A young girl in a white dress is sitting on a stool, engaging in a painting activity in an art studio. She is surrounded by art supplies including several open small containers of different colored paints, a palette with orange paint, and a glass of water. Behind her, there is a focused painting of a rainbow on a canvas, and the studio environment appears creative and colorful.

● About

Why Camp Bennie?

Most camps teach kids how to follow the rules—at Bennie, we invite them to break them. Our days are built around small classes with working artists, cozy cabins that feel like home, and plenty of space to experiment, make a mess, and try again. It’s this mix of guidance and freedom that makes Camp Bennie different—and why campers leave buzzing with ideas, friendships, and the guts to keep creating.

● Our Mission & Philosophy

Our Principles


Creativity Over Perfection

We celebrate bold ideas, happy accidents, and the magic that happens when things don’t go as planned.


Making Made Accessible

We believe the arts should be available to every child, with financial aid and support making camp more inclusive.


Artists at the Helm

Campers learn directly from practicing artists who model curiosity, discipline, and a lifelong creative practice.


Process Over Product

We emphasize exploration and making over polished results, helping campers see value in the work itself.

A young girl sitting on a striped beach chair splashing water in a shallow river or creek, smiling at the camera, with another person sitting on the sandy bank and trees in the background.

● Our Story

Meet Bennie

Bennie grew up spending summers on the road with her artist parents—painting by the lake, playing music barefoot, and putting on backyard plays by the bonfire. Those early experiences of freedom, creativity, and joy became the heartbeat of the camp she would go on to create.

Today, that vision lives on each summer, when a close-knit crew of working artists and educators gather in the woods to inspire and mentor a new generation. Together, they guide kids through hands-on discovery, bold ideas, and the kind of creativity that only happens when you’re outside, unplugged, and surrounded by people who believe in your spark.