Summer Camp Guide

A Children’s Habitat

A Children’s Habitat Montessori School offers 5 weeks of themed camp fun for children ages 3-9 years old. These multi-age, Montessori-based experiences offer child-centered activities in our Outdoor Classroom, led by experienced Montessori guides. Restrooms are indoors, and indoor classrooms will be used during inclement weather days.

Dates: June 6-10, 13-17, 20-24, July 11-15, 18-22 • Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM • Ages: 3*-9 *Age 3 by June 1, 2022, and toilet trained • Activities: June 6-10: The Mighty Jungle / June 13-17: US Road Trip / June 20-24: World Celebrations / July 11-15: Pirates and Mermaids / July 18-22: Eric Carle 801 West 73rd Street, Indianapolis, IN; Phone: (317) 726-5584; email: info@childrens-habitat. org; childrens-habitat.org/summercamp

Adventure Learning Summer Camp 2022

The Children's House Adventure Learning Summer Camp offers art, music, hiking, swimming, bird watching, games, and lots of field trips. Younger children generally follow and explore the same weekly activities as older campers. The summer camp offers a relaxed environment free of competition, focusing on different kinds of adventures each week. Campers may also participate in the library's summer reading program. Registration forms and the camp brochure are available on our website, tchindy.org Camp is limited to 30 campers each week.

Dates: June 6 - August 12 • Hours: Camp Day 9 am-4 pm, extended hours 7 am to 5:45 pm • Ages: 3-14 2404 W. 62nd. St. Indianapolis, IN 46208; (317) 253-3033; email: childrenshouse08@ gmail.com; tchindy.org

AYS Summer Enrichment

Take a deep breath, exhale, and let your worries wash away. Summer is here to lift your mood, and AYS is here to make sure your mood stays lifted. This summer, AYS Summer Enrichment will help keep your kids on track with learning through fun and engaging activities so you can find some “you” time.

Dates: June 6 - July 22 • Hours: Monday - Friday, 6:30am - 6:00pm • Ages: 4-12 Locations: Decatur Township, Indianapolis Public Schools, Washington Township; Phone: (317) 283-3817; email: info@ayskids. org; ayskids.org/summer Camp Belzer

Based out of the Camp Belzer, Lange Innovation Center, Discovery Day Camp is open to the public and hosts six different Discovery Tracks: Aquatics, Nature, Shooting Sports, STEM, Wild West Discovery, & Wilderness Survival. Regardless of which Discovery Track you choose your camper will also participate in Camp Belzer favorites like the obstacle courses, The Maze, BB guns, archery, swimming & move. Dates: Mon - Fri, June 6-July 15 • Ages: 6-13 6102 Boy Scout Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46226; (317) 813-7125; email: support@campbelzer. org; campbelzer.org

Camp Cathedral

Camp Cathedral is dedicated to providing every camper with a safe environment to learn, discover, and have lots of fun! We offer more than 50 enrichment camps, including theatre, music, art, and community service. In addition, our ever-popular sports camps provide an opportunity to be coached by state championship-winning coaches!

Dates: June 6-July 29 (Sports Camps only June 27-July 1, no camps July 4-8) • Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. with before and after camp care available • Ages: KindergartenGrade 9 • Activities: Health/physical fitness, sports, performing arts, leadership, speech, Safe Sitter, Legos, Minecraft Phone: (317) 968-7352; email: aernst@ gocathedral.com; campcathedral.com

Camp JCC

CampJCC days are full of the fun and social activities kids love and the safety and personal growth parents look for. We offer outdoor recreation on our 40-acre campus and the Eskenazi Water Park. Our tennis camps build skills and emphasize sportsmanship. Non-members welcome. Discount rates for JCC Members, including those with summer memberships.

Dates: June 6-July 29 • Hours: 8 am-5 pm • Ages: Grades K-7 6701 Hoover Rd, Indianapolis, IN; Phone: (317) 251-9467; email: info@jccindy.org;

jccindy.org/camp-jcc

Camp Little Red Door

At Little Red Door, our mission is to make the most of life and the least of cancer. We provide 26+ year-round activities designed for youth at any stage of their cancer journey through family picnics, virtual activities, a week-long summer day camp, family weekends, and a week-long camping experience at Bradford Woods.

