Why Parents Are Choosing Creative Summer Camps Over More Screen Time
Between tablets, YouTube, gaming, and endless scrolling, many parents are looking for ways to give their kids a more creative and meaningful summer.
That’s one reason why hands-on art camps are becoming more popular than ever.
At Crafty Tomato in Tempe, we’ve noticed something interesting: kids don’t just enjoy creating art, they genuinely light up when they’re making something with their own hands.
And parents love seeing it too.
Creativity Gives Kids Something Screens Can’t
Screens entertain.
Creating builds confidence.
When kids paint a canvas, sculpt clay, design a character, or invent something from scratch, they’re doing more than just “staying busy.”
They’re:
- problem solving
- expressing emotions
- building patience
- learning independence
- practicing creativity
Most importantly, they feel proud of what they make.
That feeling lasts much longer than another video.
Every Week Feels Different
One reason kids get excited for Crafty Tomato Summer Art Camp is because each week has a completely different theme and curriculum.
Our Summer 2026 themes include:
- June 1-4 Art Camp & June 5 Day Camp: Color Craze
- June 8-11 Art Camp & June 12 Day Camp: Pet Party Palooza
- June 15-18 Art Camp & June 19 Day Camp: A Trip Around the Globe
- June 22-25 Art Camp & June 26 Day Camp: Anime & Manga
- June 29-July 2 Art Camp & July 3 Day Camp: Crafty Safari
- July 6-9 Art Camp & July 10 Day Camp: Asian Culture Week
- July 13- 16 Art Camp & July 17 Day Camp: FOOOOOD Lovers
- July 20 -23 Art Camp & July 24 Day Camp: Under Sea Adventure
- July 27-30 Art Camp & July 31 Day Camp: Crafty Museum
Each theme includes brand-new projects, materials, and activities designed around imagination and hands-on fun.
No two weeks feel the same.
Kids Take Home Artwork Every Day
One of the biggest differences between art camp and many traditional camps?
Kids actually bring home things they’re excited about.
That might include:
- acrylic paintings
- foam clay projects
- themed crafts
- mini sculptures
- wearable art
- custom characters
Parents often tell us their kids continue talking about projects long after camp ends.
Small Groups Make a Big Difference
Large camps can feel overwhelming.
At Crafty Tomato, we focus on a smaller, more personal environment where kids can receive more individual attention and feel comfortable being themselves creatively.
Some kids arrive shy on Monday and leave Thursday proudly showing everyone their art.
That transformation is one of the best parts of running camp.
Art Camp Encourages Social Skills Naturally
Creative activities make it easier for kids to connect with each other.
Instead of forced icebreakers, friendships form naturally while:
- painting side-by-side
- sharing materials
- showing off projects
- collaborating on crafts
- talking about favorite characters or ideas
It creates a relaxed environment where kids can socialize without pressure.
A Summer Full of Memories
When kids look back on summer, they usually remember experiences — not screen time.
They remember:
- the giant painting they made
- the funny clay creature they sculpted
- the friends they met
- the themed crafts
- the excitement of bringing artwork home
That’s the kind of summer we want to create.
Summer Art Camp in Tempe, Arizona
Crafty Tomato Summer Art Camp is designed for kids ages 6–12 and runs June–July 2026.
4-Day Art Camp
Monday–Thursday
9am–3pm
$360/week
Half-Day Friday Camp
Friday
9am–12pm
$65/day
Located near ASU in Tempe, Arizona.
- Different theme each week
- Screen-free creative fun
- Hands-on projects daily
- Safe and structured environment
- Small group atmosphere