Last- Minute Camp Guide
Annapolis Recreation and Parks Camps
Many choices of fun at affordable prices
Summer days are filled with sports, dance, rock climbing, arts & crafts, boating, field trips, swimming lessons and free time at the Truxtun Park Pool. Activities vary depending on the kind of specialized camp format your child selects. Camps meet June-August.
New this year among many, many choices: International Sports Splash Camp July 9-13; Fun Fitness Splash Camp July 16-20 & Aug.6-10. Hillsmere Elementary is a new location for the Recreation Enrichment Camps (ages 4-5 and 6-12).
Parents will appreciate: Annapolis Recreation and Parks’ summer camps are organized by camper’s age, length of camp, specialized themes and dates (June-August). Details at www.annapolis.gov/recreationcampinformation
Annapolis Recreation and Parks Camps:
June 18-Aug. 31; 410-263-7958; annapolis.gov/recreation
Anne Arundel County Recreation & Parks Camps
Fun, learning and excitement all summer long
Find a variety of camp opportunities all over Anne Arundel County for all ages, interests and abilities. Enjoy arts and crafts, nature, sports, music and drama, active games, field trips, special theme days and more.
Choose from Abrakadoodle Art Camps, Adaptive Day Camps, Colonial Adventure Camp, Enrichment Camps, Dance Camps, Imagination Camps, Jug Bay Wetlands Camp, Science & Engineering Camps, Sports Camps, Summer Aquatics Camps, Summer Day Camps, Summer Fun Centers, Teens on the Go and Theatre Performance & Dance Camp.
Parents will appreciate: Match ages, interests, locations and schedules in our Spring & Summer 2018 Guide, now online.
Anne Arundel Recreation & Parks Camps: June 18-Aug. 24; 410-222-7313, www.aacounty.org/recparks
Calvert School of Dance
Dance, dance, dance all summer long
The teachers of Calvert School of Dance have been sharing their love of movement for over 30 years. We know that dance training is an important part of a well-rounded education with benefits reaching out in many different directions.
Our camps include Broadway Babies, a musical theater-style camp for all ages … Turns & Progressions, a camp for intermediate dancers to improve leaps and turns plus contemporary combinations … All-Day Dance Camps (9am-4pm) for learning a variety of styles plus flexibility, strength and core training … Gymnastics Camp, an evening class for all ages and all levels, focusing on improving skills and techniques … Intensive Dance Camps for all levels with master teachers in ballet, tap, jazz, musical theater and contemporary.
Parents will appreciate: Professional training in classical ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop and gymnastics for every skill level. Early drop-off available.
Calvert School of Dance: June 18-Aug. 17;
4920 Hunting Creek Rd., Huntingtown, 410-535-3320, www.calvertschoolofdance.com
Camp Conowingo
Where G.I.R.L.s (go-getters, innovators, risk-takers, leaders) have fun!
Whether you’re a first-time camper or a veteran seeking new adventures, you’ll find fun, friendship and a lifetime of memories at Girl Scout summer camp.
Located on 600 acres of fields and forest adjacent to the Susquehanna River, Camp Conowingo offers a variety of camp options for all girls including themed specialty activities (Camp CSI, Tribute Training), horseback riding, snorkeling, zip lining, crafts, songs and campfires.
Girl Scout camp features an all-girl, girl-led environment that provides unique leadership opportunities to build skills. Girls become more independent and self-reliant and connect with girls from all over Maryland and counselors from all over the world.
Eight weekly sessions for Brownies (grades 2-3), Juniors (grades 4-5), Cadettes (grades 6-8), Seniors and Ambassadors (grades 9-12). Non-Girl Scouts are welcome!
Parents will appreciate: Transportation is included.
Camp Conowingo: June 18-Aug. 10; Girl Scouts of Central Maryland: 410-358-9711; www.gscm.org
Camp Summit & Specialty Camps
In our nurturing environment, students build self-confidence and get an academic boost for back-to-school success
Summer at Summit offers a nurturing environment where students build self-confidence and get the academic boost they need for back-to-school success. Our popular month-long camp, Camp Summit (July 2-27) offers campers in grades 1-8 the time to learn new skills, make new friends and boost self-confidence.
Academic mornings — covering reading, math and oral/written expression — are balanced with fun-filled afternoons. Campers avoid summer learning loss while making new friends.
August specialty camps offer focused education for grades 1-10 in: EmPOWER (writing skills), Executive Function (organization skills) and Math Boost. Each camp aims to prepare students for a successful school year.
