2024 Summer Camp Guide

Summer camp options abound – take your pick

Options run the gamut, from sports camps to arts camps, day camps to overnight

Summer camp season will be here before parents know it. While children anxiously await the last day of school, adults know that it can be challenging to keep kids occupied and mentally stimulated when they aren’t in the classroom. Although it may be alright to enjoy a few days lounging around and playing video games, too much sedentary behavior is not good for anyone, even children. Families turn to summer camp to provide children with activities to occupy their time when school is not in session.

Camps catering to a variety of interests are open to youngsters, so there’s likely one out there to excite every child. Each year, more than 25 million children and adults take part in the camp experience, says the American

Camps not only fill the summer downtime, they can be physically and intellectually healthy. See

Camps can be physically or intellectually challenging – or both

From FACING PAGE

Camp Association. Summer camp gives kids a chance to spread their wings and enjoy new adventures. When seeking camps, families can consider interests, proximity, cost, and other variables. Here are some of the different types of camps families can consider.

Day camp

Day camps are a popular choice. Day camps tend to be general recreation camps that offer an array of activities. Campers are dropped off (or bussed) in the morning, and arrive home early evening. These camps are readily accessible and run by various organizations. Some camps enable you to pay by the week, rather than committing to an entire season.

Sleep-away camp

Like the name implies, sleep-away camp hosts campers overnight, typi -

cally for several weeks. This may be children’s first extended time away from home, and there’s bound to be a few nerves that spring up. Round-theclock activities and chances to bond with their peers can help kids overcome fears of being away from home.

Academic camp

Academic camps focus their attention on various subjects, putting like-minded children together. Academic summer programs ensure children’s brains stay active, helping students avoid that dreaded “summer slide.” Some of these camps mimic a school day so they are familiar to kids. Academic focus may vary from general academia to specific subjects like STEM to astronomy to the arts.

Scout camp

Boys and girls participating in scouting programs often have the option to attend summer camp. During camp kids will have an opportunity to earn

“Best organization I’ve gotten my kids involved in.”

“Summer camp gives kids a chance to spread their wings and enjoy new adventures. When seeking camps, families can consider interests, proximity, cost, and other variables.”

badges and advance their rank. Many scout districts have relationships with a specific scout campsite where troops from all over live and advance together

for a week or so during the summer.

Fitness and sports camps

Fitness-minded campers or those who play particular sports can investigate camps that focus on fitness and sports performance. These may be more rigorous than other types of camps since they involve lots of physical activity. Wilderness preparation camp is another type of camp that may fit into this category. It will highlight survival training and help mold active hikers and campers.

Summer camp options abound. It’s only a matter of identifying a path for children and then seeking a camp that offers the desired program.

Make the most of the summer camp experience

It helps to prepare, and to expect some of the unexpected

Summer camp season will soon be here, and throngs of children will board buses each morning or pack their parents’ cars full of essentials to survive a few weeks away from home.

Looking back, many adults who experienced summer camp have fond memories of their adventures — whether they all went according to plan or there were some hiccups along the way. Parents want their children to make their own summer camp memories. Even if the canoe capsizes or the cabin leaks during a summer thunderstorm, such experiences can build character and strengthen friendships.

According to RegPack, an online registration software company, more than six million American children participate in some form of camp each year, including sleep-away camp or day camp. The

Camp can be a time for new challenges, and building new friendships.

Expect some bumps, which can be great learning experiences

From FACING PAGE

American Camp Association says that number is closer to 14 million, with the most popular camp session length around one week or less. Families getting prepared for camp can follow these guidelines to ensure the experience is one kids won’t soon forget.

Search for an accredited camp

Accredited camps must meet more than 300 standards related to program quality, safety and health, according to the ACA. An accredited camp will likely give parents the most peace of mind.

Consider children’s readiness

There’s no magic age when a child may be ready to go to camp, but generally kids who are ages seven or eight may be fine to start a resident sleep-away camp. Day camp kids can begin as early as age three, the same age kids often begin preschool programs. Gauge whether the child has spent time away from home at friends’ or

“There’s no magic age when a child may be ready to go to camp, but generally kids who are ages seven or eight may be fine to start a resident sleep-away camp.”

family members’ homes to decide if a resident camp will be the right fit or if a day camp is more appropriate.

Connect with fellow campers

If possible, attend a meet-and-greet prior to the start of the season. Neighborhood day camps tend to draw kids from local communities, so there’s already a chance kids will know a few fellow campers.

