Northeast Ohio Parent Camp Guide - Spring 2023

CAMP and SUMMER PROGRAMS Guide

Sponsored by:

In the Wild Explore Nature at Outdoor Camps

Day Camp

Decider

Questions to Ask When Choosing

Techy Fun

Plug-In and Learn at these Camps

CAMP and SUMMER PROGRAMS Guide

SPRING EDITION

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EXPLORE CAMP IN THE WILD

Outdoor camps provide benefits to kids to learn about nature and its inhabitants.

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CAMP READING LIST

Help for kids — and parents — get ready for summer camps and programs.

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BENEFITS OF PLUGGING IN AT CAMP

Techy kids have opportunities to explore their interests and more!

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DAY CAMP DECIDER

Questions parents are asking when choosing a day camp.

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Sponsored by

CAMP AND SUMMER PROGRAMS LISTINGS

Find the best summer camps and programs for your child.

Camp Worth NOTING

Merit International, Inc and the Ohio Department of Education partnered to offer The Ohio Afterschool Child Enrichment (ACE) Educational Savings Account program. The program provides funds to a student’s parent or guardian to use on various enrichment and educational activities. The ACE Educational Savings Account program is available to any student between the ages of 6 and 18 years old whose family income is at or below 300 percent of the federal poverty level. Qualifying children include those who attend any Ohio public or nonpublic school or are home educated by their parents.

Qualifying families can receive $500 and after April 7 $1000 per child that can be used to pay enrichment activities that will accelerate learning for students impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. These include day camps and field trips, tutoring, language and music lessons, study skill services and more.

Families who are interested can learn more information about how to apply at aceohio.org

PHOTO BY EARTHOLOGY

Explore Camp In the Wild

OUTDOOR CAMPS ARE POPULAR AND THEY PROVIDE BENEFITS TO KIDS TO LEARN ABOUT NATURE AND ITS INHABITANTS.

By Ginny McCabe

Especially since Covid, but even before the pandemic, there was an enormous push for camps.

“The sun shines in Northeast Ohio in the summer. As a community and people that live here, we have come to value and treasure those sunny, warm days. So, this is a great opportu-

nity for kids who have been stuck in school, in front of computer screens all-year around, to get outside, but it really highlights amazing things we have to offer here in terms of nature and outdoor experiences in Northeast Ohio,” says Mary Rouse, director of outdoor experiences at Cleveland Metroparks.

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Dave Devey, owner and director of Falcon Camp says getting out in nature and experiencing adventures is essential for learning and development.

At Falcon Camp, kids gain confidence, improve critical thinking and problem-solving skills, learn valuable self discovery and increase curiosity of adventure and exploration – all while spending time outdoors.

“There is an important sense of sharing the environment with nature, and understanding the layers of how the environment works, in order for everything to flow smoothly,” Devey says. “We need trees, plants and animals, and we need bees to pollinate. There has to be a healthy respect for the environment that we live in and camp is a great place to help teach some of that respect and it gives kids a greater understanding.”

Many camps offer opportunities for kids to not just get outside, but learn about nature. From conservation and hands-on animal encounters to nature fun — there are endless ways kids can explore the great outdoors and the benefits are amazing, too.

Kids Get an Experience Unlike Anywhere Else

“When you’re on a nature hike, and you see a frog in the creek, and you hold the frog in your hands for a couple of minutes,” Devey says. “That’s so much better and nicer than seeing the picture of a frog on a screen, and it’s so much more real. Then, you can go back home, if it interests you, and look up frogs on a screen, and see all the different kinds and colors, and learn from it, but seeing that frog in real life, and holding it in your hands, and watching it jump from one rock to another, seeing how it blends in to the pine needles and the grass on the edge of a stream so you can’t see it anymore, and you have to really focus to find out where it went. Those are things screens don’t do for you.”

At camps like those at the zoo, it’s good to see the animals at the zoo and understand the conservation messaging, and how their actions can impact those same animals that are out in the wild, explains Stacey Panteck, education specialist, at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. So, there’s also the conservation piece of seeing the animals and being outdoors with them.

“It’s super important that kids of all ages get the opportunity to be outside, play outside, and see things here at our zoo that they might not be able to see anywhere else,” she says. “So, they are able to come here and be outside of the classroom, outdoors, but still learn really great things through these experiences. It also awakens a curiosity in kids. For instance, it could be them looking at an elephant close up and that will lead to a million questions, or they can see a caterpillar on the ground, and that would lead to a million questions. It could awaken something in them that’s a passion, and it will continue to be a passion for them throughout their lifetime.”

Exposure to Nature has Positive Health Outcomes

“There are so many benefits. There’s the physical health benefit of being outside, being active in fresh air and challenging your body to do more things. Right along with that is the mental health benefits. There’s so much research - CONTINUED ON PAGE C8 -

PHOTO BY EARTHOLOGY

PHOTO BY EARTHOLOGY

that shows the benefit of time spent outdoors, in terms of brain chemistry and the neurons in your brain, helping to facilitate new connections there in that outdoor space with the sun, hopefully,” Rouse says.