Parents will appreciate: Your children divide their summer days between having fun and developing confidence and skills for back-to-school success; plus small classes with experienced teachers.
Word to the wise: Register today; class sizes are limited.
The Summit School: 664 East Central Ave., Edgewater, 410-798-0005, www.thesummitschool.org
Dynamic Soccer Training 2018 Summer Camps
Prepare to play your best in the soccer seasons ahead
Players have fun while training hard with coaches invested in their success. Choose from four specialty camps:
Finishing Camp: Ages 8-14, July 16-20, 6-8pm at Cape St. Claire Elementary School.
Goal Keeper Camp: Ages 8-14, July 16-20, 6-8pm at Cape St. Claire Elementary School.
BAYS Performance and Development Camp: Ages 7-13, July 23-27, 8:30-1:30am at Cape St. Claire Elementary School.
All-Day Camp: Ages 8-14, July 30-Aug. 3, 9-3:00pm at Broadneck High School.
Parents will appreciate: Youngest players increase their comfort level with plenty of touches on the ball.
Dynamic Soccer Training:
410-562-5964; www.dynamicsoccertraining.com
Elks Camp Barrett
Helping young people develop and grow by getting outdoors for adventure and fun
Elks Camp Barrett is a traditional summer camp set in a 147-acre campus of rolling hills, streams and hiking paths, with cabins air-conditioned for comfortable sleeping. As well as pool swimming, hiking, archery, arts and crafts, outdoor skills, camp fire and zip-line, campers choose from an array of programs updated each year, such as computer building, drama, kitchen science, herb gardening, metal detecting, yoga and more.
Sessions rotate by week for girls only and boys only, ages 9-13 (or rising 4th-graders) with Sunday afternoon check-in; Friday afternoon pickup.
Parents will appreciate: An American Camp Association accredited camp, operated by the Elks Association of Maryland, Delaware and the District of Columbia. Campers are sponsored by local Elks Lodges, with all or a portion of the cost covered by that sponsorship. Contact your local Elks Lodge for registration information: www.Mddedcelks.org.
Campers should be worthy and deserving or not otherwise likely to have such an opportunity.
Elks Camp Barrett: June 17-July 27;
Annapolis, 410-224-2945, www.elkscampbarrett.org
En-tice-ment Stables Equestrian Camp
All about horses!
In small private groups in a fun family atmosphere, children learn every aspect of horsemanship from riding to the total care of the horse; plus non-equestrian fun.
Summer camps meet June 18-Aug. 10 as five-day skill-level sessions for ages 5-17 (with half days for ages 5-7).
Camps available for Spring break, October break and Thanksgiving, too.
Parents will appreciate: Visit camp Fridays at 3pm to see your kids show off their new skills. Our camps are certified by the State of Maryland.
En-Tice-Ment Stables Equestrian Camp: June 25-Aug. 10; En-Tice-Ment Stables, 4016 Solomons Island Rd., Harwood, 410-798-4980, www.enticementstables.com
Grace Brethren Church Summer Adventures
Know, Grow, Serve and Go!
Choose from three camps based on age and interest, including free weeklong Vacation Bible School. Registration for all camps now open online: www.calvertgrace.org.
Shipwrecked: Rescue by Jesus, June 25-29, 9am-12:30pm, Free; Vacation Bible School teaches kindergarteners to rising 6th-graders how Jesus helps you weather any storm in life.
SOAR Soccer Camp: July 9-13, 5:30-8:30pm: $80. Ages 6-13 — whether you’re new rec-level or an advanced club player — have a great time training with our veteran coaches. Camp meets at Twin Shields Soccer Field in Dunkirk.
Performing Arts Camp: Master of the Universe: July 29-Aug. 3, daytime camp with Friday evening performance: $100. Rising 2nd- to 8th-graders combine acting, dance, music and stage movement with Bible study for a week of performance fun.
Parents will appreciate: We combine Christian values with good times.
Grace Brethren Church: Owings, 301-855-2955, www.CalvertGrace.org
Historic St. Mary’s City
Build it, Wear it, Eat it, Live it! June 25-29. Rising 5th- and 6th-graders dig deep into colonial and native skills, learning about clothing, building, food and games. Expect to get messy while making clay pots, fire starting, cooking over an open flame and much more as you experience what it means to be your own power source.
Archaeology of Food, July 16-20. Rising 7th- and 8th-graders spend a full week as researchers and archaeologists with an opportunity to work with the internationally renowned Field School at an archaeological site and be guided by Historic St. Mary’s City pros through reconstructed historical sites and a state-of-the-art research lab. You’ll screen for artifacts, discover how bones teach us about animal diets and decipher historical recipes for colonial cooking.
