Daffodils are popping up; spring is just around the corner. The time has come – the thing we look forward to and dread all at the same time. SUMMER!! So what do we do and most importantly, what do we do with the kids?
Our son is a very active, almost 8-year-old. He likes to have his days filled with activity and with two other smaller children needing attention, it is not always possible for Mom to occupy his time. Summer camp is a great thing in our home. We have tried a variety of summer programs and have been pleased with all. The key for me has been signing up for camps based on his interest and balancing it with academic camps that support academic interests. Needless to say these are not the most popular but even he will admit to having fun.
Over the past few years we have done sports camps at Providence Day, Queens University and the Cornwell Center. All have been fantastic and the ones he has enjoyed the most are full day with a specific sport in the morning and swimming in the afternoon. Camp Whip-Poor-Will by far was a favorite last summer. He came home every afternoon ready to return the next day. We also participated in academic camps through his school.
We have also always participated in Bible School and summer play day programs at our church. Your church, friend’s churches and preschools are a great starting spot for summer activities. Many summers, friends and I have tag-teamed taking our children to a variety of programs offered by our churches. Most of these are often inexpensive and great for all ages of children.
The camps that have been great for my 4-year-old daugher have been church programs, Cornwell Center Tiny Tots programs and the YMCA programs (Jen P. LOVES Camp Tutu for girls, see above photo:-).
A good rule of thumb is to set a budget and stick to it. The cost can get crazy. Something that worked for us last summer was to set the amount, pre-pick several camps and then sit down with my son and let him chose from these. For the younger kids, nothing beats a morning at the pool, lunch, naps and an afternoon play date or time spent in the yard. I like to call this Camp Mom!
Sign-ups have begun for almost all camps. Camp Whip-Poor-Will fills up fast as do the YMCA programs. Because of so many options, listed below are links to different programs and a link to the Charlotte Observer summer camp guide. This is a very extensive list of camps in Charlotte – great reference.
Camp Whip-Poor-Will – http://www.campwpw.com
Charlotte Latin – https://mylatin.charlottelatin.org/summercamp/
Charlotte Observer Camp Guide – http://www.charlotte.com/camp/
Charlotte Prep – http://www.charlotteprep.com/podium/default.aspx?t=109004
Children’s Theatre – http://www.ctcharlotte.org/Summer2008.htm
The Cornwell Center at Myers Park Baptist – http://www.mpbconline.org/mpbc/cornwell%20center/Sports%20&%20Recreation.htm
Country Day – http://www.charlottecountryday.org/summerprogram/index.asp
Davidson College – http://www3.davidson.edu/cms/x22642.xml
Discovery Place/Nature Museum – http://www.discoveryplace.org/home/nature_museum-workshops.php
Kamp Gabe 4 Kids – http://www.kampgabe.com
Music, art and leadership camps http://www.explorebeyondschool.com/explore/sort_activity/summercamps.php
Providence Day http://www.providenceday.org/home/content.asp?section=summer%20programs
Queens University – Sports http://queens.edu/athletics/summercamps.aspand
Trinity Episcopal School – http://www.tescharlotte.org/program/summer.asp
UNC-Charlotte – http://www.summer.uncc.edu/camps/
YMCA
http://www.ymcacharlotte.org/programs/assoc_childcare/daycamp/day_camp.aspx
Remember, if you have tried a great camp, please post a comment below. Thanks and happy camping!
11 comments
I went to Keystone Camp in Brevard NC for 11 years when I was a child. It is an all girls overnight camp and a bit expensive but I loved it. It is definately for school age kids. I would highly recommend it!!!!!!!!!
Camp Mindy at the JCC is a fabulous camp. The staff are caring, nurturing, responsible, and truly dedicated to providing a summer of fun, creativity and learning. We have sent our daughter for 2 summers and are already signed up for this year. It’s worth checking out.
Is there anything for younger kids? Under 2 years old? I realize you couldn’t drop them off, but wondered if there was some things for them since preschool is out for the summer. Anybody know?
Christ Lutheran Childrens Center has a wonderful preschool camp program – it runs weekly from July 7 – August 8. It is great for preschool age chldren -they take infant thru 2nd grade I believe. My children have all gone through preschool there and have attended the camp for about the last 6 years. Here is the website with info: http://www.christelca.orggo to childrens center and then summer camp.
You can also try My Gym and the Y may continue to have classes for the wee ones.
There is a camp / mothers morning out program for the month of July at Carmel Baptist Church. Registration starts April 1. They take infants all the way to preK. Depending on your childs age it is two or three days a week. I will be sending my 18 month old this summer.
Boys ages 6 – 18: Camp Rockmont, in Black Mountain, NC. Christian Camp. Excellent. http://www.rockmont.com/Girls ages 6 – 18: Camp Hollymont is Asheville, NC. Attended there from age 9 – 21. Christian Camp hosted at the Asheville School for Boys. http://www.hollymont.com/
Camp Sea Gull and Camp Seafarer are fabulous camps in Arapahoe, NC (near Morehead City). Each session is 1 month. I went for years as a child and hope to be able to send my twins there when they are old enough. It’s through the YMCA in Raleigh.
Check out http://www.mtnadventureguides.com for a great 5 and 11 day camp in WNC. Climbing, rafting, camping, hiking, caving and more. These guys put the camping back in summer camp. Sessions for 12-14 and 15-17 yr olds.
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