KCKidsFun

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 2012 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) has offered a Summer Outdoor Skills Camp for kids 10 to 14 in the past. Keeping checking their website or give them a call for more 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!!
• 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 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. (A middle school engineering camp will be held at Olathe Northwest HS.)
• 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 – camps include Food Factor Robo Camp – May 29th – June 1st; Food Factor Robo Camp Advanced – June 4th – 8th; Body Forward Robo Camp – June 18th – 22nd and City Imagineerium – June 25th – 29th.
• 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 1, 2012.)
• 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!
• Powell Gardens (Kingsville, MO – east of Lee’s Summit) offers an incredible Summer Explorations program. Camps are offered for kids ages 8 to 12. (Website not updated for summer 2012 as of 3/1/2012)
• 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. No info on website as of 3/1/12 – might need to give them a call.
• 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.
• Wonderscope (Shawnee, KS)  Wonderscope Children’s Museum of Kansas City previously offered terrific camps but the camps were not funded in 2011. No word yet on 2012, as of 3/1/12.
• 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.

Special needs kids and families need special places to have fun summer experiences. Sometimes, the right environment can be hard to find. We’ve pulled together a list of camps that fit a range of special needs. Hopefully one will fit what your family is looking for! And please let us know if you become aware of others we could add to this list.

Sponsored Listings:

“Camp Kidz Rock!” sponsored by Successful Sounds (Overland Park, KS) –a spectrum of friends…a spectrum of fun!  This camp is a blast!!  For vocal autism spectrum kids ages 4-10, sponsored by Successful Sounds “A Neurologic Music Therapy Based Approach to Teaching the Autistic Child”. Camp mission is to provide a variety of social & leisure group opportunities in relationship to behavioral & social-emotional development. Designed and lead by certified Neurologic Music Therapists and supported by trained camp counselors, aids, youth counselors and typical peers, each of the four sessions are uniquely themed, highlighting social areas of interest, including swimming lessons!  All themed sessions also include singing, dancing, instrument playing, outdoor activities and exploration, exercise, games, crafts, field trips, camp snack, themed session photo memory book and much, much more!  Space is limited so don’t delay!  Details are available online or call 913-383-8465.

