If you have a kid who lights up at the sight of a paintbrush, a blank canvas, or a brand new box of markers — I have a summer camp you need to know about. Last summer I enrolled my daughter in Enlightened Learning's art camp in Camarillo, and I'm genuinely not exaggerating when I say it was one of the best decisions I made all season. She is still talking about it.

My daughter is the kind of child who gravitates toward anything creative — drawing, painting, crafting, you name it. So when I found a summer day camp built entirely around art, I knew it was worth a try. What I didn't fully expect was just how thoughtful and warm the whole experience would turn out to be — for her and for this relieved mama dropping her off each morning.

What a Week at Enlightened Learning Looks Like

Each week of camp is centered around a fun theme — our week was animal-themed, and the kids dove into all things creatures great and small through their art. Every single day, the kids worked on multiple art projects using different mediums — think painting, drawing, collage, clay, and more — and brought something new home every afternoon. Our refrigerator and walls were covered by the end of the week, and honestly? We didn't mind one bit.

The day isn't just art at a table, either. Snack time and lunch are enjoyed outside in the courtyard, and the teachers mix in a few outdoor games throughout the day to give kids a fun break before heading back inside to create. It strikes that perfect balance between structured activity and carefree play that's so hard to find.

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The Teachers Are Everything

I want to take a moment to specifically brag on the staff, because they truly made this experience exceptional. The class sizes are small — we're not talking about a sea of kids with one frazzled counselor trying to keep everyone together. The teacher-to-student ratio was impressive, and you could feel the difference immediately.

The teachers are kind, warm, and genuinely talented at what they do. What struck me most is their ability to make kids of all ages and ability levels feel included and celebrated. Whether your child is a budding little Picasso or someone who has never held a paintbrush, they meet every kid right where they are and keep them engaged and excited. There was no comparison, no pressure — just pure creative encouragement.

The Final Day: Big Memories, Lasting Keepsakes

The last day of camp is extra special. The kids got to do face painting and tie-dye their own shirt to take home — and let me tell you, that tie-dye shirt has been worn approximately one million times since last June. It became a little symbol of that week, something she's genuinely proud of. Those final-day touches showed me how much thought the teachers put into creating a full, memorable experience — not just a way to pass the summer hours.

Who Is This Camp Perfect For?

If your child loves being creative, gets excited by hands-on projects, and thrives in a calm, encouraging environment — this is your camp. And from a parent's perspective, if you want a place where your child will get genuine attention (not just supervised), where the learning is woven naturally into the fun, and where you can feel good about where they're spending their summer days — Enlightened Learning is it.

Located at 5800 Santa Rosa Rd, Suite 133 & 134 in Camarillo, spots fill up quickly — especially for the most popular themed weeks. If you want to sign your little one up, I'd recommend heading to their website sooner rather than later.

Have questions? You can reach Enlightened Learning at (805) 402-8402 or email them at EnlightenedLearningTeam@gmail.com. They're genuinely lovely people — don't hesitate to reach out!

Disclosure: This is an honest review based on my daughter's personal experience at Enlightened Learning's art camp last summer. We did get a week of camp last summer in exchange for advertising their 2025 camps but I genuinely love this place and want other local families to know about it!