Peace. Love. Arts. You.
P.L.A.Y. (Peace. Love. Arts. You.) is a fun-filled summer arts program for kids ages 5-14, set on the legendary grounds of the 1969 Woodstock festival! Led by professional teaching artists, kids will dive into music, painting, sculpture, digital design, and more, sparking creativity and community in an unforgettable setting. Register for one- or two-week sessions to fit your summer plans—but hurry, spots fill fast!
2026 Summer Arts Programs
P.L.A.Y. All Day - Ages 5-6
Weekly: June 29– August 21, 2026
Ages 5-6: Creative Exposure: Imaginations will soar in this playful introduction to the creative process. Each week long session includes daily outdoor exploration of our historic campus, art projects that experiment with different materials and techniques, storytelling, social play, and plenty of joyful creativity.
Please note that children must be at least five years old by the session start date to register for this year’s program.
P.L.A.Y. All Day - Ages 7-9
Week-long sessions from June 29 - August 21, 2026
Ages 7-9: Dig in and Develop: P.L.A.Y. programs for this age group feature weekly themes that build skills across the arts, including music, visual art, storytelling, and theater. Students work with our talented teaching artists to grow their artistic skills through individual and collaborative projects. Each day includes time to connect with the legacy of Bethel Woods through campus walks or visits to the Museum at Bethel Woods, along with opportunities for teamwork, socializing, and creative exploration in a fun and supportive environment.
P.L.A.Y. Labs
Immersive One-Week Programs for Ages 10–12
During P.L.A.Y. Labs, kids aged 10-12 dive into the exciting world of digital arts, animation, graphic design, and more—all in our state-of-the-art computer lab. These immersive week-long programs help young creators fine tune their skills, with access to cutting-edge software, by collaborating with peers, and by bringing their wildest ideas to life on screen. Daily schedule includes breaks in nature and social time to recharge and draw inspiration for a perfect blend of tech, creativity, and outdoor fun.
Participants should have basic computer knowledge and an interest in learning new software.
3D Design Lab
Immersive One-Week Digital Arts Program for Ages 10–12
This hands-on program introduces kids to the world of 3D design, modeling, and printing, developing creativity and problem-solving through cutting-edge technology.
Animation Lab
Immersive One-Week Digital Arts Program for Ages 10–12
Budding animators learn digital storytelling, motion graphics, and animation techniques in this exciting introduction to the world of animation.
Sound Lab
Immersive One-Week Music Production Program for Ages 10–12
From recording fun and unusual sounds around the Bethel Woods campus to building beats, mixing tracks, and crafting mini podcasts or soundscapes, participants learn how to turn the noises in their imagination into exciting sonic creations.
Photo Lab
Immersive One-Week Digital Arts Program for Ages 10–12
Students learn how to capture great images using composition, lighting, and creative techniques, spending the weektaking photos around campus, experimenting with different styles, and editing their favorites like pros.
Graphic Design Lab
Immersive One-Week Graphic Arts Program for Ages 10–12
Using real design tools, young creators make posters, signs, digital artwork, and more.
P.L.A.Y. Specials
Specialized Two-Week Programs for Ages 10–14
Our P.L.A.Y. Special programs are dedicated to preserving the legacy of the 1969 Woodstock festival by nurturing a passion for the arts in young people through intensive, specialized two-week courses. Over the course of eight weeks, we host 4 unique P.L.A.Y. Special programs for youth aged 10-14. Bethel Woods' teaching artists, selected for their specific expertise, lead these programs. Outfitted with a brand new outdoor pavilion which serves as both a studio and performance space, this bucolic side of the Bethel Woods campus is the perfect backdrop for education, learning, and fun to take place.
P.L.A.Y. Rock Camp
Specialized Two-Week Music Program for Ages 10–14
Young musicians have two full weeks to explore the roots of rock while honing their skills on guitar, bass, drums, keyboard, and vocals. Students are grouped by ability and guided by experienced mentors, culminating in a live concert of classic covers and original songs.
Due to popular demand, this second session offers additional seats and dates for young musicians to join the fun.
P.L.A.Y. Fine Arts
Specialized Two-Week Visual Art Program for Ages 10–14
In this immersive two week program, young artists develop visual arts skills through drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, and mixed media—guided by teaching artists and inspired by the historic site.
P.L.A.Y. Stage to Screen
Specialized Two-Week Film Program for Ages 10–14
Participants collaborate as an ensemble to create an original short film, using theatrical techniques to develop characters, story, and performance, while learning the fundamentals of filmmaking to bring their work to life on camera.
In fulfillment of our mission to provide extraordinary experiences and access to the arts, tuition assistance is available for up to 100%. To learn more, email Education@BethelWoodsCenter.org.
Funding for P.L.A.Y. has been generously provided by Nellie and Robert Gipson of the Tianaderrah Foundation, the William and Elaine Kaplan Family Foundations, the Cornelia T. Bailey Foundation, the John N. Blackman Sr. Foundation, and the County of Sullivan through the Sullivan County Youth Bureau. Additional support is provided by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Governor and the New York State Legislature, as well as members and donors of Bethel Woods Center for the Arts.