cm74_summercampsby Linda Esterson

The temperatures may still be cool, but now is the time to explore summer camp options and start the registration process. Opportunities abound for children to be artistic, athletic, dramatic and inspired and meet new friends.  Let this list launch your family’s exploration.

ABC CARE INC. June 19-September 1. Ages 5-14. Full-day and extended-day camps at locations in Hampstead, Sykesville and Westminster. Early Bird Specials and Discounts Available. Information: 410-751-3700 or www.abccareinc.com.

Hampstead Location

  • ABC Care Cascade Water Camp Ages: Entering kindergarten to eighth grade. Swimming lessons up to two times a week. Field trips on Mondays for sports-themed activities. Daily swimming in spring-fed lake or pool Tuesday-Friday, as well as Splash ’N’ Play Zone. Hiking, nature activities, sign language, arts and crafts, and stream exploration. Lunch available for purchase Wednesday-Friday. Cascade Lake, 3000 Snydersburg Road, Hampstead. Transportation available from the Glyndon area and St John School in Westminster.

South Westminster Location

  • ABC Care Deer Park Sports & Swim Camp Ages: Entering kindergarten to eighth grade. Swimming lessons twice a week. Mondays are sports-themed activity days. Swimming in spring fed lake or pool Tuesday-Thursday, as well as Splash ’N’ Play Zone. Hiking, nature activities, sign language, arts and crafts, and stream exploration. Lunch available for purchase Wednesday-Friday. Deer Park United Methodist Church, 2205 Sykesville Road.

Eldersburg Location

  • ABC Care Eldersburg Adventure Camp. Ages: Entering kindergarten through eighth grade. Swim lessons once a week. Swim/field trips twice a week, including at least one swim trip a week to Cascade Lake. Weekly themes, hiking, nature activities, fishing, pedal boats, sports, STEM activities, arts and crafts, sign language and clubs. Piney Run Park (Pavilion 6), 30 Martz Road. Transportation from Watkins Park in Mt. Airy.
  • ABC Care Marvelous Monday Grades 4-8, with limited enrollment. Specific field trip locations for select Mondays to be announced. Fun day of field trips, team building activities and adventure. Field Trips leaving from all 3 locations. 
  • ABC Care Piney Run Park Nature Camp Ages: Entering kindergarten through eighth grade. Camp offered final two weeks of summer, August 21-September 1. Piney Run Park Nature Center Programs, hiking, nature activities, fishing, pedal boats, sports, STEM activities, arts and crafts and sign language. Transportation from Watkins Park in Mt. Airy.

BEAR BRANCH NATURE CAMP  June 27-30  •  July 11-14; 18-21; 25-28  •  9am–3pm. Summertime fun and environmental education camps for youth ages 6-12. Hashawha/Bear Branch Nature Center, 300 John Owings Rd., Westminster, email: bearbranch@ccg.carr.org, 410-386-3580

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF WESTMINSTER June 19 -Aug. 18. Ages 6-12. Different camp theme each week; full day of programs. 25 Union St., Westminster. Contact Jordana Hudson at 410-386-0135 or email Erin Bishop at ebishop@bgcwestminster.org.

CARROLL COMMUNITY COLLEGE – SUMMER KIDS@CARROLL & TEEN COLLEGE June 26-Aug. 18. Ages 3-15. Carroll Community College has nearly 200 half and full-day enrichment programs in a camp-like environment: includes arts and creativity, cooking, digital technology, STEM, American Girl, Harry Potter, performance, science, career exploration and more. Carroll Community College, 1601 Washington Road, Westminster. Information/schedule/register: 410-386-8100 or carrollcc.edu/summerkids

CARROLL COUNTY ARTS COUNCIL SUMMER ARTS CAMP All camps are held at the Carroll Arts Center in downtown Westminster. Explore all aspects of the arts, from theater to arts and crafts projects. Registration for CCAC Members opens on March 1 and the general public can register beginning April 1. Registration forms will be available at the Arts Council, on the website, and by phone with credit card. Families enrolling 2 or more children are eligible for a 10% discount and must call to make arrangements. Tuition assistance available through the Tom Holder Memorial Arts Scholarship Fund. Carroll County Arts Council, 91 W. Main Street, Westminster. 410-848-7272 or www.carrollcountyartscouncil.org.

