Summer time doesn’t mean your children don’t still have opportunities to learn and explore the world around them. Here are some ideas to consider as you plan for your family’s summer.
PRINCE FREDRICK, MD — Children dream of using swords, swinging nunchucks, or throwing ninja stars. They want to run up walls just like their favorite ninja characters.
While learning how to use these at Ninja Boot Camp, children ages 4 through 12 can strengthen their minds and bodies at the Black Belt Academy, located at Fox Run Shopping Center in Prince Frederick.
The camps start June 15 and run through the summer. At this time, camp admission is $119 with a $30 nonrefundable fee. There are three equipment fee options that can include gear like a wooden sword, a pair of nunchucks, a T-shirt, a Tae Kwon Do uniform and more.
Studying Tai Kwon Do is a force for good, according to Kyle, with the academy.
“I was a really goofy kid growing up, and then I started studying Tai Kwon Do. It helped me be more confident in myself and also helped with bullying. I’ve been doing this since 2000,” said Kyle.
Starting at 9 a.m. each morning, the program is five days long. The studio will be open at 6 a.m. for students needing to be dropped off early.
Included in the program is specialized training in Tae Kwon Do that teaches games and drills developed to increase their speed, stamina and technique. Students will also train in the basics of rolling, falling, and traditional martial arts weaponry with nunchucks and swords, said Kyle.
“The academy places emphasis on the development of mental and physical strength through Martial Arts. The camps offer a safe, structured environment where children can meet friends and have fun while learning all about martial arts,” said Kyle.
The schedule of events during the week also includes a library field trip, martial arts history training, a water park or pool trip and an Popsicle party at the end of the camp, said Kyle.
Interested parents and guardians can download the Summer Camp Application here.
For more information, call 410-414-7530
NEWBURG, MD- If you or your children are looking for a more traditional summer camp to attend this summer, look no further than Camp St. Charles in Newburg. They are hosting an Open House May 15 for all interested families.
“Families are welcome to join us for a tour of the camp grounds and lunch. They can meet the staff and take a ride on the giant swing! New camp families can save $25 by signing up at our open house,” said Laura Hal, camp director.
Called a little piece of heaven, the camp is located on a peninsula between the Charleston Creek and Wicomico River. Going to a camp session provides the opportunity for children to unplug from modern life and focus on personal growth and connecting with God. It also gives them the chance to get outside and learn new skills such as horseback riding, archery, canoeing, and more.
Under the supervision and care of the camp counselors, they build a community of new and returning campers at every camp session who experience personal growth and achievements.
“We have three things we hope to teach our campers. We hope they make new friends and reconnect with old friends. We want them to work together to accomplish goals and be a team. And we also want them to appreciate creation, as we are a Catholic Summer Camp and hope that camper will enjoy the natural surroundings,” said Hall.
Campers have the opportunity to develop team skills and experience different activities, with a balance of scheduled events and free choice periods. They have the opportunity to customize their adventure.
Offering a wide range of activities and experiences, the camp’s master schedule is designed to schedule each camper team to each activity during their two week adventure.
Many activities are assigned twice per two week session. Free time periods are built into the schedules so campers can spend more time doing the activities that most interest them.
All specialized activities are led by certified instructors.
“The counselors, the majority former campers themselves, are trained in first aid, CPR and have completed extensive training prior to working with campers. All staff members have criminal background checks,” said Hall. “Most of them are also former campers and wanted to come back and work with us and the new campers to ensure they have as great a time as they did.”
The camp session opens with a campfire event to welcome everyone to CSC.
The closing campfire event includes an award ceremony, a skits production, songs, and other entertainment provided by campers and staff.
Campers will spend time on Skull Island, a primitive campsite located across the river from CSC. Depending on age, they will spend the day or the night there.
Older campers will take a day trip to King’s Dominion. Park entrance, bus fees, a “major” T-shirt and $20 spending money for the day are included in the “Major” camper fees.
Campers have many options when it comes to their session schedule. The camp sessions offer a variety of arts and crafts project, such as a painting project, a rainbow loom creation, recycled art and many other creative works. They can learn more about horseback riding by participating in Western style trail riding. Older campers may volunteer to spend additional time grooming and caring for the camp’s group of gentle horses.
