2023 Kid's Camp

ADVENTURE AWAITS

AUDREY MONKE

Sunshine Parenting

1. Learning self-reliance grows grit.

Campers learn to do more things for themselves when Mom or Dad aren’t around to clean up, make decisions, solve problems, intervene with social challenges and remind kids about appropriate outerwear for a cold evening. With counselors alongside for support, camp is a great place for kids to develop independence and self-reliance, which, in turn, increases their confidence. Counselors will coach campers to be responsible for themselves and their things, but they will not tidy up campers’ bunks or dress them in warm sweatshirts. Learning to do more things for themselves — and seeing that they CAN do things without their parents’ help — grows campers’ grit.

2.Experiencing mistakes and failures grows grit.

So often, parents step in and stop a failure before it occurs; how often have we rescued a homework assignment left behind on the desk or put the finishing touches on a procrastinated science board project? It’s just really hard to stand there and watch our children crash and burn when we know the easy fix, usually involving our intervention. Unfortunately, by not allowing our kids to feel the pain of the forgotten assignment or the sting of the lackluster science board, we deprive them the chance to LEARN from their mistakes and NOT MAKE THEM AGAIN. Instead, they learn about “parental rescue,” which is not something we want our children to take with them into adulthood. At camp, kids make mistakes

all the time and are actually encouraged to fail (which is viewed as nothing more than a first attempt in learning anyway). A camper forgets his water bottle? He walks back to the cabin with a buddy to get it. A camper didn’t hang up her towel after activity? She takes that same damp, icky towel to her next water sport. At camp, independently fixing mistakes and persevering through failures are celebrated. Campers are learning from these mistakes and they are also growing their grit.

3.Talking about, setting, and reaching goals grows grit.

At camp, kids have the opportunity to reinvent themselves and tell their own stories. Counselors encourage campers to talk about what they want to learn at camp, new skills they want to acquire, and specific goals they have for the camp session. These goals become a guidepost and motivation for campers as they move through camp, and whether they reach or almostreach a goal, they grow through challenging themselves to try. Water skiing — the first activity I taught at camp as a counselor — is a great example of how kids grow grit at camp. Frankly, waterskiing isn’t much fun for first-timers; in fact, it takes most people a lot of practice and effort just to get on top of the water, and most don’t make it because they give up too early. But those who keep trying often discover a rewarding payoff. In the same way, campers experience amazing gratification when they overcome a fear of heights or break through their shyness when talking to new people. Even pooping in the woods for the first time is celebrated as an accomplishment at camp! And each of these goals reached — big or small — grows grit.

grows grit.

In addition to specific activity or social skills goals, there are many new things campers experience that aren’t necessarily challenges, but they can be for some kids. Campers are faced with many new, unfamiliar things at camp: a new place to sleep, new people, new activities, new foods, and a new view, to name a few. If you studied abroad during college, you know that living in a new country and navigating the culture grows your grit. For many kids, going to camp is like that. For an only child, living in close quarters with eight or nine other kids is a completely new experience. It may or may not be challenging, but it’s different and needs to be navigated. And every new experience, whether easy or difficult, grows the confidence kids have in themselves about approaching OTHER new experiences. And that grows their grit.

5. Feeling emotional and physical discomfort grows grit.

Many campers feel some degree of emotional discomfort while away from home. Because of this, some parents will never send their kids to camp. Those parents simply can’t handle the idea of their child going through any kind of distress. But those of us who have experienced how camp positively impacts our kids know that it’s the

difficult, uncomfortable stuff that helps them grow. The most common emotional discomfort at camp is homesickness, and it’s especially painful and daunting for anxious kids. Homesickness is very real, but it can be a huge source of growth once the camper figures out how to overcome the emotions and successfully complete camp. I don’t know of any other setting where kids can be coached through a difficult time and emerge invigorated, proud, and wanting to do it again. The physical discomforts of camp are also real. Parents may not want to hear about (and probably couldn’t handle themselves) the hardships involved in a big lightning storm, a frigid mountain night, a steep uphill hike, or lake water so cold it makes your teeth chatter. But these things are good for campers, who often don’t experience much physical discomfort at home. Campers speak with pride about the emotional and physical challenges they face and overcome at camp. And those experiences — maybe more than anything else — grow grit.