• Autism Concepts Inc. (Lenexa, KS) In the past, Autism Concepts has put together (2) 2-week day camps for kids on the autism spectrum who are vocal kindergarten through middle school students with emerging social and play skills. No 2012 camp details are up as of 2/27/2012.
• Autism Works (Liberty, MO) Offering YEAR-ROUND support for families! Social Clubs are for children ages 5 and up and meet twice a month focusing on creating a fun environment to learn social skills. Kids Club is for children on the autism spectrum ages 5-8. Tween Club is for children on the autism spectrum ages 9-12, and Teen Club is for teens on the spectrum ages 13-18. *Yoga Classes available children on the spectrum ages 5 and up and also for mothers who care for them. *Parent Support group is for parents/caregivers of children on the spectrum. *They also offer workshops and plenty of resources.
• Blue Valley Recreation (Overland Park, KS) – Blue Valley Rec offers many adapted and integrated leisure activities designed for individuals with disabilities. Includes swim lessons, bowling, dancing, cooking, open swim, open gym, a walking club, T-ball, softball, golf and bocce ball. Single day events include miniature golf, gardening, karaoke and much more!
• Boy Scouts Rotary Scout Camp (Lee’s Summit, MO) offers long-term camping experience to Boy Scouts with special needs.
• Brain Balance of Overland Park (OP, KS) – Get a Jumpstart for the Next School Year. The Brain Balance Program can improve your child’s social, academic and behavioral abilities. To find out how – Call (913) 627-9400.
• Camp Barnabas (Purdy, MO – southwest Missouri) is a residential camp which focuses on people with all types of disabilities. Campers can be anywhere from 7 to 35, depending on their disability. Each session is directed to specific needs: developmental disabled, physically disabled, autistic/Asperger’s, blind/visually impaired, deaf/hearing impaired, amputees, chronic illnesses and others. Siblings are also welcome and have their own programming.
• Camp Carousel (held at the Heartland Presbyterian Center, Parkville, MO) is a two day camp for families who are grieving the loss of a loved one. This retreat is hosted by Kansas City Hospice and offers relaxation and activities for family members of all ages. This year the retreat will be September 21-23rd instead of summer.
• Camp ChiMer (National Kidney Foundation of Kansas and Western Mo. and Children’s Mercy Hospital) is located east of Excelsior Springs, MO. It offers overnight outdoor experiences for children 8-18 who undergo dialysis or who have had a kidney transplant. There is on-site medical care and no fee for those whose applications are accepted.
• Camp Encourage (held at Tall Oaks Conference Center in Linwood, KS) is tailored to children with autism, Asperger and related pervasive developmental disorders. Peer models (children without an autism spectrum disorder) will also participate in the camp.
• Camp Erin (held at the Heartland Presbyterian Center, Parkville, MO) is a two day overnight camp for kids ages 6 to 17 who are grieving the death of someone close to them. Staffed by certified grief counselors and hosted by Kansas City Hospice, this camp is free and early application is recommended.
• Camp Hickory Hill (Columbia, MO) is a summer camp for children with diabetes. They offer a supportive medically supervised environment where children with type 1 diabetes, ages 8-17 have an opportunity to discover kindred spirits, build self-confidence, learn about managing their diabetes more independently and have a whole lot of fun.
• Camp Hope (Claflin, KS – about 60 miles from Kansas City) is open for children from 7-18 who are in cancer treatment or in remission from cancer. The camp  runs the third week of June and is staffed by pediatric oncologists and nurses. This is an overnight camp with all of the traditional camp activities. A day camp is offered for kids ages 4-6.
• Camp MITIOG (Excelsior Springs, MO) is a camp for young people with spina bifida. All of the traditional camping activities are offered, with a one to one camper/counselor ratio and medical staff on-site. 2012 Camp details are not posted as of 2/27/2012.
• Camp Planet D – Kansas City (Kansas City, MO) is an overnight camp for kids with diabetes, ages 7 to 14. Newly diagnosed and first time attendees receive priority admission.
• Camp Quality is an overnight camp for children with cancer, ages 3-17. This year’s camp is the week of July 29, 2012. Every child has an assigned adult “companion” and an on-site oncology specialist is available for every camper.
• Camp Wilderness (Lawson, MO) accepts children with hemophilia and other bleeding disorders. Ages 7 to 17 welcome. This year’s camp is the week of August 6, 2012.
• Cheley / Children’s Hospital Burn Camp (Estes Park, CO) hosts children ages 8 to 18 who have been hospitalized in burn units across the country for a very traditional camp experience with specially trained staff. Camp this year runs August 13-20, 2012, but the registration site isn’t yet active.
• Children’s Therapy Group (Overland Park, KS) is a multi-disciplinary clinic specializing in sensory integration therapy. In the past, they offered fine motor enhancement classes for preschoolers and kindergartners, a handwriting class for ages 6-8, cursive writing for kids 7-10, Fun with Language for kids 3-9 who have problems with social, pragmatic and expressive language, sensory motor group for preschoolers, creative arts for kids 6-9 and water fun for kids with behavioral, learning and motor coordination problems. No 2012 details up yet, but check the website or call.
• CLO’s Midnight Farm Day Camp (Baldwin City, KS) Midnight Farm will hold two day camps for children with Autism. Activities include crafts, singing, animal interactions and more. Horseback riding will be available for an additional fee.  For registration information please contact campdirector@clokan.org or call Diane Bannerman Juracek at 785-218-9329. No 2012 information posted as of 2/27/2012.
• Concerned Care, Inc. (North Kansas City, MO) hosts recreational sports, youth day camp and vocational day camp for young people with developmental disabilities. Campers must be Clay County residents (due to funding issues). No information for 2012 is posted yet, but check the website or call.
• Girl Scouts Juliette Low Camp (Jackson County, MO) is held at Rotary Youth Camp at Lake Jacomo for girls with physical disabilities, ages 8-18. Campers are encouraged to invite friends without disabilities to share the camp experience with them. This is an overnight camp, lasting 6 nights.
• Horizon Academy (Roeland Park, KS) sponsors summer classes for kids with average or above average intelligence who are struggling with basic skills due to learning disabilities. This summer, they offer a full summer school program, a reading clinic, a math clinic, cooking, creative dramatics and PAWS Jr. dog training.
• Horsin’ Around at Midnight Farm Horsin’ Around is a horsemanship day camp for children ages 6-16 with or without special needs. Campers will learn riding skills, general horse knowledge and ground skills to help them become well-rounded riders. Camp will also include horse-themed crafts, games, pony parade and a horse show on the last day.  For 2012 registration information email dionnenewton@clokan.org or call 785-979-1889.
• Johnson County Park and Recreation District offers 39 summer camp programs for ages 3-18.  They have programming available for special populations, as well (SEE “NEW HORIZONS CAMP” BELOW).  Dates, locations and fees vary.
• Joint Adventures (Missouri) is a five-night overnight camp for children with rheumatic diseases.  For more information, contact the Department of Rheumatology at Children’s Mercy Hospital.
• Joshua Center Summer Camp (Kansas City, MO) is sponsoring a summer overnight camp at Lake Jacomo (Rotary Youth Club Camp) for 5 days/4 nights in June. The camp is for 3rd to 8th graders with Tourette Syndrome, Asperger Syndrome and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.
• Midwest Brachial Plexus Network, Inc. and Rotary Youth Organization (Lee’s Summit, MO) offer a three day overnight camp for children with brachial plexus birth injuries.
• Missouri Children’s Burn Camp (Lake of the Ozarks, MO) is held at Camp Sabra, a residential camp. This is a program for children ages 6 to 17 with burn injuries and offers traditional camp activities. There is no charge for the camp.
• Muscular Dystrophy Camp is a one-week residential camp for anyone ages 6 to 21 with a neuromuscular disease. Contact the local MDA office for details – 913-859-0632
• New Horizons Camp is sponsored by the Johnson County Parks and Recreation Department. This camp is for children (ages 6-18) with learning, developmental and mental disabilities. This is a nine week day camp but is not a clinical setting, so they are unable to accept kids with special medical needs or behavioral issues which may require restraint.

