Northeast Ohio Parent | Camp Guide | Winter 2023

CAMP WHAT’S INSIDE TOC

CAMP COMPASS

We help parents by each age, choose and help prepare for their child’s summer camp adventure.

WAYS TO PAY

We talk to some camp experts about the summer camp finances and why parents shouldn’t stress.

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CAMP COMP SS

A Map to Identifying Your Child’s Optimal Summer Camp Experience

By Jeannie Fleming-Gifford

Summer, a time to play, learn and grow. Summer camps provide parents with safe, supervised and meaningful care for their child. With plenty of summer camp options, finding the right camp for your child may feel overwhelming. Where to start? First, understand the developmental needs and interests of your child. Then, explore the variety of camps offered for their age. Finally, be prepared to ask key questions to the camps you are considering.

Preschoolers through Kindergarten (ages 3-6 years) Schoolagers (ages 7-10 years)

Preschoolers and young schoolagers are active explorers, ready to learn, and camps provide a wonderful opportunity for them to try new things, expend their endless energy and build new skills. Camps at this stage tend to be half day offerings (three-four hours), full-day, full week (Monday through Friday), or multi-day and multi-week (i.e. three days per week consistently for six weeks).

Types of Camps for Preschoolers through Kindergarten

• Traditional Day Camps (mix of outdoor recreation, arts and crafts, music and games)

• Multi-Arts Camps (sing, dance, act, create)

• Sports Camps (most often focus on a specific sport, but also may introduce a variety of sports and provide an opportunity for developing physical (gross motor) skills)

• Academic Camps (reading, math, science, STEM/STEAM, etc.)

Q&A

Before You Enroll… Questions to ask the Camp

• What is the ratio of adult supervision to children enrolled?

• Tell me about the individuals leading the camp. What is their training? Are they trained in first aid, CPR, dealing with food allergies and other accommodation needs? What other education does the staff have that makes them suited to work with young children?

• What is the schedule of the camp? (Note: Listen for details about the balance of physical vs. sedentary activities. How much of the day is adult vs. child directed - meaning children have choices vs. adults dictating how they spend each moment of their day).

• How are children grouped together? How many children are in a group?

• How are children supported with their physical care? When are there breaks for snacks, water, lunch, and using the restroom.

Schoolagers are often ready for more independence, are social and may have interests in specific areas. Camps provide opportunities to cultivate new friendships, build and refine skills and for a variety of explorations. Camps at this stage tend to be full-day, full week (Monday through Friday), multiweek, or even overnight.

Types of Camps for Schoolagers (ages 7-10 years)

• Traditional Day and Overnight Camps (mix of outdoor recreation, arts and crafts, music, and games)

• Multi-Arts or Specialized Arts Camps (visual arts, performing arts, music, theater)

• Sports Camps (often provide opportunities for specialized skill development in a specific sport)

• Academic Camps (reading, math, science, etc.)

• Technology Camps (STEM, STEAM, architecture, robotic, gaming)

Before You Enroll… Questions to ask the Camp

At this age, children usually need less support for physical care, but may need more help with social and emotional connections. Key questions to ask camps prior to enrolling are:

• Tell me about the individuals leading the camp. What is their training? Are they trained in first aid, CPR, dealing with food allergies and other accommodation needs?

• How are children grouped together? How many children are in a group? (For overnight camps, explore how they are grouped in activities, camp sleeping quarters and during breaks)

• How do you deal with exclusion, behavior or bullying?

• What is the schedule of the camp? (Note: Listen for details about camper choice of activities and structured vs. open explorations. Also, breaks, food options, lunch.)

Tweens & Teens (ages 10-16 years)

Seeking independence and having specific interests, teens and tweens are often interested in specific skill-building and social connections. Camps at this age provide opportunities to build new friendships, refine skills and opportunities for exploration of the bigger world. Camps at this stage tend to be full week (Monday through Friday), multi-week (i.e., a theater program that meets one or two afternoons a week for 3 or 6 weeks in duration) and overnight.

Types of Camps for Tweens & Teens

By working through a process of understanding and exploring types of camps aligned with your child’s needs and interests, your child will be off to a summer of fun, learning, growing, making friends and trying new things along the way.

• Traditional Summer Camps (sailing, swimming, hiking, visual arts, performing arts, white water rafting, kayaking, mountain climbing, biking).

