CF Digital Camp Guide March 2023

ALL KINDS OF CAMPS FOR ALL KINDS OF KIDS!

FIND ADVENTURE FIND YOUR Y CAMP

Y campers come away with new skills, confidence, and friendships that broaden their perspectives and strengthen their character. Start building memories that will last a lifetime. Join today at MyY.org/camp.

PHOTO: My Nose Turns Red Circus Camp

COMPANY

PUBLISHER

Stewart Day stewart@daycommedia.com

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Susan Swindell Day susan@daycommedia.com

EDITOR

Amanda Hayward amandahayward@daycommedia.com

PRODUCTION

Tim Henard timhenard@daycommedia.com

ACCOUNT MANAGERS

Theresa Cicchinelli theresa@daycommedia.com

Amanda Ciani amandaciani@daycommedia.com

Camps Let Kids Be Kids

Sometimes it seems like all anyone talks about is how anxious kids are today. But we think kids are still kids and they’re just living in our anxious world. So let’s give them a reprieve from all of our adult hand-wringing. This issue contains camps of all kinds for kids of all kinds. And summer camp adventures don’t have to break your budget — if that’s a concern. Some are quite affordable and some even provide scholarships should you need.

No matter what your child is into, this guide is loaded with opportunities for exploration and learning. Growing up goes way too quickly and kids need the opportunity to stretch their wings and fly. Nothing allows for that more than an enriching day or overnight camp.

Dig into all of the options here for your kids and plan a marvelous summer! — the editors

ON THE COVER:

A camper rides high on a horse at Falcon Camp, located in Carrollton, Ohio.

cincinnatifamilymagazine.com

Cincinnati Family magazine’s digital SUMMER CAMP ADVENTURE GUIDE is published in March, April and May of each year by DAYCOM MEDIA, Inc., publisher of CINCINNATI FAMILY magazine. Although every precaution has been taken to ensure accuracy of published material, DAYCOM MEDIA cannot be held responsible for opinions expressed or facts supplied by its authors. Editorial and business offices are located at 10945 Reed Hartman Hwy., Ste 323, Cincinnati, OH 45242. The phone number is 513-322-5052; fax is 513-2520081. CINCINNATI FAMILY’S SUMMER CAMP ADVENTURE GUIDE 2022 is copyright © 2023 by DayCom Media, Inc., a member of The Family Magazine Syndicate. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is strictly prohibited.

© 2023 DAYCOM MEDIA, INC.

ARTS FOR ALL

Dive deeply into the performing arts at CCM this summer!

THEATRE • MUSIC • DANCE

CCM Prep provides fun music, dance and theatre arts workshops where students of all abilities can learn from leading national artists and teachers — including CCM’s acclaimed collegiate faculty members. Students of all ages can explore their artistic interests in a welcoming environment, including experiences in musical theatre, ballet, jazz, stringed instruments and guitar.

Browse CCM Prep’s summer program offerings and find the perfect performing arts opportunity for you or for your family! Learn more at ccm.uc.edu/prep-family.

CCM PREP

June 12 - August 11, 2023

Weekly options available

Our 9-week traditional camp brings all the fun, friends, adventures, in a safe and supportive environment.

REGISTER BY MAY 22, 2023

THE IMPORTANCE

DAY CAMP

Seven reasons why day camps are good for kids — and you, too!

by Jill Morgenstern

Whoever coined the term, “the lazy days of summer” must not have had young children! Certainly it’s great not to have the pressures of the school year, but many working parents still need childcare when school is out. Summer day camps not only fill this gap, but can provide an enriching atmosphere where children can thrive and grow during the summer months.

1. SOCIAL GROWTH

Children attending day camp have the chance to socialize in a way that is not always possible at school. Whether engaged in team building in sports or problem solving puzzles, children are encouraged to interact with each other. This is likely to be a very different experience than being at school where individual accomplishments are often the focus.

Michelle Renfrow, a licensed professional counselor says, “It also offers an opportunity to meet like-minded individuals who share a passion for something that they do.”

