After School Program & Vacation Camps
Step into our playful after school, half day, no school, and school-break programs in the Berkshires, where imagination leads the way for children ages 5–14. Through open-ended, hands-on art projects, young artists explore a wide range of materials and techniques—from painting and drawing to bookmaking, mixed media, and more—while building confidence, curiosity, and artistic skills. We also offer a summer art camp program!
Older kids ages 11–14 are invited to take part as Art Mentors, participating fully in the creative process while gently supporting younger artists and developing age-appropriate leadership skills. Each program fosters connection, collaboration, and joyful self-expression in a warm, inclusive environment. When possible, active outdoor time is also woven into the day, creating a balanced experience rooted in art, creative play, and community.
FALL 2026
September 16 - December 9
4 Main St, Stockbridge, MA
Ages 5–10 + Art Mentors 11–14
Unless otherwise noted, all programs are open to these age groups.
WEEKLY AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM
Tuesdays: Felt & Fibers
9/22-12/1 | 3:35–5:15pm
(Ages 7–14)
Wednesdays: Art & Animals
9/23-12/9 | 3:35–5:15pm
Thursdays: Art & Animals
9/24-12/3 | 3:35–5:15pm
Saturdays: Art & Animals Add-Ons
10/10 | 10:00-12:00PM: Woolly Art
10/17 | 10:00-12:00PM: Horse Portraits
SPECIAL PROGRAMS
BHRSD Wednesday Half Days: Seasonal Crafts
9/16 & 10/21 | 12:30–3:30pm or 12:30–5:15pm
SBRSD Half & No School Days: Art & Animals
10/9 | 12:00-2:30PM: Donkey Art*
10/22 | 12:00-2:30PM: Fall Fiber Art*
12/2 | 12:00-2:30PM: Felted Critters
Indigenous Peoples’ Day Camp: Seasonal Crafts
10/12 | 9:15AM-3:15PM
Veterans Day Camp: Seasonal Crafts
11/11 | 9:15AM-3:15PM
Programs with an * take place at Le Petit Ranch
↓ Scroll down for program descriptions
FALL 2026 PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS
FELT & FIBERS
Tuesdays | 9/22-12/1 | 3:35–5:15pm
(Includes Le Petit Ranch Experience on Sat 10/10)
Explore the wonderful world of wool, fiber, and textiles through playful experimentation and a variety of colorful projects. We’ll try out traditional and contemporary techniques—from wet felting and embroidery to fiber collage and sculptural projects—while discovering how artists use color, texture, and materials to create. Each week, you’ll experiment with new processes, develop your own ideas, and make original artwork to take home. (No program on 11/24)
Note: On Sat 10/10, from 1:00–3:00pm, we’ll be at Le Petit Ranch to meet the sheep, learn the process of turning fleece into useable fibers, and then play with the wool from the animals you’ve met to create your own woolly creature. (Rain date: 10/24)
ART & ANIMALS
Wednesdays | 9/23-12/9 | 3:35–5:15pm
(Includes Le Petit Ranch visits on 9/23 & 12/2)
Thursdays | 9/24-12/3 | 3:35–5:15pm
(Includes Le Petit Ranch visits on on 11/5 & 12/3)
Discover the many ways animals have inspired artists, storytellers, and cultures around the world through observation and hands-on artmaking. Each week, we’ll explore animal imagery and stories across time and place—from prehistoric cave paintings and ancient myths to traditional folktales and contemporary art. You’ll experiment with paint, ink, wool and other fibers, collage, and more as you learn new techniques, develop ideas, and create original works of art. We’ll also get to know the animal residents of Le Petit Ranch—including chickens, guinea pigs, horses, donkeys, dogs, and sheep—through conversation, close observation, and gentle interaction. (No program on 11/11, 11/25 & 11/26)
ART & ANIMALS: LE PETITE RANCH ADD-ON EXPERIENCES
Extend the fun with 2 special Saturday hands-on art and animal experiences at Le Petite Ranch in Sheffield.