Audrey Monke is a summer camp director, speaker, podcast host and author of “Happy Campers: 9 Summer Camp Secrets for Raising Kids Who Become Thriving Adults.” Her goal is to share tips and information that help us all raise happy, healthy, independent, responsible kids. Find more at sunshine-parenting.com.

S.T.E.A.M. is an Omaha T.H.E.M.E. this summer

Camp options abound for area youngsters, many with a science, technology, engineering, arts and math focus

ANIMAL LOVERS

HENRY DOORLY ZOO & AQUARIUM

Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium will offer summer camps for tots through high school, ranging from half-day camps to five-day camps. Weeklong kindergarten and “kinder safari” camps — both half-day — are for 5- and 6-year-olds who have completed kindergarten and for fully toilet trained 3- to 5-year-olds, while kids 6 to 11 have options for one-day, two-day and five-day camps covering a wide variety of zoo and aquarium subject areas. youth ages 12 to 18 can pick among camps encompassing various interests — check the website for dates and details.

When: May 30-Aug. 4

Where: 3701 S. 10th St.

Who: Ages 3-18

Cost: Half-day kinder camps cost $140 per child per camp ($165 nonmembers). Other camps range from $75 ($80 nonmembers) to $255 ($265 nonmembers).

Information: omahazoo.com/day-camps

AMERICAN LEGACY COMPLEX

Is your kid all about the horse? Of course! Of course! Well, Wilbur, this is their (feed) bag. (Ahem.) Campers in the 4- to 6-year-old and 7-13 age groups will learn about horse safety, horse health, horse grooming, horse breeds, horse tack, equipment … and horse riding. Mostly horse riding. There are no unrelated activities, not even a spirited game of H-O-R-S-E.

When: Beginners (ages 4-6) morning camps, June 12-16, July 10-14. Beginners (ages 7-13) full-day camps begin June 19, June 26, and July 19. Intermediate/advanced camp

(ages 7-13) starts July 24.

Where: 7193 County Road 40 (west off of 72nd Street, about 8 miles north of Dodge Street).

Who: Ages 4-13

Cost: Morning camps $300 per camper. Allday camps $400. Cash or check only.

Information: americanlegacycomplex. com/summer-camp

NEBRASKA HUMANE SOCIETY

Cute animal videos on the Internet are fine and all, but your child cannot cuddle a smartphone, tablet or laptop. At Camp Kindness, there will be enough puppies and kitties and other (manageably-sized) critters to make your kid forget all about the device. The four weeklong sessions in

Summer

June (half-day) and seven two-day sessions in July (full-day) will give every child the chance to get close to a shelter animal. (Note to parents: If a dog immediately leaps into your child’s lap and gives him or her a big smooch on the lips, the kid has been officially adopted! Trust us on this.) Kids 6 to 9 are “junior campers”; those 10 to 13 are “senior campers.” Junior half-day sessions run from 9 a.m. to noon. Senior half-day sessions are from 1 to 4 p.m.

When: Weeklong sessions begin June 5. (The last begins June 26.) The first two-day July session begins July 6; the last begins July 26.

Where: Nebraska Humane Society, 8929 Fort St.

Who: Ages 6-13

Cost: Weeklong, half-day camps are $180. All-day camps (two days) are $165. Registration is first-come, first-served; Camp Kindness tends to fill up fast.

Information: nehumanesociety.org/community-services/summer-camps

ART & MUSIC OMAHA CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC

The Omaha Conservatory of Music summer program, SoundWaves, is a “weeklong immersive summer music camp” that covers the breadth of music — voice, strings, guitar, brass, woodwinds, piano and percussion. The program, billed as “the region’s premier pre-college training program,” offers masterclasses, a rock lab, as well as orchestra and musical-theater options. And composition and music business. Lodging and meal plans are available. Prospects must submit an audition video from the past six months, but students of all skill levels are welcome. New this year: “violin intensive” (July 20-21) and piano chambermusic camps.