She says of two of her campers who bonded over an interest in trains, “They weren’t the same age; they didn’t go to the same school; they didn’t have the same upbringing; but they had something in common that connected them. From a clinical standpoint, finding somebody that you have a connection with is greatly important to the development of our children.”

2. NEW SKILLS AND LEARNING

The variety in day camps is really incredible. Some day camps offer a range of activities each day. Other camps may

Counselors and campers at Stepping Stones’ summer camp located in Cincinnati.

focus on learning specific skills like science or magic tricks, arts and crafts or sports. Children can often switch activities week by week, giving them exposure to many different experiences. The learning and growing doesn’t stop there.

“We do a lot of taking moments for students to show off their artwork and allow others to give them constructive and positive feedback,” says Renfrow of her artthemed day camps.

In this way the children learn not only the artistic concepts being taught but also how to give and receive feedback.

3. EXERCISE

Many day camps offer activities to help combat our increasingly sedentary lifestyles. Choosing a gymnastics, dance, soccer, or other sport-related day camp will obviously get your child moving. But even day camps focused on arts and crafts or theater may offer daily swimming or time outdoors.

4. TIME UNPLUGGED

Screens are becoming more and more integrated into our lives both in and out of school. But there are good reasons to limit children’s screen times. Day camps can vary in their use of electronics from those that don’t allow them at all, to those that rely on them for various activities. If you want your child’s eyes to have a break from screens, find out the day camp’s policies on screen time in advance.

5. BUILDING CONFIDENCE

Day camp can be a place to increase confidence as children are exposed to activities they may not have experienced during the school year. Many camps offer the opportunity to build skills in sports or in the arts. This can be especially beneficial to a child who struggles at school, giving them a chance to excel and explore talents that might be less obvious during the school year. Renfrow has watched children blossom before her eyes.

“I cannot tell you the excitement and relief they feel when they finally ‘get it’ and then they just flourish from there!” she says of her campers who have begun to master knitting and crocheting.

6. FLEXIBILITY

While school has the same rules all year long, day camp is more flexible. Your child might go to theater camp one week but baseball camp the next. Each will have its own routines and expectations. This can help encourage your child to stay flexible in their expectations. Children who need more time to adjust to new experiences may benefit from multiple weeks at the same camp. Many summer day camps operate on a week-by-week basis, so that if your child is not enjoying the experience, he or she can opt out when the week is over.

7. POSITIVE ROLE MODELS

Day camps may employ teens or college

aged youth for their first summer jobs. This can expose children to a new dynamic they may not have encountered, especially if they do not have older siblings. Renfrow believes having people of all ages is essential to running a great day camp. Even middle schoolers are included in her camps as well supervised counselors-in-training. According to Renfrow, this relationship can be every bit as good for the young employees as it is for the campers.

All in all, quality day camps offer an incredible chance for children to learn and grow all while having fun and getting a much needed break from the rigors of school. They can explore their interests in a healthy environment, and make new friends and fond memories while they’re at it!

Jill Morgenstern is a mother to four. She has more than 20 years of teaching experience in various settings and a Master’s Degree in Teaching Reading.

A camper shows her flexibility at a Perfection Gymnastics School summer camp, located in West Chester.

2023 SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!!!

- MODDING WITH MINECRAFT -BECOME A YOUTUBER -NEXT LEVEL ROBLOX -ROBOTICS WITH LEGO & 8 MORE! NEW

FIRST-TIME DAY CAMPER TIPS

Don’t just send your child to day camp — talk it through, first.

by Janey Snyderman

Camps, camps, camps! Seems everybody’s talking about summer camp programs for kids. But what if your little one has never gone before? He has questions. Fortunately, you can have the answers. Lots of local summer day camps have programs perfect for little ones. And even better news? When kids are allowed to go to camp they discover that being on your own isn’t so bad afterall … in fact … it’s fun!

WHO WILL BE MY FRIENDS?