Dates, hours and ages vary by Camp Program • Activities: Monthly Virtual Activities, Family Picnics, week-long day camp, week-long residential camp, family camp weekend 1801 N Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46202; (317) 925-5595; email: camp@littlereddoor. org; littlereddoor.org/camp-lrd

Central Indiana Academy of Dance

There’s something for everyone this summer at CIAoD! The summer starts off June 6th with our popular young dancer day camps, featuring themes such as Frozen and Moana, ages 3-6! Themes change each week, as do the crafts and performance dances! Join us for our Youth Dance Camp for ages 6-10 and Central Indiana Dance Ensemble’s two week Summer Intensive June 6 – 17 for the experienced dancer!

Dates: June 6 - July 29 • Ages: 3-18 14950 Greyhound Court #4, Carmel, IN 46032; (317) 581-2423; email: studio@ ciaodance.com; ciaodance.com

Flat Rock River YMCA Camp

Only 45 minutes southeast of Indianapolis, Flat Rock River YMCA Camp is an overnight experience where kids are Included and Engaged, becoming Confident and Inspired. We offer climbing challenge courses, zip line, river activities, creative arts, horseback riding, woodworking, kayaking, canoeing, target sports, fishing, water slide, swimming and more, plus camper personal choices on morning activities. Lifelong relationships and life skills are formed with cabin mates and mentors.

Dates: June 5 - July 2 • Hours: Residential (Overnight) Camp • Ages: 7-16 6981 W County Rd 650 N, St Paul, IN 47272; (765) 525-6730; email: flatrock@indymca.org;

FlatRockYMCA.org

Heritage Christian School

At Heritage Christian, summer equals fun — for girls and boys, for scientists and athletes, for actors and artists, for engineers and myth busters, for astronauts and programmers! Our summer camps offer a unique environment where students can pursue their dreams... and we have something for everyone!

Activities: STEAM activities and lessons, daily worship, outdoor water activities (water slide and games), outdoor games, arts and crafts 6401 E 75th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46250; (317) 849-3441; email: daycamps@heritage christian.net; heritagechristian.net/summer Indiana Montessori Academy

Join us for a summer filled with fun, joy, and curiosity! We’ll spend our days baking, creating beautiful art work, running through the sprinkler, sharing popsicles with our friends, and so much more!

Dates: May-July • Ages: 3-9 2925 W 146th St., Carmel, IN 46074; (317) 569-1290; email: info@ indianamontessoriacademy.org;

indianamontessoriacademy.org/

Indianapolis Art Center

Hey, kids! It's time to set your creative side free! The Indianapolis Art Center’s week-long summer camps give youth and teens (ages 4 to 18) the chance to make art, make friends, and make memories. From pencils and paints to plaster and pixels, there's so much to explore! Join us onsite or online for a summer to remember. Sign up today!

Dates: June 13 - July 29 • Hours: Hours vary by camp. • Ages: 4-18 • Activities: Clay, Digital, Drawing, Fibers, Glass, Jewelry + Metals, Painting, Photo, Print + Book Arts, Sculpture, Wood, + Mixed Media 820 E. 67th St., Indianapolis, IN 46220; (317) 255-2464; email: JNieto@IndplsArtCenter. org; IndyArtCenter.org/Camps

Indianapolis Children’s Choir: SOAR 2022 Summer Music Camp

ICC’s SOAR Summer Music Camp, where kids can experience the power of music, artistry, leadership, and community in a fun and safe atmosphere. The ICC’s Summer Music Camp offers the highest quality choral music experience woven in between fun musical activities and new camp friendships! Includes a performance at the conclusion of each camp session. Financial assistance is available and in-person and virtual options are available for the 2022 camp.

Dates: June 6-9 and July 11-25 • Hours: 9 am-4 pm • Ages: Entering 1st grade - 8th grade • Activities: Singing, playing instruments, movement, and games. Butler University, Lilly Hall, 4600 Sunset Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46208; (317) 940-9640; Contact: Lauren Southard, email: lsouthar@icchoir.org, icchoir.org/camp

Indianapolis Healthplex Camp

Jill G. (Parent) - "The summer camp at Indianapolis Healthplex provides a great environment where a kid can explore several activities. My son enjoys tennis lessons and loves swimming every day.

