2020 Summer Camp Guide - Bham Family magazine

BIRMINGHAM

2020

Summer CAMP GUIDE

A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF

S

ummertime in the South ... plenty of sunshine, maybe some beach time, and lots of time to fill for your little ones. Summer camps used to be limited to a handful of rustic, outdoor destinations with limited spaces for participants. But today, there are many options for your children to pass the summer hours, with customized camps for every age range and interest.

In the greater Birmingham area, there are hundreds (or more) of camps to choose from, some you may have heard of, but others that might be new to you. We are excited to bring you the first-ever Summer Camp Guide, published by Bham Family magazine. In the coming pages, read about twenty camps available to your child this summer.

We hope you find the perfect spot for your little one this summer. As always, thanks for spending a little time with us!

ADVERTISING CAMPS ACE Cheer Company

11

Hoover Met Complex

15

Aldridge Gardens

22

McWane Science Center

3

Beauty & Brains Girls STEAM

23

Primrose Schools

18

Bessemer West Jefferson Reading Academy

20

Pure Fitness

13

Bib & Tucker Sew-Op

8

Red Mountain Theatre Company

6

Birmingham Children’s Theatre

9

Samford Academy of the Arts

19

Camp Journey

4

Shelby County Arts Council

21

Creative Montessori School

22

Shelby County Schools

16

Dawson Music Academy

14

The Altamont School

12

Highlands School

23

Virginia Samford Theatre

10

ABOUT US

The 2020 Summer Camp Guide is published by JBMC Media, LLC, and is a special publication of Bham Family magazine. Copies may be found at locations throughout the Birmingham metro area. Content in this magazine may not be republished without the written consent of JBMC Media. Additional copies of this magazine may be purchased for $2 each, plus postage, by emailing matthew@jbmcmedia.com.

JBMC Media, LLC P.O. Box 26432 Birmingham, AL 35260 (205) 617-9609

2 2020 Summer Camp Guide

McWane Science Center

Summer is here, but what will your child do?

Turn to Birmingham’s favorite family destination, McWane Science Center, for summer camps that are adventurous and unforgettable.

From June 1-July 31 (with the exception of June 29-July 3), choose from a variety of oneweek camps for students from Pre-K through 8th grade. Pre-K and kindergarten camps last from 9am-1pm, and 1st-8th grade camps last from 9am-4pm. Extended care is available before and after camp for working parents, and lunch and snacks are included, too.

In one week of camp, your junior scientist

will dive deep to explore the ocean; learn about the amazing variety of animals and plants in Alabama; team up with detectives and use science to solve mysteries; learn the fundamentals of physics and engineering using LEGO® pieces; and so much more! Various themes and activities allow children to experience something new each day.

Don’t miss out on a great program of science and wonder here at McWane Science Center this summer! Your kids will learn how fun science can be for them. These camps fill quickly, so register today at mcwane.org to reserve your child’s spot.

6/1 through 7/31

Summer Camp registration is now open!

Call us at (205) 714 -8414 or visit us online at www.mcwane.org to reserve your spot today!

Bham Family 3

Y E N R U O J P AM

C

A FREE camp for rising 6th-graders in Shelby County

t a e n i l n o r e t s i ey Reg mp-journ ca

177/ / m o c . o s shelby

4 2020 Summer Camp Guide

Camp Journey

Navigating the waters from elementary school to middle school can be quite challenging. In Shelby County, the Shelby County Sheriff ’s Office offers a unique camp experience for students moving from fifth to sixth grades. The program, known as Camp Journey, is a partnership between SCSO, Shelby County Schools, Compact 2020, and the Calera and Montevallo Police Departments.

Camp Journey supports the work of Compact 2020 by involving young kids in drug prevention conversations. The camp provides chances to build relationships with school resource officers during the summer.

“No matter how young your child is, it’s never too early to start having conversations about drugs and pressure. The stress still affects them,” Lt. Nathan Kendrick of Compact 2020 says.

