Summer Camp | Art Detective Agency: Solve the Case | July 27-31
“We saw lots of beautiful and creative pieces today. Kids really had fun. Excellent camp. We’ll be back!“
– Camper Parent (Ceramics: Wheel Throwing Basics)
Early bird special: $100 off when you register by Feb 28, 2026
Visual Arts
Art Detective Agency: Solve the Case
27-31 JUL, 2026 | 1 week day camp | Age 7-10
Instructor: Stuart Mahoney
Skillsets: Surrealism and imaginative art techniques | Visual storytelling and narrative illustration | Observation, problem-solving, and detective-style creativity
The ideal camp for emerging visual artists who are inspired by curious stories. Together, campers will play the part of detectives and forensic sketch artists that compile a case file of visual clues. In order to solve the mystery, campers will draw, paint, sculpt… and much more.
Inspired by Montalvo Arts Center and its surroundings, students will learn about and use surrealism to produce fine art with a deeper sense of wonder. Family and friends will be invited to an informal afternoon camp showcase on Friday, July 31.
All materials and supplies included with camp fee. As a part of their Montalvo Arts Center experience, all summer campers will have the opportunity to explore and learn about the native plants and animals around the property and its Santa Clara County Park trails.
2026 Summer Camps
Hand-built Ceramics: Pots + Plants
6/8/-6/12/2026
Instructor: Ashley Magana
AGE 7-10
Enchanted Garden Tea Party
6/8/-6/12/2026
Instructor: Clarice Green
AGE 7-10
Musical Theatre 101
7/6/-7/16/2026
Instructor: Amanda Nguyen
AGE 7-10
Previous Montalvo Summer Camps
Summer Camp Frequently asked Questions & Answers
How do I register for Montalvo Summer Camps?
You must register for camps online and fill out the required documentation as part of the registration process. We are unable to complete registrations over the phone. If you need assistance, please contact the Box Office at 408-961-5858 (10am–4pm, Monday–Friday) or email camp@montalvoarts.org.
How much do camps cost?
Camp prices vary depending on content, length, and materials. Sessions range from $650 for some one-week camps up to $1,500 for two-week camps. All necessary materials are included in the registration fee. Families experiencing financial hardship, and who meet the stated criteria for financial hardship or military families are encouraged to apply for a scholarship during registration. Scholarships are limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
My child has unique support needs. Can you accommodate my child?
Montalvo will work with families to determine and provide reasonable accommodations for campers. Families are responsible for providing a personal 1:1 aide if their camper requires one. If your camper works with a personal aide, please contact us as early as possible to ensure the aide is fingerprinted in our system prior to the start of camp. The fingerprinting process can take up to two weeks. At this time, Montalvo does not provide 1:1 aides. DOJ verification of a cleared criminal background check must be received by Montalvo prior to the commencement of camp.
What are the age requirements for campers?
Campers must meet the minimum age requirement listed for each camp prior to the first day of camp. If a camper is found to be underage, they will be dismissed from camp and no refund will be provided. While older campers may enroll, camp curriculum is designed for the listed age range.
Is lunch or food provided at camp?
Lunch is not provided. Families must pack a lunch and snacks for campers attending full-day camps. All food containing tree nuts are prohibited.
Do campers need prior experience in the arts?
No prior experience is required. All camps are designed for beginners, and campers will have the opportunity to explore multiple art forms as well as learn about Montalvo’s native plants and animals.
My child is not yet toilet trained. Can they still attend camp?
All campers must be fully toilet trained and able to use the restroom independently. Camp staff are unable to assist with toileting. Campers who are unable to use the restroom independently will be dismissed from camp and no refund will be provided.
Can content or schedules change during the summer?
Yes. All camp content and schedules are subject to change. Families will be notified of any changes and will receive a detailed itinerary prior to the start of camp.
Can I transfer or reschedule camps I am enrolled in?
We are happy to assist with transferring campers to another camp during the same summer, pending availability. Transfer requests must be submitted no later than two weeks prior to the start date of the originally registered camp. Transfer requests will not be accepted after this deadline.
