CAMP GUIDE

Bear’s Summer Camp Guide 2023

It’s that time of year when kids are counting down the days until school is out for the summer. While the children are excited about the school year coming to an end, it can often be a stressful time for parents. Working parents are often faced with nding a sitter during the summer. any times the solution is summer camp.

ummer camps gi e children the chance to try new things, explore, learn, make new friends and collect memories that will last a lifetime. There are camps that offer swimming, dance, theater, sports, T , T A , art, animal care and so much more Choosing a summer camp is often decided by factors like is it a day camp or o ernight camp ow close is it to home ow much does it cost and are scholarships a ailable oes the camp re uire special clothing, shoes and e uipment What is the ratio of campers-to-camp staff

Day Camp or Residence Camp? f your child has attended summer day camps in the past, attended sleepo ers with friends or e en stayed with grandparents for a weekend, they might be ready for a residence o ernight camp. esidence camps can be as short as a weekend or some might run one to two weeks long. With a residence camp the children will learn independence being away from parents and siblings. f a child is too young for a residence camp, day camp is probably the best. They will spend all day with other campers and be home in time for dinner.

Cost and Location: Another factor in choosing a summer camp is the cost and closeness to home. ou can nd many day camps just miles from your home and many camps offer scholarships, early registration and other discounts. ou can look at the website of a camp to nd out if discounts are a ailable.

Types of camps: What does your child like to do or what would they like to learn to do e eral camps teach children T in creati e and fun ways. usical and theater classes often ha e a performance at the end of the camp to present to parents. ost camps offer a ariety of indoor and outdoor acti ities. Those camps that are mostly outdoors are usually located in a higher ele ated area when the temperatures are cooler.

Do not be afraid to ask! When selecting a camp do not be afraid to ask uestions. What is the ratio of campers-to-camp staff s the staff well trained, experienced and background-checked ow will you be noti ed in case of emergency oes the camp accommodate children with food allergies or disabilities

Ready, Aim, Summer Camps! nce you ha e decided if your child wants to go to a day or residence camp, it’s time to sit down with them and go o er all the many camps a ailable in your area. To make it easier, and to see the ariety of choices, check out oomer’s ummer Camp uide 3.

BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF THE VALLEY

602-954-8182

Ages: 5–18

BGCAZ.org ign up for summer nrichment un at CA ’s high- uality, affordable summer program. orning programs will focus on engaging and fun academic and social enrichment to prepare students for fall. Afternoons will include arts, sports, games and more Teens 13 18 will create exciting ser ice learning projects that will build selfconfidence and leadership skills and count for olunteer ser ice hours. Weekly program fees for youth 1 start at and financial aid is a ailable at all Clubs. Teens are free with Club membership. pen a.m- p.m. reakfast and lunch are included daily in the full-day programming. Check CA .org to find your local Club. This institution is an e ual opportunity pro ider.

Black Mountain Bmx

24024 N. 11th Street • Phoenix

602-999-5979

All Ages www.usabmx.com/tracks/0257

All ages and all experience le els are welcome Clinics, ractice and acing. isit www.usabmx.com tracks for full details, location, directions and more.

Bookmans Entertainment Exchange

MESA: 8034 N. 19TH Ave

PHOENIX: 1056 S. Country Club Dr www.bookmans.com

Check out ookmans.com for weekly family friendly e ents and acti ities. Click on the Join tab to sign up for the Kids Club or 131 to get discounts.

Camp Zoo At The Phoenix Zoo

455 N. Galvin Pkwy. • Phoenix 602-286-3800

June 5–July 28 (no camp July 4)

Registration Opens March 10 for zoo members and March 24 for non-zoo members www.phoenixzoo.org/camps-programs/ camps/

Camp oo is back, and new ad entures await er wonder what it’s like to work at the oo Come behind the scenes with us as we explore a week in the life of caring for our many animals Through science experiments, games, hikes throughout our trails, and up-close animal encounters, campers will get to learn all about the arious jobs at our oo, and how our work with the animals goes beyond oo grounds, and into conser ation projects around the world

EAST VALLEY CHILDREN’S THEATRE

Summer Theatre Camps

4501 E. Main St. • Mesa 480-756-3828

May 30–July 14

Ages: 5–17 nfo@evct.org www.evct.org/camps

CT has four different in-person summer camp programs magination Theatre Camp for kids age 8, usical Theatre Camp

Theatre Workshop Camp for kids age 8 1 and a our ay Acting ntensi e for kids age 11 1 . articipants learn performance techni ues, teamwork, communication skills and ha e in a non-competiti e, educational atmosphere. nstructors are local theatre professional in the field of dance, music and theatre.

GIRL SCOUTS— ARIZONA CACTUS-PINE COUNCIL

Four Camps • Phoenix, Prescott, Payson 602-452-7000 Register Now June-July www.girlscoutsaz.org/en/camps/summercamp.html

After a safe and successful camp season last year, the AC C Camp team is thrilled to in ite girls back for another year packed with more of what you lo e. We are looking forward to troop, resident, mini-resident and combo camp options We’re also excited to offer programs we know you’ll lo e archery, a iation, T , e uine, rock climbing, bouldering, and ip lining.

Legoland Discovery Center Arizona

855-450-0558

5000 S. Arizona Mills Circle, Ste 135 Tempe

Ages: 3–10 Arizona@ LEGOLANDDiscovery.com www. legolanddiscoverycenter. com/arizona/

Jump into the biggest box of bricks at A isco ery Center Ari ona With two rides, a Cinema, plus 1 build play ones, there is something for children of all ages. Tickets are limited, book online to guarantee admission.

The Little Gym Of Paradise Valley And Scottsdale

4225 E. Windrose Dr. Suite 111 • Phoenix 602-996-1380

Ages: 3–12 years tlgparadisevalleyaz@thelittlegym.com www.thelittlegym.com/parties-camps ay camp at ittle ym of aradise alley gi es your kid the summer camp experience without the bug bites, poison i y, sunburns and week-long commitments. Combining fun physical acti ity, games and arts crafts we’ll help your child beat the summer heat by staying cool at The ittle ym.

Maricopa County Reads

Registration begins May 1, 2023 maricopacountyreads.org arch is here, which means ummer eading season is near The alley wide ummer eading program aricopa County eads begins June 1st. The theme of this year’s program is All Together ow, celebrating unity, kindness, and togetherness. arn points this summer by reading, completing challenges, attending library e ents, and participating in community experiences. isit aricopaCounty eads.org today to sign up to get a program reminder so you don’t miss out on the fun this summer mage shutterstock.com