Designed to be one more vehicle for reaching children early, this program specifically serves rising 6th graders, when they are most receptive to this type of experience and before they are

bombarded with middle school challenges. Plus, they have a lot of fun in the process, playing games and getting to know one another.

This camp, which is an example of one of the many partnerships between agencies and municipalities in Shelby County, brings together education and leadership and values training in an environment where games and adventure activities facilitate learning. It’s hosted at various Shelby County schools and is free of charge.

For more information, visit www.shelbyso. com/177/camp-journey, or call (205) 669-4181.

Bham Family 5

R E D M O U N T A I N T H E A T R E C O M PA N Y

2020 SUMMER THEATRE CAMP

2 GREAT LOCATIONS! JUNE CAMPS

Berry Middle School 4500 Jaguar Dr, Birmingham, AL 35242

JULY CAMPS

The Dance Foundation 1715 27th Ct S, Homewood, AL 35209

This premier, auditionbased camp will enhance the performance skills of all young artists through technique-based classes. Students ages 7-18 learn from theatre professionals from LA and Broadway.

Recruit Bootcamp Ages: 7-18 Dates:Monday-Friday, June 1-12, 2020 Times: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuition: $650; $600 Before April 5

(Non-Audition Camps) Fun, week-long camps in which students experience musical theatre performance.

They build confidence by rehearsing a short script written specifically for RMTC, and they perform at the end of the week. Ages: 7-12 Dates: June 15-19, July 6-10 or July 13-17 Times: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuition: $350; $300 before April 5

(Non-Audition, Half Day Camps) Imaginations will run wild as budding performers explore the wonder of creating their own short plays. Ages: 4-6 Dates: June 15-19; July 6-10 or (Non-Audition Camps) By cultivating original characters, July 20-24 students will explore unique theme Times: 9 a.m. to noon and/ each week. or 1 to 4 p.m. Tuition: $200; $180 before April 5

Intermediate/Advanced Bootcamp Ages: 9-18 Dates:Monday-Friday, June 1-19, 2020 Times: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuition: $1,250; $1,200 Before April 5

Ages: 7-12 Dates: June 15-19 (Jedi Training); July 6-10 (Narnia); July 13-17 (Mystery at Hogwarts); or July 20-24 (Dr. Who’s Space Adventure) Times: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuition: $350; $300 before April 5

FINANCIAL AID AVAILABLE

More camps available!

For a full list, visit RedMountainTheatre.org/education

6 2020 Summer Camp Guide BirminghamFunand fam.indd 1

2/5/2020 1:06:14 PM

Red Mountain Theatre Company

School is out, the kids are home for the summer … and what are they going to do?!

Red Mountain Theatre Company offers an awesome collection of summer camps that spare a student the sunburn and the bug bites. Our camps give a student the opportunity to work on their performance skills, hang out with some really cool folks and have fun doing it all! It’s a fantastic time for all with singing, dancing and acting instruction with a chance for the student to showcase what they learned during the week!

“One thing RMTC provides each student is connections,” says 17-year-old RMTC Conservatory student and Broadway Bootcamper Anakin White. “They offer the chance to work with industry professionals as instructors, and it’s one of the most exciting things I have ever done.”

RMTC’s summer camps have become a fun and engaging yearly tradition for several students.

In White’s opinion, RMTC summer camps offer a well-rounded experience. He states: “This camp helps you develop friendships, tap into undiscovered abilities and live up to your full potential.”

White had a final piece of advice if a student is on the fence about RMTC summer camps as he asserted: “Don’t be afraid to make new choices; it

“One thing RMTC provides each student is connections. They offer the chance to work with industry professionals as instructors, and it’s one of the most exciting things I have ever done.”

Anakin White, 17, RMTC Conservatory student and Broadway Bootcamper

is not a place of judgment. They will push you to make out-of-the-box choices, but it’s also a place of caring, and you’ll cherish every moment of it.”

