Summer Activities for Kids and Teens at the High
Read for ways to get your children involved at the High this summer!
By Melissa Katzin, Manager of Family Programs and Group Experience, and Yadira Padilla, Coordinator of Public Programs
Each summer, the High has a variety of offerings for children of all ages. As we prep for application and registration openings, we want to highlight some of our key programs and dates.
Teen Team
The Teen Team offers participants the opportunity to engage with art, culture, and history; develop civic- and team-building skills; and learn about a range of professional options and career paths through a year-round, paid position. The Teen Team gets behind-the-scenes access to the museum; assists in planning Teen Nights, events, and other public programming; and learns about the museum’s collection and special exhibitions.
During the summer intensive, Teen Team members will work on a summer project while learning about the museum’s collection, careers, and programs. Throughout the school year, members will continue to assist in developing and implementing programming for teens, youths, and families. While part of the Teen Team program, members meet with High staff, arts professionals, and other teens.
Teen Team applications must be submitted by midnight on March 3. Learn more from our current Teen Team members below, and if you have further questions, feel free to contact us at HMATeenPrograms@high.org.
Why should teens apply to be on the Teen Team?
From Alana N.: They apply to have access to a wonderful program led by wonderful people. Being on the team grants teens access to the High Museum’s art and inner workings, as well as giving them experience to curate and plan events. You’ll be given constant opportunities to create and be involved in art and bring together communities through art.
What’s your favorite part about being on the Teen Team?
From Logan Y.: My favorite thing is the community aspect of the team. Without this offer, I would have never met these people I now consider my closest friends. I love them all dearly and couldn’t see life without them now. They make work extremely enjoyable.
How has being on the Teen Team changed how you think of the High, museums in general, and art?
From Kajel D.: Growing up, I wasn’t exposed to the museum environment, so being at the High has completely changed my perspective. Interacting with numerous people across the different events that the High hosts has made me realize how essential museums are to its communities. Museums and the art they display have the power to harbor connection, initiate learning, and foster acceptance through the diversity they represent, and the High does just that.
From Chloe S.: Being a part of the Teen Team completely gets rid of the stigma around museums — many times, people are nervous and don’t want to talk. But being a part of the event-planning process has taught me how much we want people to talk and feel comfortable enough to come to the museum and experience it in many different ways.
Summer Camps
Young artists will explore the museum’s galleries, learn about the museum’s collection and special exhibitions, and hone their skills in drawing, painting, and design to create original artworks in the High’s summer camps this year. Professional teaching artists will inspire your child to look closely, experiment with materials, and try new techniques. These weeklong camps are designed to serve rising first through eighth graders.
More information on grade-specific camps can be found here. Tiered registration dates are below:
Members: Registration is now open on our website.
Not-Yet-Members: February 13 at 10 a.m.
If you have further questions, feel free to contact us at HMAcamps@high.org.
Other Programs
Beyond the Teen Team summer intensive and summer camps, we’ll continue hosting Toddler Thursdays, First Saturday, and UPS Second Sundays for the whole family! For other ongoing programs to partake in over the summer, visit our website.
We hope to see you soon!