Get to know camp counselors early on

Campers can introduce themselves to camp counselors and other program

directors and are urged to ask questions about specific programs. Counselors can direct campers toward activities they may enjoy.

Make the most of all situations

Much of summer camp will likely be smooth-sailing, but it’s reasonable to expect some bumps along the way. Campers shouldn’t expect perfection, but use the situations that may go awry as

learning experiences on how to handle adversity — trying to find the fun in them anyway. Even a medical situation can be overcome, particularly because camps staff qualified medical personnel to ensure campers are safe and well.

Summer camp can be a great experience, especially when families take some pre-camp measures aimed at ensuring kids have a fun season.

When is the right time to look into summer camp?

Some camps may book up early, so it’s never too early to start looking

Summer camp provides children weeks of entertainment, camaraderie and opportunities to learn and grow. It also offers a welcome respite for parents and other caregivers from having to provide recreation for kids during summer vacation, especially if those kids will be attending a sleepaway camp.

Many children are emotionally ready to attend camp between the ages of eight and 10. Some need a little more time to mature. Parents may think they have plenty of time to investigate camps. Chances are if the weather has already warmed and summer vacation is on the horizon, then it’s already too late to get kids into most summer camps.

According to HealthyChildren.org, a division of the American Academy of Pediatrics, it is important to start researching summer camps as soon as possible. Many start booking as early as

January of the current term year. Furthermore, popular programs fill up quite fast. Even though summer weather may be furthest from one’s mind in the middle of winter, this is the time when summer

camp decisions must be made.

Start by asking for recommendations from others. The difficulty with this approach is that many people are very protective of their camp choices, espe-

cially if the programs are particularly popular. They may not be inclined to give up the secrets to their good thing, especially if that means kids will have to compete for limited spots. Parents also should conduct an internet search of camps in the area and look at online reviews and ratings.

Find out if the camp is accredited by the American Camp Association. This will not guarantee a risk-free environment, but ACA accreditation is a better bet for providing a camp that is safe and nurturing.

Price also may be a factor in the camp decision. Camps are not all priced the same, so it may require doing some math to figure out what is the best value. Location also can be a consideration. Having to drive a long distance away for camp can be a deterrent to some people.

Rest assured that families who are a little late to the game may be able to find summer camp accommodations. But they may have to make some concessions.

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The kids aren’t thinking about camp yet, but parents can, and in some cases should.

How to find the right fit for summer camp

Kids are so different — summer camps are too

Many adults fondly recall their days at summer camp. The increase in households with two working parents has made it more important than ever to find a camp to accommodate youngsters who need to remain engaged and entertained throughout over summer vacation. That reality has led to more summer camp options, but it’s not always so easy finding one that’s the right fit for a child.

No two children are the same and kids change quite a bit as they grow up. So a camp that worked for an older child or even one that accommodated a younger camper may not make the perfect fit this summer. With that in mind, parents can consider these tips to find the right summer camp for their children.

n Ask around. Even if no two campers are the same, it can benefit parents to ask around when shopping for a summer camp. Summer camp spots are limited and it’s not uncommon for competition for available spaces to develop, which can make it more

difficult to gather information. However, ask neighbors whose children have outgrown summer camp if there’s one they might recommend (or would not recommend).

n Pursue a package deal. Though package deals might not result in lower rates, approaching a camp with the parents of your child’s friend or friends may work in your favor. Kids undoubtedly will be more excited about camp if their friends will be there as well. Camp officials may see these quasi-package deals as beneficial and a quick and easy way to fill spots.

n Ask kids how they want to spend summer. Specialized camps run the gamut, from sports camps focusing on a particular

Is your child the outdoorsy type, more of an artist, or both — or is summer camp a good time for new experiences?

sport to general outdoor recreation camps, to camps that cater to young musicians. More general camps offer a wide range of activities throughout the summer, and that might appeal to children less interested in specialized camps.

Ask youngsters for their input before making a final decision. Involve kids in the search by showing them websites of prospective camps and asking them what they think of each one. If attending an in-person consultation, bring kids along so they can form their own impression.

n Make sure the camp suits your schedule. Kids’ preferences are not the only opinions to consider. In households with two

working parents, moms and dads must find a camp that aligns with their work schedule. Many camps offer half-day sessions and/or full-day sessions, but some offer just one or the other. If parents need full-day sessions, they might need to begin their search early to ensure they can secure a spot before they fill up.

n Identify what you can afford. Camp costs vary significantly, so parents should identify how much they can afford before they begin their search. Doing so may eliminate various camps right off the bat, saving parents precious time as they try to find a camp for their children before spots fill up. Many towns offer local camps at schools, and these may be an affordable option.