“Nature is grounding and calming,” says Erin McCann Enovitch, owner and director of Earthology Unbound. “Climbing, hiking, exploring, running up

and rolling down hills are all things that build confidence and self-esteem and boost brain chemistry. We know through plenty of research that the benefits of exposure to natural soundscapes and nature in general are transformative. Improved overall health and wellness, increased ability to concentrate and regulate and decreased stress and anxiety are just a few of the positives of being outside.”

Longer periods of time spent in nature have been connected to positive growth cognitively, physically, emotionally and socially. Nature provides the fuel to nurture and grow the whole child, she adds.

“One that’s probably noteworthy are the health benefits,” says Vicki Searles, director of conservation education at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. “A number of children come here who haven’t had the opportunity to be outside a lot, and sometimes that’s by choice, and sometimes that’s because of some challenges they have, but either way, we know that when kids get outside in nature in some way that it can help them tremendously if they have health challenges, if they have some attention deficit challenges, being out in nature has been proven to help that.”

A Positive Alternative to Screen Time in the Outdoors

According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry in 2020, “Children and adolescents spend a lot of time watching screens, including smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles, TVs, and computers. On average, children ages 8-12 in the U.S. spend 4-6 hours a day watching or using screens, and teens spend up to 9 hours.

While screens can entertain, teach, and keep children occupied, too much use may lead to problems.

The negative impact is kids are getting less exercise or gaining weight. There’s also a growing lack of interest in being outside. Electronics are everywhere and it’s causing more anxiety for many kids.

“Children spend too much time indoors, especially during the school year,” McCann Enovitch says. “They need to be outside more, and camp is a perfect way to do that. Even the most hesitant children, who claimed to dislike the outdoors, have reported enjoying their time at Earthology. We have to get them used to being outside more and for longer periods of time, their wellness depends on it.”

PHOTO BY CLEVELAND METROPARKS

“Another benefit is keeping those minds active over the summer,” Rouse adds. “If all the kids do is play video games, or watch movies over the summer, they lose some of those reading skills and math skills, particularly in the younger grades. So, it keeps their minds active.”

“Every day at the zoo is different,” Searles adds. “Animals are doing different things, and you’ll see different behaviors in them, so there are campers who will repeat a theme, and they see something different every time they come.”

Outdoor Camps Broaden Kids Social Skills

Being outdoors in nature will give kids an opportunity to make new friends and it teaches them how to build relationships. At camp, kids can share stories, or sit around a campfire. They are experiencing face-to-face interaction with others, while making lasting memories.

“There are social benefits,” Rouse says. “Kids are going to camp with a group of other youth that they don’t normally spend time with. People from different backgrounds, and people from other communities and neighborhoods. So, it’s a chance to make new friends and learn about people, maybe you don’t already get a lot of exposure to.”

“Summer camp not only helps kids physically, because they use their muscles and bodies in a different way when they are playing outside, but also, it helps to boost brain power and their mental capacity, when they are outside more,” Panteck says. “I think it also adds the element of social-emotional in getting outside, interacting with others and nature. So, it’s good for their mind, body and soul.”

Devey says, often, when he talks to campers years later, he learns that many

campers have made lifelong friends. Campers develop common bonds with their friends at camp, and they have an opportunity to share in new and different

experiences together. He says campers also learn skills like teamwork while they have fun.

Camp Reading Nook

SUMMER CAMP CRITTER JITTERS

by Jory John and

illustrated by Liz Climo

Some familiar faces and some new ones meet up at summer camp . . . and they all feel nervous! There’s a duck afraid everyone will find out he can’t swim, a bear afraid of noises in the woods, and a sloth who worries he’ll have to catch his own lunch. But can they get over their nerves to have some fun and make new friends?

FROGGY GOES TO CAMP

CAMP FAMOUS

by Jennifer Blecher

Eleven-year-old Abby Herman is beyond excited that her parents are letting her go to summer camp for the first time ever. She’s not going to just any summer camp, she’s going to Camp Famous, the

one exclusively for famous kids escaping the spotlight. Desperate to fit in with the pop stars, princesses, and geniuses, Abby creates a fake identity as a famous author. But as camp comes to a close, Abby finds herself torn between who she has pretended to be and who she truly is.

by

Jonathan London and illustrated by Frank Remkiewicz

Froggy’s packs a lot into one week: archery lessons, food fights, and scary stories around the campfire. But only Froggy could also manage to lose his trunks during swim class and overturn his kayak with the camp director in it. Froggy will keep his fans laughing with his latest antics.

SAM AND CHARLIE (AND SAM TOO) AT CAMP!

by

Leslie Kimmelman and illustrated by William Owl

Best friends Sam and Charlie are headed to sleepaway camp for the first time. Each day brings something new―from swimming and nature hikes to camp songs and more. At camp, Sam and Charlie learn the importance of shomrei adamah, taking care of the earth, and taking care of friendships, new and old.