Reassure your camper that camp is all about making new friends. While that may or may not make him nervous, counselors are trained to help bring kids together. You can also discuss sending your child to camp with a school friend so he already has a friend. Plenty of campers know each other from past summers or from school, but many come to camp in order to meet new friends. It’s nice to have winter friends and summer friends — other kids with whom your camper shares special experiences.

WHO WILL HELP ME HAVE FUN AT CAMP? HOW DO THEY KNOW HOW TO CARE FOR ME?

Counselors are selected because they love working with kids. In fact, counselors are one of the best parts of camp. They are trained before camp begins to help kids have a good time, make new friends, and enjoy a variety of activities. Their job is to help campers have fun, be safe, and know their limits. They spend a lot of time before camp learning to do all these things for campers. And they love to have fun, too.

A young camper with Abrakadoodle, located in Cincinnati.

WHAT IF I HAVE A PROBLEM?

There are lots of people at camp, including counselors, who help take care of campers, depending on what they need. Let your child know that there is a nurse or a doctor if they don’t feel well, and a special place, sometimes called a health center, to rest until they are better. Campers can count on the grownups that are at camp to help them with any problem they may have.allow them to conquer their fears, whether it be learning to swim in a lake, climb a ropes course, clean up spilled paint — whatever!

WILL I BE ALRIGHT WHILE I’M AWAY FROM HOME?

Remind your camper of other times in his life that were spent away from home — sleepovers, a weekend a grandma’s, or even class trips. There’s no pressure to be anything but yourself at camp! The main point is just to relax and have fun. Remember to stay excited and positive about the camp experience. Talking at length about how much you will miss your camper can increase his or her anxiety. BONUS: Send a familiar object, such as a stuffed animal or blanket, with your camper. Send a letter or card in advance for your child to have the first day of camp.

PREPPING YOUR CHILD

• Mark a visible calendar

After you and your child pick the camp to attend this summer, make sure your camper knows what day it starts — and mark it visibly on a wall calendar. That way, you can both keep track of how many days there are before it’s go time.

• Camp physicals

If your child is going to attend a sleep-away camp, he will need a physical from your pediatrician. Some day camps require this, too. Check with your camp to know what special care is given to any medications your child may require, etc.

• Empower your child’s independence

Before camp even begins, talk it up at home (find a good balance so you don’t over do it) and encourage your child’s ability to do things on his own. Like pack up his backpack with his daily needs. Or, if he’s going to sleep-away camp, being responsible for his belongings and personal hygiene.

• Visit the camp ahead of time

For both your peace of mind and that of your camper, try to visit so you can get a concrete picture of what camp life looks like. During your camp preview day, you can have all your questions answered, and you’ll likely see your child get excited about the fun attractions they see around them. If it isn’t possible to visit the camp before our child’s session, browse their website and social media pages together to get some extra insight.

• Keep conversations positive and calm

Don’t express concern or the issue of homesickness around your child, and remember to stay positive in conversations about packing. Your kid will pick up on any tension you show, which may translate into hostile thoughts about summer camp. Remember, no one is perfect and that even if you do

forget to pack something, your kid will make it through — either by borrowing or purchasing at the camp facilities. They may even realize they didn’t need the forgotten item in the first place. Communicate a guilt-free, positive approach and teach your child that when it comes to being responsible, we are all still works in progress.

• Lean into separation

The camp you choose may have a no cell phone policy. If it does, be a good sport and trust that the camp directors know what they are doing. They have probably seen first-hand that campers are more likely to experience homesickness if Mom and Dad are easy to access.

Overall, follow the policies in place, and remember that a brief period of missing one another can work wonders for your family. Think about the meaningful conversations you will be able to have, the stories your camper will be eager to share and the ability to remind them later how much you missed them when they were away ... but that you were so happy they were having a great time!

Janey Snyderman is a mother and a freelance writer.

Campers at a Kids First Sports Center camp, located in Cincinnati.