Dates: Summer Camp, May 30 - July 29 • Hours: 8am-5pm • Ages: 5-12 • Activities: Swimming, Basketball, Tennis, Fitness, Nutrition, Arts & Crafts, and more! 3660 Guion Rd, Indianapolis, IN; (317) 920- 7400; email: jlarge@indianapolishealthplex.com

International School of Indiana Language Summer Camp

Looking for a unique summer activity for your children? Transport them a world away with the ISI Language Summer Camp. In partnership with the Hamilton Lugar School of Global & International Studies, this exclusive opportunity to learn and experience Mandarin, French, Korean, Spanish, and Portuguese language and culture through immersive lessons and hands-on activities at a variety of levels.

Dates: June 20 to July 15, dates vary based on language selection • Ages: Kindergarten - Grade 5, (K - Grade 2, and Grade 3 - Grade 5) • Location: International School of Indiana new Chen Family Lower School Facility New Chen Family Lower School Facility, International School of Indiana, 4330 N. Michigan Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46208; email: info@isind.org; isind.org/events/

summercamp

M3 Theatre Camp – MOANA, JR.

Each summer, children between the ages of 8 and 14 come together to produce and star in a musical. All students have a performing role. In addition, students assist with creating costumes, sets, and props. At the end of camp, students understand virtually every aspect of putting on a show.

Dates: June 6-24 • Hours: Monday-Friday (9am-4:30pm) with performances on June 22, 23 and 24 at 7pm • Ages: 8-14 845 West Carmel Dr., Carmel, IN 46032; (317) 506-8143; m3theatrecamp.com

Performing Arts Conservatory

The Performing Arts Conservatory offers a family environment where youth can thrive and feel safe to create and perform without judgement. The campers will learn the art of collaboration and teamwork. Sessions include: Choral, Dance, String instrument, and Drama Instruction, Small group instruction, Performance Business Instruction, Music Theory, Dance Technique, Theater Technique and Movement Class.

Dates: June 20 - June 24, 2022 • Hours: 9:00 - 4:00pm • Ages: Entering grades 6 - 8x • Activities: Choral, Dance, String Purdue GER2I

Gifted Education Research and Resource Institute is an innovative center dedicated to the discovery and development of human potential. Our mission is holistic development of giftedness, creativity, and talents among individuals throughout their life-span. This is accomplished through enrichment programs; graduate programs for future scholars and cutting-edge research in psychology and education.

Ages: Summer Program for Students in Grades 5 – 12 Beering Hall 100 N. University Street West Lafayette, IN; (765) 409-9105; email: jcarethh@purdue.edu; education.purdue.

edu/geri/

Summer at Meridian Street

Summer at Meridian Street offers children the opportunity to explore their creativity and make friends. Each week-long, full-day camp includes a variety of opportunities including music, arts, science, athletics, outdoor adventures, leadership and service. Extended care is also available before and after camp hours. Limited scholarships are offered based on financial need.

Dates: May 31 - July 22, 2022 • Hours: 8 am–4:30 pm, before and after care available • Ages: K-8 grade • Activities: Clubs, sports, weekly field trips 5500 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46208; (317) 253-3237; email: summer@meridianstreet. org; meridianstreet.org/summer

Park Tudor School

Park Tudor School invites all central Indiana students ages 3-18 to attend its Summer Experience. We have camps for preschool, kindergarten, elementary school, middle school and high school! In keeping with the mission of Park Tudor School, you will find our summer programs offer small class sizes and varied experiences that will foster creativity and a joy for learning. Whether it's academics, enrichment, STEM, performing arts, athletics, Spanish, or more, you'll find the perfect summer camps for your child at Park Tudor. Experience summer at Park Tudor and discover the magic that happens when summer fun meets great teaching!