CAMP ROLLING HILLS: BOOK TWO: CROSSING OVER

by Stacy Davidowitz

There’s only one thing Melman loves more than soccer: her summers at Camp Rolling Hills. So she’s pumped to be back—until she realizes her bunkmates have gone totally boy-crazy over the school year and plastered their cabin in pink. Pink posters, pink t-shirts...it seems that the only not-pink thing in the cabin is Melman herself. That is, until she’s given a dare in front of the entire camp: wear a pink princess dress. For Three. Whole. Days.

Here are some book recommendations for kids to start thinking and preparing for their days of summer fun.

‘Get Ready’ Book List

THE NIGHT BEFORE SUMMER CAMP

by Natasha Wing and illustrated by Mindy Pierce

The first day of summer camp is almost here, and one little camper doesn’t know what to expect. For a while everything is hunkydory . . . until rest time rolls around

and he gets a bad case of nervous butterflies. But an unlikely friend appears out of the crowd and reassures him that the best cure for the summertime blues is tons of summertime fun.

SPY CAMP

by Stuart Gibbs

Ben Ripley is a middle schooler whose school is not exactly average—he’s spent the last year training to be a top-level spy and dodging all sorts of associated danger. So now that summer’s finally here, Ben would like to have some fun and relax. But that’s not going to happen during required spy survival training at a rustic wilderness camp.

SUMMER CAMP ACADEMY

by C.K. Bushnell

Join Noah and his bunkmates, the River Otters, as they search for the answers to many, many questions and many more such as What’s in the Mysterious Woods? What is the chunky stuff the camp serves in the Dining Hall? Why is there a mean bunk called the Gray Wolves?

AWAY

by Emil Sher and illustrated by Qin Leng

A little girl’s fears about leaving home for the first time, and the need to stay close with her Mom through handwritten notes becomes even more important. As the camp departure date gets closer, Mom does her best to soothe her daughter’s nerves. A visit from her grandmother helps to calm her fears and convince her that she’ll have a good time, even away from her mother and beloved cat. Camp ends up being a wonderful adventure — but nothing is sweeter than a back-athome reunion.

TACKY GOES TO CAMP

by Helen Lester and illustrated by Lynn Munsinger

Tacky and his fellow penguins are off to summer camp in Nice Icy Land to enjoy themselves while Rock Hopping, Line Dancing, and playing Capture the Ice Cube. One night, they gather around the campfire to sing, eat s’mores, and tell scary stories. But after going to bed, something straight out of one of their scary stories pays the sleeping penguins a visit.

Benefits of Plugging In at Camp

By Lydia Mockensturm

It’s hard to believe it’s already time to start thinking about summer camp again. Everywhere you look, you might be seeing options for art camps, soccer camps, or dance camps—but maybe your kid’s idea of summer fun is building robots and coding.

Parents are likely to fall into one of two camps—those who are ready to embrace tech, and those who see summer as a time to “unplug” and get outside.

While increased screen-time and electronics use can certainly be a concern, it’s also undeniably a part of our world today. Still, encouraging our kids to pursue their interests in things like gaming, coding, and all things techy while also convincing them to take a break now and then can turn into a bit of a balancing act.

We’ve talked with some of the experts offering technology-related camps this summer to learn more about the benefits of plugging in at camp, many of which go beyond a future career in tech.

Technology Creators

In a tech summer camp, kids are able to get creative in different ways than they might in art or music camp.

“When kids attend tech camps like Classroom Antics they learn how to be technology creators instead of technology consumers,” says Sheri Niedermyer, owner at Classroom Antics, an education enrichment provider offering STEAM-focused summer camps.

Their classes for younger kids include activities like robotic programming and Minecraft build challenges as well as screenfree STEAM “brain breaks.” Older tweens and teens can learn to design video games and engineer robots.

“Once they start thinking about how their technology runs—like video games or computer animation—then they realize that

producing technology requires an education and can be a career,” Niedermyer says.

Sarah Kepple, owner of Gigalearn says that the distinction between creating versus consuming technology is important. Her organization partners with Cuyahoga Community College to bring summer camp programs in robotics and video game cre-

camp can be applied across all areas of life.”

“We use technology to teach kids critical thinking and problem solving skills because we can tie important educational milestones to an area they are already interested in,” she says. “Even learning to create YouTube content develops skills such as brainstorming, storyboarding, producing and editing.”

Working Together & Making Friends

If your kid or teen has a passion for coding and robotics, Kepple says that a summer camp can be a great way to meet friends with similar interests as they work together.

ation to kids and teens.

“They’re coding their own video games; they’re drawing digital graphics, editing unique sound effects; they’re building and programming robots,” Kepple says. “So we help students learn what’s behind some of their favorite media and empower them to produce their own ideas.”

Life Skills

The benefits of a tech program aren’t just important for future game developers, though. “They also practice broader 21st century skills that translate into whatever they do, whether they go into any sort of tech-related field or not,” Kepple says. “Skills like communication, critical thinking, problem solving, collaboration, perseverance, and information literacy.”