Parents also should know that many camps allow them to pick certain weeks or days of the week a child will attend rather than insisting kids attend camp for the duration of the summer.

Summer camp season is right around the corner. Parents and children can work together to identify a camp that will ensure this summer is filled with fun.

Fun ways to keep kids occupied over summer break

Camps, books and free experiences can all keep kids entertained during their breaks from school

Kids look forward to summer vacation every year. The last day of school gives way to less structured days when kids can spend more time outdoors and less time cracking the books.

Summer vacation can be a dilemma for parents, especially in households where both parents work full-time. An overall increase in remote working has made that problem somewhat more manageable, but even parents working from home must find fun way for kids to stay occupied until the new school year begins.

No two kids are the same, so parents may need to try various activities on for size until they find something their children enjoy doing during the lazy

Parents today may be surprised by how much their children enjoy reading books. See

From day camps to play dates, keep kids busy all summer

From FACING PAGE

days of summer.

Day camp

Day camps provide much of the structure of school without all the homework or time spent indoors. Many parks and recreation departments run summer day camps for kids. Camps can be generalized or specialized. For example, some may offer an array of activities, including sports and nature walks, in a given day, while others may focus on a single activity, like musical lessons or science-based programs.

Camps run by local parks and rec departments do not typically last all summer long, which parents should keep in mind when enrolling youngsters.

Reading

Parents may be surprised by how much their children enjoy a good book. A recent poll from the National Education Association found that 70 percent of middle school students read more than 10 books a year. The National Literacy Trust reports that roughly 45 percent of children between the ages of eight and 11 enjoy reading “very much.”

When suggesting to children that they read more this summer, parents can note the many ways that reading for pleasure differs from reading for school. Point out that kids won’t have to submit book reports and emphasize that they can choose their own books.

Depending on children’s ages, introduce kids to a series like “Harry Potter,” which is a set of seven fantasy novels that has helped millions of young peo -

ple across the globe discover and develop a fondness for reading. Weekly visits to the library, where kids can pick from hundreds of books, can get youngsters even more excited about reading.

Play dates

Play dates are a great way to make kids happy and take a little off of parents’ daily plates. Arrange routine summer play dates with children’s school friends, neighbors and/or cousins. Parents can alternate hosting responsibilities so they can get work done at home and enjoy a break when it’s not their turn to host.

Find something free

Perhaps in recognition of the need for affordable, family-friendly fare, many communities now host free

events for kids and their parents each week. Weekly movie nights under the stars and concerts in community squares are popular in many communities, but those same towns also may host events specifically for kids during the daytime. A simple internet search of “free events near me” may unveil a host of activities that can keep kids happy and occupied on summer days when their schedules are open. Local libraries can be great resources for free events as well.

Summer vacation is a relaxing time for youngsters. Parents who don’t want that relaxation to turn into boredom can look to various activities to occupy their children’s time until a new school year begins.

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Camp Guide 2024

Whether your kids love animals, sports, the great outdoors, art and music or anything in between, you’re sure to find something within these pages. Most municipally sponsored camps are not included here; call your local recreation department for details on what’s available in your community.

Remember to register early, as many camps fill up quickly.

GENERAL CAMPS

The classic summer camp experience.

Adventure Basecamp

Cranston and Hopkinton, RI experiencebasecamp.org

Open to all children ages 6 to 10, Adventure Basecamp is set in the woods and features unique outdoor learning experiences, including archery, boating, swimming, crafts, cooking, fire-building, nature appreciation, STEM projects and more.

All Saints Academy

915 West Main Road, Middletown; 401/848-4300; allsaintsacademy.org

Children from age 4 to 4th grade enjoy a vacation filled with challenging activities, interesting field trips, and cookouts, with new themes every week.

Aquidneck Island Day Camp

Glen Park, Glen Rd., Portsmouth; 401/864-3183;

AquidneckIslandDayCamp@gmail.com

www.AquidneckIslandDayCamp.com

Fun, Friends & Adventure! Our campers spend rich days filled with the exciting summer fun that Aquidneck Island has to offer. We offer a wide selection of activities, which include: sailing, the beach, hiking, field trips, POW Science, art, and more! Plus, to prevent the “summer slide” we integrate academic learning into each day and make learning fun and rewarding for campers. Ages: 5 – 13

Dates/Times: July 1st – August 22nd - campers can register for a single week, partial week or full summer term, 9:00am – 4:00pm. Extended day 8:00am - 5:00pm.