• College Experience Camps (exploration related to possible future careers such as performing arts, law, journalism and more).

• Academic Camps (the opportunity to improve skills, advance in a specific area or even receive further preparation for college entrance testing).

• Technology Camps (robotics, architecture, gaming, coding, fashion, space, aviation, engineering)

• Travel Expedition/Adventure Camps (may include trips abroad)

• Visual Arts & Performing Arts Camps (musical theater, dance camps, singing, show choir, band, acting/drama)

• Writing Camps

Jeannie Fleming-Gifford has an MA in family and consumer sciences with a specialization in child development. She is the VP of Programming at Lakeside Chautauqua and a frequent freelance writer. Her favorite camp experience involves a summer adventure in Maine working as an Assistant Camp Director with her then 8 year old daughter…but that’s another story.

How to Make Camp Fit Into Your Budget

By Ginny McCabe

While we want our child’s summer experiences to be rich, most of us don’t have unlimited funds to shell out for camp. For some parents, they might be wondering how they can work this into their budgets.

“There are many, many different kinds of camps with many different levels of cost,” says Dave Devey, director and owner of Falcon Camp in Carrollton, Ohio. “So, the first thing families need to do is find out where they fit. They can look at programs and ask, ‘what can I afford?’ and ‘what programs fit in that category?’ Then, look and see, ‘what programs would I like for my child?’ And if those are two different things, which they often are, then you start to look at how you can pay for it.”

Often, it’s a balance between what you’re looking for and what you can afford, and where those two things meet.

EARLY REGISTRATION AND SPECIAL DISCOUNTS

“When you think about paying for camp, obviously, early bird registration is a great way to save some money on your camp,” says Dan Reynolds, vice president of camping and YMCA facilities at the Akron Area YMCA.

Many camps offer early or sibling discounts, and other special rates. It’s always best to ask the camp to see when early registration begins, so you don’t miss the deadline. Early registration periods vary. Many camps run early registration the fall of the prior year or early winter. Planning ahead is also helpful. Some programs fill up quickly.

Sometimes, certain sessions may cost less than others, or a camp might offer a discount on a session they have trouble filling. Another example of an additional savings might be if you pay the full tuition upfront. Discounts may vary from camp to camp.

PAYMENT PLANS

While some camps require payment upfront, many camps offer monthly payment plans or split-payment options, so the costs can be spread out over time.

“We have payment plans for our families,” Reynolds says. “We are committed to never letting money get in the way of a family having a camp experience. We want to work with families to help make sure they can get there.”

When planning for camp, it’s good to have a conversation with the camp staff to find out what their financial assistance and payment policies are. Most camps will also post the information prominently on the camp website.

FAMILY HELP

Does your child have an upcoming birthday or want to provide them with an early holiday gift? Providing experiences to kids are great gift ideas for grandparents and other relatives.

“We have some families where the grandparents will pay for camp,” Reynolds says. “So, they give camp to the child as a birthday gift, a Christmas gift, or a holiday gift. That is always a popular thing and a great way to help share camp.”

SCHOLARSHIPS

Applying for scholarships is another way to save money on camp. Scholarships can fully fund or partially fund a camp

experience. Some scholarships may be based on financial need, while others are given based on talent or skill.

“It would be important for parents to inquire about what kind of scholarships are available, because most programs have an avenue to help families that can’t afford the full tuition, or any tuition,” Devey adds.

He adds sometimes, families may be in the midst of an unusual circumstance, and it’s good to make that known, too.

There are also programs that don’t cost as much that have a broader base of funding, and therefore, wider opportunities for scholarships because there’s more money available. There are camps that offer scholarships on sliding scales, based on your income and how much you can afford.

For example, Jacqueline Gerling, director of communications at Cleveland Metroparks says Metroparks offers camps for youth of all ages. As part of the zoo’s current co-design programming with the local community, (scholarship) priority is given to applicants from the city of Cleveland. Campers must reside in Ohio and attend a school that has greater than 30 percent student body participation in the federal free and reduced lunch program as verified by the Ohio Department of Education.

A limited number of scholarships are available for both Summer Nature Camp and Zoo Summer Day Camp, she says.

AID FROM ORGANIZATIONS, NONPROFITS AND CHURCHES

Often, civic organizations, nonprofits, churches or the military will have funds available and offer financial assistance to kids who want to go to camp. Parents can ask local clubs, like the Lion’s Club to see if there are funds available.