Campers will be scheduled for a speedboat ride and a tubing–or hydro–experience. Campers can also participate in American Red Cross Swimming lessons, and earn a Red Cross Swim Level certificate. Children can also have recreational swimming time.
Introduced in 2014, campers can elect to explore the Charleston Creek on Stand Up Paddle Boards. Campers can also learn more about canoeing and learn complex skills as they improve.
While learning more about the environment around them, campers can explore the river and get their hands dirty with activities such as river seining, bird watching, nature walks and more.
The camp offers a low ropes course, also known as a challenge course. This activity focuses on team building and overcoming fears. Also offered is the Giant Swing, a high ropes experience. Campers decide how high to fly as their peers pull them high into the air. When it’s time to fly, the camper pulls the pin for a free fall and swing.
Also available at the camp are a variety of team sports, such as soccer, volleyball, flag football, tetherball, basketball, hockey, softball, kickball, rugby and more. The camp’s goal is to encourage teamwork and ask that all participate.
Campers can also elect to learn archery, BB Target shooting, and riflery depending on their age. They can earn awards based on highest score and most improvement in each category.
CSC camp sessions are two weeks long for ages 6-13 years old and 14-15 year old Mentors. The cost of attending a camp session, is $1,395. Campers aged 12 and 13 will have to pay another $80 fee. As of April 14, Sessions III and IIIA are now sold out for both boys and girls. For more information about session dates and fees, look here.
If accepted into the mentor program, former CSC campers older than 13 may continue to come to the camp sessions. Prospective mentors complete an application and provide personal references. If selected, they work with younger campers and attend meetings to gain skills in leadership and caring for others.
For more information, call 301-934-8799
SOLOMONS, MD — If you want to encourage your children’s creative side, Annmarie Sculpture Garden and Art Center is the place to be. They’re offering half day and full day camps based on age groups, and include learning about all forms of art as led by professional educators and working artists.
While offering a camp experience to children, the center is offering something completely different from the other summer camps in the area, according to Robyn Strayer, senior program and exhibits coordinator at the center.
“Children have the opportunity to experience all forms of art at these camps, even at lunch time,” said Strayer. “They can meet the gardeners and the artists in residence. They get that camp experience, while enveloping themselves in the arts.”
The camps are built to encourage their imagination and energy in the center’s galleries and exhibits, classrooms, studios, woods, community garden, and sculpture garden, said Strayer.
Learning from the best in the area, children will grow in their creative abilities, discover the natural world around them, as well as meeting new friends and serving the community.
Children ages 3 through 5 can roll up their sleeves and get muddy by learning how to make pinch pots, coils, and more in the Play in Clay Preschool half-day camp from June 21 to June 23. They can expect to come away from the experience with a variety of colorful clay projects. Tuition is $55, and there are morning and afternoon sessions that start at 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
They can also listen to stories, play fun games, and create art inspired by the stories, characters, and illustrations at the Storybook Art Summer Camp. Each child comes away with several fun projects! Tuition is $55, and the camp is from June 28 through June 30. There are two sessions available starting at 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
At the Twisty Tots: Preschool Yoga and Active Art Summer Camp, children can wiggle their toes and stretch their arms as they nurture bodies, mind, and spirit through yoga poses, creative movement games, and active art-making fun. Playing inside and outside, make sure your child is dressed for comfort. Bring a yoga mat or beach towel, too. Tuition is $55, with two sessions starting at 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. from July 5 through July 7.
Another camp offered is the Art Zoo: Animals in Art Summer Camp. Children will explore animals from around the world through imaginative art projects. Looking at famous artworks of animals and even playing a few silly games to celebrate favorite animals, each student will take home a variety of animal masterpieces. Tuition is $55, and there are two sessions available starting at 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Aug. 2 through Aug. 4.
All camp sessions for grades 1 through 3 are full.
Children in grades 4 through 6 can enjoy a variety of camps at the center as well.
At Comic-Camp: A Sci-Fi Adventure Summer Camp, children can explore popular make-believe realms as they create art inspired by favorite fiction! Including wizarding worlds, galactic empires, time travel, mystical lands and creatures, children can create landscapes, costume pieces, and awesome adventures to share. Tuition is $165. The session starts at 9 a.m. on June 27 through July 1.
