Free Summer Enrichment Program
Mindful ArtsSummer Institute
Methuen Youth & Community Center In partnership with the Greater Lawrence Fellowship of the Arts
About the Institute
Discover Your Voice. Build Your Skills. Create Your Future.
The Mindful Arts Summer Institute is a five-week youth development experience designed to help youth explore their creativity, strengthen leadership skills, build healthy relationships, and develop confidence through arts, wellness, recreation, career exploration, and community engagement.
Operating Monday through Friday from July 13 through August 14, 2026, the Summer Institute combines creative expression, social-emotional learning, mindfulness, executive function skill development, and hands-on learning experiences that empower youth to discover their strengths, amplify their voices, and prepare for future success.
Get the flyer & full program
Download full program (PDF) Download flyer imageThe full 15-page guide includes weekly themes, all program areas, and important information for families.
Weekly Themes
Each week builds on the last, guiding youth from self-discovery to a final community showcase.
Rooted in Self: Identity, Voice & Belonging
Youth explore who they are and the unique strengths they bring to their communities, building self-awareness, confidence, and a stronger sense of belonging.
The Body Speaks: Movement, Emotion & Energy
Through movement-based arts, sports leadership, and mindfulness, youth develop healthy coping skills, emotional awareness, resilience, and confidence.
Stronger Together: Collective Creativity & Community
Group projects, creative problem-solving, and service-learning strengthen communication, leadership, and an appreciation for working toward shared goals.
Create with Purpose: Art as Impact
Advocacy projects, community-focused artwork, and multimedia campaigns show youth how creativity can inspire action and positive change.
Our Stage, Our Stories
Youth celebrate their growth with exhibitions, presentations, and community showcases. Families and community members are invited to celebrate their achievements.
Find Your Crew
Every participant belongs to an age-based group where they build friendships, explore new interests, and grow together throughout the summer.
Spark Creators
Young learners who thrive through creativity, discovery, play, and hands-on experiences, building confidence, friendships, and foundational skills.
Vision Voyagers
Emerging leaders developing their voices, exploring new interests, and building stronger connections to their community through collaborative projects.
Horizon Explorers
Youth ready to deepen leadership skills, explore future career pathways, and engage in more advanced artistic, wellness, and community-based learning.
Infinite Innovators
Young adults who take on leadership and mentorship roles while gaining workforce-readiness experience and earning volunteer service hours.
Program Areas
No previous experience required for any program area — all skill levels are welcome.
Visual Arts & Design
Hands-on art projects and design experiences that inspire imagination and self-expression.
- Drawing and painting
- Mixed media and sculpture
- Graphic design and creative projects
- Color, composition, and technique
Multimedia & Digital Storytelling
In partnership with Methuen Community Studios (MCTV) — video, photography, and content creation.
- Video production and editing
- Photography and visual storytelling
- Interviewing and on-camera skills
- Podcasting and media literacy
Recreational Wellness
Activities that promote healthy lifestyles, self-awareness, and personal growth.
- Mindfulness and relaxation
- Yoga, stretching, and movement
- Healthy habits and self-care
- Stress management and emotional wellness
Sports Leadership
Physical activity paired with leadership development, teamwork, and responsibility.
- Leadership through sports and recreation
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Communication and conflict resolution
- Sportsmanship and peer mentoring
Dance & Movement
Creative movement that builds confidence, coordination, and self-awareness.
- Creative movement and self-expression
- Basic dance techniques and choreography
- Rhythm, coordination, and body awareness
- Collaborative performances
Music
Explore creativity, self-expression, and collaboration through musical experiences.
- Musical creativity and self-expression
- Rhythm, listening, and performance
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Appreciation for diverse genres and cultures
Creative Writing
Use imagination, voice, and experience to tell meaningful stories.
- Storytelling and creative expression
- Poetry, fiction, and personal narrative
- Character and plot development
- Critical thinking and collaboration
Theater Arts
Acting, improvisation, storytelling, movement, and performance to build confidence and teamwork.
- Acting and character development
- Improvisation and creative expression
- Voice and movement techniques
- Performance opportunities all summer
Career Exploration & Readiness Program
A four-week workforce and leadership development series that helps high-school youth prepare for life after graduation by exploring careers, developing professional skills, and strengthening executive function skills for success in school, work, and life.
Featured credential: SuperLoop Executive Function Youth Edition — an evidence-informed training in the skills employers, colleges, and training programs value most. By the end of the program, youth will:
- Complete the SuperLoop Executive Function Youth Edition training
- Develop a professional resume
- Practice interviewing and workplace communication
- Explore multiple career and educational pathways
- Strengthen leadership and workplace-readiness skills
- Build confidence in goal setting and decision-making
Important Information for Families
A quick overview is below — full details are in the downloadable program guide.
What to bring each day
- A packed lunch and a refillable water bottle
- Sunscreen (recommended for outdoor activities)
- Comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes
- Any required medications (per MYCC policies)
MYCC provides a daily snack.
Program information
A free summer program for youth ages 9–18 featuring creative, leadership, wellness, and enrichment activities. This program is not a licensed summer camp; swimming is not a planned activity. Activities may take place indoors and outdoors depending on weather and program needs.
Attendance & field trips
Regular attendance is encouraged so participants can fully engage. Please notify MYCC of absences as soon as possible.
Field trips and community-based learning are anticipated throughout the summer; off-site activities require a signed parent/guardian permission form. Details are provided in advance, and MYCC may modify or cancel trips for weather or safety reasons.
Behavior, health & safety
MYCC is committed to a safe, respectful, welcoming environment. Participants treat others with kindness, follow staff directions, and respect program materials and facilities.
Parents/guardians provide accurate emergency contacts and notify MYCC of allergies, medical conditions, or medications at registration. Staff follow established emergency procedures and contact families as appropriate.
Photo & media notice
Photos, videos, audio, and participant work may be used for program documentation, celebration, marketing, social media, grant reporting, and community outreach unless a parent/guardian indicates otherwise on registration forms.
Questions or Ready to Register?
Registration and program questions are handled by the Methuen Youth & Community Center.
Methuen Youth & Community Center (MYCC)
10 Ditson Place, Methuen, MA 01844
kellyf@methuenyouthcc.org