  • Art Adventures Ages 9-12. June 26-30,10 a.m.-3 p.m. daily. Camp director: Susan Williamson. Full day of arts, crafts and cultural activities. Campers will spend the week drawing, painting and crafting; visiting local art galleries, and working with guest artists and artisans. A bus trip will finish out the week.
  • Creative Kids Camp Ages 5-8. Two sessions: July 10-15 and July 17-21, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Camp director: Sandy Oxx. campers will get a taste of all of the arts – drawing, painting, singing, dancing, crafts and theatre. Every day they will complete a fun craft project to bring home. Popsicles, games, face painting, movies and trips to the park round out a fun-filled week that is capped off with a special performance for the parents on Friday.
  • Fun Company Theatre Camp Ages 9-12. July 24 – Aug 4, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. daily. Camp director: Julie Herber. This camp is the ultimate theatre experience. Campers will enjoy activities pertaining to all aspects of theatre, from making props and designing costumes to learning to use technical equipment like lights and microphones. Improvisation games and acting exercises will help prepare actors for ‘the big show.’ The second week of camp focuses on producing a play that the campers will perform on the last day of camp on the Arts Center’s stage!

CARROLL COUNTY DANCE CENTER July 31 – Aug. 4. Ages 6 and up. Students will study a variety of dance forms, including ballet, drama, tap, jazz and modern. Will learn to design costumes and scenery for an end-of-season performance. 6933 Warfield Ave., Sykesville. Contact: Becky Eckrote, 410-795-3255 or info@carrollcountydancecenter.com.

CARROLL COUNTY DEPT. of RECREATION & PARKS Offers many camp opportunities throughout the summer months to keep youth and teen minds and bodies active. Some of the youth camp offerings: Archery, Golf, Basketball, Camp Sampler Fun, Investigate! Science Lab, Dance, Swim Lessons, Soccer, Conditioning, Gymnastics, Engineering with Lego®, Teens on the Go! Summer Destinations, Baton Twirling, Innovate! Creation Space. A complete list and details of programs  can be found in the Summer Program Guide at www.ccrecpark.org. Information: 410-386-2103 or email ccrec@ccg.carr.org. 

CARROLL COUNTY 4-H CAMPS

  • Clover Day Camp July 5-7 and August 9-11. Ages 5-7 as of Jan. 1.
  • Younger Residential Camp June 19-22. Ages 8-11 as of Jan. 1.
  • Older Residential Camp July 10-14. Ages 10-14 as of Jan. 1. Campers will join the youth-focused 4-H camp family at Hashawha Environmental Center, which features canoeing, archery, outdoor games, crafts, youth-led educational lessons, songs, campfires and other events and activities. Scholarship assistance available. Information: Extension Office, 410-386-2760 or 888-326-9645. Applications: http://extension.umd.edu/carroll-county/4-h-youth/4-h-camps. University of Maryland Carroll County Extension Office, 700 Agricultural Center Drive, Westminster.

CARROLL COUNTY FARM MUSEUM LIVING HISTORY CAMP 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Living History Camp uses demonstrations and hands-on experiences to teach children entering 3rd through 5th grade about rural farm life in the 1800s. Campers learn old-time skills, play old-fashioned games, and make historic craft projects to take home. Camp is being offered July 10-14 for children entering 3rd grade, July 17-21 for children entering 4th grade and July 24-28 for children entering 5th grade. Farm Museum, 500 S. Center St., Westminster. www.carrollcountyfarmmusem.org or 800-654-4645.