“Some families might have children that are getting different school resources, or different community resources to help support their kids,” Reynolds says. “So, there are some other organizations that will help pay for camp. Rotary Camp is a camp for kids with special needs, and we get a lot of kids who are funded through local developmental disability boards, or organizations like Easter Seals, and different things like that. Sometimes school districts will help to pay for different camp experiences, especially if there’s an educational component to it, and it helps to meet their school goals.”

VOLUNTEER

This might seem surprising, but many camps frequently need additional adult help, so they offer volunteer opportunities, to offset the cost of camp. Parents and loved ones can work in exchange for a week or a portion of camp at a reduced rate or at no cost. Often, adults can use the skills they have to teach a class, design a flyer, or supervise an activity. In return, volunteering can save you money.

CONSIDER THE DEPENDENT CARE FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT

Many families use their employer’s dependent care flexible spending account for childcare, but camps may also be qualify. There are rules about which programs qualify, so it’s best to check with your accountant or the IRS to see if the options you’re considering fit the needs of your family.

Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account, for day camps, allows parents to be reimbursed for expenses on a pre-tax basis for childcare or adult dependent care for qualified dependents.

FINDING A CAMP THAT’S RIGHT FOR YOUR FAMILY

According to the American Camp Association, camp fees can range from less than $100 to more than $1,500 per week for ACA-accredited resident and day camps. Parents will find there are an array of camp options to meet their needs. If a particular camp isn’t in your budget, you can also do some searching at local recreation centers, city programs and libraries to see if there are more affordable offerings.

Based in Cleveland, the Footpath Foundation is another helpful resource for families. Footpath Foundation, which is dedicated to providing outdoor experiences for kids who would not otherwise have those opportunities, makes it possible for about 140 kids - most from the inner city - to attend overnight camps each summer.

Whether you’re looking for a day camp, or an overnight camp, it’s always a great idea to reach out to the camp director and staff early to ask what discounts might be available. Often, the camp leadership team can guide parents when it comes to early registration deadlines, resources and how to save the most money on camp.

PARENT JOURNEY Thinking About Sending Your Kids To Summer Camp?

by Mary Ann Blair

Summer will be here before we know it. Along with plenty of family fun in the sun, summer season is also a time when many camps are held. Maybe in years past, you have hesitated sending your kids to camp. I was there once, too. But now that my boys have attended camp (and had a blast!), I honestly wish I had looked into sending them sooner.

From horseback riding, to learning a new art skill, or trying out a new sport, camp gives kids a chance to step outside their comfort zone and try something new. And let’s not forget the added bonus – a great reason to unplug from their screens.

It can be tempting, especially if your kids are a little nervous, to try to convince them of how much fun camp will be. But don’t overdo it. Instead of saying “I know you will have so much fun,” you can say “I bet you are so proud of yourself for trying something new!” or “I can’t wait to hear about your day.” Do I think your kids will have fun? Absolutely. But let them discover that for themselves, without the pressure of “having” to have fun.

When you send your kids to camp for the first time, it can be hard. Just like the first day of school, on the first day of camp you will probably worry about how they are doing. Totally normal. But do yourself a favor and find other things to occupy your mind. Maybe plan a long-overdue lunch date with a friend, pour yourself into a project at work, or catch up on some of those house projects you have been putting off.

And when you pick your child up at the end of the first day, don’t be overly concerned if they don’t express how much they loved camp. Day one can be a little overwhelming

“Do I think your kids will have fun? Absolutely. But let them discover that for themselves, without the pressure of “having” to have fun.”

at camp, and they are always excited to run into their “camp” friends at other community events.

In fact, at the end of camp last summer, both of them gave an enthusiastic “yes!” when I asked if they wanted to attend camp again. It was heartwarming to see their enthusiasm and know they had such a good time. The memories they made, the new experiences they had, and the fun camp provided was worth every penny.

Mary Ann Blair is a mom of two boisterous boys. Besides chronicling her adventures in motherhood at maryannblair.com, she loves the outdoors, reading, and all things crafty.