Niedermyer also adds that the skills learned in a tech summer camp can be applied to many areas outside of technology. “Even if they don’t become technology experts when they grow up, the age-appropriate critical thinking skills they learn at tech

“One of my favorite things that students gain from summer camp are friends,” she says. “Over the course of the week, it’s common for students to bond over their shared interests. And there’s actually research that shows that this type of peer-to-peer informal learning can be one of the best ways to support creativity and self-driven study.”

Screen-free Tech

While you may think of “tech” as synonymous with “electronics,” for example, camps such as Challenge Island’s screen-free STEAM summer camps, this isn’t the case.

“We reclaim the original definition of technology—a new solution to a problem,” says Anne Vaughan, owner of Challenge Island in the Summit and Medina county regions. “We really focus on making the STEM concepts accessible to all children, not just kids that are really focused on technology, or robotics, or coding. We take basic STEM concepts and intertwine them with topics that kids really enjoy.”

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DAYCAMP DECIDER:

Questions parents are asking when deciding on a day camp

By Aisha Taylor

It seems like the school year just started, but it’s quickly coming to a close. It’s time for parents to begin making the final decisions about where to send their children to camp. There are many amazing camps in the area

and parents may need to make tough choices. So how do you do it? Parents first need to know the camp hours so they can understand whether a program works for their schedule. Their schedule will help to determine

whether they select a full-day or halfday program or a program that offers before and after care. It’ll also help parents to identify which weeks and how many weeks during the summer they need camp.

What will the children learn and experience?

Once families know whether the camp works for their schedule, they need to understand the experience they will receive at the camp.

Hunter Hammil, outdoor adventure camp manager at Nature Center at Shaker Lakes recommends parents ask two questions to help guide their decision, “What’s the reason for sending the kids to camp” and “What experience do they want the children to have?”

“What parents want their child to get out of it will have a lot to do with where to send their child,” he says.

This will help parents decide on an outdoor vs. indoor camp, a speciality camp where they learn a skill, a sports camp, a special interest camp, etc.

How do camps ensure safety?

Evaluating program safety includes how the staff are trained and the policies and procedures involved to ensure child safety, conflict resolution between campers, as well as safety protocols for water activities.

Staff training goes beyond knowing if they are trained. “Parents should know who does the training,” Hammil says. “Is a well-known, reputable company training the staff? The camp should be able to provide certifications and documentation of the training. This is really important if there are activities that could be a little more dangerous if proper procedures aren’t followed.”

Another consideration of safety, according to Natisha Bowling, VP of Youth Development at the YMCA of Greater Cleveland, “is the ratio of children to counselors and whether the counselors are youth or adults.”

What should I consider about water activities?

If there are water activities, parents should find out how much water time the children will have, the ratio of counselors to children in the pool, as well as any accommodations for non-swimmers.

For example, if your goal is to have your child learn how to swim, then you may want to choose a camp with more swimming time. If your child doesn’t know how to swim or doesn’t want to swim, then are there different activities the child can do during the pool or water

activity time? If the child is a non-swimmer, but wants to get in the pool, does the camp have accommodations for the child to wear a life vest and remain in the shallow end?

Water activities extend beyond the pool. Some camps have water sports or use water equipment. In those cases, Hammil suggests parents ask, “How often is it inspected? Are the life jackets up to date? How often do they replace and inspect the life jackets?”

What about the age groups?

When parents review camps they will notice that some camps are mixed age groups while others separate the children by age or grade. It’s important to understand your child’s maturity level, development, interests, and goals for the summer when deciding between a mixed age camp or not. Parents should also consider how the camp tailors learning and activities around the children’s age, development, and skill level.

Some mixed age group camps have time where the children are in smaller

groups with their peers who are at a similar level of development. Therefore, if the program is a mixed age camp, will the children have time during the day when they are paired into groups according to their age, grade, or developmental level or are the ages mixed the entire time?

What if it rains?

Rain has the potential to disrupt programs where children spend a majority of the time outdoors. When deciding on your camp program, ask:

• Will the children still play outside if it rains? If so, under what conditions?

• Is there a dedicated indoor space for the children to play if it rains?

• How does the camp structure indoor activities so children can have as much fun indoors as outdoors?

What if your child has special needs or allergies?

Hammil encourages parents of children who may need special accommodations to “talk with the camp director. Then the

director can explain the program, decide if this is something they can work with, or if it is more than what the camp is capable of providing.”

What about costs?

��Bowling advises parents to “consider the program cost and then weigh that against what is included in the program and what children will gain from the experience.”

Once you weigh your decisions, there are opportunities from scholarships to savings plans to help for day camp costs, if needed.

For example, parents have the opportunity to apply for the Ohio Afterschool Child Enrichment (ACE) Educational Savings Account program, which provides families who qualify with a $500 credit for learning activities such as day camps.

While the cost is an important part of the decision-making process, because the summer camp needs to be affordable, it’s also making sure it’s the best fit for your child.