CARROLL HOSPICE CAMP Camp T.R. Weekend Overnight Experience. Ages 7-15. Free. Meets first weekend in June. Provided by Carroll Hospice, Camp T.R. offers a safe place for children and adolescents to share feelings, ask questions and learn positive coping and grieving skills after the death of a loved one. Work with grief through art, music and crafts; also enjoy hiking, swimming, and naturalistic programs. Preference given to Carroll County residents. Based at Hashawha Environmental Center, 300 John Owings Road, Westminster. Contact: Jessica Roschen, Carroll Hospice, 292 Stoner Ave., Westminster. 410-871-7656. 

CARROLL INDOOR SPORTS CENTER Opportunity to participate in small group, age-specific activities, as well as team games, in a variety of sports including soccer, softball, kickball, dodge ball, aerobics, lacrosse, running, track and field, basketball, volleyball and field hockey. Daily and weekly rates available. 515 Old Westminster Pike, Westminster. Call 410-857-5098 or visit www.carroll-indoor.com for details.

FOUR SEASONS SPORTS COMPLEX 11 week-long sessions from June 19-Sept. 1. Regular hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. with before-care and after-care available as early as 6:30 a.m. and as late as 6 p.m. Campers will enjoy swimming everyday as well as sports, games, crafts, mini golf, inflatables and other activities all on site. Discounted rates available with early enrollment. 2710 Hampstead-Mexico Rd., Hampstead, MD. www.4seasonssportscomplex.com. Contact Jessica Dannettel: 4seasonsevents@gmail.com or 410-239-3366.

ISLAND GREEN FAMILY FUN CENTER JUNIOR SUMMER GOLF CLINICS Three-day sessions. Ages 15 and under. 1199 S. Pleasant Valley Road, Westminster. Children learn the aspects and fundamentals of the game. Lunch provided. Low instructor/student ratio. Visit www.islandgreenfamilyfuncenter.com or contact Tyler Eikenberg at 410-876-1520 or te@westminsterislandgreen.com.

