KCKidsFun

It’s Here! It’s Here!

Kansas City summer camps, Overland Park summer camps, Lee’s Summit summer camps, Northland summer camps, Johnson County summer camps – Yes! They’re all here! As happens every year, we’ve been getting antsy emails from Kansas City moms for the last few weeks. Everyone’s looking for summer camp information.

And, finally, our 2011 Summer Camp Directory is here!

As usual, we’ve broken them down into six categories for you:

• General Day and Overnight Camps
• Sports Camps
• Science and Nature Camps
• Art Camps
• Performing Arts Camps
• Special Needs Camps

(If you operate a Kansas City area day or overnight camp which is not listed here in our camp listings, please let us know! And if you’re interested in a Sponsored Listing, email us for information.)

If your child is anything like my oldest, you’re probably looking for a science camp for this summer! Here is the KC Kids Fun listing of 2011 Kansas City area science and nature camps.  Whether your kid is scientifically-inclined or just a nature-lover, there are some exceptional camps available around the metro for. Your first stop might be to check out the offerings of your local parks and rec department and then check out the super camps on our list (and on our General Day and Overnight Camps list).

Sponsored Listings:

If you operate a Kansas City area day or overnight camp which is not listed here or in one of other other camp listings, please let us know! And if you’re interested in a Sponsored Listing (with graphic and priority positioning), email us for information.

Regular Listings:

• Academy of Arts and Science (classes held in Shawnee, KS) offers Robotics camps.  Students receive hands-on training in building and programming robots in Robotics I.  There is also Advanced Robotics camp.
• Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center (Kansas City, MO) offers a Summer Outdoor Skills Camp for kids 10 to 14. Check this newsletter for enrollment information.
• Bear River Ranch Cub Creek Science Camp (Rolla, MO) has a residential summer camp for boys and girls, ages 7 to 16. The ultimate animal camp!
• Blue Valley Recreation (Overland Park, KS) – Classes are designed to spark imaginations and inspire a desire to learn about life sciences, earth and space. Many have make-and-take projects. Camps include Secret Agent Lab, Outdoor Explorers, NASA, Rockin’ Robots and Moving with Science.
• Camp Invention (several locations – KCK, Shawnee & Spring Hill, KS) is a hands-on science and creativity camp for grades 1 thru 6. Lots of different offerings. Really interesting and something to check out!
• Ernie Miller Park and Nature Center (Olathe, KS) hosts outdoor discovery camps for children ages 6-12. Hikes, environmental games and nature crafts are centered around a weekly theme. These camps fill up quickly!!
• iD Tech Summer Camps in Missouri Over 120,000 kids and teens worldwide have learned to create video games, websites with Flash, C++ and Java programs, iPhone and iPad apps, 3D models and animations, graphic designs, robots and digital movies with products experts use in their professions.  Ages 7-18 enroll in these fun and challenging, weeklong, day and residential summer camps, located at 60 universities in the U.S.  This includes Washington University, Harvard, MIT, Stanford and more. Check out Teen programs at select universities: iD Gaming Academy, iD Visual Arts Academy and iD Programming Academy.  Continuing Education Units also available.
• Johnson County Park and Recreation District offers 39 summer camp programs for ages 3-18.  Included are camps focusing on nature, dinosaurs, science, hiking and fishing!  Dates, locations and fees vary.
• Kansas Cosmosphere & Space Center Camps (Hutchinson, KS) has space camps for kids in grades 7 thru 10. This is an overnight camp and scholarships are available.
• Kansas City Zoo Summer Camps (Kansas City, MO) offers some really neat week-long science and animal-related day camps for all ages.
• Kansas Starbase (Kansas City, KS) is a really cool camp for kids who have finished 4th, 5th or 6th grades. 4 “Academies” are offered:  the Traditional one allows kids to discover and apply principles of aviation and rocketry.  The Robotics Academy uses special Lego robotics kits!  Kids can even build and launch rockets in Rocketry Academy, or peek into the future at Space Exploration Academy.
• KU Engineering Camps (Lawrence, KS) – KU offers a girls-only camp and a guys-only camp for high schoolers interested in engineering, hosted by the University of Kansas School of Engineering. The camp lets students explore the different engineering disciplines through classes led by KU faculty.  The camp costs $400-500 and covers housing, meals and laboratory materials.
• Lakeside Nature Center (Kansas City, MO) offers a Summer of Science camp for kids from 6 to 12. Each day ends in the Camp Lake of the Woods pool!
• Exchange City & EarthWorks (Kansas City, MO) – Our CuriosityCamps focus on fun mixed with academics! At Exchange City®, citizen campers, ages 10-14, become business entrepreneurs running a thriving city. At EarthWorks®, scientist campers, ages 8-12, become wildlife biologists exploring the fragile nature of wildlife including fish, reptiles, birds and mammals. Financial assistance available.
• LEARN Science and Math Club - Remember back in the day when the coolest thing about science class was dissecting a frog?  Things have changed!  At LEARN Science & Math Club, kids are so busy building, experimenting and getting their hands dirty, they never even notice that they’re absorbing all those physics, engineering and other science lessons.  Join us for some or all of the camps.  June 6 through June 30, 2011. The Icky, Sticky Human Body, An Engineering Extravaganza for Kids 6 to 8, An Engineering Extravaganza for Kids 9 to 11, Robo Camp for Kids 9 to 11
• Mad Science KC (various locations) is offering several camps this summer for kids from preschool thru grade 6. They’ll learn about things such as rockets, NASA, earth sciences and robots. And it’ll be super fun!
• Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary (Northland) has a fantastic summer program called EGADS (Earth Guardians Adventure Days). There are a variety of offerings including outdoor exploration, games, crafts and songs. There are camps for children from preschool through ninth grade. (Website not updated as of March 3, 2011.)

