Written & spoken testimonies submitted via email or said in person:

Things we heard or were emailed by parents during and after SUMMER 2008 camp:

Hi, Jessica! - Emily and Anthony had a great time at camp this summer. The new facility is really nice. The selection of classes has definately improved over the past few years--the hip hop class was a great way for the kids to try that out (more appealing than Jazzercise, I think) and it was great having Mad Science there, too. I liked that there was an hour available for academics--can't remember if you'd had that when we were there in the past. Looking forward to next summer--Emily is excited to apply to be a CIT. - Best, Stephanie Nunez

Jessica, Wanted to thank you, Jenn, and the entire staff for taking such great care of Hayden and Makenna during the recent summer camps at A4C. Your personal touches and flexibility to our scheduling needs are ALWAYS very much appreciated. Have a great rest of the summer, and hope to see you again soon! - Dan & Kathy McAdoo

I am very happy I was referred to Art 4 Children last year. My son has attended summer and winter camps since then and he's loved it. We feel very lucky with the instructors, the structure and the classes offered. He is in a safe, nurturing enviornment that I would encourage all parents to put their children in. You won't be disappointed! - Karen Alvarez - San Marcos, CA

You guys fill such a niche. We have tried other camps in the area and we [had some unpleasant experiences]. I have been telling everyone about you guys. You create the only environment we have found where I feel safe leaving my child. Once any child comes here and feels this type of comfort and gets this kind of personalized attention, they won't want to leave. - long time Art 4 Children parent & teacher.

Joshua (age 8) had a great time at your camp. Thank you for being so kind to him. He liked the last two weeks better than the first week he came because he said he did more and learned more. The highlight of his days were the assemblies with Radical Reptiles and Mad Science. He also enjoyed doing the art projects and learning guitar. I appreciated that the kids were in a safe, contained environment and I thought the lunch program was the most helpful. I also appreciated your flexibility with days/weeks. It is so nice to be able to sign up for a camp two or three days a week. I am sure that Joshua will ask to return to your camp next summer. It was a hit. Thanks for everything. Sincerely, Sheri

Hello Art4Children Staff, Thank you for making our son, Noah (age 5), first experience at summer camp such an exciting experience. He had the opportunity to try different classes and he said that his favorite classes were "Karate and Art". We know he enjoyed the other classes as well and he definately would not have had the great experience being anywhere else. The classes were well structured and yet "Fun" at the same time. Thank you, Patty and Mark Silva

I wanted to let you know that Kaitlyn (age 7) absolutely loves your program. She especially loves: Mad Science and Radical Reptiles. I think your instructors for all programas are very good. If you ask her what her favorite activity is, she has a hard time; because she likes almost all of them and gets something out of each program. I can't think of anything for improvement. We look forward to bringing her during her next break from school. Thanks, Lynne Dunn

You have done such a wonderful job with the children (age 7 & 9) not just during camp but the after school classes as well. You keep everything organized and the parents informed. the children have such a great time and it is wonderful that each hour is a planned activity. Carey especially likes radical reptiles!We can't thank you enough for making our childrens summer so great!-Pamela

I just wanted you to know that Joey (6 years old) absolutely loved it. It is all he talked about. We will definitely bring him again. We are also telling all our friends about the camp. Thanks again.

Mackenzie loves this camp!! She's having a great time, I really appreciate you guys doing this.

I can't tell my Dad but they are mad that they can't go today...they really wanted to tie-dye. Thanks for everything this week. I love sending them to the camp because they come home tired but also relaxed and mellow. It also gives them some exposure to music which is something that I don't include as often as I should. Anyway, I wanted to let you know how great you guys are!!!!! You'll definitely see us later this summer!

