Returning for its 18th year is the City Arts Cultural Camp for Kids, June 20 - 24 in center city Allentown.

Youths ages 7-11 will learn about different art forms, from painting, sculpture and photography, to dance, to music instruments, to theater as they visit various arts venues.

The program, which runs 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., includes all program materials and a daily snack. Participants are responsible for bringing their own lunch. Registration deadline is June 1.

City Arts Cultural Camp for Kids is a collaborative project of Allentown Art Museum, Allentown Symphony Association, The Baum School of Art, Civic Theatre of Allentown, Community Music School, and Repertory Dance Theatre.

The program is open to Lehigh Valley residents. It is an opportunity for children and families to become active in the arts.

“The program initially was the creative idea of Dolly Haltzman of Repertory Dance.” says Shannon Slattery Fugate, Executive Director of the Baum School of Art.

“She [Haltzman] had a vision for introducing children to the broad range of artistic disciplines taught in Allentown in a unique summer camp partnership and brought the group together for what has become a strong partnership among six arts organizations now for 18 years.

“We have been lucky to have the support of the Harry C. Trexler Trust for many of those years as well, which has allowed us to provide scholarships and keep the tuition cost reasonable for parents,” Slattery Fugate says.

The participating organizations showcasing art forms include:

Allentown Art Museum of the Lehigh Valley:Campers explore the permanent collections of photography, painting, sculpture and more. They will get a behind-the-scenes experience as the staff shows them how they keep art in good condition and ready to exhibit. The campers will take on the task of being mini-curators to their own mini-museums and will use what they learn to create and display their own collection of a selected two and three dimensional piece of art.

Allentown Symphony Association:Campers learn about the musical instruments of the Allentown Symphony Orchestra. They will have the opportunity to use instruments to create their own music. They will get a backstage tour of the historic Miller Symphony Hall and learn about the Allentown Symphony Orchestra that calls the building its home.

Baum School of Art:Students experiment with different types of drawing, painting and sculpture techniques and focus on art media relating to the rejuvenation of Allentown’s changing skyline. They will explore their creativity and learn about self-expression.

Civic Theatre of Allentown:Attendees learn about acting by participating in performance-based activities. They will play theater games and work on developing skills in articulation, improvisation and creative movement. This program is designed to encourage creative thinking and positive risk-taking in a safe and respectful environment.

Community Music School:With “Flutophone Fun,” youngsters learn to read simple music notes and experience playing their very own flutophone, which they get to take home at the end of camp. Clifford Tracy, CMS educator and professional musician, will guide campers as they learn to play several songs as an ensemble and at the end of the week perform for family and friends.

Repertory Dance Theatre:Campers get on their feet each day and learn new dance moves in different genres, including ballet, jazz, modern and hip-hop. They will learn basic elements of movement and choreography. An informal performance by students will be presented on the last day of the session.

“We hope that participants will leave camp feeling proud of their accomplishments and knowing a little more about the variety of arts disciplines and arts organizations in their community,” says Slattery Fugate.

“We hope that each child has a great week, makes friends, and lasting memories, and even discovers a talent or new passion.”

There are many ways to further your child’s art education after the camp is over.

“Students all receive further information about the programs that each of the six organizations offer. They leave with information to visit the museum, see a live show at Symphony Hall, a play presented by Civic Theater or a dance performance by Repertory Dance Theatre.

“We also give them information on how to enroll in a class or program at The Baum School, Community Music School, Civic Theatre or Repertory Dance Theatre. Lots of kids come back and attend camp in the following year as well,” Slattery Fugate says.

Information and to register: registrar@baumschool.org, 610-433-0032