School is almost out . . . now what?! Don’t fret, there’s a wide array of summer camps and activities for kids available on St. Simons Island and on the mainland. With daily field trip opportunities to shark fishing adventures to environments that encourage campers to learn and create, there’s no excuse for boredom this summer! Here are a few of the programs that are open for registration now:
BOYS & GIRLS CLUB SUMMER CAMP takes place Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. from May 26-August 12 at the St. Simons Island Club, Elizabeth F. Correll Teen Center, and the Terrill Thomas Club, Glynvilla/McIntyre Court, Jane Macon Club, and Needwood Clubs in Brunswick. Daily activities include award winning programs and age-specific curriculum, optional field trips to places like Jacksonville Zoo, MOSH, Chuck E. Cheese, Adventure Landing, Summer Waves, and community service projects. Breakfast, lunch and snack served daily. Drop-ins permitted. For more information and to register, visit apositiveplace.net.
COASTAL OUTDOORS ADVENTURES offers a variety of summer camp experiences for kids. Sharkfest (SSI/Jekyll), allows kids ages 6-14 to experience what most people only get to watch on the Discovery Channel: 2 days of pure shark fishing with local fishing guides for a variety of coastal sharks, including Bonnethead, Blacktip, Sandbar, and Spinner Sharks. Kids will also learn about different bait and techniques used to catch sharks and other fish. Camp excursions depart from Hampton River Marina on SSI and Jekyll Wharf Marina on Jekyll Island and take place from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. At Camp Village Creek, using the knowledge and resources of local outdoor experts from Southeast Adventure Outfitters and Coastal Outdoor Adventures, your child will learn how to kayak, fish for sharks and other inshore fish from a boat, paddleboard and interact with coastal wildlife through hands-on marine and wildlife education. Camp meets at Village Creek Landing and takes place from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Junior Biologist Camp offers kids 6-14 years old 5 days of fun-filled activities including beach seining, marine life identification, shell identification, sandcastle construction and a variety of outdoor sports. Camp meets at St. Simons Elementary School playground and takes place from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Family discounts are available. For more information and to register, visit coastaloutdooradventurecamps.com.
COLLEGE OF COASTAL GEORGIA’S KIDS IN COLLEGE program is a traditional day camp for elementary and middle school students designed to present relevant academic subject matter in a fun, engaging and exciting way that ensures that students make lasting connections to the fundamental skills and knowledge of each academic area. Morning classroom instruction sessions will be followed by early afternoon field experiences that include both on and off campus excursions. Director of Student Activities Andrew Smith says the real purpose is to prepare kids to learn all year round and keep their brains stimulated through the summer months. STEM camp lets 8-10 year-old and 11-13 year-old students explore the diverse aspects Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM), without having to worry about grades. Fine Arts camp encourages 8-10 year-old and 11-13 year-old students to discover their artistic side through lessons devoted to photography, theatre, dance and music. Leadership camp is perfect for 10-13 year olds interested in government, business, law enforcement, public affairs and sports. Activities such as tours of local government offices/facilities, visits from guest speakers, athletics and use of the on-campus low ropes course will be used to hone the skills and concepts of team building, commitment, hard work, dedication and social responsibility, with the goal of enhancing the student’s ability to lead and work in a group environment. Leadership camp is slightly more physical in nature than the other sessions, so campers must submit a current physical with registration. Camp hours are from 8:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., with drop-off beginning at 8:00 a.m. and a late pick-up option of 4:30-5:30 p.m. available. Lunch is not provided. For more information and to register, visit ccga.edu/kidsincollege/ or contact Andrew Smith at 912.279.5813 or asmith@ccga.edu.
GLYNN VISUAL ARTS SUMMER ART CAMP offers week-long sessions in June and July. Donna MacPherson will take children ages 6-14 into the fantasy world of Pirates & Mermaids with crafts that include masks, painting, and a decoupage treasure chest. Sessions are June 1-5 or July 6-10 from 9:00 a.m to 12:00 p.m. All materials are included. She also teaches the process of Paper Mache & Decoupage to children ages 6-14 in sessions June 15-19 or July 20-24 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. All materials included, and children are encouraged to bring any personal items to incorporate, such as copies of photos of themselves, family, friends or pets. Debbie Craig will teach Clay & Collage to children aged 7 and older in sessions June 15-19, June 22-26, July 13-17, and July 20-24 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. All materials included. For more information about GVA Summer Art Camp and to register, visit glynnart.org.
At The Ritz Theatre, June and July burst with energy at GOLDEN ISLES ARTS AND HUMANITIES’ SUMMER FILM AND THEATRE CAMPS, where young people explore and learn about filmmaking and theatre. Film students ages 14-18 have one week to form a production company, write a script, cast actors, film, and edit their own short film. Theatre students ages 8-16 learn about the craft of acting, while rehearsing a play to be shared on the last day of camp. Theatre students ages 6-7 explore a piece of literature through creative drama while developing their own story to share with parents. For detailed information, schedules, rates, and registration, please visit goldenislesarts.org.
