by Kym Byrnes
Warm and sunny summer days may seem far away, but really they’re right around the corner. Summer camps can fill up quickly and now is the time to be thinking how kids will spend those long summer days. Carroll County offers all sorts of camps — everything from art camp to sports camp to 4-H camp — with something for every age and interest. Camps offer kids more than just something to do; they also learn to build relationships, gain a sense of self-confidence, build social skills, and, through games, crafts and activities, learn to achieve goals through teamwork.
ABC CARE
June 15-Sept. 8, ages 5-14. Full-day and extended-day camps at locations in Eldersburg and Westminster. Early Bird specials and discounts available. (Start date dependent on CCPS and inclement weather days).
Information: 410-751-3700 or www.abccareinc.com.
South Westminster Location
ABC Care Deer Park Sports & Swim Camp
Ages: Entering grades K-8. Swimming lessons once a week. Weekly swimming field trip to Cascade Lake Pool in Hampstead. Weekly themes, hiking, nature activities, sign language, arts and crafts, and STEM activities. Lunch available for purchase one day.
Deer Park United Methodist Church, 2205 Sykesville Road. Transportation available from Hampstead and Glyndon areas.
Eldersburg Location
ABC Care Eldersburg Adventure Camp
Ages: Entering grades K-8. Swim lessons once a week. Swimming field trips once a week to Cascade Lake Pool in Hampstead. Weekly adventure field trip to roller skating, ice skating or bowling. 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 Fierce Fabulous Friday Trips
Grades 4-8, with limited enrollment. Specific field trip locations for select Fridays to be announced. Fun day of field trips, team building activities and adventure.
Field trips leaving from both locations.
ABC Care Piney Run Park Nature Camp
Ages: Entering grades K-8. Camp offered final two weeks of summer Aug. 24-Sept. 8. Piney Run Park Nature Center Programs, hiking, nature activities, fishing, pedal boats, sports, STEM activities, arts and crafts and sign language.
Piney Run Park (Pavilion 6), 30 Martz Road. Transportation from Watkins Park in Mt. Airy.
BETH TFILOH SUMMER CAMPS
June 22 – August 14. Summer Camps for ages 4-14. A wide variety of activities, including sports, ropes and challenge course, arts and crafts, boating, nature and much more. Everyone swims twice a day, once for instruction and once for fun. The younger campers enjoy playground, splash pad, music and Tarbut (Jewish culture). Sixty acres of outdoor fun.
400 Delight Meadows Road, Reisterstown. For more information: sam@btcamps.org.
Nursery Camp
Ages two, three and four. Program includes structured activities such as physical education, water play with water tables and sprinklers, story time, arts and crafts, singing, nature and Friday Kabbat Shabbat.
Lower Camp-Day Camp
Pre-K to 4th Grade. Art, singing, Tarbut, swim lessons, sports, dance, splash pad, boating, nature.
Kinder Camp
Ages four through entering kindergarten. Provides many of the same activities as the Lower Camp, such as sports, swimming, and art, but with an abbreviated day to accommodate younger campers.
Upper Camp – Senior Camp
Grades four through eight. Archery tag, survival skills, ropes course, arts, sports, boating, nature. Daily swimming instruction. Senior Campers participate in special events such as color war, talent show, field trips and carnival.
Varsity Sports
Camp Grades four through eight. Skill building, competitive play and fun. Football, baseball, golf, soccer, tennis and more led by “Baseball Warehouse!”
Art Camp
Grades three through eight. Ceramics, copper enameling, jewelry making, mosaics, macramé, papier-mâché, quilling, stitchery, and more.
Survival Camp
Grades five through eight. Hands-on program that includes fire building, knife skills, climbing rappelling towers, caring for animals, constructing a campsite, preparing and cooking food, riding ziplines, and camping out under the stars.
Theater Camp
Grades three through eight. Acting lessons, audition tips, voice direction, character development, memorization skills, blocking, and more.
Travel Camp
Grades five and six during weeks 1, 2 and 3; Grades seven and eight during weeks 6, 7, and 8. Four day a week program taking daily field trips visiting amusement parks, water parks, laser tag, baseball games and more.
LT Program
Leadership Training for teens entering grades nine and ten. Program consists of developing skills and attitudes necessary to becoming a counselor assistant or instructor aide.
BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF WESTMINSTER
June 15-Aug. 21. Ages 6-12. Different camp theme each week; full day of programs with weekly field trip. Cost $125 per week; $30 registration fee covers annual BGCW membership.
71 E. Main St., Westminster. Contact Mollie Fisher at 410-386-0135 or email mfisher@bgcwestminster.org.
CARROLL COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Summer Kids@Carroll + Teen College
June 22-Aug. 14. Ages 5-15. Carroll Community College has nearly 200 full-day and half-day (mix & match) fun enrichment programs in a camp-like environment: includes arts and creativity, cooking, ceramics, digital technology, STEM, performance, science and more. Before and after care available.
Carroll Community College, 1601 Washington Road, Westminster. Information: 410-386-8100 or carrollcc.edu/summerkids.
CARROLL COUNTY ARTS COUNCIL
All camps held at the Carroll Arts Center in downtown Westminster. Registration for CCAC members opens March 1 and the general public can register beginning April 1. CCAC members receive a 10% discount on all classes and camps. Families enrolling two or more children are eligible for a discount (call to make arrangements). Tuition assistance is available through the Tom Holder Memorial Arts Scholarship Fund.
Carroll County Arts Council, 91 W. Main St., Westminster. Information: 410-848-7272 or www.carrollcountyartscouncil.org.
Theatre Camp
For ages 7-9 (2nd-4th grades), June 22-26, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m., $230. In this week full of theatre fun, campers will produce a play with full costumes and scenery. Students will discover the world of theatre through improvisation games, drama exercises, and technical theatre training. All campers will have a moment to shine! The performance will begin at 3 p.m. on Friday, June 26.
Musical Theatre Camp
For ages 9-13, July 6-17, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m., $320. For two weeks, campers will be immersed in the magic and excitement of live musical theatre as they learn dialogue, music, and choreography for a large-scale musical production. All campers will have a performing role in the show and get hands-on experience while helping to create the scenery, props, and other technical elements used in the show. The big performance will begin at 3 p.m. on Friday, July 17.
Environmental Art Camp
For ages 5-8, July 13-17, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., $195. Campers will explore non-traditional art materials and make crafts that are inspired by Mother Nature. On Friday, kids will showcase their environmental art projects at a reception for family and friends.
Ukelele and Harmonica Music Camp
For ages 9-12, July 20-24, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., $240. Campers will explore the basics of ukulele and harmonica and experience other instruments and sounds during afternoon concert and question sessions. On Friday, kids will showcase their love of music and share what they learned at a reception for family and friends.
Famous Artists Art Camp
For ages 9-12, July 27-31, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., $195. Campers will explore creative techniques from artists like Andy Warhol, Vincent Van Gogh, Cindy Sherman, and many more. On Friday, kids will showcase their “famous” artworks at a reception for family and friends.
CARROLL COUNTY 4-H CAMPS
Information: Extension Office, 410-386-2760 or 888-326-9645. Registration Information: extension.umd.edu/carroll-county/4-h-youth/4-h-camps-day-programs. University of Maryland Carroll County Extension Office, 700 Agriculture Center Drive, Westminster.
Clover Camp
June 29-July 1 and July 20-22, ages 5-7 as of Jan. 1. Clover Camp is held at the Carroll County Extension Office. Come out to our clover days for a fun-filled time with crafts and recreational activities!
Residential Camp
Younger Residential Camp June 22-25, ages 8-11 as of Jan. 1. Older Residential Camp July 13-17, ages 10-16 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.
CARROLL COUNTY DANCE CENTER
Aug. 3-7. Ages 6 and up. Campers will study a variety of dance forms including ballet, jazz, tap, and modern. They will also design costumes and scenery for a performance at the end of the week.
6300 Georgetown Blvd #105, Eldersburg. Contact 410-795-3255 or info@carrollcountydancecenter.com.
CARROLL COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF RECREATION & PARKS
Carroll County offers many camp opportunities throughout the summer months to keep youth and teen minds and bodies active. Among the youth camp offerings: Archery, Art, Basketball, STEM Camps, Adaptive Recreation Camp, Dance, Swim Lessons, Soccer, Conditioning, Gymnastics, Teens on the Go! Summer Destinations, Football League, and much more! A complete list and details of programs can be found in the Rec Department’s Summer Camp 2020 Program Guide at ccrecpark.org.