MCDANIEL COLLEGE

  • American Legion Boys State June 18-24. Each participant becomes a part of the operation of his local, county and state government. Since 1935, the American Legion’s Boys State program exposes participants to the rights and privileges, the duties and the responsibilities of a franchised citizen. The training is objective and practical with city, county and state governments operated by the students elected to the various offices. Activities include legislative sessions, court proceedings, law enforcement presentations, assemblies, bands, chorus and recreational programs. High school juniors are selected by local American Legion posts to attend the program. Expenses are paid by a sponsoring American Legion post, a local business or another community-based organization. To be eligible for Boys State, a youth must be a male who has successfully completed his junior year in high school. Any boy who has previously attended a Boys State is not eligible.
  • Green Terror Boys Basketball Day Camp June 19–23, and July 31–Aug. 4. Ages 7-17. Camps meet from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to noon Friday. Gym opens 8 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m. Lunch provided only at the June camp. Fee-based. Information: Kevin Curley, 410-857-2573 or kcurley@mcdaniel.edu.
  • F.S. Soccer July 16-21. F.S. Soccer’s overnight camp helps players improve skills, work hard and make new friends. A unique and dynamic high-energy soccer environment designed to improve technical skills along with tactical awareness. Cost: $600 (after early registration $50 discount). Players take part in morning and afternoon sessions, small sided games, group seminars and fun, soccer based competitions. F.S. Soccer is also the only company to provide qualified nutritionists and personal trainers to provide advice to athletes along with training. For more, visit www.fssoccer.com.
  • Green Terror Football Team Camp Students entering 9th through 12th grades. July 22–24, and July 25–27. Camp consists of eight practice opportunities with afternoon practices conducted by McDaniel College coaching staff, as well as 7 v 7 tournaments. Information: Chris Bassler, 410-857-2569 or rcb007@mcdaniel.edu.
  • Green Terror Men’s Soccer Camp. Residential camp: July 26–28. Ages 11–19. Camp is for players interested in pursuing college soccer and want the opportunity to be evaluated by college coaches. Information: Steve Corrieri, 410-857-2589 or scorrieri@mcdaniel.edu.
  • Green Terror Softball Camp Ages 7–18. Residential camp: July 10–13. Campers learn the fundamentals of playing softball in a fun environment. Information: Phil Smith, 410-857-2568 or pdsmith@mcdaniel.edu. 
  • Green Terror Girls’ Soccer Camp Ages 11–19. Residential camp: July 23–26. Camp includes individual and small group training and concludes with full-field matches. Information: Sandy Lagana, 410-386-4630 or slagana@mcdaniel.edu.
  • Green Terror Swim Camp Ages 9-18. Residential camp: June 26–30. Campers will learn about technique, nutrition, goal setting, how to train effectively, and much more. Information: Jeff Hiestand, 410-386-4616 or jhiestand@mcdaniel.edu.
  • McDaniel Music Camp July 16-21. Entering grades 6-12. Either commute or reside on campus. Campers are split into two bands, a medium-level group and an advanced ensemble. Tuition: Commuting students with a meal plan, $650. Camp residents, $775. A nonrefundable deposit of $100 is due by June 30 to hold a place. Information: Linda Kirkpatrick, 410- 857–2550 or lkirkpat@mcdaniel.edu. Additional information: www.mcdanielmusiccamp.com.
  • McDaniel String Orchestra, Chamber Music and Piano Studies Camp July 9-15. Entering grades 7-12. Either commute or reside on campus. String Orchestra concert on July 15; Chamber Ensembles & Piano concert on July 14th. Tuition: Commuting students with a meal plan, $650. Camp residents, $775. A nonrefundable deposit of $100 is due by June 15 to hold a place. Information: Linda Kirkpatrick, 410- 857–2550 or lkirkpat@mcdaniel.edu. Additional information: www.mcdanielmusiccamp.com.
  • National Kicking Service Summer Camp July 14-16. All ages. Intense, comprehensive instruction in kicking, punting and long snapping. Three days and two nights of National Kicking Services’ groundbreaking biomechanics training with college exposure program. Individual attention is # 1. Staff to camper ratio is less than 1 to 6. Tuition $485 overnight; $395 day camp. Providing kicking instruction at McDaniel College for over 20 years. Information: Coach Gene Muriaty, 781-837-4963 or www.kickpunt.com. 
  • Nike Field Hockey All Girls Camp Ages: 11-18. Campers are trained individually in all of the major fundamental areas of the game: hitting, 1v1 elimination skills, passing, scoring and defensive skills. Open to individuals and teams. Players are grouped by age and ability. Information: 800-645-3226 or www.ussportscamps.com/fieldhockey/nike/mcdaniel-college-nike-field-hockey-camp 
  • Nike Lacrosse All Girls Camp Ages 9-18. Our goal is to stimulate a love for the game by immersing you in the sport and giving you the kind of focused, intensive training essential to improvement. Over the course of camp, we want to create a unique training and learning experience that will help your enthusiasm and self-confidence grow along with your skills. Open to individuals and teams. Players are grouped by age and ability. Information: 800-645-3226 or www.ussportscamps.com/lacrosse/nike/Nike-Girls-Lacrosse-Camp-at-McDaniel-College
  • Nike Volleyball All Girls Camp Ages: 10-18. Join the fun and improve your game at the NIKE Volleyball Camp at McDaniel College. Coach Wolverton and her talented staff are dedicated to providing a challenging yet encouraging training environment. Open to individuals and teams. Players are grouped by age and ability. Information: 800-645-3226 or www.ussportscamps.com/volleyball/nike/mcdaniel-college-nike-volleyball-camp/ 

MERRITT CLUBS ELDERSBURG June 19-Sept. 1. Half-day and full-day weeklong camp options. 40 different camps throughout the summer in sports, aquatics and fine arts. Specialty camps including American Girl, Harry Potter, Groovy Science, Solar Robotics, Amazing Race, CakeTastic and more! View full camp brochure online at www.merrittclubs.com. All camps are located at 1388 Progress Way, Eldersburg. For more information, please contact Sherri Lively, camp director, at 410-549-8855 or email slively@merrittclubs.com. 