Camp Aldersgate

1043 Snake Hill Road, North Scituate; 401/568-4350; campaldersgate.com

Run by the United Methodist Church, Camp Aldersgate offers overnight and day camp withcountless activities. We have over 280 acres including a private lake, hiking trails, a challenge course, an archery range, three gaga pits, sports fields, a basketball court, and two pavilions. From arts and crafts to archery, swimming to soccer, boating to fort-building, Aldersgate has it all!

Camp Cedarwood

25 Old County Road, Barrington; 401/246-0188; bbcri.org/cedarwood

This camp, for grades K to 8 and operated by Barrington Baptist Church, offers Bible study, crafts, sports, games, cooking, music, daily swimming and weekly field trips.

Newport Boys and Girls Club: Camp Grosvenor

www.bgcnewport.org/campgrosvenor

Camp Grosvenor is an American Camp Association Accredited, state-licensed summer day camp located on 95 acres along the beautiful Pettaquamscutt River in Saunderstown, RI. Activities will include ropes courses, a climbing wall, swimming, arts and crafts, archery, field games, water trampolining, dance, and more! This camp offers 4 2-week programs for children ages 5-14 from early July through late August. Campers ages 6-9 can also participate in daily literacy activities to prevent the summer slump! DHS accepted and scholarships available.

Camp JORI

1065 Worden’s Pond Rd., Wakefield; 401/783-7000; www.campjori.com

Camp JORI aims to provide a high quality overnight Jewish camping experience that is available to all families in a safe and sup-

portive setting so that each JORI camper will develop life-long connections with the Jewish community while taking part in fun activities like sports, crafts, and more. They offer Overnight Camp for grades 2-10, Day Camp for grades K-4, and a weekend program for those who want to get a taste of Overnight Camp.

Camp Ramsbottom

Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket, One Moeller Place, Pawtucket; 401-722-8840; bgcpawt.org

Camp Ramsbottom in nearby Rehoboth is for boys and girls ages 6 to 13. A full range of activities includes archery, art, basketball, crafts, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, soccer, swimming, tennis and much more. Bus service to Camp Ramsbottom is provided from convenient locations in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, with camper drop off each morning and afternoon pick up. The camp runs in twoweek sessions from June through August.

The Children’s Workshop

Locations in Warren (401/247-2503), Rumford (401/434-1118), Riverside (401/228-6209), Central Falls (401) 727-4474) and Seekonk (508/336-2677); www.childrensworkshop.com

Children enjoy field trips, sports, swimming, STEM activities, arts and crafts and more. In

addition to their traditional camp for ages 5-12, The Children’s Workshop offers high quality onsite early education programs, for infants through pre-k, for younger siblings.

Camp Wetu at Mount Hope Farm

Mount Hope Farm, 250 Metacom Ave., Bristol; 401/254-1745; mounthopefarm.org

Camp Wetu offers 7 week-long sessions, each focusing on 1 of 3 themed curriculums integrating the Farm’s unique landscape as a laboratory for kid friendly learning on a range of topics including farming, forestry, hiking, science, history, conservation and fun!  Camps are for ages 5 to 12.

Episcopal Conference

Center Summer Camp

872 Reservoir Road, on Echo Lake, Pascoag; 401/568-4055; www.eccri.org

Run by the Episcopal Diocese of R.I., this camp offers opportunities for those ages 4 to 18 and includes daily worship, swimming, creative evening programs and time with friends or family.

Friends Academy Summer Programs

1088 Tucker Road, North Dartmouth, 508/999-1356;

www.friendsacademy1810.org

Offers a wide variety of nature, academic, enrichment and sports camps for children ages 3-15. All campers are welcome, whether they are Friends students or not.

Girl Scouts of Southeastern New England Summer Camps

Various locations; 401/331-4500; www.gssne.org

Day and overnight camps for girls entering grades K-12 include traditional camp experiences like swimming, boating, arts and crafts, nature, cooking and outdoor skills.

Adventure Day Camp

Cranston, Hopkinton, R.I.; experiencebasecamp.org

Adventure Day Camp is a great way for your child to experience the thrill of the outdoors while introducing them to independence without being too far from home. The weeklong program fills each day with adventures like archery, BB, boating, swimming, crafts, outdoor cooking, fire-building, nature appreciation and daily STEM projects.

