Learning never stops at City Schools. Over the summer, thousands of students across Baltimore took part in programs that kept their minds active, their creativity flowing, and their connections strong. Over the next few weeks, we will highlight three standout programs from summer 2025. Each story will show student growth, family engagement, and community impact. Together, these programs demonstrate how learning in City Schools extends far beyond the traditional school year.
A child’s growth and enrichment doesn’t stop just because it’s summer break—nor does City Schools' commitment to the pillars articulated in Portrait of a Graduate. The Fine Arts Camp at Wildwood Elementary Middle School was a lively and joyous opportunity for creative and innovative thinkers to expand minds and to learn and try new skills as part of their well-rounded (and year-round!) education.
As might be expected from its name, students from fourth through 12th grade participated in a full range of artistic expressions, including drawing and painting, music, theater, and dance. One morning, Digital Harbor High School student Amiyah diligently worked on her “semi-realistic” anime drawings. At another table, Tequari, a rising 9th grader at Paul Laurence Dunbar High School, added to his prolific drawing portfolio—pages filled with intricate drawings that showcased his finesse with shading, gradients, and perspective. In another classroom, students were learning to play the piano as their teacher reminded them, “Shoulders back. Feet flat.” A few doors down the hall, theater teacher Ms. Shade was empowering students to “create something that doesn’t exist” with mime.
The culmination of the five-week camp was a presentation where all 135 campers showed off their newfound or developing skills. “Kids end up picking a performance or art that isn’t what they came to camp knowing the most,” said Chan’nel Howard, the camp director and City Schools’ Fine Arts Coordinator. “They develop new interests at the camp. They flourish when they have the opportunity.”
Opportunity. Flourish. Develop. The Fine Arts Camp was more than about developing artistic skills; it was about developing well-rounded, thoughtful, and confident students.
“We include every voice and give space to all students,” said Ms. Howard.
Students took that space and owned it.
“I feel greatness and energy,” beamed 6th grader Blake after performing a choreographed dance with his class.
“I did a good job. I believe in myself,” added his classmate Kennedy.
Jonathan, a 10th grader at Baltimore School for the Arts, said, “I’m growing in social awareness and social intelligence while I’m here.”
Jonathan was one of the YouthWorks students at the camp. Several high school students were paid through the Mayor’s Office of Employment Development for assisting teachers in leading arts activities. The benefits extended well beyond their stipend.
“The camp helped with my social skills,” said Cassidy, a YouthWorks camper and 11th grader at City Neighbors High School. “Before camp, I didn’t put myself out there. The camp helped with my communication skills.”
Lyric, an 11th grader at Baltimore Leadership School for Young Women, commented that the camp “helped me see other people’s perspectives.” As a result of working with younger students and participating in career readiness activities at the Fine Arts Camp, she plans to attend college to pursue a career in pediatric nursing. 
Before participating in art activities, high schoolers began each day with a seminar where they discussed a topic of their choice. Subjects this past summer ranged from current events and the environment to careers and family relationships.
“Even putting the final show together is a personal development opportunity,” said Ms. Williams. “As students chose what they wanted to highlight, they were learning decision-making and responsibility, how to collaborate and work as a group. They had to make sure the show was cohesive and not redundant, and involved everyone.”
“The older kids are here as leaders,” said Mrs. Carr-Simon, a social worker at the camp. “We’re here to help kids learn how to manage themselves and others.”
