COMPAS Teaching Artists are the hidden secret behind some of the most impactful summer programs in the Twin Cities.
Every year, organizations like the Science Museum of Minnesota, the Minnesota Boyschoir, and the Hennepin County Library rely on COMPAS to bring creativity, connection, and discovery to their summer offerings.
These skilled professionals deliver more than just arts education—they create transformative experiences that help participants grow academically, socially, and emotionally.
“COMPAS has been a great partner in bringing quality art instruction that ties into whatever theme we choose,” shares Jace Carlson, Summer Camps Program Specialist at the Science Museum of Minnesota. This seamless integration of the arts into diverse programming themes is what makes COMPAS a go-to partner for summer programs across Minnesota.
Creativity That Reaches Beyond the Canvas
When kids participate in COMPAS-led programs, they do much more than create art. They learn to think critically, build confidence, and explore new ways of seeing the world. COMPAS Teaching Artists specialize in hands-on, interdisciplinary experiences, using creative movement to engage kinesthetic learners, painting to develop naturalist observation skills, and photography to connect with the natural environment.
“STAR camp is one that campers come back for year after year,” Carlson explains. “Since it has a different theme each year, campers get to have variety even when they repeat it. And because two of the sections are taught by non-Science Museum instructors, it has been great to have a full-day camp that is taught by experts in art and theater.”
This collaboration between COMPAS and community organizations ensures that summer programming is not only enjoyable but deeply enriching, giving young people a chance to synthesize learning across disciplines while creating lasting memories.
Meeting Needs, Building Connections
For many families, summer programs are more than a way to keep kids busy—they’re a lifeline. Programs like the Hennepin County Library’s Summer Learning initiative rely on COMPAS to bridge gaps in access to education and enrichment. These programs focus on helping youth encounter new concepts, maintain academic and social skills, and build meaningful connections with peers, mentors, and their communities.
“COMPAS has been an essential partner, providing a rich and diverse catalog of teaching artists and programs that encompass a wide range of artistic mediums, forms of expression, and cultural learning experiences,” shares Summer Learning Program Manager Alison Reiter. This partnership helps not just children but entire communities grow closer together.
One standout program, the Tiny School of Art and Design, brought together participants of all ages—from three-year-olds to adults. A library staff member recalls, “Everyone loved it and stayed for a long time immersed in the projects. Honestly, the adults really, really loved it. People shared art, traded art, did portraits of family, and we saw so much joy from everyone.”
The Support You Need to Succeed
Behind every successful COMPAS program is a team of dedicated artists and staff who work closely with partner organizations to ensure smooth planning and execution. Rachel McCarthy, Education Programs Manager at Park Square Theatre, reflects on the support COMPAS provided during her first year organizing summer camps: “I joined the Park Square team this past March and was thrown into organizing camps and programs quite quickly. I got to lean on the support of COMPAS and Jace [from the Science Museum of Minnesota] to make sure the program ran smoothly.”
COMPAS’s blend of artistic expertise and professional support allows its partners to deliver programs that inspire, engage, and connect—while taking the stress out of planning.
Partner with COMPAS to Elevate Your Programs
When you bring COMPAS Teaching Artists into your summer programming, you’re doing more than adding an activity—you’re creating life-changing experiences. Whether your focus is literacy, interdisciplinary learning, or simply bringing creativity and connection to your community, COMPAS can help you design programming that is as impactful as it is memorable.ur Programs
Ready to transform your summer programs? Now is the time to lock in your plans! Contact Katie Schmieg to find out how COMPAS can help you inspire creativity, foster connection, and make a lasting impact on your participants. Let COMPAS be your partner in creating unforgettable experiences!