• Sertoma Fantasy Sports Camp (Overland Park, KS) sponsored a three day camp for children with speech and hearing disorders last summer. Baseball and lacrosse instruction were provided. Interpreters were on-site to help with instruction. Keep an eye on their website for 2011 camp details!
• Sertoma-Schiefelbusch Communication Camp (Lawrence, KS) is a collaborative effort between the Lawrence Sertoma Club and the Shiefelbusch Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic at KU. The camp is open to children ages 4 to 10 with and without communication challenges. 2012 camp session will be June 18-29, registration information will be posted after March 1, 2012.
• Sky’s The Limit Studios (Lawrence, KCK and Overland Park, KS) – STL offers specialized art therapy groups for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and other special needs.  Check the website for details or call.
• Spofford Scamps Summer Day Camp (south Kansas City, MO) holds day camps at their campus near Oakwood Country Club. An unbelievably good resource for Kansas City, Spofford works with children with behavioral issues related to abuse, neglect and mental health disorders. Day camp is offered for children, ages 6-13. Camp goals are related to social skills development, peer interaction, self-confidence and conflict resolution. (2011 info still posted on their site as of 2/27/2012)
• Camp Kidz Rock sponsored by Successful Sounds (Overland Park, KS) – for vocal children ages 4-10 with immature or delayed social and play skills, Asperger’s, High-Functioning Autism, Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Sensory Integration Dysfunction and related play/social delays.
• Sugar Creek Equinapy (Pleasant Hill, MO) offers summer therapeutic riding programs for special needs children. 2012 summer camp information isn’t yet posted, but they appear to have recovered from a devastating fire last year and are moving forward.
• Superkids Summer Asthma Camp (Asthma & Allergy Foundation of Greater Kansas City.) For asthmatic children who have completed grades 2-6.  July 9-13, 2012 for grades 1-3, and July 23-27 for grades 4-6. Children will learn about asthma management through crafts, games and outdoor activities, including swimming. Medical professionals are always on hand. An inspiring and empowering week for children (and lots of FUN!)
• Wonderland Camp (Lake of the Ozarks) is a residential camp for children with developmental and physical challenges. All of the traditional camp activities are offered. There are also special weeks for children with Prader Willi Syndrome and brain injuries. Plus a wheelchair accessible treehouse!
• YMCA (20 locations in the metro) offers camps for 5-11 year olds and run June 1- August 7.  Bonus:  before and after-camp care is available, as is financial assistance.

Please feel free to let us know about any other great camp out there for Kansas City kids with special needs!

There’s no shortage of art and creativity in the great Kansas City area. We have the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art, the Crossroads District galleries, the Kansas City Art Institute and Hallmark.  So if your little ones prefer summer camp fun that involves using their creativity, we’ve found plenty to choose from. Here’s a roundup of the great Art Camps in Kansas City this summer!
Get started by checking out your local parks and recreation catalog and then check these out!