Things we heard or were emailed by parents during and after WINTER 2008 camp:

Saoirse had a blast at the winter camp. I’ve never seen her so enthusiastic about a camp before. She learned to play chess and I’ve been looking for someone to play chess with for years. Now my daughter can play. The art projects (esp. dimensions) were very involved so it felt like she was developing a skill rather than just playing with crafts. She also enjoyed learning to play the piano which she has been interested in trying for a long time. That has continued beyond the camp. She’s always trying to come up with new tunes on our piano at home. She was much fitter by the end of the week with her karate lessons which she enjoyed immensely. When we came for a visit the week before camp, Saoirse had seen something that she really liked because she was keen to get to camp early on the first day. She also talked a lot about the other kids and how they made friends on the first day. Anyway, Saoirse had a blast. Thanks for doing a terrific job and we look forward to seeing you again for two weeks of camps in March 2008. - Scott Loftus-Reid

Dear Jessica and Jenn, I can't thank you enough for giving Owen a wonderful first camp experience--he absolutely loved it! Everyday when I'd pick him up, he'd talk non-stop about all of the things he did that day...from karate punches to all about cells in mad science. It was nice to know that he was someplace where he was learning and having fun at the same time. Thanks again! Take care, :) Karen and Owen

Things we heard or were emailed by parents during and after SUMMER 2007 camp:

Lauren just LOVES you and the camp. I’m bummed that you’re not open until the end of the month. She doesn’t start school until 9/5, so we’re scrambling to find a camp for her. Your instructors, the quality of programs and safe environment have really put us at ease all summer. Thanks for all you have done! - Katy

Again, a summer blessed by your amazing camp. Sterling practices his piano each morning with the groovy books we bought from Kim. You have sparked a talent and interest in him that will be life-long. We will certainly see more of you as my kids will begin taking lessons (Piano and Guitar) in the fall :-) I have been preaching the word of "Art4Children" all over the place, so it will be interesting to see if you receive these new families that will be in search of alternative, quality camps. It doesn't get any better than you guys...but I'm sure you hear that all the time :-) -God bless and thank you again for all the smiles and sunshine! -Bibbi and the Conner Babes

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Thank you! The kids really loved camp, even more than before. You guys do a great job! - L. Ruiz

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Thank you very much [for the pictures you sent of Isabelle]!!! (and Merci! from the grandparents), who really appreciate it as well. Lastly, thanks for all that you do for Isabelle. We appreciate the quality of your program, and are very happy with it.

More via email...."This is a professional camp run by well-organized, personable people. They have a very good caregiver to student ratio, tailor programs to fit the children, and my daughter loves them. They are a business, and a very well run business. They are always very responsive to any question or concern that I may have. Billing, receipts, programs, scheduling are always very clear. They send out updates, announcements of upcoming programs via email and voice mail. My daughter has largely attended the summer camps, and has always liked the music programs especially well. The teachers are well-qualified, love their work, and it shows when my daughter wants to give a "performance" after a day at Art4Children. I would highly recommend Art4Children as a great program for parents that want the best for their children." - L. STARR

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Things we heard or were emailed by parents during and after SPRING 2007 camp:

The kids have been having a BLAST at camp. They love it. I've been telling on my friends about it. I want to remain on any and all lists for upcoming camps and programs. I'd love to have Emma involved in an art program on going. Jackson already takes piano and cub scouts... but he really likes the drama and the hip hop.... so I'd be watching out for things for him too. - Jackson and Emmas mom.

Thank you for taking such good care of our kids. They love it here. I can't believe the art they are bringing home. This kind of stuff never comes home from school. - overheard from a parent whose children attended our camps for the first time.

Things we heard or were emailed by parents during and after Summer 2006 camp:

"Brennan loves camp. He's really enjoyed the projects and especially the music lessons! We will be buying him a guitar in a few weeks and enrolling him in lessons with you as well. I really appreciate all the great things you'all do to stimulate the kids. It's so nice knowing that he's well taken care of, and having a good time too."

"Thank you for allowing Maddie to attend the camp this week at the favorable rate. Maddie really enjoyed her camp experience with you and looks forward to future camps during the 06-07 school year."

"You know, this was my daughter's favorite camp ever. The most important thing for me was that she was in a safe place I could trust. Her saying it was her favorite was a bonus for me."

This is the first camp I sent my daughter to where she actually wanted to come back. We signed up her older sister because she was tired of hearing about all the fun things her little sister was doing.

