Summer Camps 2017

**Updated 4/9/18**

Can you believe it’s almost time to plan our kids’ summer calendar? I wish I could manipulate the time clock and slow things down a bit. Sheesh!

Nevertheless, it’s a good time to start looking at the options for summer camps. For many of them you may have to register early to get in, especially the free stuff, those get filled up pretty quickly. Registering early can also be helpful if you need to apply for a scholarship, like we’re doing for this camp. Or you can try some of these useful tips on how to save for camps.

Now that our sons (with the exception of the 4yr old) are a little older, summer for us typically includes as many free day camps/activities as we can get into and then a paid day camp that fits their interest or teaches a new skill.

A friend sent me a nice line-up of camps, I added just a few more to the list to share with you. Here are a few STEM, maker, art, dance, sports camps and other activities to keep the kiddos busy (and mamas sane) during the summer.

STEM & MAKER CAMPS

Engineering Mindz Screenshot

– Computer animation, science and technology

– Educational field trips that emphasize real-world math and science concepts

– Daily outdoor recreational, team-based activities

– Daily team and character-building activities

Greenbelt Makerspace Screenshot

– Taste of tech camp

– Minecraft camp

– Maker crafts camp

– Robotics camp

The Make School Screenshot

– Designed to teach product development to high school and college students

– Swift and programming fundamentals

– Ship your own original iPhone app or VR Experience to the App Store

Patriots Technology Center Screenshot

– Six flags amusement park design competition

– Workshops

– Field trips

Army Educational Outreach Screenshot

– FREE

– Sponsored by Army Research Labs

– Kids get paid $100 for completing one-week camp

– Multiple locations

– 3-D printing, solar car racing, next-gen weaponry using fuel cells

– Older students may apply to be counselors

Camp Invention Screenshot

– K-6 camp sponsored by U.S. Patent & Trademark Office

– 7-12th graders may request to be camp counselors while still participating in all activities

– New locations being added weekly; easy to switch locations if necessary

– Scholarships available

Digital Harbor Screenshot

– Registration has not yet opened for Summer Maker Camps

– 3-D printing, Circuitry/Arduino, Web Design, Movie-Making

– Pay-What-You-Can camps funded by Microsoft and other donors.

Ideas Summer Camp Screenshot

– Annapolis location, ages 7-12

– Minecraft, video game design/project spark

– Coding, drones, robotics, rocketry, legos

– Stop action movie making, entrepreneur camp, sports

Smithsonian Summer Camp Screenshot

– They offer a wide variety of camp experiences

– Hip hop, anime, dioaramas, folklife, science, recycling, to name a few

National Building Museum Camp

– Some of their events are already sold out so don’t wait if you want to participate

– Programs for rising 1st. to 6th. graders

– We’ve participated in their homeschool programs and they are excellent

MINI-CAMPS (FREE)

Apple Camp Screenshot

– Sign-up to get notified when registration begins. Slots fill up fast!

– Coding, movie-making, storytelling and more.

– Ages 8-12

– Our oldest had a blast at their camps last year. (see pic below)

Microsoft Youthspark Screenshot

– Youth of all ages

– Coding games and apps, creating digital art, powering up their study skills, and having a blast in the process

OTHER STEM Programs (U-MD, Naval Academy, etc.)

STEM Action Screenshot

SEARCH BY COUNTY: http://www.stemaction.org/summer-programs

ART CAMPS

Art Smart Screenshot

– Registration begins in July. Classes run from August 21st. thru 25th.

– Her approach is very sweet and gentle with an emphasis on the uniqueness that each child brings to their art. My kids always look forward to going to her art classes, and they leave proud of their work.

The Art League Screenshot

– Ages 5 to 15
– Weekly half-day or full-day camps

– Painting, photography, jewelry, ceramics, sculpture, fiber, drawing, cartoons, & more

DANCE CAMPS

Marcellus Dance Screenshot

Marcellus Dance Screenshot1

– Registration hasn’t begun yet, so you still have time. Check their website for details.

– Many of my friends’ children are taught at this dance school and I also often have the opportunity to observe them in their classes. Their teacher is a dance professional and her classes are fun, yet challenging.

City Dance Screenshot

– Dance camps in Maryland (ages 4-9)

– Washington DC (ages 6-11)

SPORTS CAMPS

British Soccer Camp Screenshot

– Challenger’s British Soccer Camp is the most popular camp in the USA and Canada

– Innovative curriculum that develops skills, speed and confidence in players of all ages and abilities

– Children receive high-level soccer coaching from a team of international expert’s right in the heart of their own community

RDU Tennis Camp Screenshot

– This is a full day camp with the option to come half day

– Space is limited to 40 campers per week, so register now

OTHER ACTIVITIES

Park Quest Screenshot

– Registration for 2017 hasn’t begun yet, check their site soon. (I know I will). 🙂

– We’ve not participated in this yet, but those who have says its a lot of fun for the whole family.

LOCAL PARKS AND REC

-Your local parks and recreation also have a treasure trove of camps and activities. Find your nearest one and sign-up!

FREE SUMMER ACTIVITIES

There are also a bunch of free stuff you can do with the family. Why spend a dime, if you don’t have to. 🙂

One year we were homebound due to car trouble. We had to make the most of it, right at home! So, if you don’t or can’t do any camps this year, and especially if you have little ones, there’s plenty fun of stuff you can still do at home.

I think I’ll be checking out a couple of the STEM camps on the list (especially the free ones). How about you?

Register early for the free and inexpensive camps and try to get scholarships for others. Whatever you do with and for your kiddos this summer, make memories and have fun! Enjoy the warm weather and the blessing of family.