When: July 22-29

Where: 7023 Cass St.

Who: Ages 9-18

Cost: $850 after June 2, early registration discounts available. Lodging at Creighton University and meals $825; non-lodging, lunchtime meal plan $125. Additional masterclass lessons $250. Scholarships available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Information: omahacm.org/programs/ soundwaves

Please see CAMPS, Page 4

JAMES FREEMAN

camp is a great time to make new friends.

CAROL JOY HOLLING

Camps

SCHOOL OF ROCK

From beginner camps to themed camps, there’s a wide variety of in-person options to ensure every child has an immersive musical experience. These weeklong summer music camps are performance-based, meaning students learn to play by rehearsing and performing together in a fun, safe environment. cowbell optional.

When: June 5-July 28

Where: 13270 Millard ave.

Who: ages 7-18

Cost: $450 week

Information: schoolofrock.com/musiccamps

KANEKO

Kaneko “offers camps to learners who are interested in exploring creativity and its intersection with art, education, science, design, technology, and philosophy.” From Kaneko: “We are currently working on the lineup and dates for 2023 camps and plan to launch our schedule and camp offerings in early Spring. Our camps are donation based to keep them open and accessible for everyone! They typically run weekly through June and July with

a week off for July 4th.”

When: TBd

Where: 1111 Jones St.

Who: Fourth through ninth grade

Cost: TBd (donation)

Information: thekaneko.org/creativecamps

HAPPY FEET AT MCGUIGAN ARTS ACADEMY

happy Feet summer camps. happy. Feet. We have no confirmation, but jazz hands also may be on the menu during the “perfect introductory camp to theatre, art and music.” Meets from 9 a.m. to noon, Saturdays.

When: June 3-24, July 8-29

Where: 8708 countryside Plaza in countryside Village

Who: ages 5 and 6

Cost: $150

ROCK N’ PALOOZA AT MCGUIGAN ARTS ACADEMY

Prepare for a child with a thoroughly rocked palooza. campers will study “great rock bands such as Queen, The rolling Stones, The Beatles, david Bowie and more.” They’ll also try their hands at acting. and they’ll “get messy” and “create outside the box” through drawing and painting. The door is open to kids of all skill levels, and campers can register for either full or half days. come to think of it, forget the kids. register yourself.

When: June 5-July 21

Where: 8708 countryside Plaza in countryside Village; June 19-23 and June 26-30 sessions are at the Benson Theatre

Who: ages 5 and up

Cost: $250 per week (full day), $150 (half day).

Information: mcguiganartsacademy.com/ classes

THE ROSE THEATER

The rose Theater offers summer camps in drama, dance, musical theater, voice and acting. The theater’s summer camps “will have

Wesley duncan practices nirvana’s “In Bloom” at a School of rock summer camp.

SCOTT STEWART FOR THE WORLD-HERALD

students stretching their imaginations while having a whole lot of fun.” Themed camps such as Paw Patrol, Peppa Pig, Wicked, Odysseus, Zootopia, sketch comedy, acting technique, dance and more are available as well as a number of multiweek production classes. Session and camp lengths vary according to age group and subject. Inclusive camps welcoming “students with exceptionalities” also are available.

When: May 30-Aug. 4

Where: The Rose, 2001 Farnam St., and The Rose Studios for youth Artists, 12202 West Center Road

Who: Ages 3-18

Cost: $65 to $600. Discounts available for members.

Information: rosetheater.org/education/ classes-and-camps

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

NEBRASKA STATE 4-H CAMP

The state 4-H camp offers a lengthy menu of three- and four-day sessions at various locations around Nebraska. Camp options run from leadership training to four days of “silly camp fun.” Prepare for stuff involving the words “challenge,” “adventure,” “crazy,” “awesome” and “epic.” Did we mention “adventure”?