PINEY RUN NATURE CAMP 2017 July 3-7,  10-14, 17-21, and 24-28, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Completed kindergarten through sixth grade. Nature-themed day camps. Additional fee for early drop-off and late pickup. Piney Run Park and Nature Center, 30 Martz Road, Sykesville. Information: 410-795-6043
or email Pineyrunpark@ccg.carr.org.

SUNSHINE KIDS CAMP An informal, physically challenging and active outdoor environment for children 5-12. Wide variety of activities including separate programs for girls and boys. Activities offer children the opportunities to learn new skills in athletics, confidence building, social interaction, creativity, and sportsmanship with an emphasis on encouragement and self-improvement. Call for dates. 175 Klee Mill Road, Sykesville. Information: 410-549-0844 or www.sunshinekidsclubcamp.com.

TAMI GEE’S STUDIO OF DANCE Summer dance classes and workshops. Early July to mid-August. Ages 3 and up. Classes and workshops include ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, lyrical, modern, hip-hop, musical theatre, and acro. Half- and full-day workshops available. 3000 Gamber Road, Suite 7, Finksburg. Visit www.tamigees.com for further information. Dates and times posted by mid-April. Contact Tami Moore, 410-861-8385 or terigeppi610@comcast.net.

WESTMINSTER PARKS & RECREATION Children participate in a variety of activities, games, sports, crafts and field trips. The camp takes place at Westminster City Park, 11 Longwell Ave., Westminster. Day Camp Ages 6-12 years (must have completed kindergarten) Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Camp tuition is $115/week. A $45 non-refundable, non-transferable deposit is required for each week of camp registered for. This deposit will then be applied to the tuition balance. Before and after care is available 7 a.m.-9 a.m. and 4 p.m.-6 p.m. for additional charge; $15 for before-care and $15 for after-care per child. Information: www.westgov.com/recreation/rec_camps.html or call 410-751-5501.

Y OF CENTRAL MARYLAND, SUMMER AT THE Y June 12-September 1, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with free before- and after-care (7 a.m.-9 a.m. and 4 p.m.-6 p.m.) Y Camps in Maryland. K-6, fee-based. Located at Camp Hashawha Overnight Camp, Hill Family Center Y (camps also in Harford, Howard, Anne Arundel, Baltimore County and Baltimore City). Information/register: Family Center, 1719 Sykesville Road, Westminster or call 410-848-3660 or ymaryland.org. 

  • Traditional Day Camp Ages 5 – 8. Participate in traditional camp activities like art, science, sports, and swimming while making new friends and having fun.
  • Explorers Ages 9-11. Participate in traditional camp activities and go off-site at least two days per week to fun and exciting destinations.
  • Adventures Ages 12-15. Participate in team-building challenges, leadership skill development, and service projects. Campers also travel three days a week. Fee-based.
  • Navigators Ages 14-17. Work shadowing on job skills. Able to earn up to 25 service hours a week. Fee-based.
  • Sports & Swim Camps Ages 6-12. Full-day camps. Basketball, soccer, and much more. From basic swim instruction to a competitive swim camp. Fee-based.
  • Creative Expression Camps Ages 6-12. Full-day camps. Campers express their inner artist through many different mediums, drawing, painting, poetry, dancing and much more.
  • Science Camps Ages 6-12. Full-day camps.Campers will experience the ultimate in educational fun through environmental discoveries, engineering fun and much more.