Picture this: paint brushes scattered across the table, glue sticks opened but abandoned, and a small face clouded with frustration. Some days, even the most enthusiastic young artist hits a wall. At Dragonfly Designs Summer Art Camps, we don’t just expect these moments—we prepare for them with intention, training, and heart.

Understanding That Behavior is Communication

“Behavior is communication. It tells us what a child needs in the moment,” explains our Staff Mentor, Sherry Kaufman. This philosophy guides every interaction our teachers have with campers, especially during challenging moments. When a child is struggling, we don’t see defiance or disruption—we see a young person trying to tell us something important about their needs.

Every child arrives at camp with their own unique set of experiences, energy levels, and ways of processing the world around them. Some days, the creative magic flows effortlessly. Other days, the glue might stick perfectly to the paper, but the joy feels just out of reach. That’s when our specialized approach makes all the difference.

Meeting Children Where They Are

At Dragonfly Designs, we believe that every child needs four fundamental things: to think, to learn, to move, and to do. When a child is having a difficult day, our teachers are trained to recognize which of these needs might not be met and respond accordingly.

Sometimes a child needs to think with someone sitting quietly beside them until they’re ready to rejoin the group. Other times, they might need to release pent-up energy by moving their body before they can focus on their art project. Our teachers understand that these aren’t disruptions to learning—they’re essential parts of the learning process.

We approach every challenging moment with warmth, patience, and zero shame. We listen first, offer space when needed, and adapt our approach to meet each child exactly where they are. Because we know that creativity doesn’t bloom under pressure or judgment—it flourishes in safe, supportive environments where children feel genuinely understood.

The Foundation of Quality Care

This level of individualized support doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of intentional hiring, comprehensive training, and ongoing professional development that sets Dragonfly Designs apart from typical summer programs.

Our commitment to quality begins with our staffing structure. We employ a dedicated Staff Mentor who supports our teachers and provides regular professional development opportunities, alongside a Studio Manager who focuses on curriculum development. 

Every counselor receives extensive training that goes far beyond basic safety protocols. Our staff participate in thorough onboarding and continuous training opportunities covering pedagogical practices, leadership techniques, and methods for working with various creative materials. We also provide specialized training in goal-setting for children and character development through our partnership with the American Camp Association.

We’ve also established core values and foundational standards that create emotional safety for every camper. Our philosophy centers on respecting the rights and dignity of all individuals, and our staff are trained not just to understand this philosophy, but to model it in every interaction.

Building More Than Art Skills

When families choose Dragonfly Designs, they’re investing in more than art instruction. Our goal is to provide campers with a safe and stimulating environment for exploring creative possibilities while developing crucial life skills. Our teachers—many holding advanced degrees and all passionate about working with children—specialize in various art mediums while maintaining the friendly, approachable demeanor that helps children feel comfortable taking creative risks.

We’re inspired by Universal Design for Learning principles, which means we intentionally create programming that appeals to all types of learners. Whether your child processes information visually, kinesthetically, or through auditory channels, our curriculum includes detailed goals and outcomes designed to help them succeed.

Each day at camp becomes an opportunity for children to benefit from meaningful interactions with peers and experienced educators. We foster an environment where diversity is valued, different viewpoints are celebrated, and every child feels a genuine sense of belonging.

The Dragonfly Difference

What makes Dragonfly special isn’t just our art supplies or creative projects—it’s our unwavering belief that every child deserves to be met with empathy, especially on their hardest days. We show up with enthusiasm, energy, and preparation, but we also make space for the full range of human experience that children bring to camp. Because when creativity blooms in safe, supportive soil, the results are nothing short of magical—messy days, glue stick struggles, and all!

If this sounds like the kind of nurturing, creative environment where your child can thrive—on their best days and their most challenging ones—we’d love to see them at one of our upcoming camps! Dragonfly Designs Summer Art Camps offer artistic exploration, skill-building, and friendship-making, all guided by our trained staff who understand that every child’s journey is unique.