What ages can attend?

Open to students who have completed kindergarten through eighth grade; no exceptions.

Are instructors certified?

Yes—every instructor is certified by the Calcasieu Parish School Board.

The Branch Out Art Camp Show runs July 30 through August 8 to display campers’ finished work.

Are materials included?

Tuition includes materials used in daily projects; check specific session details for any optional extras.

What are session options?

Half-day and full-day options are available each camp week.

How large are the classes?

Each week has a maximum of 48 students divided into groups of 12 by age to ensure individual attention.

Retro Summer Art Camp: Branch Out — Blast from the Past in Lake Charles | Workshop | Events

Branch Out: Blast from the Past is a five-day summer art camp for children held at the Imperial Calcasieu Museum in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Located in Lake Charles, the camp turns the museum's classrooms into hands-on studios where students in kindergarten through eighth grade experiment with bold palettes, retro patterns and decade-driven design. Each week—June 8–12, June 15–19 and June 22–26—Campers choose half-day or full-day sessions and move through daily projects inspired by different decades. Instructors, all certified teachers from the Calcasieu Parish School Board, teach drawing, painting, ceramics, paper-craft and color theory with an emphasis on technique and creative problem solving. Small class sizes (groups of 12 by age, maximum 48 students per week) mean individualized feedback and an environment built for risk-taking and visible progress. What makes this program stand out in Southwest Louisiana is the combination of museum resources and school-board-certified instruction. Kids don’t just make crafts; they learn how artists use shape, form and color to tell stories, then prepare finished works for a public Branch Out Art Camp Show—an exhibit running July 30 through August 8 that invites family and friends to celebrate student work. That gallery moment elevates each project from classroom exercise to community presentation. Practical details are straightforward: campers enter and exit through the museum's side entrance. Tuition includes materials; pricing varies by membership and session length, with priority registration during March and higher rates after that month. Half-day options start at $100 for members and $125 for non-members during priority registration; full-day starts at $225 for members and $250 for non-members. After priority registration rates increase and camp shirts are not guaranteed. This camp functions as both a creative incubator and a gentle introduction to how public exhibitions work—useful for parents who want a structured, arts-forward week that builds confidence. Teachers organize activities by grade level so even young students are challenged with age-appropriate techniques while older campers tackle ceramics and composition. Bring a labeled smock, a refillable water bottle and a curious mind; expect paint under fingernails and work-ready smiles. Whether your child is already an artist or trying art for the first time, Blast from the Past frames summer learning around color, craft and collective celebration—making it an enduring part of Lake Charles’ local arts offerings and a practical, memorable way to spend a summer week. For parents considering logistics, pick-up and drop-off happen at the museum's side entrance, and snacks or lunches are required for full-day campers. Class rosters are arranged by grade so siblings close in age may be grouped together. The program accommodates range—from first-time painters to young makers preparing portfolio pieces—making it a popular summer option in Lake Charles’ schedule of youth programming. Daily photos.

About Imperial Calcasieu Museum

Imperial Calcasieu Museum, located in Lake Charles, Louisiana, is a nonprofit cultural institution dedicated to preserving and interpreting the history and creative traditions of Southwest Louisiana. The museum presents rotating exhibits, community programs, and special events that highlight local heritage and visual arts. Programming ranges from family-focused experiences to seasonal public events staged under the museum’s historic Sallier Oak, a landmark setting that connects visitors with regional stories.

The museum’s events include signature experiences such as Lighting of the Oak: SPIRITS, held on October 23. That evening combines storytelling by local historian Adley Cormier, immersive performances by roaming interpreters, and support for the museum’s nonprofit mission. Another public offering is the Kidz Birthday Party program, which provides a guided painting session, a curated museum tour, and free playtime, with cleanup handled by staff to simplify planning for families. These programs are designed to engage children and adults with hands-on art-making and local history.

Imperial Calcasieu Museum partners with regional artists, historians, and community organizations to maintain programming that is both educational and welcoming. The museum’s nonprofit status and reliance on community support underscore a commitment to access and preservation. Visitors seeking authentic cultural experiences in Lake Charles will find museum events that prioritize storytelling, creative participation, and the unique traditions of Southwest Louisiana.

As a civic resource in Lake Charles, the museum maintains regular hours, hosts community-driven exhibitions, and documents regional stories through collections, educational outreach, and event programming that reflect local identity and support cultural tourism in Southwest Louisiana.

Retro Summer Art Camp: Branch Out — Blast from the Past in Lake Charles

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