Peace. Love. Arts. You.
P.L.A.Y. (Peace. Love. Arts. You.) is a fun-filled summer arts program for kids ages 5-14, set on the legendary grounds of the 1969 Woodstock festival! Led by professional teaching artists, kids will dive into music, painting, sculpture, digital design, and more, sparking creativity and community in an unforgettable setting. Register for one- or two-week sessions to fit your summer plans—but hurry, spots fill fast!
2025 Summer Arts Programs
P.L.A.Y. All Day - Ages 5-6
Weekly: June 30 – August 22
Each week-long session includes outdoor explorations, art projects, storytelling, social play, and plenty of fun!
Ages 5-6: Creative Exposure: At this age, young artists explore drawing, painting, sculpture, and music through hands-on projects and creative play, building skills and confidence in a fun, supportive environment.
P.L.A.Y. All Day - Ages 7-9
Week-long sessions from June 30 - August 22, 2025
These sessions focus on building skills in music, visual arts, storytelling, and theater.
Ages 7-9: Dig in and Develop: Our 7-9 year old artists will start to build specific skills in the arts with structured curriculum that includes collaborative projects, special musical activities, and time in nature to inspire creativity. The program also includes enriching museum visits and weekly guests that connect kids to the rich history and legacy of our community and Bethel Woods.
P.L.A.Y. Labs
Immersive One-Week Programs for Ages 10–12
During P.L.A.Y. Labs, kids aged 10-12 dive into the exciting world of digital arts, animation, graphic design, and more—all in our state-of-the-art computer lab. These immersive week-long programs help young creators fine tune their skills, with access to cutting-edge software, by collaborating with peers, and by bringing their wildest ideas to life on screen. Daily schedule includes breaks in nature and social time to recharge and draw inspiration for a perfect blend of tech, creativity, and outdoor fun.
3D Printing Lab
Immersive One-Week Digital Arts Program for Ages 10–12
This hands-on program introduces kids to the world of 3D design, modeling, and printing, developing creativity and problem-solving through cutting-edge technology.
Storybook Creation Lab
Immersive One-Week Arts & Writing Program for Ages 10–12
Young authors and illustrators bring their own storybook to life through writing, drawing, and design in this creative, hands-on program.
Animation Lab
Immersive One-Week Digital Arts Program for Ages 10–12
Budding animators learn digital storytelling, motion graphics, and animation techniques in this exciting introduction to the world of animation.
Photography Lab
Immersive One-Week Digital Arts Program for Ages 10–12
Capture the world through a new lens! In this hands-on program, young artists learn the art and technique of digital photography—from composing the perfect shot to editing like a pro.
P.L.A.Y. Specials
Specialized Two-Week Programs for Ages 10–14
Our P.L.A.Y. Special programs are dedicated to preserving the legacy of the 1969 Woodstock festival by nurturing a passion for the arts in young people through intensive, specialized two-week courses. Over the course of eight weeks, we host 4 unique P.L.A.Y. Special programs for youth aged 10-14. Bethel Woods' teaching artists, selected for their specific expertise, lead these programs. Outfitted with a brand new outdoor pavilion which serves as both a studio and performance space, this bucolic side of the Bethel Woods campus is the perfect backdrop for education, learning, and fun to take place.
P.L.A.Y. Film
Specialized Two-Week Film Program for Ages 10–14
Over the course of two weeks, participants explore the full filmmaking process—from scriptwriting to post-production—bringing their creative visions to life on screen.
P.L.A.Y. Rock Camp
Specialized Two-Week Music Program for Ages 10–14
Young musicians have two full weeks to explore the roots of rock while honing their skills on guitar, bass, drums, keyboard, and vocals. Students are grouped by ability and guided by experienced mentors, culminating in a live concert of classic covers and original songs.
P.L.A.Y. Fine Arts
Specialized Two-Week Visual Art Program for Ages 10–14
In this immersive two week program, young artists develop visual arts skills through drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, and mixed media—guided by teaching artists and inspired by the historic site.
P.L.A.Y. Rock Camp II
Specialized Two-Week Music Program for Ages 10–14
Due to popular demand, this second session offers additional seats and dates for young musicians to join the fun. Participants explore the roots of rock over two weeks and sharpen their skills on guitar, bass, drums, keyboard, and vocals—culminating in a live concert of classic covers and original songs.
In fulfillment of our mission to provide extraordinary experiences and access to the arts, tuition assistance is available for up to 100%. To learn more, email Education@BethelWoodsCenter.org.
Funding for P.L.A.Y. has been generously provided by Nellie and Robert Gipson of the Tianaderrah Foundation, the William and Elaine Kaplan Family Foundations, the Cornelia T. Bailey Foundation, the John N. Blackman Sr. Foundation, and the County of Sullivan through the Sullivan County Youth Bureau. Additional support is provided by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Governor and the New York State Legislature, as well as members and donors of Bethel Woods Center for the Arts.