Things we heard parents say about our Spring Camp 2006:

This letter is to say thank you so very much for the two day camp that enabled my son Bob Yhane to go to. He thoroughly enjoyed some parent free time where he was able to learn some basics on the violin, piano, karate, and arts and crafts. We would like to put him through a summer camp also, but he is attending summer school and the money is very tight. We are so grateful for this new opportunity that you gave our son. -- Thank you again! Sincerely,April, Robert and Bob Yahne

"We were really disappointed with the camps around here. There is really nothing quality. We knew right when we walked into [Art 4 Children] and our kids reacted, that this would be a perfect fit for us. "

"My granddaughter can't wait to get here in the morning. She wants to come as early as possible. "

"My kids are impressed and so am I. You are all so organized."

"What a warm and friendly place with wonderful staff with an excellent variety of classes offered."

"This is the only camp where my kids actually want to come back to."

"Our girls are really going to miss Art 4 Children camps after we move. They have really bonded with the teachers."

"My daughter is having such a good time that on Monday when we left she seemed so sad. I asked her what was wrong and she said 'I wish I was coming back tomorrow' - so we signed her up for all week."

"Our children have been coming to camp since they were 5 (now 7 & 8) and as usuall they love attending camp and all that you offer. Their favorites are drawing animals, painting in watercolor, violin & piano. Their favorite teachers are Robin, Carol & Jessica. I think that the value and opportunities are great. They like coming back, seeing their friends and getting to do creative things and learning new things too!" - Donna Flagg

CarolAnn on 3/31/06: "Chandler and Morgan can't wait [for Spring Camp]! They are really going to miss you all at art camp when we move to Austin---they are very fond of all the teachers."

1/5/06: Deni: "I loved being a CIT because I LOVE working with and helping little kids. Helping with the crafts is really fun. I feel very responsible as a CIT, it was hard work but very fun and I want to do it again!

1/5/06: Deni's Mom, Shel: " She told me she never wants to go back to being a camper, she enjoys the CIT too much. Thanks again for giving her this experience..."

Submitted via email 12-12-2005 by Shel & Deni Souza (Deni was a CIT for our 3 Day Nov Camp 2005)

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AWESOME, CREATIVE, EXCITED, WONDROUS, AMAZING, IMPRESSIVE, OVERWHELMING, and THRILLING are just a few of the adjectives that come to mind when describing Art 4 Children. As I mentioned via our phone conversation, I am in my second year of retirement after teaching children with learning disabilities for 40 years. During those 40 years, I have experienced many enrichment opportunities but nothing compares to your comprehensive, all-encompassing covered program. The girls came home the first day of your Spring session so delighted they spent the next 3 hours doing some painting and sketching. The Drama class was a kick. The skits were very creative and brought out a hidden talent. I couldn't get over her getting a sound out of a trumpet. She was so proud when she told me she attempted to play a tromebone. She giggled and laughed when I made the motion of the slide on the trombone. Their grandmother showed the girls the clay creations (pots, animals, etc.) her children (including their mom's) made while in elementary school that she has kept for many many years. They can't wait til next week. They are also hoping to attend the summer session. As a thank you, you should be receiving a few supplies that were on your art supply list. I hope it helps. Please let me know when and what you received so I can check them off my list. Again, thank you.

Submitted via email 3-29-2005 by Aunt Sue Sue (her nieces attended our Spring Camp 2005)

The Art4children school programs & vacation camps have been wonderful. Our 7 year old has been participating since she was in kindergarten. Our 6 year old just began last summer. For the older one, who is artistically inclined, the programs have given her a medium that allows her to blossom. She has had various different mediums including watercolor, pencil, acrylics, oil, paper mache and crafts. The younger one has been allowed to experience all of these as well, however, she seems more interested in the drama & music venues. She's tried her hand at role playing as well as piano & violin. Since the school systems do not have budgets for the arts, this has bridged the gap. However, I think that even if the schools did have an art program, they would still be attending the camps during the breaks!

Submitted via email 2-19-2004 by Donna Flagg

We want to thank you and everyone at Spring Camp for creating such a fun, exciting and comprehensive camp. Our girls love camp and can't wait to go each day. When we pick them up at the end of the day they have so many stories to tell us about how great their day was. Each day we see their creativity and confidence growing. Thanks again for organizing such a wonderful program.

