SPARKS CHILDREN’S IMAGINATIONS
For more than 60 years, Appel Farm Arts Camp has sparked the imaginations of thousands of young people from around the world in beautiful, rural, southern New Jersey. As an overnight summer arts camp for ages 7–17, Appel Farm provides a safe space for campers to be themselves and explore art free of judgment. Here, safety, community, personal growth, and fun are valued. Small class sizes that engage mixed age groups are available in music, theater, technical theater, dance, visual arts, photography, media arts, environmental arts, creative writing, sports, and swimming. Campers also enjoy free time, workshops, trips, campfires, performances, and special events. Appel Farm works to be an explicitly anti-racist, anti-sexist, trauma-informed, trans-inclusive, and gender-affirming space for both staff and campers. Our philosophy of mentoring children is centered around collaborative problem solving and restorative practices. “We’re a place where kids can come to be themselves,” Assistant Camp Director Tanner Rushing said. “Whether a child is the star of their school’s drama club or they’ve never picked up a paintbrush, they will feel comfortable and supported in their art here at Appel Farm.” Campers and parents appreciate the autonomy campers are given over their art and portions of their schedule. “During free time, kids may be running lines, drawing in the grass, having a jam session on the picnic tables, making flower crowns, swimming in the pool, or playing gaga,” Rushing said.
“Our goal is to ignite creativity, kindness, and confidence within our campers. Watching them grow and become more confident, empathetic, and independent as artists and people is truly a magical thing to witness.”
Tanner Rushing, Assistant Camp Director