Bham Family 7

Bib & Tucker Sew-Op Looking for a summer activity for your child that is unique? Bib & Tucker might be the answer for you.

Bib & Tucker Sew-Op is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with the mission of cultivating skills for those who sew or want to sew. They’re also Birmingham’s hub for sewing activities that promote empowerment, education, and economic opportunity. Since their founding in 2014, they have offered a number of youth programs, all with the understanding that sewing is a relaxing activity that deepens concentration and strengthens hand-eye coordination.

They’ve held machine- and hand-sewing camps at their brick and mortar, located at the convergence of Avondale, Crestwood North, and Woodlawn. They’ve also led dozens of summer enrichment programs for children, ages 6 to 19.

This summer, Birmingham-area children will have two camp opportunities at the Sew-Op. For children ages 6 to 11, there is a weeklong hand-sewing camp where participants will embroider, make pillows and stuffed animals, and will take home foundational skills that can

8 2020 Summer Camp Guide

be put to use in all sorts of sewing projects. For incoming 9th through 12th-graders, Magic City Seams Jr is a 3-week intensive for all the wannabe fashion designers out there.

The Sew-Op was founded on the idea that applied skills mixed with an appreciation for the arts can address some of the biggest issues troubling society. The Sew-Op is multigenerational and diverse, thanks to the strong bond between co-founders “Ms.” Annie Bryant and Lillis Taylor.

Spend your summer at the Sew-Op! For more information, please visit their website at www. bibandtuckersewop.org or look them up on Facebook.

Birmingham Children’s Theatre Birmingham Children’s Theatre, one of the nation’s oldest and largest professional theatre companies for young audiences, offers performance training camps for children of all ages throughout June and July.

Younger campers ages 4-7 will tap into their performance skills as they hold court in imaginary kingdoms (and queendoms), join the circus, explore the safari, blast off into space and participate in the BCT Olympics, all while learning the basics of acting, singing, and dancing.

The BCT Player’s Studio camp for performers ages 8-18 is geared toward challenging older students in voice, acting, and movement techniques. Students will get to create their own works of art and learn tools, tips, and tricks of ensemble performance.

BCT’s Players will present “Big Fish (School Edition).” Youth from across the area will have a chance to perform this stunning musical overflowing with heart and humor. Auditions

for youth performers will be Saturday, March 28.

Rehearsals start June 1st.

Camps start June 1st, and registration is now open. Contact Director of Education Jessie Kisor at jessie@bct123.org or (205) 458-8187 for more information. To register, visit www. bct123.org/summer-camp. All camps, rehearsals and performances will be held at The Altamont School.

Bham Family 9

Virginia Samford Theatre Camp VST at Virginia Samford Theatre is a summer theatre intensive designed to give children, ages 7-18, the opportunity to explore all aspects of live theatre! Students will take classes in acting, improvisation, voice, dance, stage combat, playwriting, costume design, and special effects make-up. Theater offers children the opportunity to explore their creative side and discover a side of themselves they might not have known before, and Camp VST is the perfect camp for that!

There are three one-week sessions: June 1-5, 8-12, and 15-19. All the sessions are for children ages 7-18, and are conducted Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm.

Camp VST will take place at Temple Beth-El at 2179 Highland Avenue in Birmingham, and all three sessions are identical to each other.

The camp is $325 for one week, but $300 if you sign up before May 1. Ready to sign your child up?

Registration and more information are available at www.virginiasamfordtheatre.org/vststars/camp-vst.

Scholarships and sibling discounts are also available.

For questions, call (205) 251-1228 or e-mail stars@ virginiasamfordtheatre.org

10 2020 Summer Camp Guide

ACE Cheer Company Tired of the “same ‘ol” summer camp? Let ACE put some SPIRIT in those summertime blues! Join us for our Tribe Spirit Cheerleader Summer Camp! Tribe Spirit Camp combines traditional summer camp activities with the excitement of cheerleading, dance and tumbling.