CAMP and SUMMER PROGRAMS Guide

ACHIEVEMENT CENTERS FOR CHILDREN

Hosted on the beautiful 52-acre Camp Cheerful campus, this full-day program provides academic instruction that addresses IEP goals in a summer camp format. Activities are designed and implemented by an intervention specialist to meet each student’s needs and ability level in a 1 staff to 2 camper ratio. Speech-language pathologists and occupational therapists also provide required therapy minutes for IEP goals. Activities include swimming, sensory play, arts and crafts, adapted sports, and horse barn visits. achievementctrs.org

ADRENALINE MONKEY

adrenalinemonkeyfun.com

AKRON ARTWORKS

Akron ArtWorks, family-owned art studio, offers fine art instruction for children, teenagers, and adults. This summer they are offering half day and full day art themed camps. Need extended care?, they have that too. Camp themes include painting, 3D sculpture, Upcycling, fantasy, and art exploration. The studio’s teaching philosophy emphasizes the artistic process, teaching students to focus on exploration and skill development, so that the final product can be a true expression of their unique point of view. akronartworks.com

BECK CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Beck Center offers classes at the Lakewood campus in dance, theater, visual arts, private music lessons, and group lessons. Students of all ages and abilities learn as they create unique works of art, discover hidden talents, and have loads of fun with new friends. They have something for every interest in visual and performing arts, and every skill level. Looking for entertainment? Please call 216-521-2540 to buy tickets for the entire family to enjoy “Once On this Island” or visit beckcenter.org for more details.

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CAMP and SUMMER PROGRAMS Guide

BELLWETHER FARM CAMP

At Bellwether Farm, campers can experience farm-to-table food, goat snuggles, foraging, swimming, reading, singing, cooking, hiking, crafting, and much more on the beautiful 137-acre property. Specialty camps include all traditional camp activities in addition to a focus on specific topics. Mini camp is offered to rising second and third graders Sunday - Tuesday as a sample of a weeklong camp. Bellwether Farm works to inspire future generations to become passionate leaders for a sustainable future. bellwetherfarm.com

CAMP CURIOSITY: SUMMER SCIENCE CAMPS

Do your kids excel at exploration, or thrill at discovery?

If so, a weeklong, summer STEM adventure might be just what they need. New camp themes offer exciting challenges for kids in grades K-6, with options from nature, fossils, ocean life, engineering, Minecraft, LEGOs, space, chemistry, and everything in between. Register by March 31 and receive $20 off. Sessions begin June 5. For more information, call 216-621-2400 or visit greatscience.com

CAMP FITCH

Camp Fitch’s century-old classic sleep-away summer camp provides kids ages 6-17 with a holistically safe, values-driven community where they discover friendship and achievement. Kids feel like they belong among the camp’s carefully vetted, committed and caring staff, who create transformative experiences on the shore of Lake Erie. Partnering with the Erie Health Department and healthcare professionals, they have designed a safe camping environment to make kids better, forever. North Springfield, Pa., 814-922-3219, campfitchymca.org

CAMP GILMOUR

summercamp@gilmour.org.

CAMP INVENTION

Spark your child’s curiosity and creativity with the all-new Camp Invention program, Wonder! Coming to your town, campers in grades K-6 will collaborate with friends to take on fun, hands-on STEM challenges. From building a mini skate park to launching a pop-up shop to transforming a robot into a stuffie, each experience adds up to an imagination-stretching, confidence-boosting summer. Visit invent.org/local to secure your spot. Use promo code LOCAL15 by 5/17 to save $15 off the registration fee.

CAMP JCC IN AKRON

June 5-Aug 11. Different weekly experiences allow campers to discover new hobbies and explore favorite interests. Specialty camp offerings include a variety of sports, creative arts, and STEM. All are welcome at the JCC, regardless of religious preference or economic status. Whether you choose a specialty or traditional camp, all campers attend from 8-3:30 p.m. daily (aftercare available). Daily activities include swimming, art, and games. Available for grades 1-8. Register at shawjcc.org/camp-j.

CAMP TIPPECANOE

ymcastark.org

CAMP QUALITY

campqualityusa.org/oh/

CAMP RATNER

theratnerschool.org/summer-program

CHALLENGE ISLAND

Set sail for a fantastic adventure with Challenge Island. Challenge Island is a one-of-a-kind S.T.E.A.M. (science, technology, engineering, art and math) program full of hands-on fun. Children embark on a unique “island” adventure where they complete STEM/ STEAM challenges using only the materials in their treasure chest and their own creativity to build structures, create games and more. The wide variety of pop-culture camp themes include wizardry, slime, arcade games, space and travel. Learn more at challenge-island.com/neo

CLASSROOM ANTICS

Learn what you love. If your child likes LEGO, Minecraft, or coding, they are going to love becoming a creator in a Classroom Antics summer camp. Classroom Antics is an educational enrichment provider offering fun, educational STEAM programs for kids ages 6-14. Weeklong summer camps are offered in a variety of STEAM activities, including video game design, robotics, animation, video production, and coding. Attend half-day or full-day in Beachwood, Berea, Brecksville, Brunswick, Fairlawn, Hudson, Solon, or Westlake. classroomantics.com

CLEVELAND CITY DANCE

clevelandcitydance.com

CLEVELAND FENCING ACADEMY

Cleveland Fencing Academy is a 5800 sq ft state-of-the-art fencing and social facility for kids/ adults. Recreational and competitive programs, summer and winter camps. Table tennis, basketball, chess, games, movie nights and more. Get plugged into the oldest modern Olympic sport, realize your Star Wars Jedi dreams, and become competitive on a regional, national and international level! Unique opportunity in the Cleveland area. clevelandfencingacademy.com

CLEVELAND METROPARKS

Cleveland Metroparks

Summer Nature Camps connect children with the natural world. From hikes in the woods, kayaking, crafts and games, a variety of Summer Nature Camps offer compelling outdoor adventures.

