Unleash Your Child’s Creative Potential This Summer: The Artful Life’s 2025 Summer Programs
At The Artful Life Counseling Center and Studio, we believe that healing happens through creativity, movement, and connection. As summer approaches, we’re thrilled to announce our exciting lineup of therapeutic programs designed to help children and teens reduce stress, build confidence, and foster meaningful relationships through the transformative power of expressive arts therapy.
Why Expressive Arts Therapy?
“Everyone has the ability to be creative. Creativity exists within all humans… What we can bring to people through Expressive Arts Therapy is a way to imagine life in a more hopeful and artful kind of way,” shares Natalie Blue, Co-Director and Founder of The Artful Life.
Our summer programs aren’t just fun activities—they’re evidence-based therapeutic experiences that help young people develop lifelong coping skills while feeling like they’re at the most creative summer camp ever. Through visual arts, movement, music, drama, and storytelling, children learn to express their inner world and build emotional resilience in a supportive, judgment-free environment.
Summer 2025 Program Offerings
Cool, Calm, & Creative: A Kid’s Summer Group for Big Feelings
Ages: Rising 2nd-5th Grade
Is your child full of big feelings? Do they get caught up in worries or struggle with overwhelming emotions? This exciting, hands-on summer group transforms stress into strength and worries into wonder through play, movement, and creativity.
What Kids Will Do:
- Create expressive artwork, including their own “Worry Monster” and “Calm Box”
- Dance, jump, and play in freeze-and-flow games
- Use music, storytelling, and drama to work through emotions
- Build friendships and confidence in a fun, supportive space
- Learn simple breathing and mindfulness techniques
Program Details:
- When: Monday-Friday, 10 AM – 12 PM
- Where: Salem, MA
- Sessions for 2nd & 3rd Grade:
- First Session: July 14-18
- Second Session: August 18-22
- Sessions for 4th & 5th Grade:
- First Session: July 21-25
- Second Session: August 25-29
- Investment: $275 for the full-week series
- Group Size: Limited to 6 children per group
Led by Masters-level expressive arts therapists, this program helps kids develop essential coping skills while having an absolute blast. As one past participant shared, “It felt like play, but I learned so much!”
(R)Evolution of Me: A Summer Art Adventure for Teens
Perfect for Creative Teens
Ever feel like you have a million thoughts and emotions but no place to put them? This one-week summer art therapy experience is designed for teens who want to let loose, get creative, and express themselves through layered painting and mixed media. No art skills required—just bring an open mind!
What Teens Will Experience:
- Daily studio time to paint, explore, and experiment with cool art techniques
- Icebreaker games and creative warm-ups
- Optional gallery walks to share work in progress
- Closing circles for reflection and connection
- A final community art exhibition to showcase their one-of-a-kind layered paintings
Program Details:
- When: Monday-Friday, 10 AM – 12 PM
- Where: Salem, MA
- Sessions:
- First Session: July 7-11
- Second Session: August 4-8
This program is perfect for teens who love to create, want a fun and judgment-free space to explore who they are, or are dealing with stress, anxiety, or self-doubt. It’s also great for anyone who simply wants to try something new and make cool art while connecting with other creative teens.
Rainbowdance®: Movement and Music for Little Ones
Ages: 4-6 Years
Discover the magic of Rainbowdance®, a unique program designed to help young children build essential skills for thriving in everyday life. Through interactive movement, music, and story dances, children explore emotional expression, develop self-regulation, and connect with peers.
Developed by Dicki Johnson Macy in 1988, Rainbowdance® has transformed the lives of children across the globe, supporting kids of all abilities in developing the tools they need to flourish.
Key Benefits:
- Building emotional resilience and confidence
- Creating a sense of security and mastery
- Learning to navigate challenges with ease
- Developing engagement and social skills
Program Details:
- When: Tuesdays, 3-4 PM
- Where: Salem, MA
- Dates: June 10, 17, 24 & July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
What Makes Our Programs Special
Comprehensive Support
All participants in our Cool, Calm, & Creative group will complete a pre-screening intake appointment before the group begins. This allows our facilitators to understand each child’s unique strengths and challenges, ensuring the most supportive experience possible. After the group ends, families are invited to a follow-up consultation to discuss progress and recommendations.
Professional Excellence
Our programs are led by licensed, Masters-level expressive arts therapists who specialize in creating warm, welcoming environments where children and teens feel safe to express themselves at their own pace.
Take-Home Tools
Parents receive practical tools and strategies to reinforce skills at home, and during final sessions, families are invited to celebrate their child’s growth and creativity.
About The Artful Life Counseling Center
Founded in 2016, The Artful Life is the only group practice on the North Shore that specializes in Expressive Arts Therapy. We’re passionate about using the creative process to build connections—helping individuals feel more connected to themselves, others, and their community.
As the American Art Therapy Association states, “Art therapy is used to improve cognitive and sensorimotor functions, foster self-esteem and self-awareness, cultivate emotional resilience, promote insight, enhance social skills, reduce and resolve conflicts and distress, and advance societal and ecological change.”
We believe the first step towards change is to imagine the possibility of change. At The Artful Life, we help our clients imagine a healthier and more fulfilling life through creative and interactive approaches grounded in the latest psychotherapy research.
Ready to Register?
Spaces are limited for all programs, so early registration is encouraged. Visit our website at www.artfullifecenter.org to secure your child’s spot in what promises to be an unforgettable summer of growth, creativity, and connection.
Questions about our programs? Contact us at (978) 548-6288 or info@artfullifecenter.org. We’re here to help you imagine a more artful life for your family.
The Artful Life Counseling Center and Studio, LLC is located at 142P Canal Street, Salem, MA 01970, with additional space at 100 Cummings Center, Suite 534-G, Beverly MA 01915. Telehealth options are available.