SUMMER THEATRE CAMP AND PERFORMANCE ACADEMY

Join us for a summer of magic! Have fun and learn theatre skills as we take our imaginations to great heights, create fantastical characters, enact our exploits and so much more.

Early Bird Discount! Register for camps held at the Playhouse by March 15 to save

Our full-day Summer Camps and Performance Academy return to the Playhouse’s iconic Eden Park location with the grand opening of our brand-new mainstage theatre complex! Camps also continue to be offered at Mason Community Center.

Before and After Care, Launch Pad Accessibility Program, and scholarships available.

To explore all 2023 summer camp programs and to register, visit cincyplay.com!

THE GIFT OF SLEEP-AWAY CAMP

The chance to get away from home and into new experiences is huge for kids.

by Sandi Schwartz

We all want our children to be happy and successful. Would you believe that letting them spread their own wings—without us by their side—may be the most effective way to do this? Our job as parents is to give children the tools they need to go out in the world and discover who they are and what they want to become– their purpose in life. A child can only truly grow if given some freedom and the chance to gain confidence by exploring new ideas and activities.

SLEEP-AWAY CAMP

What better place for children to begin this process than sleep-away camp? Sending children away for camp may seem daunting at first, but if you ask anyone who has spent several weeks bunking with their friends, they will tell you how it positively transformed their life and how lucky they are that their parents gave them that gift.

According to Michael Thompson, a clinical psychologist and author of Homesick and Happy, How Time Away from Parents Can Help a Child Grow, “Parents can sometimes seriously impede their

children’s development. As a parent, there are many things you cannot do for your children. You cannot give your child confidence, you cannot pick or manage his or her friendships, you cannot always be his advocate/agent/manager/coach. … and most importantly, parents have a hard time urging their children to take psychological risks.”

Thompson explains how sleep-away camp succeeds at doing all these things and how critical it is for kids to have these experiences. True independence is something parents cannot give their children; they must live it on their own.

Stage Door Manor theatre camp, located in upstate New York

Camp Arrowhead for Boys, located in Tuxedo, N.C.

Campers goof around at YMCA Camp Kern, located in Oregonia, Oh

BENEFITS OF SLEEP-AWAY CAMP

There are five invaluable aspects of sleep away camp that can lead children and teens to discovering their purpose:

• Confidence

One of the most important benefits of sleep-away camp is that children build confidence and self-esteem while living away from their parents. These positive attributes stem from belonging, learning and contributing. Camps provide many unique opportunities for children to succeed in these three areas: 1) they belong to their sports team and bunk; 2) they learn from trying new activities and making new friends; and 3) they contribute by helping during meals and serving as team leaders.

Camp also provides ways for children to feel a sense of accomplishment. When they succeed, they are empowered and have more confidence when faced with the next challenge. They also learn from their mistakes and failures, which only makes them more resilient in the future. Also, the kind of encouragement kids receive at camp makes it the perfect environment for them to overcome setbacks, try new things and see improvement. Some camp experiences even allow them to conquer their fears, whether it be learning to swim in a lake or climb a ropes course.

Finally, many children will purposely choose to attend camp where they do not know any other campers when they arrive. This special experience gives them the chance to start fresh and explore who they truly are in an unfamiliar environment. All of this confidence building brings them closer to figuring out their interests and goals.

• Broader Perspective

At camp, children begin to see the world a bit differently. They are away from their comfort zone and exposed to new people and experiences that give them a new, broader perspective. They realize they are part of something bigger than themselves and their immediate family. They meet people from different backgrounds, locations and interests. They may participate in community service projects that they would have not otherwise had the chance

to do. Sleep away camp is so valuable in how it introduces children to fresh ways of seeing the world and themselves.

• Community

Children benefit from being part of the special community found at sleep-away camp. It gives them a sense of belonging, which will ultimately improve their ability to cooperate, contribute and serve their future communities as caring citizens. Campers also gain new social skills from being in a group setting. They must share a room with others, manage chores, resolve conflicts, communicate effectively and be kind and accommodating to their fellow campers. Being part of a close-knit community can be challenging at times, but children who learn how to adapt and get along with others will discover benefits that last a lifetime.