When: May 31-Aug. 10

Where: Various locations

Who: Ages 8-18 (varies by each camp)

Cost: Varies from $360-$480

Information: 4h.unl.edu/camps-centers/ summer-camp

FONTENELLE FOREST

During this summer camp, “challenge” is the mantra. Unless, of course, it’s “memorable.” Perhaps “teamwork.” Or “fun-filled.” At any rate, kids of all ages will explore the outdoors through positive and fun nature-based activities designed to teach a love of nature. Everything is all about this: “Our mission is to foster a love of our local ecosystems and inspire future generations to care for the natural world.”

When: June 5-Aug. 4. Dates vary by age group and theme throughout the summer

Where: Fontenelle Forest Nature Center; Camp Brewster at 1313 Bellevue Blvd. N., Bellevue; Camp Wa-Kon-Da at 402 Forest Drive, Bellevue

Who: Ages 3-15

Cost: Cost varies per camp, per age group, from $125 ($175 nonmembers) to $245 ($310 nonmembers)

Information: fontenelleforest.org/camps

BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS

Campers at Camp Nakomis this summer will enjoy the outdoors — Hiking! Boating! Fishing! — on the camp’s 35 wooded acres in Carter

Water activities are one of the many things kids can take part in at summer camp.

Lake, as well as participate in group games and activities. Nakomis advertises “a safe and positive environment” and is open to the public. Weekly themes start with “Aloha, summer!” and conclude with “Spirit Week.” Note: Week 6 will be wet. Very, very wet. There will be no camp June 19, when the Boys & Girls

Please see CAMPS, Page 6

CAROL JOY HOLLING

Camps

From 5

clubs will observe Juneteenth. Pick-up and drop-off sites are at the First national Bank Tower downtown, Mutual of Omaha in midtown and Von Maur at Westroads Mall.

When: June 26-July 28.

Where: 4101 n. 17th St., carter Lake, Iowa

Who: ages 6-14

Cost: $165 per week. campers may register for one week, or up to all seven weeks.

Information: bgcomaha.org/locations/ camp-nakomis.html

GIRL SCOUT CAMPS

during Girl Scout camps, kids can experience the great outdoors, make new friends, gain confidence and create lifelong memories. camp adventures include challenge courses, zip lines, horseback riding, archery, swimming and, um, camping. We’re talking troop camps, day camps and special events. Membership required for most camps and events.

When: year round

Where: Various locations

Who: Girls in kindergarten through 12th grade

Cost: cost varies per camp, financial aid available.

Information: girlscoutsnebraska.org, find a guide on the camps page

CAMP RIVERCREST

The evangelical camp, established in 1958, offers options from “overnighter camp” aimed at kids going into first through third grades to three-day “mini-camps” (grades 3-5) to junior and junior-high camps and, finally, a senior-high camp for grades 9-12. There also are sessions for “leaders in training” and “junior cabin leader training” (rising 11th graders through graduating seniors). There’s also ax throwing and, no doubt, prayer before the ax throwing. according to the website, “at camp rivercrest, we are passionate about the Kingdom of God, teach from the Bible, and believe Jesus is the only way to salvation.”

When: June 15-July 28

Where: 2840 county road 13, Fremont, nebraska

Who: First grade through graduating seniors

Cost: $210-$575

Information: camprivercrest.org/summercamps

CAROL JOY HOLLING CAMP

Located on 317 acres of rolling hills outside of ashland, neb., carol Joy holling camp hosts overnight and day camps throughout June and July for kids in kindergarten through 12th grade and people with special needs (ages 13-adult). activities include a

high ropes course, zip line, swimming, boating, hiking, horseback riding, archery, creative arts, games, worship and Bible study. new this year: Leadership camp, a three-week comprehensive leadership development program for grades 9-12.

When: June 4-July 27

Who: Kindergarten through graduating seniors

Cost: $200-$475; scholarships available

Information: caroljoyholling.org

SPORTS & RECREATION CAMP AT THE MAC

Put me in, coach, I’m ready to play today! This sports camp goes over fundamentals of multiple sports, including baseball/softball, tennis, football, soccer and golf. There is no word on collegiate nIL workshops at press time, but look at me, I can be centerfield! Lunch provided.

