As June approaches, parents can think of only one thing – how to keep their kids occupied over the summer months. How to get them out of the house, away from screens and maybe even learning something new, or at least keeping that dreaded summer learning loss at bay. Never fear, summer camps in Vancouver, Battle Ground, Washougal and throughout Clark County are at the rescue! These camps have plenty of different interests to keep your kid busy all summer through.
Brickzone Kids
Brickzone Kids makes STEAM learning fun during their summer day camps. Operating through the Clark County school districts, including Washougal, Evergreen, Hockinson, Battle Ground and Ridgefield, they have many different classes happening throughout summer for ages ranging from five-years-old and older. Classes involve art projects, cooking, engineering and coding with LEGO, computer coding, science experiments, filming and more! There is bound to be something your child is interested in. Cost of camps range from $85 to $185. To find out more about the different courses and to register, visit the Brickzone Kids website.
Camp Invention
Camp Invention will definitely keep summer learning loss from happening to your kids! Part of the National Inventors Hall of Fame, it promises to turn “curious students into innovative thinkers.” Unmask your child’s creativity this summer in the all-new Camp Invention program, Supercharged, where children transform their wild imaginations into epic creations. Campers in grades Kindergarten through sixth will code robots and use collaboration and creative problem solving during hands-on, STEM activities. Kids will get to program robots to go into the depths of the sea, dance, avoid obstacles, conquer villains and save animals on a farm. The camp is happening at three locations, Liberty Middle School, Frontier Middle School and Salmon Creek Elementary. Prices vary per location. Click on the links above to learn more and to register.
DanceWorks
Photo courtesy: DanceWorks Performing Arts
If your child likes to move their feet, then the DanceWorks day camps are a perfect fit. They have several themed day camps including a Fairies, Butterflies and Unicorns; Prince & Princess Ballerina; American Girl & Boy; Big Bow Pop Star; The Greatest Show on Earth; Rhythm Party; Mermaid Tumbling; and Rising Stars. Camps have different age ranges, starting at just four-years-old. Informal performances will be done at the end of each camp, except Mermaid Tumbling and Rising Stars. Some days camps can be purchase for a single day, or more. Cost of classes range from $75 to $200. To register, visit the DanceWorks website or call 360-892-5664.
Kiddie Academy
The Kiddie Academy blends education with fun for the optimum summer camp! Children will learn and play through developmentally appropriate games. Their CampVentures summer camps are for ages 2- to 12-years-old and include themed events, activities and trips. Each camp is age appropriate and will balance your child’s interests and needs with the curriculum. STEM is incorporated as well. To register, visit the Kiddie Academy website or call 360-450-6778.
Metropolitan Performing Arts Academy
Is your child a drama queen or king? Then let them spend their summer at the Metropolitan Performing Arts Academy summer camps! They have so many camps, there will definitely be something for your performance art-loving kid. Camps are for children 5-18-years-old. Their popular Harry Potter camps are returning again and this year the musical theater camp will be performing Matilda – The Musical. For more information on all their camps, visit the Metropolitan Performing Arts Academy website.
Pearson Field Education Center
It wouldn’t be summer without the Pearson Field Education Center summer camps! This year they have three camps, Foundation of Flight for second-fourth graders, Foundation of Flight for eight-tenth graders, and Fun of Flight for fifth-seventh graders. In Foundation of Flight, kids will explore aviation engineering and STEAM principles. The older kids’ camp will also get to tour local aviation business and educational intuitions and even take a flight with one of their certified instructors. Camps range from $250-350, scholarships are available. To register, visit the Pearson Field Education Center website.
TreeSong Nature Awareness and Retreat Center
Kids need to get out into nature during our nice summer months, and the TreeSong Nature Awareness and Retreat Center has a summer camp that will definitely do that. They are offering three camps this summer, for ages ranging from 4- to 12-years-old. Camps including Nature Adventures, where children will gain a “deepening connection to self, community and nature”; Fairy Adventures, where children will get immersed into the inhabitants of the forest, including animal, plant and even the wee folk themselves; and Survival Skills camp, where they will learn how to do things like build a shelter, track animals, and how to feel at home in nature. There is one overnight during the Survival Skills camp. Camps range from $150 – $270. For more information and to register, visit the TreeSong Nature Awareness and Retreat Center website.
Parks and Recreation Camps
Cities throughout Clark County have a plethora of summer camps that will interest any child. Camps include sports, games, crafts, field trips, play and of course, plenty of fun! Some cities have camps for persons with disabilities up to 30-years-old. Most of them also will be holding their annual free Summer Playground Program. Visit your city’s Parks and Recreation website to learn more, including cost, dates and how to enroll by visiting the individual sites:
Vancouver Parks & Recreation website
Camas Parks & Recreation website
Battle Ground Parks & Recreation website
Washougal Parks & Recreation website