• Mr. & Mrs. F.L. Schlagle Library (Kansas City, KS) is an environmental learning center located at Wyandotte County Lake Park. This summer, the Schlagle Library will have a nature day camp for preschoolers, an outdoor discovery day camp for elementary age children, Destination Science camp for middleschoolers and a World of Flight camp also for middleschoolers. The older kids will have the option of spending one overnight at the camp during their session. Check these out – the prices are unbelievably good!
• Outdoor Education Laboratory (south Johnson County, KS) is open to campers from kindergarten thru 6th grade. Kids get down and dirty, spending the day outside in the forest, learning about nature and science in a very hands-on and very fun environment. This camp is EXTREMELY popular – sign up quick!
• Parkville Nature Sanctuary (Parkville, MO) offers three-day nature camps, exploring the trails, learning trail safety, discovering wild animal habitats, identifying trees and other nature-related activities. For ages 8 to 10. Spend three days in the woods!
• Powell Gardens (Kingsville, MO – east of Lee’s Summit) is once again offering its incredible Summer Explorations program this year. Camps are offered for kids ages 8 to 12. Two half-day camps are offered – sign up for one or sign up for both and stay all day!
• Science City (Kansas City, MO) offers summer camps for kids ages 6 to 12. Hands-on activities keep your kids interested in weekly themes related to biology, chemistry, engineering and space. They have great hours for working parents – definitely check this one out.
• UMKC – Kansas City Summer Transportation Institute (Kansas City, MO) is a unique camp for high schoolers focused on various aspects of the transportation industry including career exploration in the transportation sector, skill building, teamwork and college preparation. A great opportunity for your older ones!
• Wilderness Science Center Summer Environmental Workshop (south Overland Park, KS) is sponsored by the Blue Valley School District and is open to kids grades K thru 5. One week sessions, half-day programs.
• Wildwood Outdoor Education Center (LaCygne, KS) offers 5-day residential camps for ages 8 to 15. Programming includes traditional camp activities, outdoor education, adventures and fantastic self-esteeming building activities. One week is set aside for girls ages 10 to 15 with an emphasis on leadership skills and self-esteem.
• William Jewell College (Liberty, MO) hosts week-long residential camps for 7th and 8th grade boys and girls. Campers have the opportunity to engage in activities related to biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics and computer science. The camp curriculum also emphasizes leadership development and teambuilding. Evening activities are generally less formal. Scholarships are available! (Site not updated as of March 3, 2011.)
• Wonderscope (Shawnee, KS)  Wonderscope Children’s Museum of Kansas City offers unique camps for children ages 5-9.  Camps encourage learning through the power of play and include themes from space to animals to inventions and more!  913-287-8888. (As of March 3, 2011- current info not posted.)
• YMCA (20 locations in the metro) offers camps for 5-15 year olds and run June 1- August 7.  Bonus:  before and after-camp care is available, as is financial assistance.