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Summer Day Camps connect campers with wildlife and inspire the next generation of conservationists. Campers can spend their summer days at the zoo, participating in special activities like giraffe feeding, carousel rides, educational games and crafts. Cleveland Metroparks Golf Junior Day Camps offer activities and instruction for junior golfers of several ages and skill levels. Learn more at clevelandmetroparks.com/camps

CLEVELAND MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY

cmnh.org/summer-camps

ODYSSEY PROGRAM AT CLEVELAND STATE UNIVERSITY’S SCHOOL OF FILM & MEDIA ARTS

Odyssey Program at Cleveland State University’s School of Film & Media Arts offers 4 different residential or day camps for teens (aged 13-18) interested in filmmaking. With access to the film school’s professional sound stages and production equipment, Odyssey participants learn screenwriting, acting, directing, cinematography, editing, and complete their own individual film projects, including a College Admissions Interview video. For more information or to register, please email odyssey@csuohio.edu or visit csufilmodyssey.com

COMMON GROUND SUMMER CAMPS

Eight weeks of day camp full of adventure and education in Oberlin. Earth camp is for ages 6-15 and features a unique environmental theme for kids to explore, learn and grow. Adventure camp takes kids ages 12-15 on epic adventures such as zip-lining, tree climbing and more. Financial aid and bus transportation available from several Lorain County locations available. Call 440-965-5551 and register today commongroundcenter.org/summer-camps

CORNERSTONE OF HOPE

Cornerstone of Hope offers two camps for grieving children and teens, where they will participate in age-appropriate grief activities led by professionals, play fun, high-energy games and experience challenging activities in a safe environment. Campers are encouraged to explore their grief, learn essential coping skills, and make friends with peers who are also grieving. Camp Cornerstone (ages 6-12): July 11-15. Camp Erin (ages 8-17): Aug. 5-7. cornerstoneofhope.org/cleveland

CREATIVE PLAYROOMS

Get Creative for summer camp. Summer is coming, which means longer days, fun in the sun and great friends. Join the “Voyagers” at Creative Playrooms Montessori and Child Care Centers for the best summer ever — full of adventure, imagination and engagement to keep campers ages 5-12 busy and active. Themed activities and programs. Explorations around famous people, places and things. They believe in encouraging children to explore more deeply through doing, asking questions, and having a great time. Join them this summer as they heat up the fun factor. Save your space today. Call 440-349-9111 or creativeplayrooms.com

CUYAHOGA COMMUNITY COLLEGE (TRI-C)

Whether your child is a young performer or a budding engineer, Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) Summer Camps will help them realize their full potential. Choose from more than 30 camps for ages 4-18, featuring: Nuts and Bolts Academy: providing an opportunity to design and create objects using state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment. Creative Arts Academy: offering dance, vocal arts mastery, orchestra and JazzFest Academy. Virtual and in-person camps available. Visit tri-c.edu/ summercamps for descriptions and registration.

EARTHOLOGY

Earthology is offering 11 weekly summer camp sessions starting June 5. Join their immersive nature experience and watch your child’s confidence and kindness grow. Your children will learn about native species while intentionally exploring the outdoors. Animal visitors, swimming, and environmentally conscious crafts are all part of the experience. They allow a maximum of 30 explorers per session. Let your children experience summer the way it’s meant to be — outdoors. Register now at earthologykids.org

THE ELITE GYMNASTICS ACADEMY

The TEGA summer camp program will be an activity-based camp all about keeping athletes ages 6+ engaged both physically and mentally the entire summer. With their fully equipped gym, the camp is bound to be non-stop fun. Each week will focus on different ways to stay active and have fun, but they are still a gymnastics gym, so there will be time to balance, flip, hang, and obtain new skills. Spots are limited, enroll today. elitegym.com/events/summer-camp/

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CAMP and SUMMER PROGRAMS

EN POINTE DANSE

enpointedanse.com

FAIRMOUNT CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Fairmount Center for the Arts offers a variety of performing and visual arts camps and classes year-round for toddlers through seniors. Campers ages 3 and older can explore dance, music, theatre, and visual arts offerings. Mix and match half-day camps to build a full-day camp experience for ages 6 and up. Registration for all summer camps, workshops, and classes has begun. Call at 440-338-3171 or fairmountcenter.org

FALCON CAMP

Recognized throughout the Midwest as Ohio’s premier summer camp since 1959. Falcon offers a beautiful lakefront setting; talented, experienced staff; and a wide variety of activities. Campers choose their own schedules within the general framework. Most of all, it’s great fun. Special introductory camp for ages 6-10. ACA accredited. At Falcon, good things happen by design. 800-837-CAMP, falconcamp.com

THE FINE ARTS ASSOCIATION

Enjoy summer arts day camps at The Fine Arts Association. They offer a challenging summer dance intensive led by guest artists, engaging camps for preschool and elementary ages, theatre arts camps which build toward a concluding performance, stylish visual arts camps, and much more in addition to their traditional summer classes and lessons. Summer camps at Fine Arts are where discovery and creativity happen and lifetime memories are made. Release the artist within your child. fineartsassociation.org

FIT BY FIVE

fitbyfive.com.