Contact Recreation & Parks for more information at 410-386-2103 or email ccrec@carrollcountymd.gov.
CARROLL COUNTY FARM MUSEUM
For more information: www.carrollcountyfarmmuseum.org or call 800-654-4645. Carroll County Farm Museum, 500 South Center St., Westminster.
Living History Camp
June 22-26, for rising 3rd and 4th graders. July 6-10, for rising 5th and 6th graders. Living History Camp uses fun hands-on experiences to teach children about rural life in the 1800s including old-fashioned games, craft projects and historic skills.
Farm Camp (New this year!)
July 13-17, for rising 4th, 5th and 6th graders. Farm camp lets children experience living off the land as farmers for a week – caring for animals, gardening, cooking and more!
CARROLL HOSPICE CAMP
Camp T.R. (Weekend Camp for Grieving Children), June 5, June 6 and June 7. Ages 7-15. Free. Meets first weekend in June. 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 through grief using art, music and crafts; also enjoy hiking, swimming, and naturalistic programs.
Based at Hashawha Environmental Center, 300 John Owings Road, Westminster. Registration required by May 1. Contact: Jessica Roschen, Carroll Hospice, 292 Stoner Ave., Westminster. 410-871-7656.
COPPERMINE 4 SEASONS
A variety of camps appealing to both kids that are active and love sports and kids that also enjoy being creative, trying new activities and making new friends! Kids will enjoy swimming on site, mini golf, inflatables and experiencing a variety of games and activities. We offer camp all 12 weeks Carroll County schools are out from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. with before and after care available as early as 6:30 a.m. and as late as 6 p.m. Campers starting at age 4 and have teen camp available as well with Camp Outrageous. Specialty sports camps for field hockey, soccer, lacrosse, and baseball available as well.
Call Jessica at 410-239-3366 or email jessica@copperminefieldhouse.com or visit www.coppermine4seasons.com. Coppermine 4 Seasons is located between Hampstead and Westminster at 2710 Hampstead-Mexico Rd., Hampstead.
DOWNTOWN YOGA KIDS SUMMER CAMP
July 27-31 from 12:30 – 4 p.m., for ages 7-11, cost is $150 Children will stretch, strengthen, and energize their mind and body. Everyday campers will learn yoga poses, play games, create crafts, and participate in team building exercises.
Sign up now at www.westminsterdowntownyoga.com. Questions? Contact Lynn Olexy at lynn@westminsterdowntownyoga.com.
FAITH FAMILY CHURCH MEGA DAY CAMP
June 22-26, 9 a.m.-1:15 p.m., for youths entering grades 1-6. Activities may include arts and crafts, build-it, calligraphy, sewing, glamour and grace, gymnastics, mixed media and arts, nature, outdoor games, American sign language. Lunch and snack are included each day. No cost.
Contact Pastor Tony Trussoni at FFC, 4150 Sykesville Road, Finksburg, 410-552-9522, ext. 6. www.ourfaithfamily.com.
MCDANIEL CAMPS
McDaniel Summer Science Academy
Session 1: June 21-June 26; Session 2: June 28-July 3; Session 3: July 12-July 17. Students in 9-12 grade. Summer camp for science-oriented high school students, offering a variety of courses in each session. All students who complete at least one session of the Summer Science Academy receive a $40,000 scholarship guaranteed to attend McDaniel.
Information: www.summerscienceacademy.com.
Green Terror Basketball Camp
Session 1: June 22-June 26 (Day Camp), Session 2: August 3-August 7 (Day Camp) For ages 7-17. The camp is designed to teach the basic fundamentals of basketball that may be applied individually and in a team setting. Teamwork will be stressed. The camp is directed by Kevin Curley, men’s head basketball coach at McDaniel, and current McDaniel men’s basketball players will work as coaches and counselors to ensure that each camper receives quality individual instruction.
Information: www.mcdanielathletics.com/information/camps-clinics/index.
US Sports—Girls Soccer Camp (Nike)
June 24-June 27. For ages 11-18. Residential camp that also has the option of participating in extended day from 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. includes technical and tactical training. McDaniel women’s head soccer coach Sandy Lagana directs this camp.