LOTS of outstanding Kansas City-area theatre, dance, vocal music, instrumental music and other performing arts camps for 2011. In every part of town, there are great offerings for your child, no matter his or her age. Be sure to check your parks & recreation department as well as our listing here.

Sponsored Listings:

Christian Youth Theater (CYT) is the largest youth theater program in the nation and has camps throughout the metro KC area.  Offering half day, full day and overnight options, your child will develop singing, dancing and acting skills while making great friends!  A variety of camps are offered beginning at age 4.  High school students may also audition for the master camp which produces a full Broadway-style musical in one week!  Call 913.681.3318 or go to cytkc.org for more info.

And if you’re interested in a Sponsored Listing (with graphic and priority positioning), email us for information.

Regular Listings:

• Academy of Performing Arts – Summerstage (Grandview, MO) has two-week sessions of performing arts training for ages 6 to 13, culminating in a musical play and talent showcase on the Academy’s outdoor stage. This year’s production – The Princess and the Pea!
• Act One (Northland) will be offering two summer camps.  Showstopper Show Choir for teens and Suessical for kids. Both camps are located North of the River at 600 NE 46th Street, Kansas City, MO.
• Alcott Arts Center (Kansas City, KS)  is hosting a 2011 Summer Theatre Academy lead by an actor and teaching artist from New York City!  The Summer Theatre Academy has several sessions for ages 3-18, starting June 20-August 5, 2011.
• American Rhythm with the Ballet Conservatory of Independence and Pure Dance Studio (Independence, MO) offers a summer performance camp in basic dance, ballet, clogging, music dance theater, stage makeup and more. For ages 5 to 19.
• Ballet North (Northland) offers week-long dance camps for ages 4 and up. Morning or evening sessions are available. (No 2011 camp info still up on the Ballet North website as of March 3, 2011 – might need to give them a call!)
• Blue Valley Recreation (south Johnson County, KS) offers Camp Center Stage and Camp Center Stage Junior as well as music and rock band camps!
• Camellot Academy (Kansas City, MO) offers a camp program at Rockhurst High School for kids age 5 through grade 9. Campers participate in activities related to dance, art, drama, vocal music and performance skills. They rehearse and perform a complete play the final week of camp.
• Chestnut Fine Arts Center (Olathe, KS) is offering two one-week theatre workshops this summer. Topics covered include scripts, songs, dances, costume design, set building and performance. A 30 minute production caps off the week. This year – Schoolhouse Rock, Jr.
• Christian Youth Theater (multiple locations) offers several day and overnight camp options for kids from age 4 through high school. Each session is a week long. The kids work on fun productions all week long and then perform!
• Community School of the Arts offers a comprehensive and energizing week of dance!  The basics of ballet, modern, jazz, choreography and improvisation are taught.  $210, *$180 (week of 7/5)  Ages 7-12   No Experience necessary!  8am-4pm