Camp Summer Programs

and Programs Guide

Find

ADRENALINE MONKEY

Kick off your child’s summer adventure at Adrenaline Monkey! Their indoor adventure center is equipped with ninja warrior-style obstacle courses, rock climbing, an aerial ropes course plus outdoor adventures. Quench your thirst for adventure and need for active in-person play! Save $50 per week by using the code SUMMEROFF online at adrenalinemonkeyfun.com, (discount ends on March 31). Camp will begin the week of June 5. adrenalinemonkeyfun.com

BECK CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Beck Center offers classes at the Lakewood campus in dance, theater, visual arts, private music lessons, and group lessons. Students of all ages and abilities learn as they create unique works of art, discover hidden talents, and have loads of fun with new friends. They have something for every interest in visual and performing arts, and every skill level. Looking for entertainment? Please call 216-521-2540 to buy tickets for the entire family to enjoy Once On this Island, or visit beckcenter.org for more details.

CAMP CURIOSITY: SUMMER SCIENCE CAMPS GREAT LAKES SCIENCE CENTER

Do your kids excel at exploration, or thrill at discovery? If so, a weeklong, summer STEM adventure might be just what they need. New camp themes offer exciting challenges for kids in grades K-6, with options from nature, fossils, ocean life, engineering, Minecraft, LEGOs, space, chemistry, and everything in between. Register by March 31 and receive $20 off. Sessions begin June 5. For more information, visit greatscience.com, or call 216-621-2400.

CAMP FITCH

Camp Fitch’s century-old classic sleepaway summer camp provides kids ages 6-17 with a holistically safe, values-driven community where they discover friendship and achievement. Kids feel like they belong among the camp’s carefully vetted, committed and caring staff, who create transformative experiences on the shore of Lake Erie. Partnering with the Erie Health Department and healthcare professionals, they have designed a safe camping environment to make kids better, forever. North Springfield, Pa., 814-922-3219, campfitchymca.org

CAMP GILMOUR

With offerings that include outdoor adventure, drone, sports camps and the arts, Camp Gilmour has something for everyone! Camps offered June 5-August 4. Preschool Camp (ages 3-5), Day Camp (ages 5-12), sports camps and specialty camps available. Come for one week or all nine. Before and after care available 7:15 a.m. until 6 p.m. Registration open at gilmour.org/ summercamp. Questions? 440-4738000 ext. 2267 or summercamp@ gilmour.org.

CAMP INVENTION

Spark your child’s curiosity and creativity with the all-new Camp Invention program, Wonder! Coming to your town, campers in grades K-6 will collaborate with friends to take on fun, hands-on STEM challenges. From building a mini skate park to launching a pop-up shop to transforming a robot into a stuffie, each experience adds up to an imaginationstretching, confidence-boosting summer. Visit invent.org/local to secure your spot. Use promo code SUM25 by 3/30 to save $25.

CAMP JCC IN AKRON

June 5-Aug 11. Different weekly experiences allow campers to discover new hobbies and explore favorite interests. Specialty camp offerings include a variety of sports, creative arts, and STEM. All are welcome at the JCC, regardless of religious preference or economic status. Whether you choose as specialty or traditional camp, all campers attend from 8-3:30 p.m. daily (aftercare available). Daily activities include swimming, art, and games. Available for grades 1-8. Register at shawjcc.org/ camp-j.

CAMP QUALITY

Camp Quality serves children with cancer and blood disorders and their families by providing yearround programs, experiences, and companionship, at no cost. This year’s resident camp will be from July 23-July 29 at Inspiration Hills in Burbank, Ohio, for patients and siblings, ages 5-17. Registration is open at campqualityusa.org/oh/. Camp Quality promotes hope and inspiration while helping children foster life skills and develop their full potential.

CAMP RATNER

Camp Ratner offers classic summer fun with themed programming for toddlers, preschoolers and kindergartners that engages them in exploration and imagination.The camp’s program provides days full of fun that are also days full of learning and growing. Campers will participate in a variety of experiences including nature walks in the Ratner School children’s garden, art, music, water fun, and additional activities that include special events and visitors based on weekly themes. 216-464-0033 or theratnerschool.org/ summer-program

CHALLENGE ISLAND

Set sail for a fantastic adventure with Challenge Island. Challenge Island is a one-of-a-kind S.T.E.A.M. (science, technology, engineering, art and math) program full of hands-on fun. Children embark on a unique “island” adventure where they complete STEM/STEAM challenges using only the materials in their treasure chest and their own creativity to build structures, create games and more. The wide variety of popculture camp themes include wizardry, slime, arcade games, space and travel. Learn more at challenge-island.com/neo

