how to tell stories through acting — the heart of any great theater camp in Steamboat.
- Their Creative Voice: Painting, drawing, and writing their very own stories — every single day.
- Production Magic: Ever wondered how a real show comes together? Campers get a genuine behind-the-scenes look at professional theater.
- Equestrian: Kids meet and connect with horses through hands-on, unmounted activities.
- Circus Arts: A playful intro to clowning, juggling, and ground-based circus skills.
- The Grand Finale: Every Friday at 4:00 PM, campers put on a short performance to show family and friends everything they’ve learned. (Bring your camera — these are the moments you’ll want to remember.)
It’s this blend of disciplines that sets Perry-Mansfield apart from other summer camps in Steamboat. Your child won’t just try one thing — they’ll discover what lights them up.
☑️ A Typical Day at Camp
Wondering what a day actually looks like? Here’s an general overview:
- 8:45–9:00 AM — Morning drop-off (time to get excited!)
- 9:00–10:00 AM — First class: dance or acting
- 10:00–10:20 AM — Snack & giggles break
- 10:20–11:20 AM — Second class: acting or dance
- 11:40 AM–12:40 PM — Music jam, everyone together
- 12:40–1:45 PM — Lunch (included every day!)
- 2:00–2:45 PM — Art or creative writing
- 2:55–3:40 PM — Creative writing or art
- 3:40–4:00 PM — Rehearsal & wind-down
- 4:00–4:15 PM — Pick-up (Friday showcase runs 4:00–4:30 PM)
Days run 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, and with a maximum of just 10 campers for every two staff members, every child gets the attention and encouragement they deserve.
✅ The Details Parents Need
Here’s the practical info to help you plan:
- Ages: Explorers (6–8) and Pioneers (9–10) — each grouped with peers their own age.
- Sessions: Eight one-week sessions running June 8 through July 31, 2026. Sign up for one week or several!
- Tuition: $475 per week, which includes a hot lunch every day and a Perry-Mansfield tee shirt.
- Location: Perry-Mansfield’s historic 74-acre campus just outside Steamboat Springs, Colorado.
Because sessions are weekly, this camp fits beautifully around family travel, other summer plans, or a visiting grandparent’s schedule — making it just as easy for out-of-town families as it is for locals. You can sign-up for camp sessions here.
🎤 A First Step Into Something Bigger
Here’s something we love about the Perry-Mansfield Summer Arts Day Camp: it’s often just the beginning. This camp is the perfect way for younger kids to experience, fall in love with the arts, and start dreaming about what comes next.
As children grow, there’s so much more waiting for them here — from intensive dance and theater programs to residential camps that draw aspiring young artists from across the country. You can explore all of our programs on their website. But it often starts right here, with one magical week of dance, acting, and discovery as a six- or nine-year-old.
☀️ Give Your Child a Summer They’ll Never Forget
Summers are short and precious — and the right camp can turn a few weeks into memories your child carries for life. Between the mountain setting, the century of creativity, and the friends and confidence they’ll build along the way, Perry-Mansfield Summer Arts Day Camp is a summer experience like no other.
Spots fill quickly, and registration is simple. Reserve your child’s week at Perry-Mansfield Summer Arts Day Camp today. We can’t wait to create with them this summer!
