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School is (almost) out for summer! That means North Texas parents are/will be frantically searching for ways to keep their kids busy and entertained.
In an effort to keep you from hearing “I’m bored!” or “What can I do now?” we’ve put together a list of some camp and summer class options.
Camp Thurman
Located on 14 acres in Pantego, Camp Thurman is a non-profit organization committed to serving and providing the best camp experience in the DFW area since 1969. For all of the summer camp programs, campers are placed in small groups with a Christian counselor whose purpose is to teach them the love of God for His children through Bible study, safety and fun activities throughout the day.
The camp’s 11-week summer season begins on May 28 with Uncle Bill’s Camp for 4 and 5 year olds. Starting June 4 there are 10 one-week sessions of full-day camps for ages 5 to 11 – and 10 one-week sessions of short-day camps for 4 year olds. There are also night and away camp programs that begin on June 4. For more: campthurman.org
River Legacy Living Science Center
Summer adventures at River Legacy Living Science Center provide students with an exciting hands-on, minds-on opportunity to explore the natural world. There will be a variety of weeklong programs in June and July that offer children (preschool through eighth grade) engaging ways to learn about wildlife, ecology and the environment.
All classes offer investigations both inside the Living Science Center and outdoors in the rich resources of River Legacy Parks. Classes are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
For more: riverlegacy.org/summer-classes
Arlington-Mansfield Area YMCA
The YMCA is a nonprofit organization with the mission of being a community cornerstone that puts Christian principles into practice through programs that help build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. The “Y”’s Summer Day Camp runs May 29-Aug. 17 from 6:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. It is designed for children ages 5 to 12. There’s also Little Learners Half-Day Camps for ages 3 to 5, a volleyball camp and soccer camp. For more: amaymca.org
The University of Texas at Arlington
In addition to offering more than 180 degrees and sporting an enrollment that tops 50,000 students during the fall and spring semesters, UT Arlington offers a number of youth-focused summer programs.
Kids and Teens University’s camps are designed to provide campers with well-organized and structured Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM) focused curriculum in a safe, fun and educational environment. The university offers summer camps for grades first through 12th, from June through July. Additionally, UTA offers Engineering and Computer Science, Music, Modern Languages and Athletic Camps.
For more: uta.edu
Arlington Parks & Recreation
Residents and non-residents alike can take advantage of Arlington’s many camps, being offered at each of the city’s recreation centers. Full day camps (7 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.) are designed for children 5 to 12 years old. They offer a new theme each week with games, crafts and other activities. Campers swim at least once a week at a nearby pool. Five field trips are planned per summer. Both weekly and daily rates are available.
A variety of Preschool and Mini Camps are offered, from 9 a.m.-noon and from 1 p.m.- 4 p.m. Qualified instructors are selected to ensure your child has fun and learns something new.
There are also numerous full- and partial-day specialty camps. Fees, field trips and guest speakers vary. Registration is on a first-come, first-serve basis.
All programs require advance registration and an annual membership.
For more: NaturallyFun.org
Arlington Tennis Center
Arlington Tennis Center is an award-winning public facility, owned and operated by the City of Arlington. There are 26 lighted outdoor courts, including six 10-and-Under courts for children, a full-service pro shop, concession area, plus locker rooms with showers. The Arlington Tennis Center will host camps this summer from June through August, for players of all ages and skill levels from beginner to advanced. In addition, the Center also offers classes for more personalized instruction.
For more: naturallyfun.org/tennis
TCC’s College for Kids
Tarrant County College Southeast Campus offers College for Kids on June 11-28 and July 9-26. College for Kids is a three-week summer enrichment program for children in the first through eighth grades. Children can enroll in academic, arts and crafts, science and technology, and health and fitness classes. Courses are taught by experienced and motivated faculty who encourage and challenge students in an atmosphere that supports inquiry and exploration.
For more: alturl.com/srvda
Viridian Sailing Center
Viridian Sailing Center offers weeklong “Level 1-Learn to Sail” junior and teen camps from June 4-July 27. Camps are open to Viridian residents and non-residents alike and run from 9 a.m.-noon on Monday-Friday.
The sailing center also offers adult Level 1 camps from 2-5 p.m. on Tuesday-Saturday from May 1-June 3. In addition, it offers “Level 2-Advanced” Camps for all ages from 2-5 p.m. on Monday-Friday from June 4-Aug. 31.
For more, email kgough@thenehemiahcompany.com
Theatre Arlington
Theatre Arlington is dedicated to the cultural enrichment, education and entertainment of the citizenry of Arlington and the North Texas community – including young people via its annual summer theatre camps. Theatre Arlington offers four types of summer camps.
The full-day Musical Theatre Performance Camp (June 11-29) is for middle and high school students who have previous class and performing experience. Students will experience Master classes in acting, voice and movement, taught by professionals from the DFW area. They will also rehearse and perform in “Footloose” during the last week of camp.
Musical Theatre Kids Camp (June 11-15/Aladdin KIDS! and Aug. 6-10/Disney’s The Little Mermaid JR) is a weeklong theatre immersion camp, culminating in a performance of a classic children’s musical for friends and family on the Theatre Arlington stage. Participants will learn by doing as they audition and rehearse for a show.
Adventures in Theatre Camp (July 9-21) is for students new to performing or those who just love a good theatre camp. It offers a comprehensive overview of the performance and technical aspects of theatre. Utilizing teachers who specialize in their class subject, this camp covers acting, dance, voice, stage combat, costume design, construction, and lighting and sound design. After two weeks of study, students will participate in a Friends and Family performance to showcase their new knowledge. 2018 Camp Theme: Pop Culture
Play and Pretend Camp (July 23-27) is for the younger performer (ages 3-7). It is all about beloved characters from classic children’s literature this summer at Theatre Arlington. Instructors experienced with younger students and Creative Dramatics will guide and direct the camp participants in a final performance for friends and family.
For more: theatrearlington.org
Vacation Bible School
Many local churches offer Vacation Bible School, usually free or at a minimal cost, and usually lasting from Monday-Friday during a summer month. Contact a church in the Arlington area to see if it offers Vacation Bible School.
