CBM Bay Weekly Camp Guide 2022
Anne Arundel County Recreation and Parks
Camps and programs for all ages
The county’s recreation department offers camps including: Summer Day Camps, Summer Fun Centers, Art Camps, Science and Engineering Camps, Theater Performance and Dance Camps, Sports Camps, Summer Aquatics Camps, Nature Exploration Camps, Teens on the Go, and Adaptive Day Camps for all abilities. New this year: Camp F.I.R.E., First Introduction to Fire and Rescue with the Anne Arundel County Fire Department. Before and after care available at many camp locations.
Dates: June 27-August 19
Location: Schools, aquatic centers and county parks around Anne Arundel County
Register: aacounty.org/recparks
Contact: 410-222-7313
Annapolis School of Seamanship
Junior Captains Course
Kids get the chance to get out on the water and have fun this summer while learning essential boating skills from licensed professionals. The Annapolis School of Seamanship — known as “America’s Boat School” — is again offering its popular powerboating courses for kids.
“Students will learn to operate a small powerboat safely and confidently,” says Mark Talbott, operations manager at the Annapolis School of Seamanship. “They will learn about docking, maneuvering, running on plane, navigational markers, safe operation, water sports safety, man overboard recovery and weather.”
Founded in 2002 by professional mariner and U.S. Coast Guard-licensed captain John Martino, the school is considered a leader in the education of professional and recreational boaters.
Just like the adult classes, kids programs—known as Junior Captains courses—are taught by U.S. Coast Guard-licensed instructors. The Junior Captains Course is an on-the-water program that puts kids at the helm of a small powerboat. By the end of the program, students will gain confidence operating small, single outboard powerboats.
To make sure each student gets plenty of time at the helm, course attendance is limited. The ratio of students to instructors is an impressive four to one. Each Junior Captains course is open to kids ages 11 to 15.
Kids leave class with more than a great summertime experience. Upon successful completion of the course and additional homework assignments, students will receive their Maryland Safe Boating certificate, which meets all mandatory boating education requirements in 49 U.S. states.
Dates: June 6-Sept. 26
Location: Annapolis City Marina, 410 Severn Ave., Annapolis
Register: jrcaptains.com or call 410-263-8848
Cost: $545 per student
Students need to provide: Life jacket, water bottle and sun protection.
Brendan Sailing Program
Build confidence and personal growth
Since 2005, Brendan Sailing has been helping children with learning differences realize success.
The Annapolis beach-based day camp program is led by U.S. Sailing certified instructors who work with individual students to discover their individual learning style. The curriculum covers an introduction to the sport including parts of the boat, maneuvers, navigation, and the Rules of the Road that follows the National On-Water Standards. Instructors use a hands-on approach to teach sailing and seamanship, with emphasis on building confidence and developing basic sailing skills. On the final day of both sessions, parents can see the skills campers have acquired by joining their child for a sail on the last day. The overall curriculum is same for both sessions. Campers returning for Session 2, 3 and/or 4 will be given more challenging activities to help build on the skills learned from Session 1. Campers are also given time for games and leisure. No prior sailing experience is required.
Come to the Open House March 31 (5-6:30pm, Annapolis Sailing School, 7001 Bembe Beach Rd.) to learn more about these camps, meet executive director, staff, former campers and parents. Ask questions and enjoy refreshments. RSVP by March 29: [email protected].
The St. Mary’s camp program introduces safe instruction for not only sailing but also incorporates the concepts of paddle sports and powerboating. Led by U.S. Sailing and U.S. Powerboating certified instructors, the curriculum covers an introduction to the sport including parts of the boat, maneuvers, navigation, and the Rules of the Road that follows the National On-Water Standards. Participants are given hands-on experience in all domains of recreational boating, including power and human propelled craft. When not on the water, campers have the option of a variety of recreational and team building opportunities to promote self-confidence and self-esteem. These activities include swimming, bowling, games and more.
Overnight session campers stay on-site in St. Mary’s College student housing, take meals in the dining hall, and build confidence through the independence they experience while staying on campus. No sailing or boating experience is necessary for either the Day or Overnight Sessions. To participate in the Overnight Sessions, students should be at least 14 years old and have completed 8th grade. Day Campers experience the same curriculum, 9am-4pm (including the weekend).
New this year: Several new small boats have been added to the Annapolis program, which will allow campers a more varied experience. After a two-year hiatus, Residential Camp is being offered again at St. Mary’s College of Maryland.
Dates: June 20-July 15 (Annapolis); July 20-20 (St. Mary’s)
Location: Bembe Beach, Annapolis & St. Mary’s College
Register: brendansailing.org/programs, [email protected], 443-995-6375; early bird registration ends April 1 (save up to $100)
EcoAdventures
Let kids go wild
Each EcoAdventure specialty camp is themed and designed to get kids excited about the natural world. Whether it’s through a hands-on encounter or activity with a live animal ambassador in the rainforest, in an outdoor classroom, or via crafts, games, fossil digs, or a demo by visiting guests and entertainers … these camps will ignite your child’s passion for nature. All camps are 9am-4pm and grouped by ages. Before and after care available.
New this year: one-day field trip camps and new themes. EcoAdventures prides itself for being one of the most COVID-safe camps around, with a friendly, experienced and knowledgeable staff.