When: Monday through Friday; June 5-aug. 4; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: Maple athletic complex, 4718 n. 120th St.

Who: ages 8-12

Cost: $2,000 for the full summer; $225/

week or $250/week with early drop off Information: mapleathleticcomplex.com/ camp

MOUNT MICHAEL BENEDICTINE SCHOOL

a recreation camp for boys, conducted by the monks of the Mount Michael abbey and by Mount Michael school alumni. Spread out across the school’s athletic and recreation areas — and the 400 acres around them — the camp should offer a change of pace for the typical teen of today. under “things not to bring to camp” during the five-day sessions, one will find money, pocket video games, cell phones, laptops, tablet devices or any other electronics. In other words, your kids will have to learn to converse with others using their voices and not their thumbs. and … one happy camper mentioned war ball. This will break no smartphones, which the kids won’t have. right?

When: Four Sunday-Friday sessions June 25-July 28

Where: 22520 Mount Michael road, Elkhorn

Who: Boys 7-14

Cost: $350

Information: mountmichael.com/campmount-michael/camp-homepage

SCIENCE & EDUCATION

BIG RED SUMMER ACADEMIC CAMPS

It’s the Big red academic camps. not football or basketball. Just to be clear. running from June 11-16, campers get to live on the university of nebraska-Lincoln campus, meet new people from all over, wander amid the ivy-covered halls of academe … and “spend time investigating an interest or potential career.” available camp sessions include acting for the camera, agriculture, animation, digital media, engineering, sustainable fashion, veterinary science and the unicameral youth legislature. Space is at a premium, and registration is first-come, first-served (with scholarships available). Sessions will be led by nebraska 4-h staff and unL faculty members.

When: June 11-16

Where: university of nebraska-Lincoln

Who: ninth through 12th grade, including recent high-school graduates

Cost: Varies

Information: 4h.unl.edu/big-red-camps

camp carol Joy holling offers five camp sessions for individuals with special needs throughout the summer.

CAROL JOY HOLLING

MCC COLLEGE FOR KIDS, COLLEGE FOR TEENS

Metropolitan Community College offers College for Kids and College for Teens courses that bring fun and learning to children ages 5-18. Featuring kids and teens classes that focus on art, technology, science and more.

When: June and July

Where: Courses are offered at multiple locations within the Omaha metro area

Who: Ages 5-12 and 12-17, unless otherwise noted

Cost: Varies

Information: mccneb.edu/ce/summerfun

STRATEGIC AIR COMMAND & AEROSPACE MUSEUM

There’s a whole heapin’ helpin’ of summer camps at the museum, startin’ in June. That’s a little science talk, there. Or not. Offerings range from Flight Camp to Astronaut Academy to Drone Soccer Camp to Earth Science and STEM in Space. There also will be virtual STEM-chat camps. Eleven camp topics to excite any child’s interests. Registration opens in early March.

When: June 5-Aug. 4.

Where: 28210 West Park Highway, Ashland.

Who: Ages 6-13-plus (varies for each camp).

Cost: TBD

Information: sacmuseum.org/education/ summer-camps

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER

Summer activities at the Jewish Community Center have something for kindergarteners through high school students, from swimming and diving to musical theater. As of printing time, there are still a few spots available. According to the website: “All J Camps are now at capacity, but space remains in select Premiere Camps and also our Leaders In Training program for 8th-10th graders! Those looking for full day care can take advantage of half-day J Camp add-on when they register for a Premiere Camp. Please contact Amanda Welsh, awelsh@jccomaha. org, for available options.”

When: May 27-Aug. 1

Where: 333 S. 132nd St.

Who: Ages 5-18

Cost: $192 (member) to $269 (nonmember). Registration is required, with a $50 late fee.

Information: jccomaha.org/camp

BROWNELL TALBOT

Brownell Talbot’s summer-camp program is going full STEAM ahead — science, tech, engineering, the arts and math. Kids at the camps, according to the school, will be “tackling daily challenges, hands-on activities, lessons, and art and theatre projects.” Full-day camps run from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., while specialty camps go from 9 a.m. to noon.