• Skills

Sleep-away camp is chock full of unique activities and events that children can’t find anywhere else. Going to camp allows them to learn new skills, whether it be in sports, art, or outdoor exploration. Being exposed to so many new programs enhances their knowledge and capabilities, allowing them to get closer to finding what they enjoy most.

Camp also helps children become more independent. They learn how to make their own decisions without parents and teachers always telling them what to do. They are expected to manage daily chores, show up on time for activities, and keep their belongings neat and clean. These are lifelong skills that will help them succeed in whatever they do.

• Self-Reflection

The school year is a busy time, but camp provides a chance for kids to slow down and listen to their own thoughts. Camp is the perfect environment for self-reflection and meditation because kids unplug and soak in the beautiful nature around them.

When kids take a break from television, video games, texting and surfing online, they become more mindful of their surroundings and their own emotions. They are able to focus on the simple things in life, like going for a hike, watching a sunset, singing around the campfire and talking in depth to their friends.

This carefree living gives them a chance to relax and laugh without the pressures of their hectic, overly scheduled lives back home. This change of pace can and does lead to emotional and spiritual growth.

Sandi Schwartz is an award-winning environmental author and freelance journalist.

Riverview Camp for Girls, located in Mentone, AL.

THE CHILDREN’S THEATRE

4015 Redbank Road, Cincinnati 513-569-8080 | thechildrenstheatre.com

Planning for the BEST SUMMER EVER starts here!

Focus on music, dance, drama, or all three! All levels welcome at The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati Summer Camps. Enjoy a variety of themes for ages 7-18, including a TCT AcademyLIVE! production, where in just one-week, young performers will audition, rehearse, and perform an entire musical with lights, set, and costumes.

CLASSROOM ANTICS

STEAM SUMMER CAMPS

Camps in Anderson, Bridgetown, Centerville, Madeira, and Mason 800-595-3776 | classroomantics.com

FALCON CAMP

4251 Delta Road SW, Carrollton 800-837-2267 | falconcamp.com

LEARN WHAT YOU LOVE! If your child likes LEGO, Minecraft, or coding, they are going to love becoming a creator in a Classroom Antics summer camp! Classroom Antics is an educational enrichment provider offering fun, educational STEAM-focused programs for kids 6-14 years old. Week-long summer camps are offered in a variety of STEAM activities, including video game design, robotics, animation, video production, and coding. Attend half-day or full-day in a location close to home.

Widely recognized as Ohio’s premier summer camp since 1959. Beautiful lakefront setting with wide range of activities. Boys and girls ages 6 - 16 choose their own schedule within general framework, separate activities with planned co-ed events. 1:4 staff/camper ratio. Most of all, it’s a great time! ACA accredited, many references.

CAMPS AND SUMMER PROGRAMS

KIDS FIRST SPORTS CENTER CAMP-A-PALOOZA

7900 E. Kemper Road, Cincinnati 513-489-7575 | kidsfirstsports.com

YMCA DAY CAMP

Multiple YMCA Locations myy.org/programs/camp

ABRAKADOODLE

Campers get the very best! 108,000 sq. ft. of everything kids love: basketball, karate, gymnastics, dance, cheer, swimming, volleyball, you name it! Field trips every week outside Kids First and inhouse entertainment brought in throughout week. Leaders in Training course for teens ages 13 - 15 covering topics like leadership, communication, and group dynamics. Teens can look forward to excursions, service opportunities, and more.

Week-long camps are offered Jun. 1 - Aug. 13 for campers ages 5 - 15. Your child will grow confident, make friends and create amazing memories by being included in all the fun. Campers rotate with a small group visiting the swimming pool, S.T.E.M. activities, group games and more. 11 Camp Sites serving Anderson, Batavia, Blue Ash, Burlington, Colerain, Ft. Thomas, Hillsboro, Springfield Township, West End, and Western Hills.

