The Creative Expression Studio: Summer Camps
🌿 A Different Kind of Summer Camp
This is not a traditional art camp focused on perfect projects or step-by-step outcomes. This is a boutique art journaling experience for ages 9-12.
At The Creative Expression Studio, children are guided to explore art as a tool for self-expression, emotional awareness, and confidence-building. Through a blend of layer-by-layer art journaling, thoughtful prompts, and hands-on creative techniques, students are encouraged to reflect on their choices while developing their own creative voice.
Each week is themed around a different art technique. From watercolor and color exploration to collage, ink play, nature-based art, and clay. Every theme is thoughtfully designed to build creative confidence while giving your child new tools for self-expression and emotional awareness. The week ends with a field trip to the Phoenix Art Museum where students connect their own creative work to the broader world of art and inspiration.The focus is always process over perfection.
📅 Dates:
Session 1: June 15–19
Session 2: June 22–26
Session 3: July 13–17
Session 4: July 20–24
Session 5: August 3–7
⏰ Hours:
Monday through Friday from 9am – 2pm
👧 Ages: 9–12
👥 Max 10 students per session
📍 Monday–Thursday: Downtown Phoenix studio — Friday: Phoenix Art Museum
💰 $375 per week
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CREATIVITY
Your child will explore a range of art techniques and develop their own unique creative voice by trusting their instincts and expressing what’s authentically theirs. No experience needed. No perfection expected.
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GROUNDING
Every session begins with gentle movement and grounding practices to help your child arrive, slow down, and regulate emotions before creating. We create from a calm and present place.
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CONNECTION
Kids become part of a small intimate community of 10 where every voice matters and every creation is celebrated. They’ll also connect with themselves through guided journaling prompts.
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GROWTH
Beyond art skills, your child builds confidence, emotional awareness, and lifelong tools for self expression, including a personal art journal they take home to keep creating.
Frequently Asked Questions
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No. All levels are welcome.
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Camp runs from 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM each day, with a break for lunch.
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Please send your child with:
A water bottle
A snack
A packed lunch
Nut-free please
Extra water will be available on-site.
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Camp will be held in a private studio space in downtown Phoenix with ample parking and a dedicated restroom.
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Parents/guardians are required to sign their child in and out each day to ensure safety and smooth transitions.
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On the final day, students will meet at Phoenix Art Museum for a special field trip experience.
Parents will drop off and pick up directly at the museum
Students should bring a packed lunch and water
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No prior experience is needed. This camp is designed for all skill levels, with a focus on exploration, creativity, and self-expression.
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This is not formal therapy. However, the experience is intentionally designed to support emotional expression, self-awareness, and confidence through creative practices.
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This camp is especially supportive for children who:
Enjoy being creative or want to explore art in a new way
Benefit from a calm, structured environment
Are sensitive, expressive, or imaginative
Struggle with perfectionism or confidence
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Each week is limited to 10 students to maintain a boutique, personalized experience.
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Yes! I’m an approved vendor through Arizona’s ESA program, and I accept payments via ClassWallet.
We are also working on expanding to other states and encourage you to check with your ESA provider to see if self-submitted reimbursement is an option in your area. If you'd like your state accepted please let us know so we can try being approved for your specific state.
For more information, click here.
Meet the Instructor
Aimee Combs, Founder of Lotus Creative Healing
Hi, I’m Aimee, a mom, certified art teacher, and passionate creative who believes in creative expression to help kids grow in confidence and emotional wellness. From one parent to another I'm not just a teacher, I’m also a mom to a preteen who requires consistent emotional regulation support. I created this program out of love and necessity to provide something I knew my child needed and that other families would benefit from too.
I bring a unique blend of education, experience, and heart to every class I teach. I hold a:
Bachelor’s Degree in Art Studies
K–12 Art Teaching Certificate
Certified Art Therapy Practitioner credential
Creative Depth Coach Certificate
Registered Yoga Instructor Certification
In addition to creating Blooming Minds, I teach art at a hybrid school for homeschoolers on elective days, where I lead weekly classes for grades 3–6. I’ve also taught a variety of after-school programs including one at a school for gifted children and served as the lead art director for an art auction fundraiser at my child’s school.