Irish Summer Camp
About
Irish Camp Returns in Summer 2026 – Now in Its Sixth Year!
We’re thrilled to announce that Irish Camp is back in 2026 with two three-week sessions designed to immerse young people in Irish culture, creativity, and community spirit. The first session runs June 8–26, and the second session runs July 6–24.
Now entering its sixth year, Irish Camp continues to be a cornerstone of the local Irish-American community, offering three unforgettable weeks of active learning, artistic expression, and summer fun. With full counselor engagement and enthusiastic participation from campers, each session promises a dynamic, enriching experience.
Campers will explore a wide range of Irish cultural activities in a safe, supportive environment led by professional teaching artists and experienced support staff. From drama, music, and song to hip-hop dance, Irish language, and storytelling, each camper will have the opportunity to discover and develop their creative voice.
Each camp concludes with a family-friendly performance at the Irish Center, where every child takes the stage and shines—leaving parents proud and campers with lasting memories.
Camp 1 Show – June 26, 2026 at 7PM
Camp 2 Show – July 24, 2026 at 7PM
Camp registration opens January 1, 2026.
Camp 1 – Across the Sea: Irish Journeys, American Dreams
Join the fun of our June summer camp where everyone discovers new skills and impresses us with their creativity. This year’s theme is Irish Emigration – the voyage from Ireland to a new life in America. We will discover our heritage by exploring Irish immigrants’ experience of the Gold Rush, building canals and railroads, becoming nurses, police, housemaids and firefighters in the US – all through games and workshops, run by our top team of teaching artists.
Three weeks will culminate in a theatrical performance when campers dramatize snapshots of history through song, dance, art, Irish language, poetry and rap, traditional music, and storytelling!
Camp 2 – Stars & Stripes & Shamrocks!
Due to the huge popularity of our annual summer camp, we are delighted to announce a second camp in July! Here is an opportunity to experience three additional weeks of Irish culture and arts through music, theatre, dance, poetry, songs, comedy, sports and games.
We will delve into Irish mythology and folklore, enacting magical tales from the otherworld. Mixing drama with singing, dancing and the visual arts, campers learn teamwork, collaboration and ensemble performance. And in an exciting special project we will be commemorating America’s 250thIndependence Anniversary! Might we even discover an ancient Celtic legend that mirrors this historic event?
Children Ages 6 to 16
*New* 6-7 age group added for the WEE FOLK
Camp 1 - June 8-26 & Camp 2 - July 6-24
- 2 Three Week Sessions
- SPACE IS LIMITED
- Registration opens January 2026
9am - 3pm
- Extended Care service available 3-5pm
The 2026 Irish Summer camp was made possible by the generous support from the Michael and Catherine Cremin Irish Cultural Fund.
New Category of Campers
Summer Camp Chieftains 2026
Summer Camp 2026 is introducing a new category: Chieftains. These are campers aged 13-16, most of whom are veteran participants over previous years. Their experience in the performing arts and working as a team will set an example to the younger campers. Chieftains may assume principal roles in our culminating show, be trained in script writing and devising, artist collaboration, gain leadership status, specialized skills, and lead the Celts, Shamrocks and Wee Folk to success.
Music + Singing
Performance & Movement
Drama
Our Mission
The mission and goal of Irish Camp is to be a partner with parents in providing wholesome activities for children and offer a program that promotes growth and development of children’s personalities, along with positive moral paths.
Our attitude and approach to everything we do at camp focuses on creating a warm, welcoming environment in which kids can be themselves without fear of judgment and in which each child belongs. Our child-centered philosophy creates a supportive atmosphere where campers develop skills and values to last a lifetime.
Irish Camp respects the rights and dignity of all campers and staff, including individuals with varying abilities, cultures, genders, races and religions.
About the Director
Máire Clerkin - Director, Summer Camp
Steeped in Irish arts her entire life, Máire was born in London of Irish parents—her mother was a renowned Irish dance teacher, adjudicator, and feis musician. Màire has made a career in Irish arts, with her acclaimed dance theatre companies touring Britain and Ireland in the 1980-90s. Her award-winning show The Bad Arm – Confessions of a Dodgy Irish Dancer toured North America, Dublin, Edinburgh Festival, and London’s West End, as well as an appearance at the Irish Dancing World Championships in North Carolina.
Máire Clerkin is a writer, director, choreographer, teacher, actor, storyteller, performance coach, and former Irish dance adjudicator. External examiner at University of Limerick and Master Teaching Artist with Los Angeles Music Center, Segerstrom Center for the Arts and LA Arts Group, Máire specializes in Irish dance and theatre, with a background in journalism.
Máire has created multiple dance drama productions, achieving regional, national & international success. Other credits: Telling LA, PBS TV; World City at Walt Disney Concert Hall; Music Makers Schools on BBC TV; Revolver on BBC World Service; Dancing on Dangerous Ground, Radio City NY and Theatre Royal Drury Lane; Unconnected Soundings, Royal Opera House; Centenary Knees Up, South Bank; Fennels, Flannels and Funnels with John Hegley, The Place; collaborations with DV8 and Peter Sheridan; co-founder The Hairy Marys and Clerkinworks. Once Upon a Time in Ireland (Irish storytelling for children), is performed in schools and libraries and online. Máire’s screenplay, The Jig is Up is currently in development.
Other teaching credits include Weekend Arts College, Lewisham Youth Camp, Loyola Marymount University, Cois Céim, Blás, UICC Summer Camp, The Players Conservatory, Aman Dance Educators, & Santa Monica College.
“There is a lot of scope for intrigue with comedy, disguise, songs of adventure, a mystery voyage, wild sailors, a sad pig, banshees, hurling games, and a magic horse,” says Máire. ”Every camper chooses their favorite activities, and our experienced camp leaders will show them how to gain new skills, laugh as they play, and prepare to perform on the final night!”.
Sign-Up Soon!
2026 Youth Summer Program
Campers will experience a wide range of Irish cultural activities in a safe environment with professional teaching artists and support staff. Irish Camp offers opportunities to discover and develop:
- Drama
- Music
- Song
- Hip-Hop Dance
- Storytelling
- Irish language
CONTACT US with QUESTIONS
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL
JOIN US - VOLUNTEER
The Center is a largely volunteer-run organization and we can always use some able hands and new ideas. Please consider signing onto our volunteer list and help when and where you can. This is YOUR Center!
Irish Camp Photo Gallery
