(Featured Photo: Kids all ready for a little canoeing pause for a photo at YMCA Camp Kern, located in Oregonia, Oh).
As a parent, allowing my kids to get back to life needs to happen. Kids are ready to go, ready to run and simply said, ready to be social again. Local and regional summer camps have worked hard to make kids’ experiences gratifying with COVID-19 protocols in place, while making sure camp is just as memorable as years before.
So bring on the camps! And be sure to head here to learn about more camps attending the 2021 SUMMER CAMP ADVENTURE FAIR set for Saturday, April 10 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Blue Ash Nature Park.
“I think it’s going to be an absolute wonderful experience this summer for children,” says Dave Devey, camp director at Falcon Camp. “They need the social interaction, they need face-to-face and hands-on experiences. I think this is going to be an important summer, and we’ll be ready [our camps and the majority of other camps],” Devey adds.
ABRAKADOODLE; VARIOUS LOCATIONS ACROSS CINCINNATI
ABRAKADOODLE.COM
Abrakadoodle offers Summer Art Camps for kids, including special Holiday Art Camps during school breaks. Kids will venture out to their fun Art Camps at schools and other community locations, and will utilize their best art skills through art lessons, music, games, crafts and special activities for ages 3 to 12! Theme-based camps include the “Big Abrakadoodle Circus”; the “Museum Mystery Tour”; “Kids on the Runway” and tons more.
ARTSCONNECT SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP KIDS CAMP; 9158 WINTON ROAD, BLDG. A, CINCINNATI, OH
THEARTSCONNECT.US
Your artist will experience camp in an all-new way and can decide between a week or entire summer of creating! Certified art instructors will guide your kid to a wide range of art skills and media. Classes include “Puppets Galore,” “Color Explosion,” “Fashion Fun,” “Wonder Wheels” and more where that came from! Camp size will be reduced to 15 campers max per week; limited number of shared supplies; campers are asked to bring their own snacks; increased outdoor play time and indoor activities will be spaced out. Members get special discounts when enrolling.
BUCKNER MARTIAL ARTS SUMMER CAMPS; 8216 HIGHLAND POINTE DRIVE, WEST CHESTER, OH
BUCKNERMARTIALARTS.COM
Have a little ninja who needs to exert some energy? Sign them up for Samurai Camp June 14 – 18; and July 26 – 30 where they will learn the history of Samurai and Iaido (art of the Samurai Sword), crafting (make you own Samurai Sword and learn cutting techniques), martial arts classes, Japanese language lessons and more; or Ninja Camp may be right up their alley where they will ninja history, experience a ninja obstacle course, origami, games and more fun! Doors will be left open as much as possible; offering additional daytime classes; students must check in upon arrival to the dojo and a BMA staff member will meet you at the front doors of the dojo and check you in; students will not need to bring any sparring gear, water bottles or extra items for class; the Dojo lobby is closed, parents asked to wait outside or in their cars for their students to finish class and more.
CHILDREN’S MEETING HOUSE SUMMER CAMPS; 927 O’BANNONVILLE ROAD, LOVELAND, OH
CMHSCHOOL.COM
Amongst their seven-acre campus, ages 3 – 12 (CMH or non-CMH students) experience a wide selection of camps, new adventures and activities taught by talented teachers and volunteers! Choose between morning half-day or full-day programs, and no matter what, your kids will meet new friends and get the best out of their summer.
THE CHILDREN’S THEATRE OF CINCINNATI SUMMER CAMPS; 4015 RED BANK ROAD, CINCINNATI, OH
THECHILDRENSTHEATRE.COM
Between virtual and in-person summer camps, your talented campers will experience their love and passions with TCT. Offering themes based on favorite theatre shows, they will focus on educating your kids in singing, dancing, acting, and even some behind-the-scenes theater tech that includes costuming and set building. Enrollment begins March 1. Check TCT’s website for more information to be unveiled.