In addition, our weekly camp themes offer a fun & exciting twist on daily activities that are sure to make every camper leave with a smile!

Camp days are jam packed with cheerleading, contests, games, and even open gym time.

Campers will participate in 1 hour of cheer/dance lessons PLUS 1 hour of tumbling instruction.

There is NO experience required to participate.

All levels, beginner to advanced, are welcome to attend. Please note that camps are for athletes entering 1st grade - 11 years old.

Campers will need: athletic clothing, tennis shoes, long hair pulled up in a ponytail, snacks a drinks. (1 snack and drink will be provided).

Full day campers will need to bring a lunch. Half day campers will receive a FREE camp t-shirt.

Full day will receive a FREE camp t-shirt and a certificate of $35 off a future class.

Half day camp is from 8am-noon and is $150 weekly. Full day camp is from 8am-4pm and is $250 weekly. Extended care is offered until 6pm for $10 per hour. A $50 non-refundable deposit is due at registration. Camp dates are June 8-12, June 22-26, and July 20-24. @aceofbirmingham @ACEofbirmingham @ACEofBHM

LET

TIRED OF THE “SAME ‘OLE” SUMMER CAMP?

PUT SOME SPIRIT IN THOSE SUMMERTIME BLUES!

Tribe Spirit Cheerleading Camp

Combines traditional summer camp activities with the excitement of cheerleading & tumbling 5-day camp • full & half day • Ages 6-11 1-hour tumbling • 1-hour cheer • games • open play

Beach Splash Summer Camp

Climb, jump, & play your way through the day!

1-day camp • Ages 4-12 games • contest • open gym play • bounce house

(205) 703-0902 | www.acetribe.com 301 Snow Drive | Birmingham, AL 35209 Bham Family 11

Altamont School With Summer at Altamont, your next adventure is on top of the hill. Whether you’re looking to get ahead, sharpen your skills, or have fun with your friends at camp, we have everything you need to make this a summer you’ll never forget.

Whether it’s exploring the world of robotics, sharpening math and writing skills, or getting ready to perform at the highest levels on the field and court, we have everything your child needs to make this an unforgettable summer. We approach our program with a formula for success: STRUCTURE Summer at Altamont groups grade levels together. We offer summer weeks in cohorts that reflect grade level and age. We have two sets of camps that are designed to appeal to the interests of every child! Weeks 1-3 are structured in a more typical academic setting. Weeks 4 and 5 are built to get kids exploring and pushing their limits.

ENGAGEMENT Our curriculum is designed to keep your child on track for the best future possible, while keeping them engaged! We provide students with the best possible setting to interest them in new material and sharpen their existing skills.

FUN Everyone needs a break! We have ample opportunities throughout the day for your child to let loose some energy and enjoy the time with their friends. While we value the opportunity summer provides to get ahead, it’s important to remember that childhood is a time for fun.

Register your child online at summerataltamong.org. For more information, call (205) 879-2006 or email jbarnard@ altamontschool.org.

Summer at Altamont 2020 Day & Sports Camps | Credit Courses Grades 3-12 | June 1-July 2 Registration & Information: summerataltamont.org 12 2020 Summer Camp Guide

Pure Fitness

It’s time to take a look at the only summer camp experience that gives your child a chance to stay fit and active over the summer. Pure Fitness in Vestavia Hills presents Kidz Fit Camp, an opportunity for your child to have fun in a supervised environment while working on their sports skills, living a balanced and healthy lifestyle, and working on their flexibility and mobility.

Join the Certified Professional Trainers at Pure

KIDZ

Fitness for a week-long camp. Open to children ages 7-14, particular focus is given to improving skills, building confidence, and learning about healthy meal options for a child’s growing body.

All classes are held at Pure Fitness, 1425 Montgomery Highway in the Park South Shopping Center in Vestavia Hills.

For more information and to register, visit purefitnessllc.com/kidzfitcamp, or call (205) 420-1054.

