Our Staff & Partners

Since 2011, Arts Delivered has brought the joy of visual arts directly to communities across the Charlotte area, serving thousands of children of all ages. Specializing in ceramics, pottery, painting, and drawing, they partner with like us to create engaging art experiences. Founded by accomplished artist and educator Rick Crowley, Arts Delivered combines expertise and passion to inspire creativity wherever they go.

Atomz Lab specializes in hands-on science camps for children ages 5 - 14, offering an unforgettable experience filled with curiosity and discovery. Founded by Dawn Ballway, a Charlotte-area mom with a background in childhood development and the performing arts, Atomz Lab was created to spark a love for science through engaging, interactive activities. From making slime to thrilling experiments, Atomz Lab’s camps inspire young scientists to explore, experiment, and ignite their imaginations. Join the exploding summer fun and discover why parents and campers alike rave about Atomz Lab.

Better Golf for Kids offers engaging six-step golf camps designed by elementary school teachers and award-winning golf professionals, making it the perfect introduction to the game for children. Led by experienced instructor Daniel Webb, their camps help young golfers ages 6 - 14 build and refine skills like putting, pitching, chipping, and mastering the full swing, all while learning the rules and etiquette of the game. Their fun and educational camps inspire a lifelong love of golf in a supportive environment!

Founded in Charlotte, Blackbird Studio offers unforgettable art education experiences led by professional teaching artists like Jen Crickenberger, who are passionate about sharing their craft. From digital photography to stop-motion animation, Blackbird Studio’s camps invite campers of all ages to explore diverse creative mediums while connecting to K-12 core curriculum. Their mobile art studio reaches thousands of children each year through partnerships with schools, libraries, and cultural centers, with grant funding from the Arts and Science Council making free programs possible for underserved communities. Whether through summer camps or multi-day residencies, Blackbird Studio delivers high-quality, impactful art experiences that children truly love.

Founded in 2014, the Charlotte Chess Center (CCC) is Charlotte’s leading hub for chess education and competition, welcoming players of all ages and skill levels. The CCC offers a wide range of programs, including year-round camps, classes, school enrichment offerings, and lectures, with a focus on creating a supportive community for chess enthusiasts. In partnership with us, the CCC is excited to bring engaging chess camps, providing expert instruction and the opportunity to develop valuable skills. With their professional expertise and a passion for growing the game, the CCC is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of chess players while fostering a lifelong love of the game.

Charlotte Performing Arts Academy (CPAA), owned by Keva Miller, offers dynamic dance camps where young dancers can explore ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, and hip hop. With a focus on technique, creativity, and confidence, these camps provide a fun and supportive environment for dancers of all levels. Keva, whose children are Charlotte Latin alumni, is passionate about fostering a strong sense of community and teamwork, which is reflected in the close-knit atmosphere of CPAA’s camps. Whether they’re honing their skills or making lasting friendships, campers at CPAA are sure to have an unforgettable dance experience.

Charlotte Ultimate brings the excitement of ultimate frisbee to the greater Charlotte area through engaging camps, clinics, leagues, and tournaments. Their ultimate frisbee camps offer middle and high school players the chance to develop their skills, build teamwork, and enjoy the thrill of this fast-paced sport. With seasonal recreational leagues and school-based opportunities, Charlotte Ultimate is dedicated to growing the sport while creating a welcoming community for players of all experience levels. Whether you're catching your first disc or refining your game, Charlotte Ultimate’s camps provide an unforgettable experience for young athletes.

Codemoji brings the excitement of coding to life with interactive camps that teach children the fundamentals of HTML, JavaScript, and CSS in a fun and intuitive way. By eliminating common barriers like code syntax and focusing on relatable emojis, Codemoji empowers young learners to create and build while mastering essential STEM skills. With adaptive lessons that progress at each student’s pace, Codemoji challenges campers to think creatively and improve as coders, all while having a great time. Perfect for beginners and budding tech enthusiasts, Codemoji’s camps offer an engaging introduction to the world of programming.

Fit180, led by Head Coach Lisa Sluiter, offers a dynamic cross-country running and conditioning camp designed to help young athletes build endurance, strength, and confidence. Since 2008, Fit180 has been dedicated to fostering well-rounded athletes through quality training, healthy habits, and character development. Their professional coaching staff provides a supportive and encouraging environment where children can grow physically, mentally, and socially. Whether your camper is new to running or looking to take their skills to the next level, Fit180’s expertise and passion for mentoring young athletes make this camp an exceptional opportunity to challenge themselves and have fun.

Innovation Drama Academy, owned and directed by Bridget Burrows, brings the magic of children’s theatre to life through acting, singing, and dance classes for ages 4 - 18. Guided by the belief that every child deserves to have their voice heard, the academy creates a space where "All Capable. All Possible" is more than a motto — it’s a mission. From high-quality musical productions to engaging summer camps, IDA inspires creativity and confidence in young performers. With a commitment to excellence, they provide a stage for every child to shine and tell their story.

MATI Karate offers dynamic and engaging karate camps designed to help kids build self-confidence, develop life skills, and embrace a “Yes I Can” positive attitude. Led by enthusiastic instructors, campers will enjoy fun drills and activities that improve motor skills, hand-eye coordination, focus, and listening skills. Emphasis is placed on critical topics like self-defense, dealing with bullies, and stranger danger, while fostering character traits such as respect, humility, and kindness. Whether your child is a beginner or looking to advance their skills, MATI Karate provides a supportive environment where every camper can grow as a leader at home, school, and in the community.

The Tim Wilkison Academy, led by legendary tennis professional Tim Wilkison, brings world-class expertise and a personalized approach to developing players of all ages and skill levels. Known for focusing on the individual, TWA tailors training to each player's unique style and needs, fostering faster development and long-term success. With a 25-year professional tennis career, including a top ATP ranking of #21 and victories in Grand Slam events, Coach Wilkison now uses his experience to coach players at every level — from young beginners to ATP and WTA competitors. In addition to running the renowned Nike Tennis camps, Coach Wilkison and his expert coaching team emphasize fitness, mental toughness, and strategic play in their Little Hawks Tennis camps, providing young athletes with the skills, confidence, and passion to thrive on and off the court.

Young Engineers of Today, owned and operated by husband-and-wife duo Tom and Sandy Dubick, is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers. With over three decades of experience teaching engineering and programming, they offer more than 60 hands-on camps each summer, where young minds learn by doing. Using advanced digital fabrication tools and cutting-edge technology, their camps empower children to tackle real-world projects, sparking creativity and curiosity. YEOT has a proud legacy of nurturing future engineers and programmers, many of whom go on to excel in technical careers, making this a fantastic opportunity for campers to explore STEM in a fun, engaging environment.