  Dates: June 13-17, *July 5- 8,  July 18-22

• Coterie Theatre (multiple locations) has courses for grades k through 12 – try acting, playwriting or theatre exploration classes. Camps will be offered at Miller-Marley School of Dance in Overland Park, Pembroke Hill School, Notre Dame de Sion High School, Liberty Community Center and Longview Community College this summer.
• Creative Arts Academy (Gladstone, MO) offers weeklong, full day camps for kids from ages 4 to 14, each week in July. Camp activities include hip hop dance, gymnastics, trampoline, tumbling, arts/crafts, sports, drama and swimming. (As of March 3, 2011, no camp info has been updated on their site – check back for updated info.)
• Culture House (Olathe, KS) has a HUGE variety of summer courses available from dance and ballet to music and theater. Take a performance combat class, a musical theater class and more!
• Dramatic Truth School of Arts (south KCMO) introduces two new teen acting intensives, June 10-11 and July 8-9, as well as a Pre-K Princess Weekend July 29-30.  3-6 year old girls get a chance to be treated like royalty while taking drama, dance, and etiquette classes. The camp is two half days with a “Royal Ceremony” at the end. $50 per princess.  Teen intensives, $100/student.
• Dave’s Gymnastics Factory (Lee’s Summit, MO) offers a full day camp for ages 5 to 11, all summer long. Activities include not only gym time but also outdoor activities, arts and crafts and swimming.
• Eagles Gymnastics and Dance Centre (south Kansas City, MO) has half day camps with different themes each week. Each camp includes gymnastics and special activities related to the week’s theme. Boys and girls of all ages are welcome to check out Glee Song & Dance Camp, Domestic Diva Camp, Amazing Races Camp, even a science camp…to name a few!
• Emerald City Gymnastics (Overland Park, KS) offers four-day camps with gymnastics, games, playing in Bump City and a week-ending show for parents.
• Camp Shakespeare/Heart of America Shakespeare Festival (various locations) has a wide range of offerings for kids from 5 to 18. Camps range from one day to two weeks and many camps end with a camp performance of a Shakespearean play.
• Hoffman Models Fashionista Summer Camp (Overland Park, KS) has hosted a unique summer camp in the past – learn makeup, skin care, etiquette, hairstyling, acting, runway and more! As of March 4, 2011, no summer info on their website yet.
• Ibsen Dance Theatre (Northland) doesn’t have their summer schedule posted on the website yet. But they traditionally have a theatre camp in addition to dance classes during the summer. The theatre camps include classes in make-up, acting, mime, improv, dance and more. Check back on their website or just give them a call!
• Johnson County Community College Performing Arts Series (Overland Park, KS) offers visual and theatre arts classes for K-8 as well as several chamber music classes.
• Johnson County Park and Recreation District offers 39 summer camp programs for ages 3-18.  Included are camps focusing on theater, art, dance and music!  Dates, locations and fees vary.
• Kansas Academy of Theatrical Arts (KATA) (KCK) provides performing and fine arts classes to children (5-16yrs) during their SUMMER DAY WORKSHOPS. Daily workshops include team acting skills, craft projects, story time, outdoor play, and daily class presentations.  Students are divided into age appropriate class groups with instructors. SPACE IS LIMITED and pre-enrollment is required by calling Mrs.Judi Jones  913 961 2393 or www.katayouthacademy.com
• Kansas School of Classical Ballet (Overland Park, KS)  is a not for profit organization devoted to providing the finest training available to students interested in learning the art of ballet. Now enrolling for the Summer Intensive which will be held July

  18-August 5, 2011.