513-297-5655 ext. 3 abrakadoodle.com/oh-greater-cincinnati

Our campers look forward to Abrakadoodle summer programs year after year! Whether they will be exploring a variety of art techniques while making connections with STEAM concepts, going on an arty Treasure Hunt or making marvelous Movie Art, campers will be immersed in activities specifically designed for them by experienced educators. Abrakadoodle offers a number of different summer camp themes across greater Cincinnati.

BAKER HUNT ART AND CULTURAL CENTER

620 Greenup St., Covington KY 859-431-0020 | bakerhunt.org

Experience the many ways to create during Baker Hunt’s Summer Camps! In a fun and encouraging environment, campers will feel free to explore, create and express themselves. Professional instruction will be provided to youth ages 7 - 13 for both visual art and culinary experiences, in a variety of themes and mediums.

BETHANY SCHOOL

370 Oak Road, Glendale bethanyschool.org

Bethany School is offering a variety of summer camps once again beginning in June 2023. Among the options are STEAM lab, athletic camps, Vacation Bible School, art camp, theatre camp, environmental camps, and more.

BUCKNER MARTIAL ARTS

8216 Highland Pointe Drive, West Chester

513-779-2413 | bucknermartialarts.com

Voted one the best martial arts studios in Cincinnati, we combine defense skills with personal development. Students progress quickly while learning leadership and strong values under the teaching of master instructors. Free uniform with class sign-up.

CAMP AT THE J

8485 Ridge Road, Cincinnati

513-722-7245 | mayersonjcc.org/camp

Presenting Camp at the J – voted Cincinnati’s Best Day Camp in the 2020 Best of Parenting poll! We cannot wait for another magical summer filled with memories and friendships that last a lifetime. Give your child a summer to remember at Camp at the J! Activities include archery, sports, arts and crafts, drama, music, Israeli culture, and swimming. Jun. 13 - Aug. 12. 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. (extended care available). Grades K - 10.

CAMP ARROWHEAD FOR BOYS

1415 Cabin Creek Road, Zirconia, NC

828-435-0591 | camparrowhead.com

Since 1937, Camp Arrowhead for Boys has served families from all over the world. Arrowhead has 217 acres of beautiful woodlands, waterfalls, streams, and meadows in which boys can grow, lead, explore, and create. Sessions are 1 - 4 weeks long, for campers rising grades 1 - 11. Activities include archery, blacksmithing, bushcraft, riflery, and woodworking.

CAMP ART ACADEMY

1212 Jackson St., Cincinnati

513-562-8762 | artacademy.edu

Camp Art Academy balances technical instruction with freedom of self-expression. In Summer 2023, students have discovered a mysterious time machine traveling them through time to explore exciting artistic movements. From ancient art to the future, students will travel across the world and through time while creating portfolios of art. Camps run Jun. 5 - Jul. 28.

CAMP INVENTION

3701 Highland Park, North Canton 800-968-4332 | invent.org/camp

Inspire your child’s creativity and watch their confidence soar with our all-new Camp Invention® program, Wonder! Campers in grades K - 6 will team up with friends for hands-on, open-ended STEM fun. They’ll build their own mini skate park, become an imaginative event planner, launch their own pop-up business and transform a robot into a stuffie! Use promo code SUM25 by Mar. 30 to save $25.

CCM PREP

290 CCM Blvd., Cincinnati 513-556-2595 | ccm.uc.edu/prep-family

CCM Prep provides fun music, dance and theatre arts classes and workshops where students of all ages and abilities can learn from leading national artists and teachers – including CCM’s acclaimed collegiate faculty members. Browse program offerings and find the perfect performing arts opportunity for your family.

CHILDREN’S MEETING HOUSE

927 O’Bannonville Road, Loveland 513-683-4757 | cmhschool.com

Children’s Meeting House fosters the development of the whole child by implementing the philosophy and curriculum of Dr. Maria Montessori, using the abundant natural resources of our seven-acre campus. Voted Best Preschool by the readers of Cincinnati Family magazine. Open House, Jan. 29 from 2 - 4 p.m.