Dates: June 6 - July 29 • Hours: 8:00 am - 3:30 pm • Ages: 3-18 7200 North College Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46240; (317) 415-2898; email: vmoreau@ parktudor.org; parktudor.org/summer

University’s mission to expand the hearts and minds of students and to nurture excellence through academic, creative, and physical achievement doesn’t go on summer break. Summer U’s enrichment camps, including creative arts, sports, STEM, and more, are led by seasoned educators and designed to provide hands-on, enriching experiences for curious campers.

Dates: June 13-July 1 and July 11-29 • Hours: 9 am-4 pm • Ages: Grades 1-12 • Activities: art, film, photography, creative writing, languages, sports, robotics, rocketry, programming, study and life skills, and more 2825 W. 116th St, Carmel, IN; Phone: (317) 733-4475; email: nnealy@ universityhighschool.org;

universityhighschool.org/summer

Sycamore School

Our summer program offerings are designed to help students discover and explore new topics and interests, build confidence and creativity, and keep their academic skills sharp. With the instruction of many Sycamore faculty and staff members, as well as a few of our trusted community partners, students will grow, learn, and have an awesome time during camps and classes that are not to be missed.

Dates: May 31 - July 29 • Hours: 8:30am - 11:30am, 1:00pm - 4:00pm • Ages: Preschool-8th 1750 W. 64th St., Indianapolis, IN 46260; (317) 202-2500; email: branigan.melissa@ sycamoreschool.org; sycamoreschool.org

The Etiquette and Leadership Institute of Indiana’s Summer Enrichment Camp

The Etiquette and Leadership Institute of Indiana (ELII), “Teaching more than Table Manners,” offers customized programs designed to teach etiquette and leadership skills to children, teenagers, and young adults from 5 to 18 years of age, college students entering the job world, and professional adults. Our instructor-led courses and seminars are designed to teach individuals what they need to know to assert their presence in today.

Dates: June 20 – 24 and July 11 – 15, 2022 • Hours: 9 am to 4 pm • Ages: 8-13 (888) 354-4639; email: info@eliindiana.com; eliisummer etiquetteenrichmentcamp2022.

eventbrite.com

The Summer Experience at Traders Point Christian Schools

The Summer Experience at Traders Point Christian Schools allows you to choose your own adventure! Over 60

NOW ENROLLING –

The IUPUI Center for Young Children offers valuable programs for children ages six weeks to 6 years old. Our newest program, the STEM Pre-K learning experience, is designed for children ages 4 – 6 years old and built to engage your child’ s inquisitive nature with the exploration of science!

Dates: June 6 - July 15 • Hours: 9 am - Noon, 1 - 4 pm, and Before and After Care Options • Ages: 3-12 • Activities: A few of our most popular camps are American Girl, Fairy Camp, Super Heroes, Ooh La La Spa, Cake Wars, Secret Agents, Outdoor Survival, and Pottery and Glass. 5770 Whitestown Parkway, Whitestown, IN 46075; (317) 769-2450; email: summer@tpcs. org; tpcs.org/summer

Wright's Gymnastics & NinjaZone

Learn new skills, meet new friends, build muscles AND creativity, but most importantly... MOVE all Summer long! We love camps around here! We offer them all summer long. With our SIX Wright’s Gymnastics & NinjaZone facilities located throughout the greater Indianapolis area, one is sure to be convenient for you! Dates: May 31 - August 5, 2022 • Hours: Full Day - 9a-3:30p | Half-Day - 9a-12p | Half-Day PM 12:30-3p • Ages: 3 (potty trained) - 13 • Activities: Gymnastics instruction, Ninja Instruction, Crafts, Games, Obstacle Courses, Art, Outside Play, Water Games, Theme Specific Activities (Nerf Battles, Gymnastics & Ninja, Wild West, Pirates, Fear Factor, etc.) Various locations: Westfield, Fishers, Noblesville, Center Grove, and Greenwood; Phone: (317) 888-4805; email: support@ wrightsgyms.com; wrightsgymnastics.com/

camps

YMCA of Greater Indianapolis Day Camps

Kids need camp as a place to be themselves, learn skills, and build friendships. The YMCA of Greater Indianapolis is a home for all. With over 15 day camp locations open from 6:30am to 6:00pm, we offer a wide range of programs and pricing options available for children ages 3-15. There is a camp for everyone at the YMCA.