Information: www.ussportscamps.com/soccer or 800-645-3226.
US Sports—Field Hockey Camp (Nike)
June 28-June 30 For ages 11-18. The camp is designed to prepare players at any skill level, giving the chance to master the fundamentals and develop proper mechanics through a mix of drills, games, and competitive play. The camp is directed by McDaniel field hockey coach Caitlin Ashley.
Information: www.ussportscamps.com.
US Sports—Volleyball Camp (Nike)
Session 1: July 6-July 9 (All skills); Session 2: July 9-July 10 (Position specialty) For ages 12-18. Campers learn the fundamentals, develop proper mechanics and gain game play experience. The camp is directed by McDaniel women’s head volleyball coach Jennifer Feldmann.
Information: www.ussportscamps.com.
US Sports—Boys Lacrosse Camp (Nike)
July 6-July 9 For ages 9-18. Players are immersed in the sport of lacrosse, learning the fundamentals as well as new techniques. McDaniel men’s head lacrosse coach Keith Euker runs the camp.
Information: www.ussportscamps.com.
US Sports—Baseball Camp (Nike)
July 6-July 10 (Day Camp) For ages 8-17. The camp focuses on all skill levels with hitting and position-specific fielding as well as game situations. Pitchers will have a chance to work with pitching instructors. The camp is directed by Grant Neary, head coach of McDaniel’s baseball team.
Information: www.ussportscamps.com.
Green Terror Softball Camp
July 12-July 14. For ages 8-18. Players develop fundamentals of softball, increasing skill level with areas of focus on throwing, infield, outfield, hitting, base running, sliding and bunting. The camp is directed by Phil Smith, head coach of the Green Terror softball team.
Information: mcdanielathletics.com/information/camps-clinics/index.
US Sports—Girls Lacrosse Camp (Nike)
July 20-July 22. For ages 9-18. Players are immersed in the sport of lacrosse, learning the fundamentals as well as new techniques. McDaniel women’s head lacrosse coach Kristin Ramey directs the camp.
Information: www.ussportscamps.com.
Green Terror Football Team Camp
Session 1: July 25-July 27; Session 2: July 28-July 30. For grades 9-12. The camp is designed to teach the fundamentals of football for teams as well as individuals looking to sharpen their skills in learning new techniques. McDaniel’s head football coach Demarcus White directs the camp.
Information: mcdanielathletics.com/information/camps-clinics/index.
Green Terror Women’s Soccer
July 26-July 28. For ages 11-19. Residential camp includes technical and tactical training as well as full-field matches. McDaniel women’s soccer coach Sandy Lagana directs this camp.
Info: Sandy Lagana, 410-386-4630, slagana@mcdaniel.edu, or www.mcdanielathletics.com/information/camps-clinics/index.
Green Terror Men’s Soccer
July 29-July 31. Ages 11-19. Camp is for players who are interested in pursuing college soccer and want the opportunity to be evaluated by college coaches. McDaniel College men’s soccer coach Steve Corrieri runs the camp.
Info: Steve Corrieri, 410-857-2589, scorrieri@mcdaniel.edu, or www.mcdanielathletics.com/information/camps-clinics/index.
Other camps taking place at McDaniel College:
LAX University: June 14-June 19, Info: www.julacrosse.com/laxu-camp.
Harmony College East: June 18-June 21, Info: www.midatlanticdistrict.com/?Code=HCE.
American Legion Maryland Boys State: June 20-June 27, Info: www.mdlegion.org/boysstate.
Triathlon Skill Dev Camp: June 24-June 26, Info: www.minicowtriclub.com/skillscamp.
Point Guard College: Info: www.pgcbasketball.com. Session 1: June 30-July 4; Session 2: July 14-July 18; Session 3: July 20-July 24; and Session 4: July 27-July 31
National Kicking: July 17-July 19, Info: kickpunt.com.
F.S. Soccer: July 19-July 23, Info: fssoccer.com.
Sports International (Kick/Punt): July 23-July 25 (Staff July 22/6PM), Info: www.footballcamps.com.
Sports International (Pass/Rec): July 23-July 25 (Staff July 22/6PM), Info: www.footballcamps.com.