CINCINNATI SHAKESPEARE COMPANY

The Otto M. Budig Theater

1195 Elm St., Cincinnati

513-381-2273 | cincyshakes.com/summer

At Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s theatre summer camp, students in grades 1 - 12 immerse themselves in the world of theatre. Learn acting and stage combat, design costumes, and more! Take to the stage this summer: June and July 2023. Visit our website for more.

CODE NINJAS – ANDERSON TWP

7426 Beechmont Ave., Cincinnati

513-233-2633

codeninjas.com/oh-anderson-township

Unleash your child’s inner Ninja! Transform your child’s love for technology into an exciting learning adventure. Guided by our team of Code Senseis. With 12 themes to choose, Code Ninjas camps empower kids to gain valuable tech skills and make new friends. It’s an unforgettably fun learning experience!

CAMPS AND SUMMER PROGRAMS

ENSEMBLE THEATRE CINCINNATI

1127 Vine St., Cincinnati

513-421-3555 | ensemblecincinnati.org/camps

At Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s theatre summer camp, students in grades 1 - 12 immerse themselves in the world of theatre. Learn acting and stage combat, design costumes, and more! Take to the stage this summer: June and July 2023. Visit our website for more.

LAFFALOT SUMMER CAMP

Multiple Locations

513-307-0787 | laffalotcamps.com

Laffalot Summer Camp offers kids 6 - 12 years old a week of fun-filled activities that will leave them smiling. Led by well-trained counselors, children will spend the day playing sports and games that help them develop teamwork, build whole body coordination, improve interpersonal skills, learn sportsmanship and enjoy friendly competition. Helping kids have fun for over 25 years, Laffalot offers almost 1,500 campers each year in locations stretching from Cincinnati to Toledo.

MASON DANCE CENTER

600-B Reading Road, Mason

513-398-0353 | masondance.com

We provide an opportunity for anyone ages 3 - adult to discover the joys of dance. Ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, modern, pre-professional ballet, pre-dance combos, adult classes. We offer summer and mini-camps!

MATHNASIUM SUMMER CAMPS

Locations in Hyde Park, Mason, Blue Ash and West Chester

513-275-5000 | mathnasium.com

Have a blast with math this summer at Camp Mathnasium! Explore STEAM-related activities and games, learn face-to-face with expert instructors, and keep math skills sharp for the fall. It all adds up to an awesome summer experience!

MY NOSE TURNS RED CIRCUS CAMPS

859-581-7100 | mynoseturnsred.org

Let your child run away and join the circus – without leaving home. 9 weeks of incredibly fun camps full of challenges and satisfaction. Campers will walk on tightwire, roll in German wheel (looks like human size hamster wheel), ride unicycles or pedal goes, walk on rolling globe, and more. Half-day camp for ages 5 - 7, $125. Full-day camp for ages 7 - 13, $240. Childcare for full-day camp can be arranged. Camps are one week long but can be repeated. Spring Break Camp Mar. 27 - 31. Sibling and multiple camp discounts. Group rates (for new students) available. Celebrating our 26th year!

NAKAMA STUDIO

600 Kilgore St., Batavia 513-827-1299 | nakamastudios.com

Nakama Studio is a local facility offering a variety of classes, camps, and workshops for kids and adults including art, gardening, beekeeping, self care, yoga, holistic healing, baking and more. Nakama Studio also hosts birthday parties and private events. Camps are offered for youth ages 3 - 18 including art, science, music, apothecary, Legos, clay, jewelry making and more.

QCC KIDS

2760 Highland Avenue, Norwood

513-871-2529 | queencityclay.com/kids

Come create at Queen City Clay (QCC)! Kids explore, learn, and make like an artist. Students have access to a great variety of materials and learn multiple art techniques in mediums such as drawing, painting, printing, sculpture, and clay. QCC offers 6-week classes, for kids and teens, throughout the year and weekly themed summer art camps and pottery wheel camps ages 6 and up. Returning students are given new challenges. Classes and camps include materials, instruction, and firing.