Parents will appreciate: The small camp size, allowing for each student to gain confidence, make new friends and have full opportunities for discovery.
Historic St. Mary’s City: $140 per camp; 240-895-4990; www.HSMCdigsHistory.org
Ice Arena Summer Programs, City of Bowie
Really cool summer fun
Children learn to ice skate or continue to develop their skating skills in a fun and exciting way with our figure skating and hockey camps. We have something for all levels, ages 3-15. Camp schedules vary by week, but you always get on-ice instruction, on-ice games and music, off-ice games and crafts. Camps are half-day for 3- to 6-year olds and full day for 6- to 15-year olds. Don’t let your child miss out on this cool summer fun.
Parents will appreciate: Campers perform in a show at the end of the week.
City of Bowie Ice Arena: July 10-Aug. 25;
301-809-3090, www.cityofbowie.org/icearena
Jefferson Patterson Park
Dig into history, nature and imagination
In six different camps, ages 5-16 engage in discovery, fun and learning through arts and crafts, games and archaeology experiments. Friendly and experienced staff provide the highest standard of supervision and safety.
Hands on History Camp, June 25-29, 9am-4pm. Rising 4th- and 5th-graders discover how art, science and history help us interpret the past. Each day is a different adventure as you explore and investigate the history and archaeology of Southern Maryland, and learn about the daily lives of Native Americans and Colonists who lived here centuries ago.
Archaeology Camp, July 9-13, 9am-4pm. Rising 6th- to 8th-graders spend a week as archaeologists, excavating for artifacts with pros 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 16-20, 9am-4pm. Rising 6th- to 8th-graders make shelters … learn about the tools native people made to use for catching food, from rabbit sticks to bows … build fires and learn about ways to cook, from baking in ashes to making your own oven.
River Life Camp, July 23-27, 9am-3pm. Rising 2nd- and 3rd-graders discover what makes the Patuxent River so special by exploring it from its waters to the forests and meadows that surround it. Learn about natural features and how the environment has shaped the history of the people calling the land home for thousands of years. Prepare to get messy as you explore from the ground up.
JPPM Stewards, It Takes a Village Camp, July 30-August 3, 9am-4pm. Rising 9th- and 10th-graders learn about all the hard work and teamwork it takes to build a village. Campers work together to build wigwam frames, help with the Village garden and select a personal project that will be seen by thousands of visitors each year.
Imagine If Camp, Aug. 6-10, 9am-noon. Rising Ks and 1st-graders imagine what it would be like to try out being someone new each day. Who would you be? A sailor fighting in the War of 1812? A farmer raising animals and tending crops? A pirate exploring the Patuxent River? If you use your imagination, you can even become an animal, like a bald eagle flying high in the sky or a tiny minnow swimming in a stream. Open up your mind and bring your imagination to life. It all begins with the words, Imagine if …
Parents will appreciate: Low prices and exciting activities get kids digging history.
Jefferson Patterson Park: 10515 Mackall Rd., St. Leonard, 410-586-8501, www.jefpat.org/SummerCamp2018.html
Lillie Pad Studios
Create glass art
Lillie Pad Studios is the only art studio in Anne Arundel County teaching glassblowing, coldworking glass, resin casting and glass flameworking.
In full-day art camps (9am-5pm) focused on two different art processes over five days, kids enjoy experiences with art that spark creativity, ingenuity and fire up the imagination — all while having fun!
Fast friendships form because these art processes are often energetic and collaborative. Campers create several unique art pieces — plus fond memories of learning in a close group.
Parents will appreciate: Early drop-off and extended stay sessions. Discounts available. Register early as camp space is limited.
Lillie Pad Studios: Weekly camps June & August; Millersville, 443-494-8008; www.lilliepadstudios.com
Ocean City Recreation & Parks Summer Camps
Summer camp by the sea, by the sea, by the beautiful sea
This summer, Ocean City Recreation and Parks again offers a variety of great camps including arts, sports, science and aquatics. We have day camps running from one to five days. Camps, some co-ed, run from two to seven hours for ages three to 18-plus, June 18-August 23.
Many favorites are back this year: art, baseball, basketball, boogie board, dance, drama, estuary explorers, field hockey, fishing, flag football, golf, Junior Beach Patrol, kayak, lacrosse, Lego, model rockets, robotics, stand-up paddleboard, skateboard, softball, soccer, surfing, tennis and volleyball.