FLYING HORSE FARMS

fyinghorsefarms.org.

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CAMP and SUMMER PROGRAMS Guide

FRUITS OF THE FARM SUMMER CAMP AT BLUE JAY ORCHARD

Farm life yields many fruits — and not just the edible kind. They are looking for energetic and enthusiastic children to experience the joy of independent learning through outdoor play. Campers will have the opportunity to explore the 50+ acre orchard and forest including a natural play area. Daily activities will introduce campers to organic growing practices and a character-building virtue of the week. With lots of free play, campers can explore their passions. Becoming a life-long learner is fun at Fruits of the Farm Summer Camp. bluejayorchard.com/summer-camp

GEAUGA PARK DISTRICT

Geauga Park District will host its 11th annual summer camps for youth entering third and fourth grades the weeks of July 10 and August 7; youth entering fifth through seventh grades the weeks of June 5, 12 and 26 and July 17, 24 and 31; and teens entering eighth through 10th grades the weeks of June 19 and July 10, as well as “X-TREME” adventures for these ages on July 26 (kayak) and August 2 (evening). Registration opens March 20. bit.ly/gpdcamps

GELFAND STEM CENTER

The Gelfand STEM Center leverages the resources of Case Western Reserve University to engage prekindergarten through 12th students in activities that introduce them to scientific practices and concepts and inspire a lasting interest in science and engineering. The Center will change students’ lives in Northeast Ohio and beyond by preparing them to succeed in STEM-based careers, enabling them to make informed contributions to public discussions of important scientific issues, and fostering lifelong learning in science and engineering. gelfand.case.edu

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CAMP and SUMMER PROGRAMS Guide

GIRL SCOUTS OF NORTH EAST OHIO

gsneo.org/camplife.

HATHAWAY BROWN

Located in Shaker Heights, Hathaway Brown offers camps for boys and girls, toddlers through college. One of the many things that sets HB’s camp programming apart is the ability to truly create your son or daughter’s own summer adventures. Visit hb.edu/summer to register for academic, athletics, adventure, and specialty camps to have the best summer ever. hb.edu

HAWKEN SCHOOL

find

NEOHioparent

NEOHioparent

Hawken Summer Programs offer a variety of activities led by experienced professionals for boys and girls ages 4-18. Camps run between June and August, and offerings include day camps, passport camps, athletics camps, and summer studies. These opportunities enable children to develop existing passions and discover new ones; they also provide exposure to new people and new skills, which helps build self-esteem, independence, and confidence. For more information, email summerprograms@hawken.edu, call 440-423-2940, or visit summer.hawken.edu

HOLDEN FORESTS & GARDENS

Holdenfg.org.

LAKE ERIE NATURE & SCIENCE CENTER

Lake Erie Nature & Science Center’s summer camps offer preschoolers and students the opportunity to explore and connect with the outdoors, meet new friends, encounter local wildlife, and discover the wonders of the sky in Schuele Planetarium. Campers will engage in hands-on, nature-based activities that integrate science, math, literacy, and the arts as they discover the natural world at Lake Erie Nature & Science Center. View offerings and register at lensc.org/summer-camps

LAKE RIDGE ACADEMY

lakeridgeacademy.org/school-life/summer-programs.

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even more fun around northeast ohio.

CAMP and SUMMER PROGRAMS Guide

LAKESHORE DANCE AND GYMNASTICS

Lakeshore Dance and Gymnastics offers recreational classes and competitive teams in dance and gymnastics. The newly renovated 27,000 square foot facility in Mayfield Village is equipped with two dance studios, a competitive gymnastics area, a preschool gymnastics area, boys gymnastics area, and a rhythmic gymnastics floor. Lakeshore offers dance and gymnastics classes for infants all the way through to adults. Lakeshore’s offerings may be broad but it’s a child focused business where everyone is family. lakeshoregym.com

LORAIN COUNTY

METRO PARKS

loraincountymetroparks.com/summer-camps.

