Summer Camp 411, list and links

Time is almost running out to pick summer camp activities for your kids.  There are tons of options in the Wichita area alone to keep your kids active and entertained throughout those dog days of summer. I've provided a few of my best finds, as well as some links to comprehensive listings of camps in Wichita and throughout the state.  There are so many, I'm sure I did not even get close to finding them all, but I hope what I did find will get you started on finding just the right place, or places for your kids this summer.

So, how do you choose? Ehow.com user limowreck suggests these tips:
1.  Get recommendations. Ask around. Family, friends, coworkers.  Anyone who has been there, or heard of it, may give you some good feel on whether it's the right place for your child.

*source

2.  Online Directories.  Simply Google a listing of summer camps and you should be able to find directories that post reviews by other parents.
3.  Answer the essentials. Before you sign up make sure you have answers to these essential questions:

Is the camp for boys, girls, or both?

If both, how are the campers separated?

What is the average age of students in attendance?

What is the average age of the camp leaders?

What is the ratio of campers to leaders?

What is the camp's mission statement?

What is the criteria for becoming a camp leader?

What are the rules at the camp? (for instance, many camps do not allow outside food or candy).

What is the goal of your child's attendance?

What is the cost of tuition and can you afford it?

What activities will the campers participate in?

Is there a religious slant to the camp?

Are parents allowed to make unannounced visits?

What are the discipline strategies, rules and guidelines for if something goes wrong?

4.  Visit.  If you have the chance to visit, and it would help all involved feel better, get familiar with the facilities.  If that's not an option you will have to rely on the other fact finding options.

Here is my list of ideas, in no particular order:

Space Camp at the Cosmosphere:  www.cosmo.org

   what:  residential/coed camp
   ages:  Elementary (2nd grade +), Jr and Sr High.

train in space shuttle simulators, build and launch rockets, tour the Hall of Space Museum, operate mission control. Advanced, repeat students have an opportunity to travel to the Space Center in Texas at some point during the summer.

Girl Scouts:  Kansasgirlscouts.org

   what:  residential and day camps
   ages:  elementary girls

Check out their summer camp guide with activities that range from horse programs, crafts, activities at Cowtown, and more.  Lots to choose from here for the whole summer.

Kansas Humane Society Critter Camp:  kshumane.org
    what:  day camp
    ages: 7-12

games, skill building, tours and crafts all focused around animal care, safety and responsibility. One week program.

Summer of Discovery: City of Wichita Parks and Recreation:  wichita.gov
   what: day camp
   ages 6-13
 10 weeks starting week of June 3rd, take your pick of activities, sports, and field trips.  Available at 5 park locations around the metro.  Pick up a hard copy of the classes at Dillon's, Botanica, Wichita Public libraries any of the 8 Rec centers and more listed at the site. You can also view an online version.

Music Theatre for Young People: mtypks.org
    what: day camp
    ages:  5th - 9th grade

A 5 day workshop camp to learn the ins and outs and skills needed for theatre makeup, dance, playwriting, costuming, and auditioning. There are also camps for experiencing the stage with a show performance at the end.

Senseney Summer Music Camp:
Offering Beginning Guitar Camp, Rock Band Camp, and Summer Jazz Camp.
Registration page and more info here. 

School of Rock:
Summer camp and workshops enrolling now.
5 or 10 day, players and skill of any level.


Some resources for more options in the area check out your local YMCA.  There are also some local summer camp locations listed for Kansas at mysummercamps.com. 

If you are after a religious or faith based experience for your kids, check with your church or some of the major congregations in Wichita. Most all have something going on from residential camps, to Mom's Day Out, to VBS mid-summer.



Hope these help you to plan a great summer for your kids!