(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, email us for information.)

Sponsored Listings:

Little Masters…big art (Olathe, KS) is an art program and offers summer camps for children ages 3 and up.   Camps are for 3-5 year olds and 6+.  Your children will learn the basic elements of art, art appreciation, a little art history all through applied instruction but most importantly they will have a ton of fun!

Regular Listings:

• ARTichokes (Leawood, KS) is a great locally-owned art gallery that hosts ARTmania camps in the summer for kids ages 5-12. 2012 summer camp will not be posted until the first of April, so check the website or call for information.
• Artrageous Creative Studios (Prairie Village, KS) offers art camps for all ages. The theme changes each week – the kids will learn a little art history, explore other cultures through art and, of course, CREATE! Morning and afternoon classes. Summer 2012 schedule is HERE!
• Blue Valley Recreation (Overland Park, KS) Art Camps include making jewelry, stick fairies, collages, mobiles, journals/sketchbooks and woven pieces. Kids will paint, draw, sculpt, use model magic, and much more.
• CartoonWorks (Kansas City, MO) offers one-week camps for ages 8 through High School from June to July. Ron Wheeler’s Cartoon Camp teaches the basics of cartooning, sculpting with clay and creating a comic strip. Audrey’s Art Camp includes working with clay, etching and crafting paper.
• Community School of the Arts/KCYA Kansas City Young Audiences (Kansas City, MO) has many dance and theater options for 5-15 year olds – but look closely and you’ll find a few very interesting visual arts offerings too! Classes are held at St. Teresa’s Academy between Brookside and the Plaza.
• HodgePodge Workshop (KCMO) – an art venue, gallery and boutique offering arts and craft workshops for adults and children. HodgePodge offers workshops in Batik, candle-making, soap-making, mosaics, ceramics, pottery painting and more. HodgePodge is also a great place to host your next birthday party, baby shower, or ladies night out!
• Johnson County Park and Recreation District offers 30+ summer camp programs for ages 3-18.  Included are camps themed around arts and crafts, history, pirates, art and music.  Dates, locations and fees vary.
• Kansas City Art Institute (Kansas City, MO and Riverside, MO)If your child loves to draw or paint, take photos or make digital art, the Kansas City Art Institute’s School for Continuing and Professional Studies offers drawing, painting, animation, fashion, photography…and more!  Youth and high school students ages 6-18 can explore art and design at one of the nation’s top schools of art and design located right in their own backyard.
• Lutheran High School of Kansas City (south KCMO) offers an art camp for grades 3-6, held in June 2012.  Call 816-241-5478 for more info.
• Mattie Rhodes Art Center (Kansas City, MO) has awesome art exploration classes and programs for your little ones, ages 5 to 12 this summer! Experience five different mediums – ceramics, textiles, cultural art, mixed media and painting/printmaking. Summer schedules aren’t out yet, but check the website soon for updates.
• The Culture House (Olathe, KS) has four “schools”:  Theater, Dance, Music and Fine Art– each with summer camps!
• The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art (Kansas City, MO) has a mix of hands-on and art appreciation classes for ages 3-18.  These programs sell out FAST!
• Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art (Overland Park, KS)  These are technically classes, but they look fantastic!  For children ages 5-11.  See website for specifics.
• Paint Glaze and Fire (Overland Park, KS) does ceramics camps (Ceramics Cafe) in south Overland Park.
• Red Star Studios Summer Art Camp (KCMO) offers six one-week summer sessions for children ages 7-12.  Different themes and mediums will be explored each session, which run June through August 2012. 9-3:30 daily, $200/session. 816-474-7316.
• Wolf Creek Art Studio (south Overland Park, KS)offers half-day, week-long Art Camps for children ages 6-14.  A different form of art will be explored each day.
• YMCA (20 locations in the metro) offers camps for 5-11 year olds and run June 1- August 7.  Arts and Crafts-themed camp is available in addition to drama, sports and nature!  Bonus:  before and after-camp care is available, as is financial assistance.

We’ll add to this list as we discover new camps and classes for summer 2012! In the meantime, take a look at the ones listed here, the ones offered by your parks and rec department and even the ones put on inside your favorite chain craft store (like Michael’s or JoAnn – they’ve always got a full calendar of classes).