Expressive Explorers Creativity Camps -What makes our camp different and unique?
Introducing Expressive Explorers, a creativity camp designed to help your child express themselves and explore the world around them! Facilitated by Leeanna Mantica, MS, ATR, at Florida Art Therapy Services in Fort Myers, FL, this camp series is perfect for
young children (ages 5-8) who may be neurodivergent or just crave a smaller, structured environment.
Leeanna Mantica, MS, ATR began facilitating summer camps at local arts centers following the Covid-19 pandemic. She has taught everything from Drawing/Painting 101, Multimedia Sculpture, Ceramics and Wheel Throwing to Acting and STEM related
courses, including Robotics!
Leeanna is a registered art therapist who has worked with neurodiverse children and adolescents for over ten years in non-profit and psychiatric settings. She is a native to southwest Florida, a multimedia artist and mother who enjoys incorporating all aspects of what she has learned into her work. Since moving to private practice at Florida Art Therapy Services, she is excited to provide an integrated creative camp series for the community!
What makes this camp different from other camps available?
1. Smaller – We are limiting to 8 children per week to allow each child 1:1 time, attention and support needed.
2. Open to siblings – Everyone needs a buddy sometimes! Siblings who are cooperative with one another and within the age range are welcome to attend together!
3. Breaks- We have built several small breaks into your child’s day, to
accommodate for transition times and differing energy levels.
4. Sensory- Each camp will include up to five centers with various sensory experiences for your child to explore daily. These include sand trays, water tables, kinetic sand, cloud dough, coloring and even a puppet theater!
5. Integrated- Includes multiple ways for your child to learn topics and integrate information, using creative modalities.
Each week we will be exploring a different theme, with plenty of sensory opportunities and daily activities to infuse creativity into their life:
Expressive Explorers Creative Summer Camp: “Into the Dirt"
Expressive Explorers Creative Summer Camp: “Into the Dirt”
This 4- day program helps your child dig, discover, and create in this sensory-friendly, nature-based art camp. Into the Dirt invites young explorers to connect with the earth through hands-on art, gentle sensory play, and curiosity-driven discovery. Using natural materials like clay, plants, and soil, children will explore creativity while building emotional awareness, regulation skills, and a calming connection to the natural world.
DATES: Monday through Thursday June 8-11, 2026
TIME: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
AGES: 5-7 years old
Daily Rhythm (Consistent Each Day)9:00–9:20 | Welcome Circle + Sensory Warm-Up9:20–10:00 | Art Activity #110:00–10:20 | Snack + Break10:20–11:00 | Social Game / Exploration11:00–11:30 | Art Activity #211:30–12:00 | Movie Time (Themed Clip or Short Segment)12:00–12:45 | Lunch12:45–1:00 | Reflection + Closing
Schedule
Day 1: Meet the Earth
Focus: Sensory exploration + grounding
Art #1: Wishbugs (clay + natural materials)
Game: Bug Hunt Adventure
Art #2: Dirt & Texture Painting
Movie Suggestion:A Bug's Life (short clips)
Day 2: Paths & Patterns
Focus: Mindfulness + movement
Art #1: Clay Labyrinths with marbles
Game: Human Labyrinth Walk
Art #2: Nature Pattern Collage
Movie Suggestion:Pocahontas (nature connection scenes)
Day 3: Nature as Artist
Focus: Transformation + creativity
Art #1: Plant Painting (turmeric, cinnamon, coffee)
Game: Nature Kitchen
Art #2: Gelatin Printmaking + Sun Prints
Movie Suggestion:The Lorax
Day 4: Fear –My Safe Nature Space
Focus: Comfort + regulation
Art #1: Safe Space Terrariums
Game: Build-a-Habitat
Art #2: Draw Your Safe Place
Movie Suggestion:
My Neighbor Totoro
Schedule
Day 1: Anxiety
Focus: Understanding worry + body signals
Group Build: Add “alert system” to Brain Machine
Game: “Signal Freeze” (body reacting to cues)
Art: Create a “Worry Creature”
Movie Focus: Anxiety scenes from Inside Out 2
Day 2: Sadness
Focus: Expression + empathy
Group Build: Add “memory storage” area
Game: Emotion Sharing Circle
Art: Comfort Quilt Collage (simplified version)
Movie Focus: Sadness scenes
Day 3: Joy
Focus: Positive experiences + connection
Group Build: Add “joy center” with color/light
Game: Joy Freeze Dance
Art: Joy Jars
Movie Focus: Joy scenes
Day 4: Mixed Feelings (Sadness + Joy Integration)
Focus: Emotional balance + coping
Group Build: Final Brain Machine assembly
Game: Coping Skills Relay
Art: Coping Toolbox
Movie Focus: Resolution scenes showing mixed emotions
Overall Goal:
This program helps children understand and express their emotions in a safe, supportive environment. By using creative outlets, physical activity, and storytelling, kids learn to navigate their feelings, develop emotional intelligence, and foster empathy for others.
Read the Reviews:
“My son just completed a week of art camp. This was our first experience with Florida Art Therapy Services and we had a fantastic experience. From day one, Ms. Leeanna did an amazing job, entertaining and teaching the kids about feelings. Every day, my son came home excited to tell me all the fun things they had done. When the rain threatened some of the plans, Ms. Leeanna jumped into action and turned it into an even more memorable experience for the kids by having them play in the rain, with the parents permission of course. This was one of the best camp experiences we’ve had and it is amazing to see how Ms. Leeanna goes above and beyond to ensure every kid’s unique needs are met. She was absolutely amazing, we will be back to see her.”
Paola Morgado Baquero
“My kids had so much fun. Plus, without realizing you taught this, my son had a tiny explosion this week; and when I said to breathe he actually did this time. Normally he ignores me or gets madder when I suggest that!I seriously expected a call on Monday saying to come pick up Graham due to some kind of melt down. By Tuesday I realized he loved camp too much and wouldn’t want that to happen.“
Heather F
What makes this camp different from other camps available?
1. Smaller - We are limiting to 8 children per week to allow each child 1:1 time, attention and support needed.2. Open to siblings - Everyone needs a buddy sometimes! Siblings who are cooperative with one another and within the age range are welcome to attend together!3. Breaks- We have built several small breaks into your child's day, toaccommodate for transition times and differing energy levels.4. Sensory- Each camp will include up to five centers with various sensory experiences for your child to explore daily. These include sand trays, water tables, kinetic sand, clay materials, coloring and even a puppet theater!5. Integrated- Includes multiple ways for your child to learn topics and integrate information, using creative modalities.
Ready to join us for a week of fun, creativity, and emotional exploration? Sign up now to secure your spot!Sign Up Here: Register for CampRSVP: Call us at (239-297-7099) or email Liza Jean at moc.secivresyparehttraadirolf%40aziL for more information or if you have any questions.
Camp Cost: $275 per WeekThis fee includes all materials and supplies for the projects, demonstrations, 1:1 time, and sensory centers.Beverages will also be provided throughout the day.
Location:5280 Summerlin Commons Way #804, Fort Myers, FL 33907Our camp will be held at this convenient and welcoming location in Fort Myers.
Don’t miss out on a week of learning, emotional growth, and artistic expression—sign up today!