MOCA Summer Camp is an annual, arts-focused program for youth ages 6–17 that invites young people to experience an interdisciplinary, project-based learning experience that goes beyond traditional craft activities. Participants explore ideas through research, drawing, collage, writing, discussion, and hands-on making, while also engaging in reflective practices such as music improvisation and meditation. Guided by local and international teaching artists, campers collaborate on projects inspired by themes related to environmental justice, sustainability, and shared futures.

MOCA Summer Camp is a bilingual (Spanish–English) program designed to expand access to arts learning, with more than 65% of spaces offered as full scholarships. In 2025, the camp reached an important milestone by offering instruction in Spanish, English, and Farsi, broadening community access and participation.

Each summer camp concludes with a public showcase where families and community members celebrate the campers’ creations developed throughout the program.

This year, MOCA Summer Camp invites youth to imagine and build Fantastical Creatures! Through this hands-on project, youth will create wearable papier-mâché sculptures—artworks designed to be worn on their bodies of hybrid unique beings. Participants explore layered identities, ecological interdependence, and future imaginaries by designing creatures that combine human, animal, and environmental elements. 

Campers will experiment with art materials, collaborate with peers, and express themselves through art, developing confidence, creativity, and critical thinking along the way. Whether it’s their first time in a summer camp or a returning experience, each participant is supported as an artist, thinker, and creator.

MOCA Summer Camp is a bilingual (Spanish-English) space that creates access by offering more than 65% of its spots as full scholarships, where young people are encouraged to share ideas, take creative risks, and see their voice as meaningful within a community.

Dates & Age Groups

Week 1: May 25–29 | Ages 6–8 | Registration 

Week 2: June 1–5 | Ages 9–11  | Registration 

Week 3: June 8–12 | Ages 12–17 | Registration 

15 spots available per age group, per week

Final Showcase, Thursday June 25, 2026

The program culminates in our annual Summer Camp Showcase, a vibrant celebration attended by over 200 family and community members. The event features a collective parade of student creations, music, fun outdoor water sprinklers, food vendors, refreshments and more.

Pricing

Sliding Scale: $350–$600

Full scholarships are available.

For scholarship inquiries, please contact: mariel@moca-tucson.org

Daily Schedule

9:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Drop-off

Welcome & Play

Fantastical Creatures Lab

Lunch

Fantastical Creatures Lab

Music & Meditation

Pick-up

Teaching Artist

Mariel Miranda, Raquel Denis, Sirilak Rottler and Gem Abarca