PURE FITNESS PRESENTS

FIT CAMP 20 20

8:30am - noon Lunch Provided Led by Certified Personal Trainers and sports professionals

JULY 13-17 $195 until March 1 $215 after March 1

EACH CHILD WILL LEARN: Sports Skills Agility Healthy Eating Mobility / Stretching REGISTER: purefitnessllc.com/kidzfitcamp 1425 Montgomery Hwy / Ste 115 / Vestavia Hills / (205) 420-1054 Bham Family 13

Dawson Music Academy Dawson Music Academy offers a camp experience focused on helping each child discover their inner talent. Camp activities develop musical skills while also incorporating fun team building activities.

At music camp, instruments are provided for campers, so that parents don’t have the added stress of purchasing an instrument. Campers have the option to explore the instrument of their choice (guitar, piano, percussion, ukulele, violin, or voice). By the end of the week, campers typically discover one specific instrument that connects with their personality and interests.

Camp instrument sessions include small groups of 6-10 campers, coached by a counselor and a lead teacher. Whether children are new to music or have played an instrument for years, they will enjoy a camp experience tailor made for them. Counselors invest time getting to know each campers personality. Each camper receives the help that he needs with learning new instrument skills. At the end of the week, camper instrument groups share their talents at our Camp Showcase for family and friends.

Music Camp

In addition to instrument sessions, camp activities include all-time camp favorites such as Rec Games and Art Exploration. Each day, campers participate in team spirit competitions during Opening Rally and Closing Rally. During Worship Rally, campers actively engage with God’s truth. Camp highlights for the week regularly include Team Spirit Day and Water Splash Day. Summer Music Camp is July 13-17. Preschool Music Camp (9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.) costs $100.

Elementary Music Camp (9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m., with Early/Late Care available) costs $200.

Register online at dawsonmusicacademy.org.

July 13-17

for preschool & elementary-age children

PHOTOS COURTESY OF FARM BOWL + JUICE CO.

14 2020 Summer Camp Guide

Hoover Met Complex

The Hoover Met Complex Summer Sports Camp is perfect for young athletes who enjoy a variety of sports and competition. We offer both half and full-day weeks in a variety of sports including basketball, soccer, and flag football, as well as a multi-sport program. Our coaches focus on providing instruction and developing basic skills, sportsmanship, and teamwork in a fun environment. Many of our coaches are current or former athletes who are able to help our campers

grow and learn new sports, and hone their existing skills in a safe manner. These coaches’ experience in their respective sports allows them to mentor HMC campers and create a fun atmosphere that is conducive to learning and physical activity. In addition to discovering new sports and expanding existing skills, HMC campers will also engage in fun, competitive games like kickball, dodgeball, and capture-the-flag, with a focus on the development of teamwork while having a lot of fun.

REGISTER BY MARCH 15TH TO RECEIVE 10% OFF!

JUNE 1ST – JULY 31ST FOR KIDS AGES 5-13

HOOVERMETCOMPLEX.COM/CAMPS info@hoovermetcomplex.com

(205) 739-7364

100 Ben Chapman Drive Hoover, AL 35244

Bham Family 15

Shelby County Schools The Shelby County School District has a solution for parents this summer with day camps at four locations across the county — Calera Elementary, Forest Oaks Elementary, Helena Intermediate, and Oak Mountain Elementary.

Camps are open to incoming kindergarten through outgoing fifth-grade students. Incoming kindergarten students must be 5 by the registration deadline to qualify. Children can participate full time through the entire summer, or parents can choose certain weeks.

Day camp activities include themed games, arts and crafts, educational on-site field trips and off-site field trips including bowling, skating, movies, and indoor play centers.

“There are many benefits to sending your child to day camp,” said Cindy Warner, public relations and community education supervisor for the district. “It builds leadership skills, promotes social interaction, and exposes them to new hobbies. Most importantly, it gives children an opportunity to unplug from technology and

get exercise through playtime and games. Our students love our weekly field trips.”