Dates: May- Aug; Varies by location • Hours: 6:30am-6:00pm • Ages: 3-15 • Activities: sports, arts & crafts, swimming, STEM; Varies by location Phone: (317) 266-9622; INDYMCA.org/

youth-development-center/

BE PART OF NEXT MONTH'S GUIDE

// CONTACT WENDY@ INDYSCHILD.COM

t happened just like that. You blinked, and all of a sudden, your baby — the precious newborn that only moments ago you were holding swaddled in your arms — is on their way to preschool. This milestone is a huge step for any family, and one that often comes with a mixture of excitement and anxiety. As you get ready for that first day of school, acknowledge and validate any big feelings that arise in both your child and yourself — they come with the territory, after all — but remember, preparing for this adventure can also be tons of fun. Here are some tips for getting your little one pumped for their big day.

SCOPE OUT THE CLASSROOM

Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to preparing for your first time ever in a school setting. Many preschools offer the chance for your preschooler-to-be to get comfortable with their new teachers and classroom prior to their first day, whether that’s through an at-home visit from the teacher, a classroom orientation day, or even a short transition period, where your child incrementally works toward being in the classroom for a full day. Use these opportunities to gather as much information as you can to help your child adjust to the school setting. Learn the daily schedule, the bathroom procedure, and how mealtimes work. “Take pictures of the room and the child playing during the visit,” suggests Kelsey Livingston, owner and director of The Sapling School. “At home, the family can flip through the photos together and talk about what the child is looking forward to the most.”

If your preschool doesn’t already offer these types of opportunities, don’t hesitate to ask for an informal sneak peek.

for PreschooL

Practical tips for helping your child prepare for — and get excited about — starting school.

WORDS BY RACHAEL DUPREE

PLAY PRESCHOOL

Children use play to process their emotions and better understand the world around them. What better way to help your child prepare for their first day of school than to “play preschool” with them at home? In fact, you may have already found yourself roped into this game. “Act out things like circle time, snack time or do a craft together,” says Laney Strain, lead multi-age teacher at IUPUI Center for Young Children. “And let your child lead the play as much as possible because it will be a good way to gauge how they are feeling about starting preschool.”

PRACTICE “BIG KID” SKILLS

When looking forward to preschool, start giving your child more opportunities to practice their independence at home. Work on skills, like putting on their jacket or pulling up their pants, and build in wait time when your child asks for something, so they can work on that skill, as well. “Teachers are great about helping children and teaching them how to do these things,” Strain says. “But it will give your child a sense of self-confidence to already know how to do things for themselves [and will be a huge help for the teacher].”

PREP SCHOOL SUPPLIES

Taking your child shopping to pick out a new lunchbox, backpack or snazzy outfit for their first day of school is always a fun way to kick off the school year. “This allows them some ownership over their school belongings, some control over how their first day will go, and some excitement to use the new items they picked out themselves,” Livingston says. The night before, let them help in packing their lunch and laying out their outfit for the morning, prioritizing their feelings of comfort and control over your desire for the perfect first-day-of school photo. One of the hardest things about the first day of school — and maybe something that’s already causing your child anxiety — is the drop-off. Prepare yourself to provide a clear and loving goodbye to your child to give them a sense of trust, but don’t linger. However, consider creating a goodbye routine with your child — a combination of physical gestures like hugs, kisses, high fives and dance moves — to give them a sense of ownership over the separation and to bring some levity to the moment.

PICK UP A BOOK

If you’re still looking for ways to prepare your child for what to expect at preschool, picture books are a great way to introduce new concepts to children. “There are lots of stories available about the first day of school or preschool that will help your child,” Strain says. “Check some books out at the local library and sit down and read them together. Ask your child questions about the book and encourage them to ask questions, as well.” If you can find a book with characters that share commonalities with your child, even better, adds Livingston.

Starting preschool comes with a lot of fun firsts for your child. As they get acclimated to their classroom and begin to make friends, their excitement for this new phase of life will shine. Enjoy the moment. Before you know it, they’ll be donning a cap and gown and on their way toward an even bigger adventure.