Remember long days of summer camp-playing outdoors, swimming, fishing and making crafts? Traditional summer camps are tons of fun, but don’t overlook camps that also offer an unique spin. Read on to get a taste of the camp variety available. Then book an adventure your child won’t forget.
Performing Arts
Got a natural performer in your house? Channel that talent into something awesome.
Camps include: Acting, dancing. singing, instrumental music, juggling, circus arts, clown artistry.
Learn and experience: Teamwork, improvisation, choreography, growth mindset, creativity, performance skills. body language.
Perfect for: Kids and young starlets who want to hone a natural talent, need a confidence boost, are imaginative or love storytelling.
Animals
Whether your animal lover is into house pets, farm animals or those found in the wild or saving endangered species, educational camps that encourage hands-on animal encounters abound.
Camps include: Critter connections, animal-related vocations horseback riding, and camps at animal shelters, the zoo, and local aquariums.
Learn and experience: Animal interactions such as petting, holding, grooming, walking and feeding; animal education, responsibility, compassion.
Perfect for: Animal-loving children and teens interested in marine biology, zoology or veterinary science.
Water Sports
Whether your beach bum wants to perfect their sailing skills or take on a new challenge, you’ll find a camp for that.
Camps include: Paddle boarding, kayaking, sailing, lifeguard training.
Learn and experience: Water safety, proper use of equipment, environmentalism, swimming skills and more.
Perfect for: Active kids who enjoy the water.
Adventure Sports
Need an outlet for your little ninja leaping off the sofa?
Camps include: obstacle courses, rock climbing, parkour, martial arts and gymnastics, fitness gyms.
Learn and experience: Safety, sport fundamentals, proper technique, self-control, strength, flexibility, coordination, confidence and goal-setting.
Perfect for: High-energy kids, thrill-seekers and sports enthusiasts.
Good to know: You’ll likely sign a waiver and need appropriate clothing; special gear or equipment may be required; camps may have a minimum age requirement for safety reasons.
Mind/Body Connection
Is your child a gentle, free spirit who loves nature and thrives in the outdoors?
Camps include: Yoga, low-risk sports, mindfulness connection, nature exploration.
Learn and experience: Techniques to build mindfulness, goal setting, indoor and outdoor activities, self-awareness, connections to the Earth and to each other.
Perfect for: Non-competitive kids, nature lovers, calm children or those who could benefit from self-calming strategies.
Special Needs
There are many camps designed specifically for kids with special needs, which give them an opportunity to hang out in a safe environment with peers who get them just as they are. Discover specialty camps for kids who have developmental disabilities, physical challenges, cognitive delay and trauma.
Learn and experience: Socialization, communication, activities that build strength, motor skills and confidence.
Technology
Tired of coaxing your child away from video games? Cash in on their natural talent-send them to camp to learn new skills and practice teamwork.
Camps include: Robotics, game design, coding, engineering, building (even with LEGOs!).
Learn and experience: Creativity, problem solving, basic engineering, construction, programming and teamwork.
Perfect for: Boys and girls, gamers, math and science enthusiasts, Lego fanatics.
Good to know: Depending on the camp, kids may need to provide their own laptop or device.
Visual Arts
Tired of cleaning up all that glitter? Send your artist to camp where skills are honed and childhood masterpieces are made.
Camps include: Filmmaking, photography, comic art, sewing, painting, drawing, sculpting and more.
Learn and experience: Focus, fine motor skills, various techniques and mediums, artistic styles, movements and themes.
Perfect for: Art enthusiasts, creative children or children who want to explore the arts.
Good to know: Ask if materials are included in the cost. Some camps may require equipment (such as a camera for photography). Most art programs focus on the process, not a perfect final piece.
Cherie Gough is an award-winning freelance writer and mom of two kids.