The system offers week-long specialty enrichment camps that focus on as art, choir, cheerleading, crafts, culinary, drama, foreign languages, gymnastics and a variety of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) related courses.

Age ranges, dates and registration fees for these camps vary. Information about the enrichment camps will be posted on the district’s website under the Community Education tab closer to summer.

Day camps are scheduled May 27-July 29 (closed July 3) from 7am-6pm Registration for full-time students is $155 per week or $125 per week for students on free and reduced lunches.

There is a non-refundable $40 registration fee.

Registration is open from February 3-May 8 online at ezchildtrack.com/scscomed/parent. For more information, call (205) 682-5958 or go to shelbyed.k12.al.us/communityed.

Register Now for Shelby County Schools

Incoming Kindergarten to Outgoing 5th Grade

May 27-July 29

Kindergarten students must be 5 by May 8 to qualify.

7 a.m. - 6 p.m.

$40 Non-refundable Registration Fee $155 - Full Time Rate $125 - Reduced Rate

Calera Elementary - Forest Oaks Elementary - Helena Elementary - Oak Mt Elementary

Registration open Feb 3 - May 8 Register online: ezchildtrack.com/scscomed/parent For more information call 682-5958 or visit shelbyed.k12.al.us/communityed

16 2020 Summer Camp Guide

Summer fun can be found right in your back yard, with a play set from Backyard Solutions!

Trampolines

Commercial Playground Equipment

Play Sets

3165 Cahaba Valley Rd, Indian Springs [2 mi. from I-65] (205) 408-4FUN | backyardalabama.com

Bham Family 17

Primrose Schools Primrose Summer Adventure Club balances fun and learning for children ages 5K and older There are many options available for summer camps, but finding the program that is the best fit for your family can be a challenge. The number of summer child care programs and day camps to choose from can be overwhelming.

Primrose Schools have a distinct difference from most other camp options. The Primrose Summer Adventure Club makes the decision easy by offering a great mix of activities that are fun for children but also naturally encourage summer learning through play and exploration.

The Primrose Summer Adventure Club is designed to provide a fun, full-day experience for children. Each day has something for every adventurer, including time for outdoor play, interest-based activity zones, field trips and special projects.

Every week, activities and experiences center on a new theme. The activities for each theme were developed by leading experts in early childhood education to ensure all programming is safe fun. Weekly themes vary from engineering-

focused to arts-related to sports-based, but each nurtures leadership, character, creative thinking and problem solving in fun and natural ways.

Some of the weekly themes children may explore include: SCIENCE OF COOKING Children set off on adventures of the culinary kind as they learn about nutrition, food and how cooking changes individual substances into delicious treats.

TAKE THE STAGE! Children collaborate to make their own music videos, crafting everything from the set and costumes to the instruments.

CRACK THE CODE! During this week, adventurers will get handson programming experience, using problemsolving skills to build robots and code them to life. As children play and explore each week, they discover new knowledge and make new friends along the way.

Dream it. Plan it. Make it happen.

SUMMER ADVENTURE CLUB

Now Enrolling

At Summer Adventure Club, children discover the joys of Design Thinking: a fun and innovative way to learn.

It’s our way of teaching them to think more ways always.

Learn more at PrimroseSummer.com

Primrose School at Liberty Park 205.969.8202 PrimroseLibertyPark.com Primrose School of Riverwoods 205.685.1905 PrimroseRiverwoods.com Primrose School of Meadowbrook 205.991.3020 PrimroseMeadowbrook.com

Each Primrose school is a privately owned and operated franchise. Primrose Schools is a registered trademark of Primrose School Franchising SPE, LLC. Š2020 Primrose School Franchising SPE, LLC. All rights reserved.