MAGICAL THEATRE COMPANY

Professional teaching artists working in the field lovingly share their skills and knowledge with your kids, building up their confidence and self-esteem, with a hearty work ethic in an atmosphere of support and inclusion. Your kids will sing, dance, and act their way to joy, self-improvement, and success. Drama without trauma for your kids. magicaltheatre.org

MARTELL SCHOOL OF DANCE

Keep your child, twirling, singing, and moving to the beat at Martell School of Dance. By popular demand, their Princess Day Camp, Musical Theatre Camp, and Acro Camp return this summer. With the perfect amount of creativity and exploration of dance and musicality, their camps include a variety of styles for all ages in a family oriented, non-competitive dance environment located in Akron. Please call 330-8054854 or visit our website, martellschoolofdance.com

MASTER MARR’S TAEKWON-DO

marrtkd.com

MONTESSORI LIFE

Montessori Summers are in full swing at Montessori Life in Macedonia, Ohio. With three major themes to explore over nine weeks, little learners ages 3-5 will enjoy the environment and the possibilities that come with preschool. New families love the enrollment flexibility and our current families enjoy meeting new friends. Camp runs Monday through Thursday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Learn more and register at thatmontessorilife.org. Send your questions: grow@thatmontessorilife.org

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CAMP and SUMMER PROGRAMS Guide

NATURE CENTER AT SHAKER LAKES

Swap screen time for nature as you learn and explore in an outdoor classroom. Your child will love their one-of-a-kind, week-long camp experiences taught by teachers and highly trained naturalists. Find an outdoor adventure to inspire an appreciation for their natural world, unlocking a summer full of learning, reflection, friends, and fun. Choose from nine unique camp themes. Register early, as camp sessions often sell out. Financial assistance available. 216-321-5935, shakerlakes.org/camp

THE NEST SCHOOLS

This summer, campers will be exploring the Ten Wonders of The Nest, which make up some of the most important characteristics of who we are and what we believe to be integral components in young children’s development. Throughout their 10-week summer program campers will dive into each of the wonders through various games, activities, field trips, and special events that promote the deep exploration of each topic, promote learning and build valuable skills for life. thenestschool.com

OHIO TUITION TRUST

Summer camps open new worlds for your child as does a higher education. For over 33 years, Ohio’s 529 Plan has been helping families nationwide save tax-free for education, whether at a four-year or two-year college, a trade or technical school, or an apprenticeship. You can also use your Ohio 529 account to pay for K-12 tuition and repay student loan debt. Learn, plan, and start for as little as $25 with Ohio’s 529 Plan today at collegeadvantage.com

PARK DAY CAMP

parksynagogue.org/park-day-camp

PIANO CLEVELAND

Calling all piano-playing and music-loving students for Piano Cleveland’s collaborative program, Piano Pals. Participants are matched with a “Piano Pal” from the Cleveland International Piano Competition & Institute for Young Artists and get a behind-the-scenes look at how young stars develop their artistry. They’ll also observe masterclasses and performances and even serve on a “Junior Jury” to award prizes during the Competition (and more!). The program is sponsored by Kaulig Giving. Registration: Opens April 1. The $30 Registration Fee will give students access to any Piano Pals activity they choose between June and July. pianocleveland.org

PRESTIGE LACROSSE

prestigelacrosse.com

PROGRESS WITH CHESS

Enrich your child’s summer with chess camp. Students learn and improve at the intriguing game of chess. Camps conducted by PWC, experienced provider of after-school chess programs in 50+ Northeast Ohio locations. Players of all levels, beginner to advanced, will receive plenty of individual attention in small groups divided by age and skill level. Activities include a healthy mixture of interactive lessons and supervised open play. Register at progresswithchess.org/camps

SAINT IGNATIUS

ignatius.edu

SNAPOLOGY

cleveland.snapology.com

SUMMIT COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

The Summit County Historical Society of Akron, Ohio presents Farm Fridays from June 2 through August 25. These free weekly summer Friday programs are for children Pre K-6th grades. Starting at 10:30 a.m., each program explores local history with arts and crafts, storytelling, music, sports and historical artifacts from our collection. Held on the Perkins Stone Mansion property, 550 Copley Road, Akron. For information, 330-535-1120 or visit summithistory.org

SUPER NINJA ZONE

Keep your kids active at Super Ninja Zone Summer Camp. Kids will climb, swing, balance, run and jump their way through the summer on their Ninja Warrior obstacles with themed weeks like heroes, ninjas,

and sports week. Their summer camp features guided games and challenges, field trips to local parks, arts and crafts, fitness classes, movies, snack times, and special events on Fridays. Half-day & full-day options. Single-day, 3-day, and full-week options. Ages 5-13. superninjazone.com

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CAMP and SUMMER PROGRAMS Guide

UNIVERSITY SCHOOL

University School is the place to soak in the fun, make new friends, and create your summer of adventure. Boys and girls of all ages can try something new in week-long camps, like musical theater or mountain biking, or dive deeper into something they already love like soccer, basketball, or creating with LEGO. Their classic six-week boys day camp for grades K-7 now offers a two-week coed extension for grades K-3. Visit us.edu/summer to learn more.

WALSH JESUIT HIGH SCHOOL

walshjesuit.org/summer-camps-2023.

YMCA SUMMER CAMPS

There’s no place like the YMCA Summer Camp: a home away from home where kids laugh, learn, explore and grow, all while creating memories and friendships that last a lifetime. The YMCA knows that every kid is different. That’s why it offers camps for your child’s needs. Financial assistance is available for those who qualify. Learn about their sites and curriculum at clevelandymca.org