CLASSROOM ANTICS

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 programs for kids ages 6-14. Weeklong 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 Beachwood, Berea, Brecksville, Brunswick, Fairlawn, Hudson, Solon, or Westlake. classroomantics.com

CLEVELAND CITY DANCE

Summer Camp Dates: June 12-July 1 and July10-August 12. Choose one week or more. Open House is May 27 with free classes. Grow confidence, camaraderie and community as your dreams become a reality. Build poise and technique in inspiring camps and classes for children including Storybook themed camps for ages 3-8. Small classes, with experienced teachers offering personalized attention to encourage each student to excel. Classes and camps include ballet, jazz, tap, dance history and film and more. Opportunities may include museum visits, guest presentations, and performances. Looking for something for you? They’ve got you covered. clevelandcitydance.com

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CLEVELAND METROPARKS

Cleveland Metroparks Summer Nature Camps connect children with the natural world. From hikes in the woods, kayaking, crafts and games, a variety of Summer Nature Camps offer compelling outdoor adventures. Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Summer Day Camps connect campers with wildlife and inspire the next generation of conservationists. Campers can spend their summer days at the zoo, participating in special activities like giraffe feeding, carousel rides, educational games and crafts. Cleveland Metroparks Golf Junior Day Camps offer activities and instruction for junior golfers of several ages and skill levels. Learn more at clevelandmetroparks.com/camps

CLEVELAND MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY

This summer, choose from two Cleveland Museum of Natural History experiences that will unleash your child’s creativity and curiosity. At Make your Own Museum Camp, campers will meet with the

museum’s exhibits team and design and create museum displays of their own— keepsakes from an unforgettable summer. At Circle Sampler Camp: Curated Curiosity, campers will spend an exciting week exploring the scientific, artistic, musical, theatrical, and cultural institutions around University Circle. Visit cmnh.org/summer-camps for more information.

COMMON GROUND SUMMER CAMPS

Eight weeks of day camp full of adventure and education in Oberlin. Earth camp is for ages 6-15 and features a unique environmental theme for kids to explore, learn and grow. Adventure camp takes kids ages 12-15 on epic adventures such as zip-lining, tree climbing and more. Financial aid and bus transportation available from several Lorain County locations available. Call 440-965-5551 and register today commongroundcenter.org/ summer-camps

CORNERSTONE OF HOPE

Cornerstone of Hope offers two camps for grieving children and teens, where they will participate in age-appropriate grief activities led by professionals, play fun, high-energy games and experience challenging activities in a safe environment. Campers are encouraged to explore their grief, learn essential coping skills, and make friends with peers who are also grieving. Camp Cornerstone (ages 6-12): July 11-15. Camp Erin (ages 8-17): Aug. 5-7. cornerstoneofhope.org/cleveland

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CREATIVE PLAYROOMS

Get Creative for Summer Camp. Summer’s coming, which means longer days, fun in the sun and great friends. Join the

“Voyagers” at Creative Playrooms

Montessori and Child Care Centers for the best summer ever — full of adventure, imagination and engagement to keep campers ages 5-12 busy and active. Themed activities and programs. Explorations around famous people, places and things. They believe in encouraging children to explore more deeply through doing, asking questions, and having a great

time. Join them this summer as we heat up the fun factor: Save your space today. Call 440-349-9111 or creativeplayrooms.com

CUYAHOGA COMMUNITY COLLEGE (TRI-C)

Whether your child is a young performer or a budding engineer, Cuyahoga Community College

(Tri-C) Summer Camps will help them realize their full potential. Choose from more than 30 camps for ages 4-18, featuring: Nuts and Bolts Academy: providing an opportunity to design and create objects using state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment. Creative Arts Academy: offering dance, vocal arts mastery, orchestra and JazzFest Academy. Virtual and in-person camps available. Visit tri-c.edu/ summercamps for descriptions and registration.

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FAIRMOUNT CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Fairmount Center for the Arts offers a variety of performing and visual arts camps and classes yearround for toddlers through seniors. Campers ages 3 and older can explore dance, music, theatre, and visual arts offerings. Mix and match half-day camps to build a full-day camp experience for ages 6 and up. Registration for all summer camps, workshops, and classes will begin on Monday, February 13. Call us at 440-338-3171 or fairmountcenter.org.

