Arts + camp registration slated to open this week

The journey begins.

This year’s Art + Nature Day Camp theme is The Journey. Registration for the six week summer camp opens April 10 and closes April 26.

This place-based, nature-focused art program, offered by Sierra Foothill Conservancy and Mariposa Arts Council, is for students entering TK-6th grade in the fall of 2026. They must be enrolled at a Mariposa County Unified School District elementary school or Sierra Foothill Charter School at the time of registration.

During the summer program, running June 15 to July 24, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., a team of diverse educators will lead groups from their home base at Mariposa Elementary School (MES) on daily field trips to the Mariposa Creek Parkway, Stookey Preserve (near Lushmeadows) and Yosemite Valley.

The curriculum, activities and camp culture encourage students to develop a deep relationship with their local landscapes, explore new art mediums and cultivate a strong sense of community and belonging.

Registration is free to families and available only to enrolled Mariposa County Unified School District and Sierra Foothill Charter School students who will be entering TK-6th grade next school year. This program is funded by Mariposa County Unified School District and Sierra Foothill Charter School.

Register online through the Procare registration link, which can be found at www.mariposaartscouncil.org beginning April 10. There, families can also find key information and FAQs. School sites will also have printed registration packets for those who need them.

If families have questions or need assistance, they can contact Nancy Fluharty at nancy@sierrafoothill.org or by calling (209) 966-3155.

Any adults interested in volunteering or working with the Day Camp team can find employment and volunteer information on the Arts Council website listed above. Applications for temporary employment will be accepted until April 17.

Families who enroll in the 2026 Art + Nature Day Camp are also eligible to join both the Sierra Foothill Conservancy and the Mariposa Arts Council at a special annual dual membership rate of $75 (a $125 value). This membership helps keep arts and nature education alive in Mariposa.

Sierra Foothill Conservancy members also receive family discounts on guided hikes and outdoor classes throughout the year. When you join, you are not just receiving benefits, you are helping ensure these camp experiences remain available for the next generation of Mariposa youth.

This optional membership offer will be available from camp registration through the end of the summer camp season. Indicate interest during registration to receive details for purchasing.