AVON OLD FARMS CREATIVE MINDS CAMP
Avon Old Farms Creative Minds Camp
Calling all young creatives! Join Creative Mind Camp at AOF, an immersive arts experience for
children ages 7-16. Campers will explore both performing and visual arts, learning from award-
winning artists who specialize in dance, painting, and drawing.
No prior experience is needed—just bring an open mind and a positive attitude! Whether your
child is a budding artist or simply curious about creative expression, this camp provides the
perfect space to develop, refine, and showcase their artistic abilities in a fun and supportive
environment.
Camp Dates
- Monday, June 16 - Friday, June 20
Camp Details
- Cost: $550
- Location: Tiernan Room and Art studio
- Snacks will be provided
- Campers must bring their own lunch
Questions?
Please contact our camp administrator at:
Camp Director
Semaj Campbell
Semaj graduated from the Taft School (Watertown, CT) in 2014. At Taft, he excelled as an All-League Senior football captain, All-League track and field athlete, and contributed to a championship team. Semaj discovered his interest in photography during his senior year of high school, but it wasn’t until his sophomore year of college that he found it to be his true passion.
He attended Trinity College, graduating with a BS in Psychology. Throughout his four years as an undergraduate, Semaj was nominated as an All-League NESCAC Linebacker and was part of two championship teams. Beyond the field, Semaj studied photography under RISD alum, Andrew Wertz, and participated in a photography mentorship program during his Junior year abroad in Trinidad and Tobago. In Trinidad, Semaj also held his first solo exhibition.
After obtaining his undergraduate degree, Semaj started working at AOF and pursued his MFA at Lesley University with a concentration in photography. He graduated from Lesley University in 2022 and received the Lesley University Art and Design Rising Artist Award. Throughout his career as a visual artist and educator, Semaj has been published multiple times in photography publications such as Lenscratch, LensCulture, F-Stop Magazine, Ellements Magazine, Moevir Magazine, and more. In addition to publications, Semaj’s work has been represented in galleries and exhibitions throughout the United States and internationally.
Semaj has been teaching at AOF for six years and enjoys working with high school students. He is the Defensive Coordinator and linebackers coach for the AOF’s football team. In the classroom, his students have received acknowledgment for their artwork and achieved high honors in CT Scholastic Awards, Drexel University High School Photography Competition, and more. As an educator, Semaj’s ultimate goal is for students to find an outlet to express themselves through the visual arts. He posits that art serves as an unparalleled language through which humanity can effectively communicate in moments where verbal expression proves inadequate. In a psychological way, he believes photography can open you up to discover more about yourself and your interests.
Additional Staff:
Derrick Li (Lead Instructor + Avon Alum)
Derrick is a BFA student at the University of Connecticut, concentrating in Painting and Drawing while also pursuing UConn’s combined BS/MD pre-med program. A highly awarded artist, Derrick earned five Gold Keys, two Silver Keys, and the Best in Portfolio Award in the Connecticut Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, as well as the David Florian Award. His work has been featured in The Avonion (Fall 2023) and on the cover of Hippocrene (2024). Through his art, he challenges perceptions of the human form, merging technical skill with abstract expression.
Kyra Chambers (Lead Instructor)
Kyra is a painter, photographer, fine arts artist, and owner of Red October Firm, helping businesses grow through photography, design, and marketing. She hosts painting and networking events, fostering creativity and collaboration. Her work has been featured at the State Capitol, and she specializes in custom portrait art that preserves cherished memories.
Ameer Cantrell (Lead Instructor)
Ameer is from Hartford, CT, where he was born and raised. He currently attends the University of Hartford and has been part of a program at the Hartford Stage called Breakdancing Shakespeare for over four years. Additionally, he has worked as a dance instructor at the Jewish Community Center in West Hartford. His primary dance styles include hip-hop, pop, and jazz, and he has been working with children of all ages for over six years.
Semaj Campbell (Camp Director)
Semaj has taught at AOF for seven years. He earned a BA in Science with a minor in Studio Arts from Trinity College and later obtained an MFA in Photography from Lesley University. In 2022, he received the Lesley University Art and Design Rising Artist Award. As a visual artist and educator, Semaj's work has been featured in publications such as Lenscratch, LensCulture, F-Stop Magazine, Ellements Magazine, Moevir Magazine, and more. His photography has also been exhibited in galleries across the U.S. and internationally. Beyond teaching, he serves as the Defensive Coordinator and linebackers coach for AOF’s football team. His ultimate goal as an educator is to help students find an outlet for self-expression through the visual arts.