WOOLLY ART
Saturday, 10/10 | 10:00-12:00PM
Spend the morning with friendly, fluffy sheep and learn about the many different breeds, colors, wool, and the fascinating journey from fleece to fiber. Then, get hands-on with their wool as you try wet felting, nature-inspired weaving, and other playful fiber techniques. Inspired by the sheep you meet and the colors of fall, you’ll create a one-of-a-kind woolly artwork to take home. Rain date: 10/24
HORSE PORTRAITS
Saturday, 10/17 | 10:00-12:00PM
Meet the horses, learn about their unique personalities, and get hands-on with grooming and leading them through simple obstacles. Then, get moving with gesture drawing and playful mark-making as you capture the horses in action. Using paint, drawing materials, and fibers, you’ll turn your observations into colorful, expressive horse portraits inspired by the animals you meet. Rain date: 10/24
SPECIAL PROGRAMS - SEASONAL CRAFTS
Wednesdays 9/16 & 10/21 (BHRSD Half Days) | 12:30–3:30pm or 12:30–5:15pm
Indigenous Peoples’ Day Camp 10/12 | 9:15AM-3:15PM
Veterans Day Camp 11/11 | 9:15AM-3:15PM
Spend a day filled with imagination, creativity and discovery! Our half and full day camps offer hands-on art-making, outdoor adventures, imaginative play, and plenty of time to connect with friends. Each program has its own seasonal theme and mix of activities, with opportunities to experiment with different materials, try new techniques, and create original artwork in a warm, welcoming environment.
SBRSD Half & No School Days: Art & Animals
Friday 10/9 | 12:00-2:30PM | Donkey Art* | 12:00-2:30PM
Thursday 10/22 | 12:00-2:30PM: Fall Fiber Art* | 12:00-2:30PM
Wednesday 12/2 | 12:00-2:30PM: Felted Critters | 12:00-2:30PM
Programs with an * take place at Le Petit Ranch in Sheffield
Join us for three special hands-on art and animal experiences! We’ll meet donkeys, sheep, and guinea pigs while learning about their personalities, stories, and care through observation, hands-on activities, and art-making—from creating mythical donkey creatures to exploring wool and fiber and felting your own animal art.
We aim to make this program accessible to all community members. If the program fee is a barrier to your child’s participation, please email us for information on tuition assistance.
OUR APPROACH
Art & Creative Play for Curious Kids: At Second Nature Arts, our after-school programs, vacation camps, and summer camps in the Berkshires blend art and play to spark creativity, build social-emotional skills, and support kids’ growth and development in a fun, hands-on environment.
Mixed-Age Learning: Our Berkshires-based art program fosters a sense of community and mentorship, where younger children learn from older children, and vice versa, as kids of all ages collaborate on projects and develop leadership skills.
Balanced Structure: We provide a flexible structure that includes teacher-led activities, self-directed creative projects, and interactive group experiences, allowing kids to explore their interests while following a consistent routine.
Building Connections: Through hands-on art and imaginative play, children develop social skills, express themselves, and collaborate—all in a supportive, inspiring environment.
Active Creative Engagement: When possible, we mix in outdoor time and kid-led activities like obstacle courses and scavenger hunts to keep kids energized while encouraging creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving.
Resourceful Art Practices: We value the potential of reusing materials when possible, while also incorporating new supplies to support artistic growth and innovation. Our approach encourages thoughtful material use and reduces waste.
Check out our Summer Art Camp in Action!
This program is funded in part by grants from the Lee and New Marlborough Cultural Councils, local agencies which are supported by Mass Cultural Council, a state agency. It is also supported in part by grants from Greylock Federal Credit Union & Lee Bank Foundation. We are deeply grateful for this support!
For additional info, please complete the PROGRAM INQUIRY FORM, send an EMAIL or call 413.457.1646.