Summer at Gordon

Gordon School, 45 Maxfield Ave., East Providence; 401/434-3833; www.gordonschool.org

Gordon offers a series of day camps each summer, for students in grades pre-K through 8.

Summer J-Camp at the Dwares JCC

401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence; 401/4214111; jewishallianceri.org

Day camps for children entering grades K-6 including sports, art, acting, animals, cooking, science, travel, and so many more ways for your child to create an exciting summer full of memories.

Moses Brown Summer Camps

250 Lloyd Ave., Providence; 401/831-7350, ext. 150; www.mosesbrown.org

Moses Brown offers a traditional day camp for children ages 3-14 as well as camps with a special mixture of arts, sports, music, chess, computers, design/build, engineering, forensics, maritime studies & sailing, theater, and swimming.

Pennfield School Summer Camp

110 Sandy Point Ave., Portsmouth; 401/849-4646; www.pennfield.org

A camp for ages 3 to 14 utilizing Pennfield’s state-of-the-art facilities including an

From Page 11

air-conditioned library, art studio, science lab, auditorium, and playing fields.

Rocky Hill School Summer

Enrichment Academy and Camps

530 Ives Road, East Greenwich; 401/8849070; www.rockyhill.org

Offers a variety of summer programs, sports and specialty programs for ages 3-11 including themed weeks, focusing on topics such as sports, line dancing, and more.

St. Michael’s Country Day School

180 Rhode Island Ave., Newport; 401/849-5970; www.smcds.org

St. Michael’s offers a variety of summer camp programs for children age 3-12, as well as a theater program for young performing artists ages 9-16.

Wheeler School Summer Programs

Wheeler School Farm, 357 Walker St., Seekonk; 508/336-8377; wheelersummercamp. com

Wheeler Summer Camps offers a traditional outdoor day camp experience for campers ranging in age from 3-15. Activities are geared toward exploration of the outdoors, learning life skills, arts and athletics.

YMCA Camps

While each YMCA camp designs its own programs to serve its local community, each YMCA promotes the core Y principles of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. Following are some local YMCAs offering camps.

n Bayside YMCA, 70 West St., Barrington; 401/245-2444; www.ymcagreaterprovidence.org.

n Newman YMCA, 472 Taunton Ave., Seekonk; 508/336-7103; www.

CAMP GUIDE

ymcagreaterprovidence.org.

n Newport County YMCA, 792 Valley Road, Middletown; 401/847-9200 or www.newportymca.org.

ENVIRONMENTAL CAMPS

Although most traditional summer camps offer outdoor experiences and incorporate their settings in their programs, some camps specialize in teaching kids to appreciate the natural environment.

Audubon Society of Rhode Island Nature Day Camps

Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope St., Bristol; Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Ave., Seekonk; and Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield; 401/245-7500, 401/949-5454; www.audubonsummercamp.com

Audubon summer camp gets kids ages 2 1/2

Recruiting Showcase: June 14-16

Technique Day Camp: June 24-27 • July 15-18

Lunch included in RWU Nationally Ranked Dining Hall

Where: Roger Williams University

1 Old Ferry Road, Bristol, RI

Call 401-580-7313 or visit oceanstateswimcamp.com

animal encounters and team building. Camp groups led by caring, enthusiastic and professional teacher naturalists utilize Norman Bird Sanctuary’s 325-acre outdoor classroom.

Save The Bay’s Bay Camps

Save The Bay, 100 Save The Bay Drive, Providence; 401/272-3540; www.savebay.org

Narragansett Bay is what sets our summer camps apart from all the rest. In fact, it’s our campground. During our week-long, fulland half-day camps, children from kindergarten through high school enjoy hands-on exploration of Rhode Island’s greatest natural resource. From sailing and science to critters and crafts, plus locations throughout Rhode Island, there’s a camp for every child who loves the outdoors.

ZooCamp

Roger Williams Park Zoo, 1000 Elmwood Ave., Providence; 401/785-3510; www.rwpzoo.org.

to 12 outside exploring fields, forests, ponds and the coast of Narragansett Bay. It’s the perfect environment for adventure, exploration, learning, and loads of fun.

Camp Sequoia at Blithewold

Blithewold Gardens and Arboretum, 101 Ferry Road, Bristol; 401/253-2707; www.blithewold.org

For kids ages 5-10, the camp specializes in hands-on programs emphasizing the interaction of plants, animals, humans and the environment.

