If you’re in a position to do so, we welcome donations to help keep our programs accessible to everyone: donate here.
Questions? Contact Hananiah Wiggins, hananiah@neutral-zone.org, or 734-214-9995.
NZ SUMMER 2026
This summer join us for six weeks of free, drop-in programming June 29-August 6. Teens are welcome daily, Monday- Thursday from 2 - 6 PM. Come every day, join for a few weeks, or just attend on the days you want.
ALL PROGRAMS ARE FREE. Please complete the registration form linked below to participate. Programs are for high-school-aged teens (entering grades 9-12 in fall 2026). Please register online in advance, however, teens can always register on-site when they get here.
Summer Programs by the Week
Each week, Monday-Wednesday offers a daily drop-in space, healthy snacks, and three activity options that include featured artists. We host a field trip and/or community activity on Thursdays engaging everyone. We welcome new youth at any time throughout the summer; all levels of experience are welcome.
Content subject to change due to weather or other circumstances, check back here or follow us on socials for the latest updates.
Week 1: June 29-July 2
Gayrilla Theater
The final week of Pride Month will feature Neutral Zone’s Gayrilla Theatre (The Remix)- a project to help create a more positive school climate for queer students through performance. Youth will help create, craft, and inspire the performance that we will take to multiple schools and conferences during the 2026-2027 school year! No experience needed.
Chopped! Kitchen Challenges
Participate in a series of food-related challenges while learning about food safety and how to cook! Plus you get to eat what you make, what could be better?
Fitness & Fun
Come get fit with us! Join us for a fun focused 3-4 day fitness workshop where we’ll learn various ways to workout and move our bodies.
Thursday Feature:
Hands-On Museum
Walk over to the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum and explore the exhibits together.
Week 2: June 6-9
Creature Costumes
Use cardboard, duct tape, zip ties, paint, and more to create creature costumes to roam with around downtown. Learn about sculpture and performance art, and become a strange spectacle for the public.
Creative Writing
Sharpen your pencils, pack your pens and position your person for 3 days of passionate poetics, culminating in a powerful poetry open mic that will shake the foundations of Neutral Zone.
Fundamentals of DJ-ing
If you love music come learn the fundamentals of DJing in this 3 day workshop. We’ll learn our way around DJ equipment, curate a DJ set and learn some basic song transitions.
Thursday Feature:
Vets Park Pool Day
Come cool off, play pool games, and relax with friends to beat the heat and enjoy the summer with your favorite youth-driven community.
(Weather-permitting, date may change)
Week 3: July 13-16
Backyard B-Side
Plan an outdoor music festival by learning how to build and operate a PA system, mount and operate a lighting rig, prepare and sell concessions, manage and control audiences, and promote a show with posters and social media. At the end of the last day of camp, we will host a show with our newfound skills.
Creature Costumes II
Use cardboard, duct tape, zip ties, paint, and more to create creature costumes to roam with around downtown. Learn about sculpture and performance art, and become a strange spectacle for the public.
Mini Book Club
Join a group of readers to read and discuss short stories and novellas.
Thursday Field Trip
Art Fair
Want walk around art fair and hang out with cool people? Do it! We’re going be popping in between 3 and 5!
Week 4: July 20-23
Sew What Fashion Workshop
Want to learn how to sew? Interested in learning how to stitch? (Or know how to sew and just want to do it together?) Come learn from a talented artist and build community while you’re at it.
Uke Better Believe It (Ukelele Painting)
Interested in painting and owning your very own ukulele? Then we have a program for you! We will provide all the materials, just bring an imagination.
Chopped! Kitchen Challenges II
Participate in a series of food-related challenges while learning about food safety and how to cook! Plus you get to eat what you make, what could be better?
Thursday Feature:
Movie Day at NZ
Watch a movie and enjoy the best popcorn you’ve ever had!
Week 6: August 3-6
Summer Finale Week!
Sustainable Fashion
Interested in fashion and thinking about different ways to save our planet? Learn about upcycling, recycling, and all the other ways to keep fashion affordable and sustainable while saving our planet.
You Can’t Stop the Beat - Musical Theater (Week 2)
Audition, rehearse, and perform an all-cast number in just two weeks. Fully immerse yourself in the world of Neutral Zone’s Royal Players, ending with a performance to remember.
Brain Hugs
Learn how to make a variety of fidget toys, mental health helpers, and safety tools that you can keep and use in your daily life or when you need a pick me up.
Thursday Feature:
Summer BBQ
Hang out at the BBQ from 2-4, and invite your parents/ guardians/ caregivers/ siblings grandparents or other guests at 4PM to join in as teens share, perform or demonstrate some of the things we did this summer.
Week 5: July 27-30
You Can’t Stop the Beat - Musical Theater
Audition, rehearse, and perform an all-cast number in just two weeks. Fully immerse yourself in the world of Neutral Zone’s Royal Players, ending with a performance to remember.
Uke Jams
Jam out with ukuleles and other instruments with some talented musicians- no experience required and we will provide instruments!
Summertime Recording Bonanza
Want to learn how to record music? Learn the basics of audio signal flow, recording a band, and mixing sessions!
Thursday Field Trip:
Leslie Science and Nature Center
Let’s hang out at one of the coolest places in Ann Arbor and see some sweet animals!
Donate to Support Free NZ Summer Programs for All Youth
Our commitment is to support free, no cost programming to ensure all youth have access to high quality programming where they know that they belong and matter. Please consider a donation this summer.