At Slingin’ Mud Clay Camp, Session A and B Summer Camp, children can explore various pottery techniques in clay. They can experiment with pinch, slab, and coil techniques to make unique functional and decorative items. They can try their hand at the Potter’s wheel too, and use underglazes and surface decoration techniques to make your pieces colorful and unique. Tuition is $175, with additional fees. Session A starts at 9 a.m. on July 11 through July 15, and Session B starts at 9 a.m. on July 18 through July 22.
The PaintPlayMoveGroove: Musical Theatre Camp Summer Camp invites southern Maryland youth to join Annmarie artists, Calvert Music Academy, Abigail Francisco School of Classical Ballet, and local theatre professionals as they jump in and take a comprehensive look at the world of arts. Painting, sculpting, dancing, acting, and making music in this collaborative multi-disciplinary camp is included. Children will put it all together to create a one-of-a-kind finale for parents. This camp provides new dances, music, and scripts, so last year’s students are welcome to return for more fun. Tuition is $165, and the session starts at 9 a.m. on July 18 through July 22.
At the Dip Dabble Doodle Summer Camp, children are invited to join the center for a crash course in art history as they study the masters and create personal masterpieces inspired by their techniques and styles. Draw, paint, print, and collage unique works while developing skills. This camp promises to help children learn tips and tricks to take their art to the next level. Tuition is $165 and the session starts at 9 a.m. on July 25 through July 29.
In the Art in Motion: Kinetic Sculpture Camp Summer Camp, children can roll up their sleeves and investigate the three-dimensional world of kinetic sculpture. While learning about famous sculptures and experimenting with the tools and materials that they use, they can create free-standing, moving artworks to take home and enjoy. Afternoons are spent in the clay studio. Tuition is $165 and the session starts at 9 a.m. on August 1 through August 5.
Children in grades 7 through 9 are invited to the Camp ReVamp It Summer Camp to transform old items and recyclables into new masterpieces. From inspired artworks, to accessories, to household items, campers will leave with an assortment of upcycled creations. If Pinterest or DIY is their passion, they will try it here. Parents, please be aware that campers will be introduced to and allowed supervised use of hot glue guns, heat guns, wood burning tools, and some common household hand tools. Tuition is $165 and the session starts at 9 a.m. on June 20 through June 24.
They can also participate in the Creative Construction & Woodworking Camp Summer Camp. Learn basic woodworking skills and fabricate unique wooden items while learning about lumber, hardware, hand tools and power tools. There will be heavy supervision. Campers will bring home a variety of awesome projects. Tuition is $175 and the session starts at 9 a.m. on July 11 through July 15.
Campers can also create unique pottery on the potter’s wheel at the Pottery Throwdown, Session A and B Summer Camp. Make sure campers wear their “grubbies” and get ready to turn lumps of clay into finished masterpieces. They can learn techniques to make an assortment of pottery using the wheel and slab roller. Each student comes away with a variety of pots, vases, bowls and more. Tuition is $175 and two sessions are available starting at 9 a.m. July 25 through July 29 or Aug. 8 through Aug. 12.
For teens in the 10th through 12th grade, the center is also offering Teen Pottery Studio camps and a Teen Stained Glass Workshop camp.
Participants will learn how to successfully throw pots, bowls, vases and more on the potter’s wheel. Four days of instruction of open studio time allow the student to develop projects of their choice. They can finish pieces with colorful under-glazes in class or come back for an optional glazing session Aug. 16 starting at noon. The pottery studio camps will be held July 5 through July 8. The AM session starts at 9:30 a.m. and the PM session starts at 1:30 p.m. Tuition for either class is $90.
Learn how to cut, grind, foil, and solder stained glass at the Teen Stained Glass Workshop. Campers can design and construct stained glass masterpieces. They should wear long jeans, closed-toe shoes, and pull hair back out of face. Tuition is $80 and the session starts at 1:30 p.m. on Aug. 9 through Aug. 11.
For more information, call 410-326-4640
Stay tuned for Part Two of the Summer Fun in Southern Maryland. Is there any place you send your children that you would like The BayNet to cover? Comment below!
Jacqui Atkielski can be contacted at j.atkielski@thebaynet.com.
