Summer fun: From art to ziplining and everything in between

From art to ziplining and everything in between, Baltimore and the surrounding counties have an abundance of camps to choose from this summer. Day camps on both land and sea along with overnight camps nestled in the woods are just some of the options available to local campers. Of course, Vacation Bible School is always a great way to learn more about the Catholic faith in a fun, relaxed environment.

When choosing a summer camp, be sure to take cues from your child about his or her interests. Some children may thrive in sports camps, while others would rather learn all about baking in a culinary camp or tackle science projects in a STEM camp.

Many area Catholic schools offer a wide variety of summer programs, and campers do not need to be enrolled at the school to attend. At The John Carroll School in Bel Air, a wide range of athletic summer programs includes softball, baseball and soccer. The school also offers camps incorporating fine arts such as dance intensives and Kids on Broadway!, a really popular camp for the younger children.

“With Kids on Broadway!, campers have the opportunity to put together an amazing show that is presented at the end of the week for their friends and family,” said Hannah Roy, coordinator of camps at John Carroll. “It is great to see their hard work pay off and to see how proud they are of themselves.”

According to Roy, when trying to decide on a camp, if parents have any questions about a particular camp, it is good to go directly to the source.

“The contact information for the camp directors hosting these programs is on the website for any parents who would like to reach out to get more information about which camps may suit their child best,” Roy said.

John Carroll starts determining the camp offerings it will provide each summer beginning in the fall, when the school works with coaches and prospective camp directors within the John Carroll community to determine what camps they would like to host. The school then puts together a schedule to include athletics, performing arts and academics for campers of all ages.

Roy’s one piece of advice for parents regarding summer programs is to sign up early.

“Many of our camps fill quickly, so make sure to keep an eye out for when these camps are available for registration by following our social media pages and checking out our website,” she said.

 Here is a sampling of more summer camp options:

Baltimore County Sailing Center

Rocky Point Park, Essex

Starting at $495/week

Baltimore County Sailing Center summer camps at Rocky Point Park in Essex specialize in teaching children 6-18 to sail by the end of a two-week session. They also offer fishing and Chesapeake Experience camps, which include kayaking, paddle boarding, viewing wildlife in the bay and a special sailboating experience. Campers develop lifelong skills and a love of life on the water.

bcsailing.org/summer-camp

Camp Puh’tok

Monkton

Starting at $425/week

Camp Puh’tok, offering both day camp for grades K-5 and overnight camp for grades 2-6 and 7-11, is located on 60 acres of woodlands and bordered by the Gunpowder Falls River and State Park in Monkton. Some of the many activities include swimming, archery, marksmanship, arts and crafts, pony rides, ziplining, tubing, canoeing, and Native American crafts and dance.

camppuhtok.com

Maryland Zoo Camp

Baltimore

Starting at $365/week

The Maryland Zoo offers week-long day camp for children in grades 2-5 that allows them to explore the world of animals at the zoo. Younger teens in grades 6-8 can attend the Junior Keeper in Training camp, and teens in grades 9-12 can participate in the Keeper in Training camp, where they learn firsthand what it takes to meet the needs of the zoo’s animals. Camps include immersive tours of the zoo, animal interactions and behind-the-scenes experiences.

marylandzoo.org/learn/summer-camp

Camp Greyhound

Loyola University Maryland, Baltimore

$325/week

Camp Greyhound is offered weekly from June 20 through Aug. 18 for children entering grades 1-6. Activities include climbing wall, swimming, hiking, ball sports, yoga, dance, board games, scavenger hunt, arts, crafts and more.

bit.ly/camp-greyhound

Merritt Clubs

Merritt Clubs offers a wide variety of half-day and full-day interactive summer camps in Canton, Eldersburg, Towson and White Marsh. Themes include Mini Splashers (swimming), backyard games, art, cooking, dance, Amazing Race, CSI, STEM, sports and more. Before and after care and extended hours are also offered throughout the camp session. 2023 pricing not yet posted.

merrittclubs.com/programs/camps/

Monsignor O’Dwyer Retreat House

Sparks

$250/week, plus $50 registration fee

The Monsignor O’Dwyer Retreat House in Sparks offers summer camps in July and August that include games, swim lessons, Bible stories, a ropes course, crafts, sports and more. Camps run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and are limited to 50 campers. Before- and after-care is available for an added fee. The program is open to incoming first through fifth graders.

msgrodwyer.org/summer-camp

Notre Dame of Maryland University

Baltimore

Variable pricing

NDMU offers a wide variety of summer camps for children of all ages from preschool to high school. For the littlest campers age 2-6, A Child’s Place is an educational and play-based experience. Cooking with SAGE teaches campers new recipes and cooking techniques, while STEM camp highlights new concepts daily. Camp Notre Dame for children 5-11 has four different sessions that all include traditional camp activities such as arts and crafts, sports and games, and swimming. High schoolers interested in a career in pharmaceutical sciences can take advantage of Pharmacy Camp. Gator Sports Camps and Clinics are designed for high school student-athletes who are interested in competing at the collegiate level.

ndm.edu/news-events/auxiliary-conference-services/ndmu-summer-camps

Vacation Bible Camps

Archdiocese of Baltimore

Variable pricing

Many parishes offer Vacation Bible School. Most programs are for one week and have a new theme each summer. Last year, Holy Family parish in Davidsonville had a food truck theme. St. Isaac Jogues in Carney had a Jerusalem Marketplace theme. Check with your local parish for 2023 information.

YMCA

Maryland

Starting at $266/week

The Y has camps throughout the area for children from pre-K through grade 12. They offer many different options, including an unplugged day camp experience with activities such as archery, swimming, science fun, sports and games, crafts and journaling.

ymaryland.org/camp

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