(RAHWAY, NJ) -- The Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) Summer Arts Camp Series offers four one-week, arts-focused camps designed for children ages 7–12. Each beginner-friendly program provides hands-on instruction, creative exploration, and a culminating showcase experience and pizza party at the end of the week, where family and friends can come enjoy their children’s work and see what they learned firsthand!
Session Length: 1 week per program (Monday–Friday)
Daily Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm
Ages: 7–12
Format: In-person, experiential learning
Cost: $135 per child per week, with discounts for multiple weeks. Click here for more information or to sign up.
Dance Week with Sarah: August 3–7 | The Foundations of Dance Summer Program invites young dancers to move, create, and shine. Through hip hop, ballet, jazz, and tap, participants build confidence, explore self‑expression, and discover the joy of dance. Our supportive, inclusive environment encourages teamwork, creativity, and a sense of belonging. Whether students are trying a new style or deepening their skills, it’s a summer of movement, growth, and pure fun.
Sarah Gwiazda is a dance educator and choreographer from South Plainfield, NJ. Sarah is passionate about fostering creativity and self-expression in young dancers and is committed to creating a positive, structured environment where students can develop independence, confidence, and a love for the performing arts. A graduate of Muhlenberg College with degrees in Accounting and Dance, Sarah has both performed in and choreographed mainstage productions. She is also pursuing her Master’s in Education at Monmouth University. She currently teaches dance at Spotlight on Dance and is an elementary school teacher in the South Plainfield School District.
Visual Arts Week with Julie: August 10–14 | Students will explore the styles of iconic artists including Vincent van Gogh, Keith Haring, Frida Kahlo, and Andy Warhol through hands-on projects in painting, drawing, and printmaking. Each day focuses on a different artist, allowing students to experiment with new techniques while developing their own creative voice. The week ends with an exciting art show where families are invited to celebrate the students’ artwork.
Julie Davis is a fine artist with a BFA from Mason Gross School of the Arts, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude with a concentration in painting. She has experience teaching children’s art classes and coaching youth softball and works across a variety of artistic mediums. Her work has been exhibited in several galleries, with an upcoming show at the DuCret School of Art.
Latin Percussion Week with Manny: August 17–21 | The Percussion Gateway Project is excited to offer children, ages 7-12, a unique experience that will teach the “secret key” of the Clave and the contagious rhythms of the Congas in a high-energy Latin percussion adventure! We’ll dive into the amazing history behind the beats, showing kids why this music is so important to our shared culture and history. It’s a hands-on way for them to find their own rhythm and explore the arts.
Manny Bedoya is originally from Cali-Colombia, a city known for its love and celebration of Salsa music, so it was natural for him to dedicate decades to learning, preserving and sharing Latino culture, particularly Latin music, percussion and dance. He believes that percussion is a positive and edifying endeavor that builds individuals and communities. Manny has played alongside local groups, such as Raices Caribenas, Scarlet Mambo, and Cimarrones, interpreting rhythms such as Son Cubano, Rumba, Bomba, Plena, and other AfroLatino rhythms.
Photography Week with Christy: August 24–28 | Discover the art of visual storytelling in this beginner-friendly photography adventure! Through fun, hands-on challenges and guided prompts, campers will explore the world through a lens, learning essential techniques in framing, composition, light, and perspective. This creative exploration encourages kids to find their unique eye for detail while building confidence in their technical skills. The week concludes with a mini photo showcase where families and friends are invited to view a curated collection of the campers’ best work.
Christy Wilson is a passionate educator and photographer with over 20 years of experience working with grade school students, including children with special needs. She holds a Master’s degree in Photography from Montclair State University and brings both technical expertise and a nurturing teaching style to her work. Christy creates a supportive, engaging environment where young learners can explore creativity and build confidence. She is the PTO Secretary at Madison School in Rahway and a proud parent of two children in the district, deeply committed to her community.
You may register your child for just one week, or as many weeks as you would like.
Capacity for each week is extremely limited (15 for Latin Percussion Week; 20 for all others) so sign up today! Click here for more information or to sign up. Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) is located at 1601 Irving Street in Rahway, New Jersey.
