Summer camps 2026.
Award-winning film and animation camps for middle and high schoolers — taught by working artists in real studios at the Canopy Art Complex.
Pick a camp. Pick fast.
Middle School Animation
June 8–12, 2026 · Mon–Fri · 10am–5pm
✦ Sold outHigh School Animation
June 15–19, 2026 · Mon–Fri · 10am–5pm
✦ 1 spot left Apply now → ✦Middle School Filmmaking
June 22–26, 2026 · Mon–Fri · 10am–5pm
✦ 2 spots left Apply now →High School Filmmaking
July 13–17, 2026 · Mon–Fri · 10am–5pm
✦ Sold outA finished film. A finished animation. A finished week.
Animation Academy
For kids who love drawing, digital art, or storytelling.
Each camper works at their own iMac with professional animation software. They build their own short animated project from concept to final render — and watch it screen with everyone else's on Friday.
- Software: Adobe Animate on iMac workstations
- Skills: Character design, timing, motion, squash & stretch
- Plus: Rotoscoping, voiceover, sound integration
- Meet the Artist series with guest animators
Filmmaking Academy
For kids curious about storytelling and collaboration.
Campers work together as a real film crew. They write, direct, shoot, and edit their own short film — rotating through on-set roles using real cameras, lighting, and sound gear in our production studios.
- Roles: Director, cinematographer, sound operator, editor
- Skills: Framing, lighting, audio capture, picture editing
- Gear: Real cinema cameras, professional lights & sound
- Meet the Artist series with guest filmmakers
All-inclusive, no hidden fees.
Four steps in.
Pick a camp
Use the camp links above to find the session that fits your camper's age and interest.
Submit the app
Fill out the application form online and pay the $20 application fee (refundable if not accepted).
Get notified
We review on Fridays and respond within 5 business days. Check the email you used to apply.
Confirm with tuition
If accepted, pay tuition in full OR start the 50% / 2-installment payment plan to lock the spot.
✦ The $20 application fee is applied toward tuition if accepted, or refunded if not (you can also donate it to the youth program). Tuition is non-refundable once paid.
Tuition shouldn't be the barrier.
Full-tuition scholarships for Central Texas families.
We hold 8 scholarship spots for the 2026 youth camps — fully covering tuition for families in the Central Texas area. No essay marathon. No financial gymnastics.
- Full tuition covered for accepted scholarship campers
- Open to Central Texas families who need it
- Same camps, same gear, same showcase
- Apply on the youth scholarship page
Common questions.
Does my child need prior experience?
No experience required — just curiosity. Camps are for beginner through intermediate levels, and our application process is about making sure your camper is excited to participate, not testing their skills.
My kid just finished 5th / 8th grade — which camp?
Just finished 8th? Register for the High School session — they'll join 9th–11th graders.
Just finished 5th? We recommend waiting until 6th grade. Our Middle School sessions are designed for students who have completed 6th grade.
Borderline ages — we're happy to help you pick the right fit. Email classes@austinfilmschool.org.
Can I pay in installments?
Yes. 50% deposit secures the spot, and the remaining balance splits into two monthly installments.
Where are camps located?
Our two production studios at the Canopy Art Complex, 916 Springdale Road in East Austin. You'll get specific studio details and check-in instructions in your welcome email about 5 days before camp begins.
What does my camper need to bring?
Sack lunch, snacks, and a reusable water bottle each day. We provide healthy snacks (fresh fruit, gluten-free crackers) plus all camp gear, software, materials, t-shirt, and tote bag.
Why an application process?
It's not about gatekeeping — it's about good fit. Camps are small (10–15 campers), and we want every kid who shows up to be genuinely excited to make something. The application is just a way for both you and your camper to reflect on the experience ahead and make sure it's the right week.
Apply before the spots are gone.
Two camps. Three spots. Eighteen-ish days. Applications reviewed Fridays on a rolling basis — first come, first served.