18 2020 Summer Camp Guide

Samford Academy of the Arts Samford Academy of the Arts offers classes and private instruction for kids, teens and adults in art, language, music, photography and more as it continues the traditions of Samford After Sundown and Preparatory Music. The academy is located across Lakeshore Drive from the main Samford campus and is easily accessible.

Pre-college students from around the Birmingham area enjoy the variety of activities at the Academy of the Arts camps. They learn art and music as well as enjoy the benefits of the beautiful Samford campus and swimming facilities. Each year there are music, art, and writing camps available for ages 4-17.

This summer the Academy will feature Art Studio for Teens, Bulldog Art Camp, Adventures in Music, Jazz Camp, Music and Art for Minis and a Writing Camp for tweens and teens.

Camps begin in early June and offer different sessions through the end of July. Registration is open at samford. edu/go/aota or you can email the Academy at academycamps@ samford.edu.

Additionally, the Academy offers year-round private instruction in piano, voice, strings, saxophone and clarinet. New Fall classes will be available starting in August.

ADVENTURES IN MUSIC (Grades 1-12)

Session I (PIANO ONLY) Session II (PIANO or VOICE)

June 8-12 (8 a.m. – 5 p.m.)

July 6-10 (8 a.m. – 5 p.m.)

ART STUDIO FOR TEENS (Grades 6-8) BULLDOG ART CAMP (Grades 1-5)

June 1-5 (9 a.m. – 12 p.m.)

Session I Session II

June 15-19 (9 a.m. – 2 p.m.)

July 13-19 (9 a.m. – 2 p.m.)

JAZZ CAMP (Grades 6-12) June 29 – July 2 (12 p.m. - 5 p.m.)

MUSIC & ART FOR MINIS (Ages 4-6) July 20-24 (9 a.m. – 2 p.m.)

WRITING CAMP (Ages 11-15) June 22-26 ( 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.)

Register NOW! samford.edu/go/aota Bham Family 19

Bessemer West Jefferson Reading Academy

Success in school is essential to reaching one’s potential in today’s world. And what one skill is most important in that endeavor? Reading. The path to reading and understanding is to discover and believe in the fun and adventure that comes from reading.

The Bessemer West Jefferson Reading

Academy, a program with a long track record of success for the children of West Jefferson County, offers your child a summer of learning, fun, and excitement. A bright future is in store for every child who enrolls in the program, sponsored by Faith Missionary Baptist Church and Summer Adventures in Learning (SAIL). The program will fully engage each scholar and prepare them to be an excellent reader when they return to school in the fall.

The Summer Adventures in Learning (SAIL) and Better Basics, with their specialized educational staff, has designed a curriculum of learning fun in reading and math that will inspire and encourage your child to develop skills necessary to excel in school and life.

Breakfast and lunch will be provided daily.

There will be special enrichment presentations and/or weekly field trips. At the end of the program, we expect good readers to become better readers, and better readers to become excellent readers, well prepared to meet the challenges of moving into their new grade level.

To enroll, call Dorothy McAdory at (205) 410-4663.

Success in life starts with reading.

Enroll your child in the Bessemer West Jefferson Reading Academy this summer.

Registration: $25 To enroll, call Dorothy McAdory ~ (205) 410-4663

20 2020 Summer Camp Guide

Shelby County Arts Council A magical camp experience awaits your child this summer with the Shelby County Arts Council. The SCAC’s camp schedule is headlined by the return of the Missoula Children’s Theatre to Columbiana, June 15-20. Camp participants will learn firsthand from the crew of the acclaimed touring group, and they’ll conclude the week with a performance of The Emperor’s New Clothes. This renowned theater camp is open to students ages 6-17 (grades 1-12), and the cost is just $100 for the entire week. Space is limited, and camp registration opens April 1.

The SCAC also offers an outstanding art camp, with two weeks to choose from: July 20-24 or July 27-31. The art camps include fun visual art projects with some basic music activities mixed in. The theme for this

year’s art camps will be announced April 1, and registration will open at that time.