CINCINNATI PLAYHOUSE IN THE PARK – SUMMER THEATRE CAMP AND PERFORMANCE ACADEMY; 962 MT. ADAMS CIR., CINCINNATI, OH
CINCYPLAY.COM
Your child will be introduced to the exciting world of live theatre. Process-based summer camp programs are designed to build confidence, strengthen communication skills and develop a sense of ensemble and community. Full day, one-week camps offer five exciting courses designed to engage in the magic of live theatre. Multi-week performance academy programs include Disney’s Mary Poppins, Jr. and 101 Dalmatians KIDS; camps for students ages 6 to 17 will be offered at the Playhouse in Mt. Adams and in Mason. Plus they have a Launch Pad Accessibility Program designed to integrate students with developmental disabilities into a traditional theatre camp environment.
CINCINNATI SHAKESPEARE CO. SHAKESPEARE SUMMER CAMP; 1195 ELM ST., CINCINNATI, OH
CINCYSHAKES.COM
Campers work with members of CSC’s professional resident ensemble, staging scenes, learning the tricks of the trade and gaining confidence. Introductory camps will introduce kids to new skills, and a whole lot of fun! From Stage Combat to Clowning, from Maskwork to Make-up, CSC Theatre Camp offers something for everyone.
FALCON CAMP; 4251 DELTA ROAD SW, CARROLLTON, OH
FALCONCAMP.COM
A summer filled with friends, outdoor activities and independence is just what your camper needs right now. This year, they are adding a new woodworking program, an enhanced nature program, a new shoreline on the waterfront, more fishing and exciting expansions. The most important thing Falcon will be doing is keeping an open communication with parents and putting the health and safety of campers and staff first. If you register now and things change or you get worried, you can opt out without penalty before May 1. More spacing in cabins; new seating and feeding arrangements with no salad bar or buffet and more. Check the website as details are subject to change.
KIDS FIRST SPORTS CAMP-A-PALOOZA; 7900 EAST KEMPER CINCINNATI, OH
KIDSFIRSTSPORTS.COM
Your kids will explore 108,000 square feet of indoor sports galore including swimming, gymnastics, dance, karate, soccer, basketball, and Abrakadoodle art classes. Outdoor excitement includes a rock climbing wall, mini golf course, “Slip n’ Slide Mountain” gigantic water slide, enclosed dodge ball court and tons more. Your campers are in good hands with experienced instructors who are American Heart Association CPR and Standard First Aid certified and attend courses in Character Development and Leadership Training. Check the website for special discounts, this year’s new drop-off and pick-up procedures and more.
MATHNASIUM OF BLUE ASH SUMMER CAMPS; 9525 KENWOOD ROAD #15, BLUE ASH, OH
MATHNASIUM.COM/BLUEASH
Kids lose up to three months of their math skills during the summer time, which is where these educational, fun summer programs come in. Kids will gain confidence in their math skills and come out of the program feeling ready to tackle any equation that comes their way with Mathnasium’s unique approach to making math fun to learn with their flexible programs to fit a busy family’s schedule!
MAYERSON JCC CAMP AT THE J; 8485 RIDGE ROAD, CINCINNATI, OH
MAYERSONJCC.ORG
Voted Best Day Camp in Cincinnati, Camp at the J is where all of the fun is at! Weekly summer camp experiences offer an inclusive environment with swimming, sports, archery, arts and crafts, camp values and color wars and much more! Campers will feel the summer magic complete with interactive programming and enriching activities. This year, campers will be grouped in pods no larger than 12. Head to Mayerson JCC’s website for financial assistance and registration.
SNAPOLOGY OF WEST CHESTER, OH SUMMER CAMPS
SNAPOLOGY.COM/LOCATION/WESTCHESTERTWP
If you have a little brick head on your hands, they can learn new skills and expand their interests with Snapology’s interactive camps for ages 4 to 14. From “Planes, Trains and Automobiles” camp to “Mining and Building and GameBots” camp, kids will explore above and beyond their love of creating! This year, you can choose between virtual and in-person camps, with in-person offered at The EDGE Teen Center, a large, open facility in Liberty Township; and a private room at The Web Extreme Entertainment in West Chester with a 10 student per camp limit. Individual socially distanced work stations for non-siblings (unless parents request two unrelated children work together); half-day morning and afternoon options for virtual camps offered, half-day (single camp) and full-day (two camps) options with early drop off and late pick up for in-person; full-day campers bring their own lunch.