Many camps meet at Northside Park (125th St., Bayside), a 58-acre park with outdoor fields and playground, two piers and a large gym and sports annex.
Parents will appreciate: With the most qualified staff and instructors from the local area, as well as colleges and universities, this is a best bet for OC vacationers looking for fun for the kids.
Register ASAP!
Ocean City Recreation and Parks Summer Camps: June 18-Aug. 23; 410-250-0125, https://camps.oceancitymd.gov
Pat Rooney’s Calvert Golf Academy Camps at Mellomar Golf Course
Where golf is all about fun
Designed for kids ages 4 to 17, camps focus on golf fundamentals: the swing, chipping, pitching, putting, course management, mental aspects and rules of the game — all in a fun, learning environment.
Players are grouped by age and skill level.
Camps begin on the driving range for swinging practice, followed by short game lessons. After a snack break, players are paired into groups and head to the course. Each day ends with a hole-in-one contest.
Parents will appreciate: Camps are run by Pat Rooney, head golf professional at Calvert Golf Academy. He has over 25 years coaching experience and welcomes players of all skill levels.
Pat Rooney’s Calvert Golf Academy Camps: weekly June 18-Aug. 23 M-Th, Mellomar Golf Course, Lower Marlborough, 301-404-8293; www.calvertgolfacademy.com
Patuxent River 4-H
Fun, adventure and friendships for a lifetime
Dive into a week of adventure and fun at Patuxent River 4-H’s 134-acre environmental education center. Days are full of archery, creative games, ropes courses, stream exploration, team building, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) activities and more. Come with a friend or make new friends and create memories that last a lifetime.
Day camp (ages 6-13): June 25-29, 8:30am-4:30pm (check in as early as 7:30am; pick up 4-5pm), $210 (lunch included).
With campfires and evening activities, camp is always s’more fun if you stay overnight. Day campers can give it a try in one-night sleepovers.
Overnight camp (ages 8-15), Aug. 6-10, $315.
Now registering campers!
Parents will appreciate: Everybody — not just 4-H’ers — is welcome.
Patuxent River 4-H: 184505 Queen Anne Rd.,
Upper Marlboro, 301-312-5292
Planet Hope Land & Sea Camp & Sailing Academy
Take off from the beach and sail away
Learn to sail on the Beach at Herrington Harbour South. Our enthusiastic staff love to teach young people to sail, and they make it a fun and exciting week.
Play beach games, water activities and skill-building challenges as you learn to sail. Beginners are welcome, and there is plenty of room for growth for students with prior sailing skills.
Choose your camp by age: Mini-Mariners (ages 5-7); Youth Dinghy Camp (ages 8-15); Cruising Camps (teens).
Our fleet of Topaz sailboats is constantly updated, so you’ll use the best equipment.
Want to keep sailing after camp? Families of campers can buy sailboats at a discounted rate.
Planet Hope Land & Sea Camp & Sailing Academy: 5-day camps meet June 18-Aug. 17. Fees start at $279;
411 Deale Rd., Herrington Harbour, 410-867-7177, www.sailingcamp.org
The Polymath Place
Spark your child’s unquenchable curiosity
The Polymath Place is the summer destination for curious kids to learn and grow into endless possibilities.
With fun discoveries of things new and exciting, each day is a blast in weekly themed camps including art, cooking, games, LEGO robotics, STEM, theater and more.
Half- and full-day plus evening camps for preschooler to 6th-graders, plus summer evening tutoring in math and reading for all grades: June 25-Aug. 31.
Bring a lunch and learn to make your own snacks.
Parents will appreciate: Kids have so much fun they don’t know they’re learning.
The Polymath Place: 5735-C Deale-Churchton Rd., Deale, 410-867-0100, www.thepolymathplace.com
St. Margaret’s Day School Camp
Fun and exploration!
Theme-based, hands-on, exploratory, STEM-integrated camp for children ages 2-9 with new activities each week and culminating activities at the end of each theme.
Our new engaging science and math curriculums will have campers excited to learn about space and rockets. We also have games and outdoor play daily.
Four weekly sessions are available as half-days for preschoolers. Sign up for one week of a theme — or multiple.
Parents will appreciate: Campers are grouped by age with one counselor for every five kids to make sure everyone is having fun and staying safe. Easy online signup available.
St. Margaret’s Day School Camp: June 12-Aug. 11; 1605 Pleasant Plains Rd., Annapolis, 410-757-2333, www.stmargaretsdayschool.org