SNAPOLOGY

westchestertwp.snapology.com

513-988-7363

We are the premier partner for STEAM programs, offering year-round programs in schools, community facilities, local businesses and homes. Kids have so much fun in our programs that they don’t even realize they’re learning! Offering a variety of half- and full-day STEAM-based summer camps. Camp themes include: Scientists/Jr. Scientists; Engineers/Jr. Engineers; Stop Motion Animation; Robotics/Jr. Robotics; Video Game Design; Brick Art & Design; Mining & Building; Ninjas and more!

ST. XAVIER SUMMER CAMPS

600 W North Bend Road, Cincinnati

513-761-7600 | stxavier.org

Discover inspiring ways to imagine, design, invent, tinker and make through hands-on projects and collaborative creations. We offer a variety of on-campus summer camps to foster creativity, build confidence, and spark interest in science, technology, engineering, math and the arts.

THE STEM LAB, STEAM CAMPS 2023

1644 E. Kemper Road, Ste. 4, Sharonville 513-857-3366 | cincystemlab.com

Registration now open. Camps begin Jun. 5 and run through Aug. 11. Early bird discount available until Mar. 1. Classes held in separate rooms with a maximum of 18 students per room. Tuesday is cooking day. This day we will make food based on the theme and learn the science that makes it yummy. Wednesday is yoga day by the lake. Enrichment throughout the week in math, creative writing, and speaking.

STEPPING STONES

5650 Given Road, Cincinnati

1414 Lake Allyn Road, Cincinnati

steppingstonesohio.org

Stepping Stones was founded in 1963 as Greater Cincinnati’s first summer camp for individuals with disabilities. Today, the agency offers a variety of recreation programs year-round for children, teens and adults – including day and overnight camps in the summer months as well as Saturday Clubs and Weekend Respites throughout the school-year and Adult Day Services for individuals transitioning from high school.

UC ENGINEERING CAMPS

2901 Woodside Drive, Cincinnati

https://ceas.uc.edu/about/news-events/camps/summer-camp.html

UC Engineering Camps are a fun, hands-on way to engage your incoming grades 9 - 12 (some camps 9 -10 only). Participate in design challenges, take field trips to local businesses to meet working engineers, tour on-campus labs, and have a ton of fun, too! Camps are free and lunch is included, transportation assistance available. Paid overnight accommodations available for some camps.

USA NINJA CHALLENGE CINCINNATI

4727 Red Bank Road, Cincinnati

513-739-5528 | usaninjachallenge.com

Campers will enjoy ninja obstacles including rings, balance beams, slacklines, cargo nets, ropes, a traverse rock wall, devil steps, horizontal peg boards, warped wall and more at the 6,800 square foot Red Bank Location. Each portion of every obstacle includes corresponding conditioning and flexibility stations. The desired result of this program is to improve children’s strength, flexibility, and athleticism while building self esteem and promoting a supportive environment for all of our ninjas!

WEST CHESTER ACADEMY

MUSIC,

DANCE, ACTING AND GYMNASTICS

8107 Market Place Drive, West Chester 513-829-2345 | westchesteracademy.com

From a child’s very first lesson to the experienced adult, West Chester Academy has something for everyone in music, dance, acting, and gymnastics. Located in West Chester, we specialize in beginners of all ages and offer training through pre-professional levels. We also have camps for all ages.

YMCA CAMP KERN

5291 State Route 350, Oregonia

1-800-255-KERN | 513-932-3756 | campkern.org

There’s no end to the new adventures waiting for you at YMCA Camp Kern. Our weeklong camps focus on making new friends, growing through shared challenges, and spending time outdoors. Each program is designed with specific age groups in mind, so each campers’ interests are met. We are widely known for our fully themed programs. Interested in scholarship opportunities? We have that too with all the help you need located on our website.