FALCON CAMP

Recognized throughout the Midwest as Ohio’s premier summer camp since 1959. Falcon offers a beautiful lakefront setting; talented, experienced staff; and a wide variety of activities. Campers choose their own schedules within the general framework. Most of all, it’s great fun. Special introductory camp for ages 6-10. ACA accredited. At Falcon, good things happen by design. 800-837-CAMP, falconcamp.com

THE FINE ARTS ASSOCIATION

Enjoy Summer Arts Day Camps at The Fine Arts Association. They offer a challenging summer dance intensive led by guest artists, engaging camps for preschool and elementary ages, theatre arts camps which build toward a concluding performance, stylish visual arts camps, and much more in addition to their traditional summer classes and lessons. Summer Camps at Fine Arts are where discovery and creativity happen and lifetime memories are made. Release the artist within you. fineartsassociation.org

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FIT BY FIVE

Cuyahoga and Lorain Counties’ most popular summer camp returns with even more choices for summer fun. Sports and gymnastics, arts and crafts, academics, activity-based theme weeks and lots of outdoor fun on four private acres. Friendship Camp-ages 6 and 7, Step Up to Kindergarten-age 5, KinderCamp-age 5, Pre-K Camp-age 4, Preschool Camp-age 3, Mini Preschool Camp-young 3’s, Perky Kids Camp-age 2 Westlake, 440-835-8558, fitbyfive.com

FLYING HORSE FARMS

Do you know a child living with a serious illness who would benefit from the transformative power of camp? Heal, grow, and thrive at Flying Horse Farms, a medical-specialty camp that prioritizes safety and delivers equitable camp programs including high ropes, archery, and swimming with 24/7 medical and psychosocial care, and a program team who is at the ready to deliver transformational camp experiences – at no cost to the camper family. Apply now at flyinghorsefarms.org.

GIRL SCOUTS OF NORTH EAST OHIO

Summer is just around the corner, and it’s time to start planning your girl’s next big adventure! The best part is, all girls are welcome - no Girl Scout experience necessary. Girl Scouts are a force of nature. They were meant for outdoor adventures. Your girl is ready to rediscover the world, to disconnect from technology and embrace the freedom of the woods, the sky, and water. For more information call customer care at 800-852-4474 or visit gsneo.org/ camplife.

HATHAWAY BROWN

Located in Shaker Heights, Hathaway Brown offers camps for boys and girls, toddlers through college. One of the many things that sets HB’s camp programming apart is the ability to truly create your son or daughter’s own summer adventures. Visit HB.edu/ Summer to register for academic, athletics, adventure, and specialty camps to have the best summer ever. hb.edu

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HAWKEN SCHOOL

Hawken Summer Programs offer a variety of activities led by experienced professionals for boys and girls ages 4-18. Camps run between June and August, and offerings include day camps, passport camps, athletics camps, and summer studies. These opportunities enable children to develop existing passions and discover new ones; they also provide exposure to new people and new skills, which helps build

self-esteem, independence, and confidence. For more information, email summerprograms@hawken.edu, call 440-423-2940, or visit summer.hawken.edu.

HOLDEN FORESTS & GARDENS

Holden Forests & Gardens will be offering immersive, nature-focused summer camps conveniently located at the Holden Arboretum and Cleveland Botanical Garden. Led by expert staff members, the programs are designed to spark creativity and build appreciation of the natural world around us. Come hike, learn, and be engaged with the wonders of Northeast Ohio. Sign up now at holdenfg.org.

LAKE ERIE NATURE & SCIENCE CENTER

Lake Erie Nature & Science Center’s summer camps offer preschoolers and students the opportunity to explore and connect with the outdoors, meet new friends, encounter local wildlife, and discover the wonders of the sky in Schuele Planetarium. Campers will engage in hands-on, nature-based activities that integrate science, math, literacy, and the arts as they discover the natural world at Lake Erie Nature & Science Center. View offerings and register at lensc.org/summer-camps.