The Lloyd Center Summer Programs

430 Potomska Road, South Dartmouth, Mass.; 774/628-9241; www.lloydcenter.org

The Lloyd Center’s summer programs are designed to give motivated students entering ages 9-12 an opportunity to explore different aspects of environmental science. All coastal studies sessions include field study, laboratory work, and fun. The Young Naturalist program, for ages 6-9, teaches kids about fish, birds, crustaceans, snakes, mammals and more.

Norman Bird Sanctuary Summer Camp

583 Third Beach Road, Middletown; 401/846-2577; www.normanbirdsanctuary.org

The Norman Bird Sanctuary offers day camp programs through the summer for children ages 3 1/2 to those entering 8th grade. The age-appropriate and innovative camps offer a unique blend of hands-on learning, games,

Games, hands-on activities, crafts, animal encounters and tours of the zoo for ages 4-18.

EDUCATIONAL CAMPS

These camps focus on academics or a specialized area of study, from foreign language to technology.

Battleship Cove - Nautical Nights

5 Water Street, Fall River Mass 508-678-1100 • www.battleshipcove.org

Journey through time and camp aboard a historic World War II battleship. Overnight program for scout troops to experience life as a sailor and to sleep on a World War II battleship. It also includes school and youth groups as well as family overnights.

French-American School of R.I. Summer Program

75 John St., Providence; 401/274-3325; www.fasri.org

Kids ages 3 to 10 have summer fun in French. Activities include arts, crafts, sports, fresh air, and French language experience and exposure.

Mathnasium of Portsmouth

14 Potomac Rd, Portsmouth; 401/683-6284; Mathnasium.com/Portsmouth

Morning and afternoon programs designed to prevent summer learning loss.

Montessori of Barrington

Montessori-centre.com

303 Sowams Road, Barrington RI

Get ready for a summer full of excitement, discovery, and adventure with the Montessori Centre of Barrington’s Olympic Athletes Summer Camp program. Camps run from June 17 to July 26, for children ages 3-5.

St. Andrew’s School Summer Programs

St. Andrew’s School, 63 Federal Road, Barrington; 401/246-1230; summeratsaintandrews.org

Summer at St. Andrew’s is a nondenominational, co-ed day camp serving campers aged 3 to 17. We offer traditional day camps, sports camps, creative camps, STEAM programs, and academic programs. We specialize in small focused camps with infinite possibilities.

CREATIVE CAMPS

These camps focus on the arts ranging from dance to theater to studio art.

Arts Alive!

191 County Road, Barrington; 401/237-0638; www.artsalivebarrington.org

Acting, music, dance, fun! Arts Alive! Summer Theatre Camps are for students entering grades 3 to 8. Space is limited, and they fill up quickly. Summer 2024 performances include: “Shrek,” “Mary Poppins,” “Little Shop of Horrors,” & Juliet,” “Teen Beach Movie,” and “Anastasia.”

The Artists’ Exchange

50 Rolfe Square, Cranston; 401/490-9475; www.artists-exchange.org

Campers ages 5 to 13 will find a wide range of classes and opportunities to create digital and physical art with mediums including paint, clay, and found and recycled materials. Camps are taught in fully equipped studios and theater spaces by certified teachers and professional artists.

CAMP GUIDE

Community String Project 2024 Summer String Camp

www.communitystringproject.org

Children have fun while improving their music skills. Camp is half-day, from July 8 to 18; open to students in Grades 4 to 8 who have one year of orchestral string experience.

Next Stop Broadway

Providence Performing Arts Center, 220 Weybosset St., Providence; 401/421-2997; www.ppacri.org/nsb

A rigorous, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., five-day immersion into musical theatre for theatre-lovers ages 10-17. Culminates in a Friday evening finale performance for family and friends on the PPAC stage. Financial aid available. NOTE: PPAC also offers an audition preparation courses for ages 16-20.

KidsEye Summer Filmmaking Workshop

[CAMP NOT ON SITE]

83 Park St., Suite 5, Providence, RI; 401/861-4445; www.RIFilmFest.org

This fun yet intensive five-day filmmaking camp for children ages 8 to 17 is presented by FLICKERS: Rhode Island International Film Festival. Participants step into the roles of screenwriters, actors, directors and crew and learn the basic elements of the filmmaking process, culminating in a premiere screening of their finished films.