In addition, to the regular fun camp games, water fun, and activities, where else can kids get up close and personal with some cool native and exotic animal species?
Dates: June 20-Sept. 7
Location: 216 Najoles Rd, Millersville
Register: ecoadventures.org/summercamps; Purchase a “membership” (summer registration fee) and sign up for camps of your choice.
For more information: Camp Director/Programs Coordinator Lydia Shreeve, [email protected] or 410-987-1300
Jefferson Patterson Park
Great for history and nature lovers
Dive into the history, archaeology and natural world of Southern Maryland with summer camps at Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum’s scenic park along the Patuxent River. Each week’s camp has a unique theme and is filled with hands-on activities that will fascinate, delight, and inspire campers.
NEW Survival Camp – July 5-8; For rising 6-8th graders
Are you an outdoors enthusiast? Do you watch survival shows and get excited to play outside? If so, the survival camp is the camp for you. Campers will learn about botany, building fires and shelters, first aid, outdoor cooking and much more!
Archaeology Camp – July 11-15; For rising 6-8th graders
Have you ever wanted to be an archaeologist? Spend a week with archaeologists excavating for artifacts in the field and working with curators and conservators to clean, study, and preserve artifacts at the Maryland Archaeological Conservation Laboratory.
Native Skills Camp – July 18-22; For rising 6-8th graders
Learn the skills the Eastern Woodland Indians used to survive 500 years ago. Campers make shelters, build fires, and learn about different native tools such as rabbit sticks, bows, fire drills, and pottery.
Imagine If Camp – July 25-29; For rising kindergarten-1st graders
Have you ever wondered what it is like to be someone or even something else? Imagine if you could try out being someone new each day? Open up your mind and bring your imagination to life! It all begins with the words, “Imagine if….” at JPPM.
River Life Camp – August 1-5; for rising 3-4th graders
Discover what makes the Patuxent River so special. Explore the river from its water to the forests and meadows that surround it. Learn how the environment has shaped the lives of the people who made this land their home.
Hands on History Camp – August 8-12; For rising 4–5th graders
Discover how art, science, and history help us interpret the past. Each day will be a different adventure investigating the history and archaeology of Southern Maryland. Learn about the people who lived here centuries before us.
Location: 10515 Mackall Road, St. Leonard
Register: Call the Education Department at 410-586-8504 or email [email protected] or visit jefpat.maryland.gov.
Maryland Hall
Creative summer arts camps
Maryland Hall welcomes kids of all ages to enjoy fun creative summer arts camps. From arts and crafts to dance and music, there is plenty to choose from at the Hall this summer. New this year: Teen Pottery, Teen Woodworking, and Jazz instruction and performance opportunities for all ages with Naptown Jazz Kids. Maryland Hall welcomes back the incredibly popular Paul Reed Smith Music Camp. And don’t miss the robust Anne Arundel County Public School’s “Exploring Communities” summer camps.
Families have been enjoying summer camps at Maryland Hall for years. With our expansive campus and iconic building with three floors of classrooms, galleries and plenty of greenspace outside for creativity, what’s not to love? Also available on campus is the Café on the first floor offering snacks and drinks.
Dates: June 20 to August 26
Location: 801 Chase St., Annapolis
Register: registration opens mid-March at marylandhall.org
Cost: Half-day and full-day camps begin at $145 for the week
Contact: [email protected] or call 410-263-5544
Maryland Strength and Fitness
Summer FUNFit Camp
Geared towards elementary and middle school aged kids (ages 6-13), this camp is designed to introduce the FUNdamental elements of FITness while focusing on speed, agility, balance, coordination, and strength. It will include basic drills and exercises as well as educational sessions covering topics such as nutrition, teamwork, and decision-making for a healthy lifestyle. Of course, fun-filled games are included to keep campers active. Camp is Monday through Friday, 8:30am-noon. Early drop off available.
New this year: Campers will take a hiking field trip as well and a paddle-boarding excursion. Parents love seeing and hearing about how much fun their child is having at camp and how much their child is learning about fitness.
Dates: July 11-15; August 1-5
Location: 10735 Town Center Blvd, Suite 3, Dunkirk
Register: registration opens March 11 at marylandstrength.com
Contact: [email protected] or 301-327-5246
Naptown Sings and Plays!
A summer full of musical exploration
Full-day Summer Music Camps are jam-packed with music, more music, and fun! Students, ages 3-11, of all levels and abilities (no experience necessary), will have the opportunity to learn to sing in pop glee clubs, drum their hearts out in world drumming class, play various instruments, and participate in fun musical activities. Older kids (ages 6-11) will learn an instrument: piano or ukulele. Younger students (ages 3-5) will be immersed in a world of music exploration, from instrument playing, to rhythm and melody, and of course, fun! Naptown Sings camps have highly qualified instructors on staff to ensure a well-rounded educational experience and an exciting week. In addition to group instruction in voice and instruments, students will make friends, play games, and have an all-around musical good time. Campers will be grouped into groups based on age and instrument selection. Considering multiple weeks? Each week there is new music, new genres, and new themes for a full immersive experience. Before and after care available.
Dates: June 20-August 26
Location: Naptown Sings and Plays!, 141 Gibralter Ave., Annapolis
Register: naptownsings.com/summer-camps-and-classes
Cost: $300
Contact: [email protected]