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LAKESHORE DANCE AND GYMNASTICS

Lakeshore Dance and Gymnastics offers recreational classes and competitive teams in dance and gymnastics. The newly renovated 27,000 square foot facility in Mayfield Village is equipped with two dance studios, a competitive gymnastics area, a preschool gymnastics area, boys gymnastics area, and a rhythmic gymnastics floor. Lakeshore offers dance and gymnastics classes for infants all the way through to adults. Lakeshore’s offerings may be broad but it’s a child focused business where everyone is family! lakeshoregym.com

LORAIN COUNTY METRO PARKS

Lorain County Metro Parks offers summer camps for kids in pre-kindergarten through 12th. Camps include a wide variety of activities to promote learning, recreation, and FUN outdoors. Camp registration opens on Feb. 17 (early bird registration for Lorain County residents opens on Feb. 10). Pricing ranges from free up to $200 per camper for more extensive camps. Camp activities include nature exploration, survival training, theatre, boating, and so much more. Grab your child’s spot today. Questions may be sent to pr@ loraincountymetroparks.com Calling 800-LCM-PARK or register at loraincountymetroparks.com/ summer-camps.

MASTER MARR’S TAEKWON-DO

Master Marr’s summer day camp, for children in K-8, is a great way for beginners to kick start their Taekwon-do training, and for experienced martial artists to hone their skills. Six separate weeks of camp are offered in 2023. Activities take place inside and out, with campers physically and mentally active for much of the day. Each week ends with a demonstration for families. To learn more, call 216-921-KICK (5425) or visit marrtkd.com.

NATURE CENTER AT SHAKER LAKES

Swap screen time for nature as you learn and explore in an outdoor classroom. Your child will love their one-of-a-kind, week-long camp experiences taught by teachers and highly trained naturalists. Find an outdoor adventure to inspire an appreciation for their natural world, unlocking a summer full of learning, reflection, friends, and fun. Choose from nine unique camp themes. Register early, as camp sessions often sell out. Financial assistance available. 216-321-5935, shakerlakes.org/camp

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Summer camps open new worlds for your child as does a higher education. For over

33 years, Ohio’s 529 Plan has been helping families nationwide save tax-free for education, whether at a four-year or two-year college, a trade or technical school, or an apprenticeship. You can also use your Ohio 529 account to pay for K-12 tuition as well as repay student loan debt. Learn, plan, and start with Ohio’s 529 Plan today at collegeadvantage.com.

PRESTIGE LACROSSE

Join Prestige Lacrosse, players and coaches from the PLL, D1, & D3. They offer boys and girls lacrosse camps designed to help you achieve your goals, regardless of skill level. Their boys and girls camps will focus on fundamentals, skills, team concepts, small group training, position specific drills, speed and agility, and mindset. Central locations. Visit prestigelacrosse. com for more info and to register Goalie discounts.

SNAPOLOGY

If your child likes LEGO, you’ll LOVE this. Snapology Day Camps provide a perfect mix of learning and fun at our Beachwood Discovery Center. We incorporate STEAM concepts, social skills development, and play while creating, inventing, and building! Join us for a week or the entire summer. STEAM, Themed, and Robotics for ages 5-12 with extended care available. Visit cleveland.snapology.com for more information and/or to enroll. Call or text 216-990-8988 with any questions.

SUPER NINJA ZONE

Keep your kids active at Super Ninja Zone Summer Camp. Kids will climb, swing, balance, run and jump their way through the summer on their Ninja Warrior obstacles with themed weeks like heroes, ninjas, and sports week. Their summer camp features guided games and challenges, field trips to local parks, arts and crafts, fitness classes, movies, snack times, and special events on Fridays. Half-day & full-day options. Single-day, 3-day, and full-week options! Ages 5-13. superninjazone.com

UNIVERSITY SCHOOL

University School is the place to soak in the fun, make new friends, and create your summer of adventure. Boys and girls of all ages can try something new in week-long camps, like musical theater or mountain biking, or dive deeper into something they already love like soccer, basketball, or creating with LEGO. Their classic six-week boys day camp for grades K-7 now offers a two-week coed extension for grades K-3. Visit us.edu/summer to learn more.

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WALSH JESUIT HIGH SCHOOL

Experience the ultimate summer adventure at Walsh Jesuit High School. Their camps offer a variety of activities for students of all ages, including athletics, STEM, and the arts. Their experienced staff will provide a safe and fun learning environment. Don’t miss out on the chance to make new friends, learn new skills, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Sign up now at walshjesuit.org/summer-camps-2023.

YMCA SUMMER CAMPS

There’s no place like the YMCA Summer Camp: a home away from home where kids laugh, learn, explore and grow, all while creating memories and friendships that last a lifetime. The YMCA knows that every kid is different. That’s why it offers camps for your child’s needs. Financial assistance is available for those who qualify. Learn about their sites and curriculum at clevelandymca.org.