Summer Camp Guide: Find Yourself

Nothing helps a kid meet new friends, learn new things, build confidence and make memories for a lifetime quite like summer camp. From traditional to not-so-traditional, camp experiences these days are many and varied. Whether your young camper is interested in music, soccer, theater, horseback riding or any number of other activities, you’ll likely find information on an appropriate program in OTMJ’s 2019 Camp Guide in this issue. So take a look at the opportunities open to your child this summer. But as you browse through our listings, please be aware that dates and other details are subject to change, and enrollment is often limited. We encourage you to use the contact information provided to verify the exact options available. And our best advice? Register early.

ACADEMICS/ENRICHMENT

ADVENTure Camp at Advent Episcopal School
Advent Episcopal School offers a variety of programs to engage, enrich and entertain students of all ages during summer break. Pre-K-3rd grade students experience an engaging day-camp format, and 4th-8th grade students are challenged by specialized enrichment programs throughout six great weeks. Half day, full day and extended day registration options are available.
Telephone: (205) 252-2535
Address: 2019 6th Ave. N., Birmingham
Email: [email protected]
Website: adventepiscopalschool.org/summer
Dates: June 10-July 26 (excluding the week of July 4)
Ages: Grades Pre-K through 8, rising

Alabama School of Fine Arts Summer Programs
S.T.E.A.M. through summer with a variety of camps at ASFA, including creative writing, dance, computer science, app development, math, music, theatre arts and visual arts.
Telephone: (205) 252-9241

Address: 1800 Reverend Abraham Woods Jr. Blvd., Birmingham
Website: asfaschool.org
Dates: June 3-21
Ages: Grades 5-8

Baylor School Summer Programs (Day or residential)

Overnight and day camp options available. Programs include sports and enrichment, as well as Walkabout Camp (see separate listing in Traditional Camps) and more. Camps take place on the beautiful 200-acre campus of Baylor School, situated on the banks of the Tennessee River.

Telephone: (423) 757-2616
Address: 171 Baylor School Rd., Chattanooga, TN
Website: baylorschool.org/summer

Joseph Bruno Montessori Academy

JBMA offers an array of summer programs that will enhance your child’s education in the arts, science, nature and sports. SCamps are led by Bruno Montessori teachers on JBMA’s beautiful wooded campus.

Telephone: (205) 995-8709
Address: 5509 Timber Hill Rd., Birmingham
Email: [email protected]
Website: jbma.edu

Summer at Altamont

Summer is the perfect time to try something new, dive deeper into a current interest, fine tune math and English skills or fulfill required courses in a more relaxed environment. Altamont offers a wide array of quality classes, taught by our Altamont faculty.

Telephone: (205) 879-2006
Address: The Altamont School, 4801 Altamont Rd., Birmingham
Email: [email protected]
Website: altamontschool.org/academics/summer-at-altamont
Ages: Grades 1-12, rising
Dates: May 28-July 12

Hilltop Montessori School Summer Institute for Advanced Studies

One-week summer sessions for various ages and abilities to learn and discover in the Montessori method. Hilltop is accredited and enjoys offering summer experiences to children interested in the Montessori philosophy.

Telephone: (205) 437-9343
Address: 6 Abbott Square, Mt Laurel
Email: [email protected]
Website: hilltopmontessori.com
Ages: 18 months – Grade 6
Dates: June and July

Highlands Summer School Camp

Arts, sports, science and more for elementary-8th grade. Traditional day camps. Morning and afternoon extended care.

Telephone: (205) 956-9731
Address: Highlands School, 4901 Old Leeds Rd., Birmingham
Email: [email protected]
Website: highlandsschool.org
Ages: Grades K-8 (some for 4K and CIT for 7th-11th Grade)
Dates: June 3-July 26

Summer @ Springs

Summer@Springs offers a wide range of academic enrichment courses, including ACT prep, driver’s education, cooking, black-and-white analog photography and more. Faculty are dedicated professionals. Courses are fun, adventurous and enriching.
Telephone: (205) 332-0579
Address: Indian Springs School, 190 Woodward Dr., Indian Springs 35214
Email: [email protected]
Website: summeratsprings.org
Ages: Grades 7-12

ART/CRAFTS

ArtPlay Discovering the Visual Arts

ArtPlay’s award-winning visual arts camp offers classes in drawing, painting, sculpture, crafts and more. Each day offers a new discovery, with an art show at the end of camp.