Lincoln School

301 Butler Ave., Providence; 401/331-9696; Lincolnschool.org

Lincoln hosts a wide array of camps for children entering grades K-12, including photography, cooking, leadership, sports, and more.

Newport Art Museum Summer Programs

76 Bellevue Ave., Newport; 401/848-2787; www.newportartmuseum.org

Art camps and classes offered for kids ages 3 to 16, with focus ranging from sculpture to painting to drawing to mixed media and more.

Newport Contemporary Ballet

3 Charles St., Newport; 401-849-8473 newportcontemporaryballet.org

Camps for dancers of ages 3 to 12+ of varying content and intensity. Campers explore dance through creative movement, learning ballet, choreography, backstage secrets and more.

R.I. Philharmonic Music School Summer Programs

The Carter Center for Music Education & Performance, 667 Waterman Ave., East Providence; 401.248.7001; riphil.org/summer23

Diverse and fun summer programs for all ages – from babies to adults. Group classes throughout the summer include Music Together®, Rhythm Kids®, Music Theory & Ear Training, Ukulele for Everyone, Suzuki Piano and Suzuki Guitar for Grown-ups. Jazz, Rock & Blues and Chamber Music workshops will be offered for students elementary age and up (including adults), while weekly ensembles for middle and high school students include Jazz Combos, Big Band, Jazz Fusion and Rock. Private lessons, the core of a student’s musical training, are available for any age and any type of music.

RISD Continuing Education Summer Camps and Classes

Locations in Providence and Barrington; (401) 454-6200; ce.risd.edu

Rhode Island School of Design heats up this summer with expanded offerings for youth ages 6–18. Young artists immerse themselves

For Full Schedule, visit herreshoff.org/programs

Youth Sailing Summer Camp

Ages 7-15; All Levels of Experience

Sail on Herreshoff 12½

Spring & Fall After School Programs

Adult Private or Group Lessons

Sailboat Rentals

Children

•Group ensembles

•Fiddling •Games

•Improvisation

COMMUNITY STRING PROJECT

2024 Summer String Camp

TUITION:

•Open

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in the art-making process and have fun creating and sharing with others, in courses and camps taught by instructors who are energetic and passionate about art education. Explore topics ranging from drawing and painting to sculpture and cartooning. Full-day camps for ages 6–12 are held at Tillinghast Place in Barrington, and half-day for teens 13–17 are held on the RISD campus in Providence as well as online.

Rosemary’s School of Dance Education

www.rosemarysdance.com

Rosemary’s Summer Dance Project offers a variety of programs in June through August for dancers ages 3 to 12.

Summer dance camps at The Ballet Center

89 Gooding Ave., Bristol; 401/254-2847; theballetctr.com

The Ballet Center offers several half and fullday dance camps for dancers ages 3 to 18.

Trinity Repertory Young –Young Actors Summer Institute

201 Washington St, Providence; 401/521-1100; www.trinityrep.com

The Young Actors Summer Institute is one of the most comprehensive arts enrichment summer programs in New England. Taught by Trinity Rep’s professional acting company and Trinity’s education staff, students entering grades 1-12 are able to choose from a variety of different classes, including playwriting,stage combat, improvisation, film and much more.

Art By You at Weirdgirl Creations Pottery Studio

Summer Art “Camp To Go”

33 Kent St., Barrington, RI ;

CAMP GUIDE

401/247-1397; www.weirdgirlcreations.com

The studio offers camp for ages 5-12. Students work in clay, try their hand at the wheel, paint, and draw. Register early; some weeks are already full.

SPORTS CAMPS

The number of summer camps devoted to individual sports is huge. Keep an eye out for sports camps available through many of the private schools and colleges in the area. In addition, many traditional camps as well as the YMCAs will offer specialized sports and adventure themes including ropes courses, rock climbing, hiking, skateboarding and more.

Community Boating Center

India Point Park, Providence; 401/454-7245;

www.communityboating.com

For ages 8-16. Curriculum allows stepped progression through a variety of opportunities for beginner, racing or cruising-minded sailors.

East Bay Sailing Foundation

Bristol Yacht Club, 101 Poppasquash Road, Bristol; 401/253-0775; www.eastbaysailingfoundation.org

Classes for ages 6 to adult, taught in Bristol Harbor. Novice, beginner, intermediate and advanced racing classes offered.