Submitted via email 3-30-2005 by Todd & Tanya Spath

We have tried many camps in the area and this has been the best camp experience for our daughter. Every day she comes home happy and says how much fun she had and that hasn't happened in the past. She told us that she felt she was treated like a real person instead of just a kid that doesn't know anything, that tells us that your leaders know how to respect the children and it's a huge relief to know that when we have to work and leave our kids that they are learning, growing and happy. We appreciate all you do.

Submitted via email 4-1-2005 by Mrs. Souza

I'm sooooooo thankful that I found you and your FABULOUS, OUTSTANDING children's camp. You really make learning fun and the kids just LOVE IT.

Submitted via email 11-11-2004 by Donna Howard

Specific Class/Teacher Testimonials:

Art 4 Children has received feedback from parents in the schools we teach in. I hope you enjoy reading how Art 4 Children has helped children become blooming, confident artists! The following testimonies were submitted to us in writing voluntarily or via our feedback form we pass out to the parents after each session. Pictures were added of the child if we had one available. Most of the feedback is about Jessica Welch, the owner of Art 4 Children

Drew & Gwen (age 8 & 9) and I have all enjoyed the last couple of years of camps and classes. I can’t tell you what a difference it has made in our lives. I didn’t think Drew would ever get into art, but your classes allow him to come home with a project that actually looks like something and gives him pride and confidence. Gwen’s confidence and focus have grown because of you as well. Thanks for everything! --Catherine (2/2007)

Chelsea (age 8) had two lessons with you in Mrs. Wrightson's class @ Discovery. She enjoyed the entire experience at your classes at ALFA. She showed the family when they came to visit. I will be signing her up for another class! --Mrs. Schweitzer

Cameron is entering the 1st grade. He thought the class was fun. It would be great of you to offer a class throughout the year for children his age to help him learn the basics. Please offer after school classes during the year! He would love to come. --Diane Woodcock

This was Cassie's (age 6) first art class. Her coloring has improved incredibly and we will sign her up again. --Cassie's mom

Chimay (8) & Ryan (6) (who have been taking our camps since we started 4 years ago) really enjoyed coming to your summer class. They learned a lot and I was very impressed with their art. They loved showing everyone what they did. --Mrs. Latta

Joshua (age 6) worked on his dog throughout the week. He would say "I am going back and adding details." He loved using professional artists markers that we later purchased from you. He can't wait for the Master Artist class. Thank you for supporting Joshua's 1st proactive interest in art. I have been trying for 6 years! He loved this class. --Stacy

I'm writing this for Joshua (age 6 Discovery elementary) he would like to add more color to his Picasso canvas you did in class Tuesday. What kind of paints did you use? I thought I could pick some up for him this weekend. You've unlocked the artist in him -- I'm so grateful. Thank you! --Stacy

Zoe liked the sculptures they made. This was a new medium for her. She has hung all of her artwork in her room. --Mrs. Cagle

l wanted to take the time to let you know how pleased my husband and I have been with all the artwork and art projects that Alicia (age 10) had done under your direction. You have produced an artist in our home. I am additionally impressed as to how the art classes include study of the artist and their style. Now my daughter wants to go to museums with me. I also appreciate as a parent, your joy and patience for teaching children. You are an asset to our school. Thank you for inspiring my child. --Mrs. Chaffee

Devyn (age 9) loved your art classes "big time". She liked the materials you used, especially the pastels. She was very excited about her artwork. I would sign my child up again because she loved your class. --Mrs. Ledwick

The quality of the Ocean drawing lesson presented was excellent. Your directions to the children were very clear. They were always engaged. It was structured, yet you gave them freedom to create their own drawing. They liked being shown ways to draw the different sea creatures and ending up with a finished product they were proud of. Hope to see you around Discovery next year! --Mrs. Wrightson (2nd grade Discovery Elementary Teacher)

Audrianna (age 9) enjoyed every minute of your class. This was her first experience. I will be signing her up again. --Mrs. Cannon

Lauren (age 6) enjoyed everything about your class. This was her first experience. I went to your web site and loved it. I saw Lauren's picture! --Mrs. Tafla