• Kansas City Ballet School (Prairie Village, KS) hosts summer programs for ages 3 and up, for every skill level.
• Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey AileyCamp (Kansas City, MO and Kansas City, KS) is a six week day camp for KCMO and KCK middle-schoolers which uses dance as a vehicle to build self-esteem, self-discipline and critical thinking skills. Camps are held in KCMO and in KCK, transportation may be available.  The camp is FREE but there is an application/selection process.
• KC Young Audiences (Kansas City, MO) gives kids ages 5 to 18 a chance to learn music, musical theater, Shakespeare, comedy, dance and show production. The younger kids can take half-day classes; older kids are eligible for full-day camps. Extended care is available. Classes held at the Community School of the Arts on the campus of St. Teresa’s Academy.
• Kindermusik Camps (Kearney, MO) – Available for children birth to age 7. Sessions in May-June and July-August. Music and Movement camps with and without parent involvement (varies with age). Check website for details.
• Legacy School of the Arts (Olathe, KS) offers regular and intensive summer dance classes as well as drama and musical theatre camps for all ages, from 3 to teen. No 2011 info posted to their website as of 3/4/2011.
• Lyric Opera (Kansas City, MO) hosts an amazing two week camp for kids ages 10 to 18. Campers will study opera and acting techniques. They will perform a family opera at the end of camp and will have the opportunity to be chosen to sing in an actual Lyric Opera production next season.
• Miller-Marley School of Dance and Voice (Overland Park, KS) will have a full summer of dance classes, Coterie Theatre classes and Theatre in the Park rehearsals!
• Music House School of Music (south Overland Park, KS) has some super non-traditional camp offerings – Rock Band, Rock Class, Guitar Riffology and Guitar Legends – for ages 10 to 17. Check out their new, larger facility!  My son takes piano lessons here and it is fantastic and fun!
• Music Theatre for Young People (Olathe, KS) hosts a summer day camp for ages 7 to 12, culminating in a performance.   Summer programs for high school age kids also available.
• Patricia Stevens Model Summer Camp (Kansas City, MO) offers week long camps teaching posing, runway, etiquette, acting, fashion, makeup and the modeling/fashion industries.
• School of Rock (Parkville, MO) offers Rock camps this June and July!
• Paul Mesner Puppets (Kansas City, MO) is  hosting Puppet Camp for ages 6 and up! Learn to make puppets and create puppet shows from the best! (As of March 3, 2011, the 2010 info was still up – but call the studio or check back for updates!)
• The Pulse PAC (south Kansas City, MO) offers some workshops and intensive dance classes this summer.
• ReAct (south Overland Park and south Kansas City, MO) – theatre camps from the founder and staff of Camp CenterStage
• St. Teresa’s Academy Summer Camps (Kansas City, MO) offer Dance and Art Workshop camps for girls in grades 4 thru 9.
• Stage Right Performing Arts (Overland Park, KS) offers 3 different musical theater camps, including final performances, for kids ages 6-18.  Students learn audition techniques, staging, voice, singing and dancing.  Mon through Fri, June 13-July 10, 2011.  Check out their website for all the details!
• Steppin’ Out (Lee’s Summit, MO) offers Dance, Acting and Cheerleading Camps this summer. No info yet on the website – but keep an eye out for summer info soon! Ages 4 to 12, changing themes each week!
• Theatre for Young America (Shawnee, KS) hosts drama classes and five-day workshops at Wonderscope Children’s Museum, at Union Station and at Avila during the summer.
• Theatre of the Imagination (various locations) offers theatre camps at several locations around the city. Check out their website for updates. All ages, several themes – acting, singing dancing!
• Trilogy Cultural Arts Centre (Olathe, KS) has 10 theater and visual arts summer camps available this year. Something for everyone – ages 3 to 18!
• University of Missouri – Kansas City Community Music and Dance Academy (Kansas City, MO) has several dance and musical instrument summer programs. Some are offered at UMKC and others are offered at Notre Dame de Sion lower school.
• YMCA (20 locations in the metro) offers camps for 5-11 year olds.  Drama camp is available in addition to crafts, sports and nature!  Bonus:  before and after-camp care is available, as is financial assistance.

Also be sure to take a look at the camps listed in our General Day and Overnight Camps list – many of them offer performing arts sessions as well!