To register for camps, visit the SCAC’s website at shelbycountyartscouncil.com, or call (205) 6690044 for more information.

Theater and Art Camps

Missoula Children’s Theater | Visual Arts | Music

Shelby County Arts Council

To enroll your child, call (205) 669-0044 or visit shelbycountyartscouncil.com Bham Family 21

Aldridge Gardens June will be a full month long of excitement, entertainment and, of course, education at Aldridge Gardens! Your child will love learning with our expert instructors and teachers. We have plenty of camps to choose from for boys and girls entering Kindergarten through 5th grades.

Whether your little campers like American Girls, art, music, cooking, or building and engineering, we’ve have something they’re sure to enjoy!

Aldridge Gardens members can register beginning February 15th. While registration for the public opens March 1st.

Day camps run from 9am-noon, MondayFriday. Mid-morning snacks and drinks are provided, and all teachers are Alabama educators.

Register early, as camp enrollment is limited!

Family Level Members of Aldridge Gardens are $120 per camp, and non-members are $140 per camp.

If you have questions or need more information, please contact Debbie McDonald, Education Director, at dmcdonald@ aldridgegardens.com or call 205.682.8019.

Creative Montessori School Creative Montessori School in Homewood offers camps featuring different areas of interest, including service camps, creative writing, music composition, young chefs, and magic camp, just to name a few.

The extended day option includes fun activities (arts/crafts, outdoor play, etc.) in the afternoon.

There are 18 sessions offered this summer and non-CMS students are welcome to attend. Camps require that a student has completed first grade.

For more information and details on specific camps, visit cmskids.org and click “summer session” under the education menu.

Registration and payment are due May 1, so don’t delay on securing a spot for your child!

2020 Summer Camps

Entering 5K – 5th Grades

All camps start June 1st. and each lasts 1 week. 9 a.m. – N00N.

Art • Cooking • Games • Magic Creative Writing • Geography Crafts • Music • And more!

Complete summer camp descriptions, details and fees are available at

aldridgegardens.com.

All teachers are Alabama Educators.

22 2020 Summer Camp Guide

(205) 879-3278 • cmskids.org

Camp Beauty & Brains

Highlands School

Beauty & Brains is a fun, creative, high energy, and hands-on innovative STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) summer camp program.

We wholeheartedly believe that summer camp should be super-duper crazy fun and amazingly enriching at the same time.

Our aim is to empower and inspire girls through a variety of critical thinking projects that give them the chance to explore and experiment with science, creative design, math, engineering and technology - all while having fun in a gender affirming environment. Our vision is to create a world of girls that are not afraid to become innovators, idea makers and game changers.

Beauty & Brains is open to rising kindergarteners through 6th graders.

Camps are 9:30-1:30, and girls can choose camps from 8 different themes.

For information and to register, visit beautyandbrainsgirlsstem.com.

Highlands School’s Higher Degree of Learning does not end when the school year is over. We offer a quality summer program as well! Highlands summer camp offers challenging activities, talented teachers, and the great variety that you have come to expect from Highlands School.

We have enrichment camps as well as traditional day options.

Camp is open to all students entering Kindergarten through the 8th grade, regardless of the school they attend during the school year.

We now have some options for rising 4K and our Counselor-in-Training program for rising 7th through 11th grade.

A higher degree of fun!

Camps to develop the whole child

Camps open from June 1 - July 31 Enrichment and traditional day camps Counselor-in-training program: June 1-5 4901 Old Leeds Road | Birmingham Director: Gabe McCool gmccool@highlandsschool.org 205-956-9731

Bham Family 23

We work tirelessly to help kids get well because the world needs to see what Natalie dreams up.

WE DO WHAT WE DO BECAUSE CHILDREN HAVE DREAMS.

24 2020 Summer Camp Guide

1 6 0 0 7 T H AV E N U E S O U T H B I R M I N G H A M , A L 35233 (205) 638-9100 ChildrensAL.org