STAR GLAZERS; THEY BRING THE FUN TO YOU; STARGLAZERS.COM
This year, these interactive pottery painting camps will be with the Children’s Enrichment Providers Alliance (CEPA) this year! Keep a lookout for upcoming information, registration and more at Facebook.com/CEPAUsa.
THE TAFT MUSEUM OF ART SUMMER CAMPS; 316 PIKE ST., CINCINNATI, OH
TAFTMUSEUM.ORG
If your artist is in it for the long haul or just loves to create art, their summer will be loaded with painting, sculpting and drawing! This year, set your mind at ease with their safe, hands-on activities led by experienced teachers. Your camper will learn about all mediums of art while being led by local Cincinnati artists. Choose weeklong camps for grades 1 – 3; 4 – 6; and 7 – 12. Take advantage of early bird pricing through February 28; scholarships and after-care available; for families concerned about purchasing now, due to camp not happening because of COVID-19, a refund will be provided.
WENDY MAGEE PHOTOGRAPHY OH SNAP! PHOTOGRAPHY SUMMER CAMP
515 WYOMING AVE., STE 2 WYOMING, OH
WENDYMAGEEPHOTOGRAPHY.COM
If your kid or teen is passionate about snapping that perfect shot, he can learn the ropes from professional photographer, Wendy Magee, through real-life experiences and assignments. Geared for 5th graders and older, projects will help campers learn their cameras. Focus will be on learning about composition, shutter speed, aperture and lighting. Classes are two-hour intervals Monday – Friday. Keep a lookout on the Facebook page @wendymageephotography for more info to come including virtual classes.
WEST CHESTER ACADEMY (WCA) SUMMER CAMPS; 8107 MARKET PLACE DRIVE, WEST CHESTER, OH
WESTCHESTERACADEMY.COM
WCA is bringing back summer camps stronger than before with five-day camps that range from music, dance, gymnastics, and art loaded with artistic learning, crafts, a snack, character building and more with a special performance on the last day of camp! You also have the option to choose their four-week “Stay Strong All Summer” classes that meet once per week from June 15 through July 20.
YMCA CAMP ERNST; 7615 CAMP ERNST ROAD, BURLINGTON, KY
http://MYYCAMP.ORGMYYCAMP.ORG
Open registration is available for new programs including “Horsemanship Lessons,” “Ranch Days,” “Day and Family Camp” and more. Whether your camper is ready for an overnight camp or weeklong camp, Camp Ernst has it! Overnight activities include zip lining, a 100-foot waterslide, giant swing, archery, and more; weeklong camps for ages 6 – 15 range from the ropes course to traditional activities. Check the website for safety info and options!
YMCA CAMP KERN; 5291 OH-350, OREGONIA, OH
CAMPKERN.ORG
It may be more untraditional than what kids are used to, but campers will be thrilled to get moving, socialize and have a memorable time no matter what! From sleepover camps to day camps, from camps for first-time campers to traditional camps, there’s truly something for every kid. You’ll also find fun themed camps in 2021 including “Star Wars,” “Harry Potter,” “Ultimate Camp Kern Week,” “Neverland” and many others. Campers will get introduced to daily activities, challenges, adventures and exciting moments with their favorite characters. Cabins will have a max of six campers and one or two counselors; sleep
head to toe in each bunk; have cafeteria-style breakfast and dinner; and more.
YMCA OF GREATER CINCINNATI SUMMER CAMPS; VARIOUS LOCATIONS IN GREATER CINCINNATI
http://MYY.ORGMYY.ORG
The YMCA offers a variety of summer programs including full-day camps to part-day adventure programs that allow kids to build a week of excitement. Kids will explore swimming, running, playing and nature in an encouraging environment during their summer day camps for ages 5 to 12; camps for ages 6 to 15 include weekend camps where you can choose one of the Y’s four-weekend camps throughout the year with the fun of a week of camp packed into just one weekend. Weekend overnight camping is suspended for spring this year.