Spring in Montreal signals more than just warmer temperatures. It also means that summer isn’t far off, and that camp registrations are in full swing.

For more than a decade, Paramount Study, an arts and language school, has been helpings kids 11-16 nurture their artistic expression through various programs. In summer, it offers several camps, including languages (English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Mandarin) visual arts, murals, music, and math.

Owner Gefei Zhang says its mural camp has been very well received by both kids and parents; it is now the most popular summer program.

Noting the importance of fostering creative expression in a city world-renowned for the arts, Zhang says the camp gives students the chance to help make the city more colourful and vivid.

Campers learn various life skills

She adds that in addition to being able to hone artistic skills, the camp also teaches students about project management, problem-solving, and teamwork. In addition, she says, the camp allows kids to learn to use art for more therapeutic reasons such as stress management.

Kids will be taught about the history of murals, different styles and designs, as well as about street and public art. They students will also learn the basics of mural painting, go on a walking tour through the Plateau, and go on a field trip to shop for paint. On the final day of the program, kids will paint a large mural on a wall.

The mural camp is a one-week program operating from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Weeks still available are: July 4-8, July 18-22, August 1-5, and August 15-19. Spaces are limited. The cost for the camp is $340, materials included.

For more information visit, paramountstudy.org.