Telephone: (205) 975-4769
Address: 1006 19th St. S., Birmingham
Ages: 7-12
Dates: Camp I: June 24-28; Camp II: July 15-19

BIG Art Camp

Led by experienced teachers Jimmy and Nancy McGowan, campers explore various forms of artistic expression such as drawing, painting, sculpture, origami and multi-media collage.
Telephone: (205) 879-1758
Address: 1114 Oxmoor Rd., Homewood
Email: [email protected]
Ages: Grades 1-5, completed
Dates: Camp I: June 17-20; Camp II: July 8-11

Birmingham Museum of Art Summer Art Camp

Campers get access to the museum’s collection of original artworks from around the world. This summer’s camp, Ways of Seeing: Fashion, will serve as a springboard for ideas to contemplate, discuss, and create art while spending time in the exhibition with museum docents and work with certified teaching artists and prominent local artists.

Telephone: (205) 297-8151
Address: 2000 Rev. Abraham Woods Jr. Blvd., Birmingham
Email: [email protected]
Website: artsbma.org
Ages: Grades 1-12, rising
Dates: June 10-July 26

Samford Art Studio for Teens & Samford Bulldog Art Camp

A week full of inspiration and creative expressions in art. With the help of experienced art instructors, the students attending these camps will see, touch, hear and feel the vocabulary of art by incorporating color, line, shape, texture, space, value, form, balance and rhythm.

Telephone: (205) 726-2739
Address: Samford University Academy of the Arts, Homewood
Email: [email protected]
Website: samford.edu/academy-of-the-arts/summer-camps
Art Studio for Teens: Grade 6-8
Dates: June 3-7
Bulldog Art Camp: Grade 1-5
Dates: Session 1 – June 24-28; Session II – July 22-26

Space One Eleven Summer Art Camps

Second through 5th graders will paint, sculpt and draw to create projects that are influenced by artists from Alabama in “I’m an Alabama Artist, Too!” Sixth through 12th graders can choose from a host of specialized camps such as drawing, photography, portfolio development and more.

Telephone: (205) 328-0553, Ext. 24
Address: 2409 2nd Ave. N., Birmingham
Email: [email protected]
Website: Spaceoneeleven.org
Ages: Grades 2-12
Dates: June 3-July 19

The Art House

Meagan Vucovich Robichaux, owner and instructor, incorporates a modern twist to art history and classical techniques into her lessons while encouraging her students to have fun. Art lessons and art parties are available for ages toddler to adult. Check website for information on upcoming kids’ art camps.

Telephone: (334) 507-3972
Address: 3131 Bellwood Dr., Vestavia Hills
Email: [email protected]
Website: theARThousebhm.com

DANCE

Alabama Ballet

With its state-of-the-art studios and superb instructors, the Alabama Ballet seeks to promote and foster the development of classical and contemporary ballet through high-quality performances, dance education and community outreach.

Telephone: (205) 322-4300
Address: 2726 1st Ave. S., Birmingham
Email: [email protected]
Website: alabamaballet.org
Ages: Summer Intensive (ages 11-19, intermediate/advanced) Junior Camp (ages 8-12) Tutus & Tiaras (ages 4-7, two sessions)

The Dance Foundation

Camps for ages 4 and up include Once Upon a Fairytale, Adventures in Enchanted Lands, Once Upon a Ballet, Dance/Theatre Explorations and Dance Workshop. Classes for ages 1 and up include Parent/Toddler, Special Needs, Ballet and Contemporary for Adults.

Telephone: (205) 870-0073
Address: 1715 27th Court S., Homewood
Email: [email protected]
Website: thedancefoundation.org/class
Dates: June 3-August 3

Dawson Ballet School

This camp is suited for all skill levels, whether your dancer is a first-time ballerina or has experience. Snacks will be provided, and craft time gives those little feet time to rest. Enjoy a recital at the end of the week.

