Welcome to Smithsonian Associates In-Person Programs

Learn the techniques needed to create fine mosaic jewelry as you make silver-plated mosaic pendants using mosaic gold, smalti, semiprecious stones, stained glass, and millefiori.

Capture the magic of your travels in a whole new way. Learn how to easily transform your favorite vacation photos of places into beautiful, expressive paintings in watercolor and ink.

It’s time to celebrate women in history. From anthropologist Jane Goodall to computer programmer Ada Lovelace to civil–rights activist Audrey Faye Hendrick—and many others—campers delve into the extraordinary accomplishments of women who made their mark on our world. Visits to the American History and African American History and Culture museums help tell their stories. Throughout the week, campers explore these women’s achievements and create their own journals, observe animals, dig for dinos, construct airplanes, design posters inspired by civil rights activists, and other activities. Families are invited to a Girl Power celebration on Friday.

Americans have spread innovations in culture and science across the globe for centuries. Campers visit the U.S. Patent Office and the American History Museum to explore the entrepreneurs and creations that changed America and the world. Camper–inventors then develop their own big–idea innovations, polish their elevator speeches, and build prototypes to be presented before the judges at the end of the week.

From sprawling grasslands, deserts, and the Arctic tundra, various biomes of the United States have captured our curiosity and imaginations for centuries. Throughout the week, campers look to the national parks as touchstones into American flora and fauna. Without leaving the National Mall, campers discover the minerals and processes responsible for the Arches and Grand Canyon of the Southwest, the animals of the Great Plains, and the native flora of Hawaii. With additional trips to the American History and American Indian museums, campers learn about the connections between our land and history.

In-person Family Program: Salute the country’s 250th birthday by taking an all-American road trip at the American History Museum. Unfold your map, turn on the engine, and follow the road through the museum’s galleries in a memorable overnight adventure. Geared for children ages 8 to 14 years old, accompanied by an adult.

Jump-start your journey into acrylic painting with this one-day immersive workshop. Get introduced to the basics and first steps, learning how to use materials; touching on essential color theory; and exploring this exciting medium with hands-on guided projects.

Take a break from your art creating routine and revive and reimagine your unfinished or unsuccessful pieces. Using mixed-media materials and techniques, explore ways to alter works to arrive at new interpretations.

Parents must bring campers to the assigned Before-Camp room in the Ripley Center to sign in daily. At 9 a.m., campers will be brought up to Drop-off and then to their camps.

Rap! DJ–ing! Graffiti art! B–boying and B–girling! Hip–hop has grown from a New York City–based art form created by urban youth into a worldwide cultural force. Campers explore the history of the genre through visits to the African American History and Culture Museum and the American History Museum. Additional collections and multimedia resources help them expand their understanding of hip–hop's main elements, create graffiti–inspired artwork, and write their own Smithsonian–centric rap songs. The week ends with a performance that includes original music and movement.