With summer just around the corner, kids eagerly await the end of the school year. But anxious parents might worry about keeping the children occupied over the three-month break, particularly if both parents work outside the home.
These days, more parents are exploring enrichment camps. Camps are generally one week long and can be either half days or full days, some with extended day care available. You’ll find everything from sports to dance to art. Pick just one week to break up the summer routine or patch together a string of different camps to fill the entire summer.
If you haven’t registered already, hurry. Spaces fill up quickly. Here’s what I found closest to home:
Camp Fire Boys and Girls White Rock Day Camp
( June 3-Aug. 2; 610 E. Lawther; ages 6-15)
Your kids don’t have to be Camp Fire Club members to participate in this day camp. Activities include canoeing, archery, outdoor cooking and nature crafts. Most activities take place at White Rock Lake.
Camp hours are 9 a.m.-4 p.m., but day care is offered for no extra charge before and after camp, starting at 7 a.m. and ending at 6 p.m.
Cost is $60 per week, plus a one-time registration fee of $13.50. Registration deadline is seven days prior to start date. Call 521-2276.
YWCA Day Camp
(May 28-Aug. 9; 4621 Ross; ages 13-16)
This nine-week program is designed to develop confidence, sensitivity and leadership in teens with social events, field trips, swimming, and fitness activities. Community projects, such as tutoring younger children, are a big plus.
The camp runs Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and costs $90 per week, plus a $15 registration fee. For an additional $25, you can add “Fabulous Fridays” to the weekly program, which are devoted to field trips.
The YWCA also has day care for children ages 6 months-12 years during the weeks of its teen camp. The cost is $70 per week, and enrollment is $30. Call 827-5600.
East Dallas YMCA Camps
(May 28-Aug. 16; 6220 Worth; ages 18 months-12 years)
The East Dallas YMCA offers a variety of age-appropriate half and full-day summer programs. Y membership is required to participate, which costs $40 for youths. In addition, camps have a weekly fee, plus a $30 registration fee per child.
Camps have arts and crafts, sports, chapel and field trips with bus transportation provided. Swimming is included for ages 6-12.
Call 824-8139 for a schedule.
Lakewood Arts Academy Summer Camps
(June 3-Aug. 9; 1911 Abrams; ages 4 and up)
The Lakewood Arts Academy introduces kids to art using a variety of mediums in a studio environment. Classes range from two to four hours depending on age, and cost is $55-$120 depending on the camp.
Camps are age appropriate and range from teaching basic skills to focusing on specific topics, such as the “Japanese Garden”, a camp which incorporates Japanese techniques and traditions into drawing, painting and print making.
Other camps use sea, jungle and insect themes.
There are also camps on video production and furniture design, as well as a drawing and painting program for teens.
Call 229-1533 for a schedule.
Dallas Ballet Center
(June 17-Aug. 10; 8530 Abrams, Ste. 608; ages 3 ½-19)
Dallas Ballet Center’s new location boasts more studio space for its summer programs.
The center serves young children to teens, incorporating dance, creative movement, arts and crafts, mime, drama, music and story telling into its summer sessions. Cost ranges depending on the nature and length of the program.
Tap and jazz and ballet camps are offered for beginners and experienced dancers. A two-day dance workshop for boys ages 7-13 also is available emphasizing musical theater, combat movement and special effects makeup.
Call 348-3224 for a schedule.
Ridgewood Recreation Center
(6818 Fisher, ages 3-16)
Ridgewood Recreation Center offers a variety of summer camps starting in June and running through early August. Cost ranges depending on the program.
Available programs include tap and ballet dancing, art classes, golf, tennis, street hockey, gymnastics, and theater. Call 670-7115 for a camp schedule.
Premier Kids Camp
(May 28-Aug. 3; Premier Club at 5910 N. Central; Ages 3-12)
This Sports Day Camp offers individual and team sports, activities, and entertainment in a supervised learning environment. Camp counselors are all physical education teachers from Highland Park Elementary and The Greenhill School. Camp meets from 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Cost is $65 per week or $90 with extended care until 5 p.m. Open to non-members. Call 891-6641.