Ahmad Cantrell (Camp Director)
Ahmad earned his BA from Fairfield University, where he explored the importance of the arts in fostering creativity and cultural understanding. He later obtained an MA in Professional Counseling from Central Connecticut State University. For the past decade, Ahmad has served as a DEI director, educator, coach, and mentor at Avon Old Farms, where he’s had the privilege of guiding students in a private boarding school setting. His experience in this environment has allowed him to nurture students’ academic and personal growth, tailoring his approach to their individual needs and fostering a supportive, transformative community.
Weekly Schedule
| Day | Session | Location | Group | Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM) | Tiernan Room | All Campers (Group 1+2) | Welcome & Icebreaker “Introductions, camp rules, and fun movement-based games.” |
| Tiernan Room | Group 1 | History of Hip-Hop Dance + foundational grooves, isolations, and coordination drills | ||
| Art Building | Group 2 | Galaxy Painting | ||
| Afternoon (1:30 PM - 4:30 PM) | Tiernan Room | Group 2 | History of Hip-Hop Dance + foundational grooves, isolations, and coordination drills | |
| Art Building | Group 1 | Galaxy Painting | ||
| Day 2 | Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM) | All Campers (Group 1+2) | Attendance and Camp meeting with games | |
| Tiernan Room | Group 2 | Introduction to Basic Choreography Routine + Reflection & Discussion | ||
| Art Building | Group 1 | Fundamentals of Drawing | ||
| Afternoon (1:30 PM - 4:30 PM) | Tiernan Room | Group 1 | Introduction to Basic Choreography Routine + Reflection & Discussion | |
| Art Building | Group 2 | Fundamentals of Drawing | ||
| Day 3 | Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM) | All Campers (Group 1+2) | Attendance and Camp meeting with games | |
| Tiernan Room | Group 1 | Hip-Hop Choreography Session + Stage Presence & Confidence Workshop Popping & Locking Technique |
||
| Art Building | Group 2 | Origami Art | ||
| Afternoon (1:30 PM - 4:30 PM) | Tiernan Room | Group 2 | Hip-Hop Choreography Session + Stage Presence & Confidence Workshop Popping & Locking Technique |
|
| Art Building | Group 1 | Origami Art | ||
| Day 4 | Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM) | All Campers (Group 1+2) | Attendance and Camp meeting with games | |
| Tiernan Room | Group 1 | Freestyle & Cypher Session “Encouraging creativity and improvisation.” Group Collaboration - “Creating mini-routines in small groups.” Rehearse for showcase |
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| Art Building | Group 2 | Cartoon & Character Design | ||
| Afternoon (1:30 PM - 4:30 PM) | Tiernan Room | Group 2 | Freestyle & Cypher Session “Encouraging creativity and improvisation.” Group Collaboration - “Creating mini-routines in small groups.” Rehearse for showcase |
|
| Art Building | Group 1 | Cartoon & Character Design | ||
| Day 5 | Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM) | All Campers (Group 1+2) | Attendance and Camp meeting with games | |
| Tiernan Room | Group 1 | Finalize Routines Rehearse for Showcase |
||
| Art Building | Group 2 | Fashion Day (Design your own hat, tote, or t-shirt with fabric markers) | ||
| Afternoon (1:30 PM - 4:30 PM) | Tiernan Room | Group 2 | Finalize Routines Rehearse for Showcase |
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| Art Building | Group 1 | Fashion Day (Design your own hat, tote, or t-shirt with fabric markers) | ||
| All Campers Meeting (Group 1+2): SHOWCASE !! | All Campers (Group 1+2) | Final Showcase Performance “Perform routines for parents, friends, and Awards & Certificates “Recognizing campers achievements. |
More Details
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Important Notices
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Daily Check-In / Check-out Arrival: Campers should be inside the Tiernan Room (located in the Student Center) by 9:00 AM, ready to go and have fun!
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Prior to Camp
Please make sure all required documents have been completed and uploaded to our registration system. This must be done two week prior to the start of camp. Click here to login and view your account.
Photo & Information Release Statement
Throughout the summer, the opportunity may arise for your child's picture to be taken for camp publications. It is assumed that the parent/guardian condones this practice unless a written note stating otherwise is received on or before the first day of camp. For safety reasons we do not publish or release the names or any other personal information about the children whose photos we use or who attend the camp. Your information is confidential and secure.
Disclaimers
For the safety and welfare for all campers, Avon Old Farms Summer Camp Programs reserves the unrestricted right to dismiss any camper whose conduct or influence, in the opinion of the Camp Director, is detrimental to the best interests of the camp. There will be no refunds in this case.