MERRITT CLUBS ELDERSBURG
June 15 through Sept. 4. Half-day and full-day weeklong camp options available for ages 4-15 years. From swimming to sports, art, dance and specialty themed camps your child will have a blast this summer with us. Check out our over 35 camp offerings at www.merrittclubs.com/camps. Member and nonmember options available. Online registration open and 20% off Early Bird Discount is good through March 31.
Contact Camp Director, Sherri Lively at 410-549-8855 or slively@merrittclubs.com.
RIVER VALLEY RANCH
Ages: 4-17; day and overnight camps, and mobile camps, with activity options including horseback riding, archery, tag, zip lines, ropes course, paintball, and more. RVR offers unique challenging experiences, quality caring staff, and meaningful life impact.
4443 Grave Run Road, Manchester. Info: www.rivervalleyranch.com or 443-712-1010.
SPRINGDALE PREPARATORY SCHOOL
Variety of camps from music to sports to culinary. Grades 6-12 and lunch is included.
Details: www.springdaleprep.org/camps or call 855-405-8600. Springdale Preparatory School, 1000 Green Valley Rd., New Windsor.
Jazz with Eric Byrd July 13-17
Middle School Strength & Conditioning July 13-17
Coed Soccer July 20-24
Advanced Girls Basketball July 27-31
Culinary Arts July 27-31
Boys Basketball Perimeter Development August 3-7
Advanced Strength & Conditioning August 10-14
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. Contact Tami Moore, 410-861-8385 or terigeppi610@comcast.net.
WESTMINSTER PARKS & REC
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 for ages 6-12 years (must have completed kindergarten) is offered Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Camp tuition is $135/week. This deposit will 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 an additional charge; $15 for before-care and $15 for after-care per child.
Info: www.westgov.com/recreation/rec_camps.html or call 410-751-5501.
Y CAMP, THE Y IN CENTRAL MARYLAND
June 22-Aug. 28, 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.). There are 18 Y Camps located in Baltimore City and Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Harford, and Howard Counties. Carroll County Y Camps include Camp Hashawha Overnight Camp and Y Camp at the Hill Y in Westminster.
For more information on these two camps, call the Hill Y at 410-848-3660 or visit 1719 Sykesville Road. To register for any Y Camp, go to ymarylandcamp.org.
Traditional Day Camp
Entering grades K-6. Choose from a range of camp experiences that allow campers to explore new opportunities and natural environments.
Outdoor Adventure Day Camps
Entering grades 1-10. Campers will reconnect with nature through nature exploration and build confidence with activities like horseback riding, archery, ropes course, and more. Outdoor adventure camps are available at Camp Spencer in Harford County and Puh’tok in the Pines in Baltimore County.
Ultimate Overnight Camps
Entering grades 2-11. When children are away from home, they learn how to trust themselves more and learn they can achieve great things even when they’re away from home.
Specialty Camps
Entering grades 1-6. Specialty camps include science camps like Spy School and Solar System Science; art camps like Paint & Pottery and Art Mix; trade camps like Construction Zone and Fun-gineering; environmental camps like Farm to Table and Animals A to Zoo, and Sports of All Sorts camps.
Travel Camps
Entering grades 4-10. Explorers (grades 4-6) participate in traditional camp activities and travel off-site twice a week to local destinations like the movies, putt-putt, bowling, skating, and more. Adventurers (grades 7-9) travel three times a week to laser tag, water parks, museums, community service projects, and more. Grand Adventurers (grades 9-10) do all of the above plus visit a local park once a week for outdoor adventure activities.
Counselor In Training (CIT) Program
Entering grades 9-10. Our CIT program is designed to help teens develop the leadership, character and skills needed to work with youth. Participants must apply to the program and are selected through an interview process.
YOUNG LIFE
Teens are treated to resort-quality facilities as they escape from the pressures of everyday life to have fun with friends and their Young Life leaders, and hear the message of God’s love in terms they can understand. Young Life camping this summer promises to be filled with lasting memories and life-changing moments!
More info at carrollcounty.younglife.org/camp.
Young Life
(High schoolers) Lake Champion-Glen Spey, N.Y., July 11-17
Capernaum
(Teens and young adults with disabilities aged 14-22). Rockbridge-Goshen, Va., Aug. 6-10