What are the drop-off and pick-up procedures?
Drop-off and pick-up times and locations will be shared in the camp itinerary prior to the start of camp. Campers must be signed in and out by an authorized adult. Photo identification may be required at pick-up.
Who is authorized to pick up my child from camp?
Campers may only be released to individuals listed as authorized pick-up contacts in the registration form. Any changes to authorized pick-up must be submitted in writing.
What happens if my child has behavioral challenges at camp?
Campers are expected to follow camp rules and staff directions. Behavior that disrupts camp activities or compromises the safety of others may result in dismissal from camp. No refunds will be provided for behavioral dismissals.
What is your policy on illness and medications?
Campers must arrive healthy and able to fully participate in camp activities. Camp staff do not administer medication, with the exception of emergency medications as required by law. For saftey reasons, only medication that is used in case of emergency (e.g. Epinephrine Auto-Injectors), or essential medication required to be taken on a required schedule per doctor’s orers, are permitted to be sent to camp. Emergency and essential medications must be sent in their original unopened pharmacy containers witht the camper’s name clearly visable. Essential medications will be stored in a secured area as designated by Montalvo and must be able to be self-administered by your child under the supervision of designated Montalvo staff. In the alternative, arrangements may be made in advance for a parent or legal guardian to meet their child to administer essential medications at the requisite time. Families should contact camp staff in advance to discuss specific medical needs.
What should my child bring to camp?
A packing list will be provided prior to camp. All personal items must be labeled. Montalvo Arts Center is not responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen items. Campers should not bring personal electronics, toys, or valuables to camp.
Will camps continue in hot weather or rain?
Camps take place rain or shine and include both indoor and outdoor activities. Families should dress campers appropriately for the weather and provide sun protection as needed.
Will my child be photographed during camp?
Montalvo may photograph or record camp activities for educational and promotional purposes.
What happens if Montalvo cancels a camp?
Montalvo reserves the right to cancel camps that do not meet minimum enrollment or due to unforeseen circumstances. If a camp is canceled by Montalvo, all fees will be fully refunded.
What is the camp’s policy on bullying?
At Montalvo Arts Center’s Camp, we are committed to creating a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment where every camper can thrive. Bullying of any kind—physical, verbal, social, or digital—will not be tolerated.
What counts as bullying:
Bullying is when someone intentionally hurts, threatens, excludes, or puts down another person. This can include teasing, taunting, gossiping, hitting, kicking, cyberbullying (through texts, emails, or online messages), or making threats against other campers, staff, or the camp itself.
Our stance:
Bullying is inexcusable. Campers who bully others, or who make threats of any kind against the camp community, will be immediately dismissed from camp with no refund. By registering, you agree to our Anti-Bullying and Health Safety Policies.
What is the cancellation and refund policy for camp registrations?
Fees may be refundable if requested in writing prior to May 1st of the year in which the camp is scheduled to occur, minus service fees and an administrative fee of $200. No credits or refunds will be provided after May 1. No refunds will be granted for early camp withdrawal, absences, or behavioral dismissals. If Montalvo cancels a camp for any reason, fees will be fully refunded.
About Montalvo Arts Center
Discover a cultural oasis in Silicon Valley’s foothills. Montalvo Arts Center spans over 100 acres of woodland trails and gardens in Saratoga, located less than 20 minutes from Los Gatos, West San Jose, Monte Sereno, Campbell, Cupertino, Los Altos, Mountain View, Santa Clara, and Sunnyvale. We are a member-supported nonprofit organization whose mission is to enrich the lives of all people through the arts.
We serve our community year-round through diverse programming, including summer camps, educational field trips, concerts in the Carriage House Performing Arts Series, rotating exhibitions, the prestigious Lucas Artists Residency Program, and free community festivals.
Beyond our programs, everyone is welcome to enjoy a picnic on the Great Lawn, stroll through beautiful gardens, and experience our permanent outdoor sculpture collection—all free of charge. With the support of our community, we’re making the arts accessible to all in this remarkable setting.