Herreshoff

Seamanship Program

Herreshoff Marine Museum, 1 Burnside St., Bristol; 401-253-5000; www.herreshoff.org

Youth sailing camp on classic Herreshoff sloops; All levels of experience welcome; family and adult classes and boat rentals available on weeknights and weekends.

Longplex Summer Sports Camps

300 Industrial Way, Tiverton; 401-816-6650; longplex.com/longplexsportcamp

Week-long sports camps for ages 6 to 13 will include soccer, basketball, flag football, volleyball, floor hockey, kickball, wiffle ball, beanbag toss, trails walks, arts and crafts, bouncy house and more.

July 1st - August 22nd

Monday - Friday 9:00am-4:00pm

Extended Day 8:00am-5:00pm

Register

www.aquidneckislanddaycamp.com

Ninja Warrior Summer Camp

Self Defense Training Center, 1235 Wampanoag Trail, Riverside; 401/437-9223; SelfDefenseRI.com

Karate Camp is more than just Karate — the main focus is to make sure every camper has a great time. Campers will have the chance to take part in their favorite games, sports and other activities in a safe, supervised and fun setting. Children in camp have a great opportunity to improve strength, endurance and flexibility.

Ocean State Swim Camp

Roger Williams University, Bristol oceanstateswimcamp.com

Led by RWU head swim coach Matt Emmert, the program offers a four-day camp for ages 7 to 18 to learn the latest techniques for all four strokes.

Prestige Fitness & Gymnastics Center

1735 GAR Highway, Swansea; 508-379-1019; www.PrestigeFitGym.com

Offering summer programs for ages 3.5 to 12, blending gymnastics with fitness, fun and physical activity.

Rhode Island Fencing Academy

14 Almeida Ave., East Providence; 401/434-2404; RIFAC.com

National gold medalists, World Cup athletes, and local champions will be on hand to fence with, and offer advice and guidance to, camp participants. Offering full-day, halfday and intensive camps.

Roger Williams University Summer Programs

Roger Williams University, 1 Old Ferry Road, Bristol; 401/254-3050; www.rwu.edu

Programs from marine biology to cyber camp to athletics, available on RWU’s Bristol campus.

Summer Youth Sailing

72 Fort Adams Drive, Newport; 401-849-8385; sailnewport.org

Sail Newport is offering summer sailing programs for ages 5 and up, from beginner to advanced. Campers will learn skills, build confidence and have fun on the water.

Teamworks

1314 Fall River Ave., Seekonk www.TeamworksSeekonk.com

Teamworks is offering its 27th year of summer camps, with locations in Seekonk, Somerset and Warwick. There are a variety of camps for ages 4 to 14

Tennis Hall of Fame Camp

194 Bellevue Ave., Newport; 401-8493990; tennisfame.com/camp

Build skills and have fun on the courts, for ages 8 to 16.

Special Needs/Health Needs

There are many summer recreational opportunities specifically for children with physical, developmental or emotional disabilities, as well as those with special health care needs. A good source is the R.I. Developmental Disabilities Council, which puts together an annual summer guide every year; you can find it at www.riddc.org.

Camp Surefire

www.campsurefire.org

This one-week overnight camp provides an opportunity for kids aged 7 to 17 with type

one diabetes to meet and learn from older campers, counselors and staff. This year, we will be running our overnight camp at Camp JORI in Wakefield, RI.

The Jack Rua Camp for Children with Diabetes

Camp Welch, 127 North Main St., Assonet; 508/679-5233; peopleinc-fr.org

Camp is for children ages 5 to 14 with type one diabetes who are served by Diabetes Association Incorporated and their friends and family. Its mission is to foster friendships among children with diabetes, their siblings and friends through a safe, active program.

Camp Wannagoagain

Camp Aquapaug, West Kingston, RI; 401/785-2666;

www.theautismproject.org

This camp, for children ages 5 and up who have an autism spectrum diagnosis, is rich with visual supports, structured teaching methods, sensory-based activities and traditional camp activities like swimming, arts and crafts and nature walks. Camp Wannagoagain also offers a week-long adults-only camp for those over the age of 18.

PACKAGE Power Prep

When summer comes, the knowledge your child gained in school is in danger of slipping away. It’s especially true for math: On average, students lose approximately 2.6 months of math learning over the summer. This summer learning loss can have long-lasting effects, including lower test scores and self-confidence, and a lower chance of high school and college success.

Mathnasium of Portsmouth 401-683-MATH (6284) 14 Potomac Rd, Portsmouth, RI 02871

www.mathnasium/portsmouth