When: Weeklong sessions from June 12July 21

Where: 400 N. Happy Hollow Blvd.

Who: Preschool (potty-trained 3-year-olds) to 12th grade

Cost: Varies from $85 (early-elementary sports camps) to $750 (two-week camp)

Information: brownell.edu/bt-beyond/ camp-discovery

YMCA OF GREATER OMAHA

The yMCA of Greater Omaha summer day camps offer kids a fun and engaging environment where they will make friends, belong and achieve. The camp focuses on closing the summer achievement gap. Weekly themed activities allow campers to create arts and crafts, explore science and technology, swim and appreciate nature.

When: Weekly, May 30-Aug. 18.

Where: Armbrust yMCA, Downtown yMCA, Maple Street yMCA, Sarpy yMCA, Southwest yMCA, Charles E. Lakin yMCA, Twin Rivers

yMCA and Mills County yMCA

Who: Ages 5-12

Cost: $165 per week for members; $195 per week for nonmembers

Information: metroymca.org/youth/youthcamps

LAURITZEN GARDENS

Summer Adventure Day Camps provide a unique learning experience for children where they will learn science concepts and interact with nature through hands-on activities, arts and crafts and more in indoor and outdoor settings. Six summer camps will be held this year, including Butterflies, Birds and Bookworms; Ecosystem Explorations; Plants and Patterns; Nature’s Amazing Life Cycles; Pollination Investigation; and Wondercamp: A Sensory Adventure.

When: May 29-Aug. 11; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: 100 Bancroft St.

Who: Ages 5-12

Cost: $255 for nonmembers; $235 for members per week

Information: lauritzengardens.org

DURHAM MUSEUM

Big place. Little kids. Lots of fun stuff. What’s the hold up in signing up? Families can choose from a wide range of camp themes including Full S.T.E.A.M. Ahead, Culinary Creations, Wizard Academy and more. Kids will get to meet new friends, explore Omaha and

engage in hands-on learning. Also, there’s a big steam (with no periods) locomotive downstairs at track level.

When: June 5-Aug. 11; Full-day camps, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Half-day camps, 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Before- and aftercare available for an additional charge.

Where: 801 S. 10th St.

Who: First- through fifth-graders

Cost: Pricing ranges from $110 (half days) to $240 (full days) per week; discount available for Durham Museum members. During the week of Independence Day, a full week is $200 (no camp on July 4), and single-day camps will be available for $50

Information: durhammuseum.org/education/camps/summer-camp

OMAHA CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

Omaha Children’s Museum’s summer camps “feature engaging curriculum and great instructors who make every day exciting and new. Camps include daily play in the museum and a snack.” Can you say S.T.E.A.M. Barbie? I knew that you could. Look for Barbie, Nintendo and Marvel themes among camp offerings.

When: June-August

Where: 500 S. 20th St.

Who: Ages 4-5 and 6-8

Cost: Half-day sessions are $135 for members and $150 for nonmembers per week

Information: ocm.org/summer-campsinfo-and-faqs

Adam Cooper and Hannah Robinson research and build virus structures during an Aim for the Stars Summer Science and Math Camp at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

JULIA NAGY, THE WORLD-HERALD

New experiences, skill-building, a sense of community, and lasting friendships are all an integral part of YMCA Summer Day Camp.

2023 YMCA Summer Day Camp

Youth Summer Camp YMCA OF GREATER OMAHA • metroymca.org/camp

g w 2023 First Place

Weekly themed activities allow campers to create arts & crafts, explore science & technology, swim, appreciate nature, and better understand our many cultures. Kids will explore diverse interests and have a lot of fun along the way!

Registration is now open for College for Kids and College for Teens classes at Metropolitan Community College. • Ar t • Culinar y • Engineering

• Robotics • Science • and more mccneb.edu/CE/SummerFun

SAY HELLO TO SUMMER! COLLEGE FOR KIDS & TEENS Summer Exploration 2023 531-MCC-5437

USE PROMO CODE WCS2023 AND RECEI VE $5 OFF