Telephone: (205) 879-1758
Address: 1114 Oxmoor Rd., Homewood
Email: [email protected]
Ages: 5 years to Grade 2
Dates: July 29-August 2

DRAMA

Acting Out! Academy

This premier acting academy focuses on contemporary on-camera acting and offers classes, audition coaching and taped audition for kids and adults. AOA’s programs are designed to build self-confidence in young people through the performing arts with affordable and accessible classes, camps and workshops.

Telephone: (818) 231-4065
Address: 2531 Rocky Ridge Rd., Suite 125, Vestavia
Email: [email protected]
Website: actingoutacademy.com
Dates: AOA’s Summer Film Acting Academy – June 17-21; Movie Camps – June 3-7 and July 22-26.

Art Play 2019 Musical Theater Ages 7-12

Campers will be introduced to many aspects of musical theater. They learn theater games, improvisation, warm-ups, dance, vocal exercises, voice and diction, terminology, acting and stage production, all while developing a character and rehearsing for a full staged musical production at the end of camp.

Telephone: (205) 975-4769
Address: 1006 19th St. S, Birmingham
Ages: 7-12
Dates: Lion King – June 3-14; 101 Dalmatians – June 17-18

Art Play 2019 Musical Theater Ages 10-18

This three-week master camp offers older campers an extra week for master classes, leading up to the two weeks when participants will prepare the show. Campers will have a week of intensive classes in improv, musical theater dance, voice, character development, acting and auditioning.

Telephone: (205) 975-4769
Address: 1006 19th St. S., Birmingham 35205
Ages: 10-18
Dates: Legally Blonde – July 8-26

Red Mountain Theatre Company

RMTC camps teach theatrical craft while providing performance opportunities for youth. Curriculum includes vocal, dance and drama training. Each camp culminates in a staged performance before a live audience.

Telephone: (205) 324-2424
Address: Sessions held at Berry Middle School and The Dance Foundation
Email: [email protected]
Website: redmountaintheatre.org/education/workshops
Ages & Opportunities: Playmaking (summer camps for ages 4-6); Broadway Bootcamp (audition-based summer camps for ages 7-12); Blast Camps (non-audition-based camps for ages 7-12); Theme Camps (non-audition-based camps for ages 7-12 based on a theme); Acting Intensive (ages 13-18); Peter Pan Jr. (audition-based camp for ages 7-12); Getting to Know Footloose (audition-based camp for ages 13-18).
Dates: June 3-July 26 (one- and two-week sessions)

Photo courtesy of Virginia Samford Theatre.

Virginia Samford Theatre Camp VST

This summer theatre intensive is designed to give children the opportunity to explore all aspects of working in live theatre with classes offered in acting, singing, dancing, stage makeup, improv, stage combat and more.

Telephone: (205) 251-1228
Address: 1116 26th St. S., Birmingham
Email: [email protected]
Website: virginiasamfordtheatre.org/vststars/camp-vst
Ages: 7-17
Dates: Session 1 – June 3-7; Session 2 – June 10-14; Session 3 – June 17-21

LANGUAGE/WRITING

Ada Long Creative Writing Workshop

Campers will learn to express themselves by writing and publishing stories, poetry and essays with the help of published authors and draw inspiration from exploring Birmingham’s rich culture and history.

Telephone: (205) 934-8573
Address: 1190 10th Ave. S., Birmingham
Email: [email protected]
Website: uab.edu/cas/english/ada-long-workshop
Ages: Grades 9-12 (rising)
Dates: June 3-21

Samford Writing Camp

Campers practice finding the perfect words, imagery and details. Boundless creativity lives in these small classes, which offer teacher feedback and sharing with peers.

Telephone: (205) 726-2739
Address: Samford University Academy of the Arts, Birmingham
Email: [email protected]
Website: samford.edu/academy-of-the-arts/summer-camps
Ages: 11-15
Dates: Session I – June 17-21

LEADERSHIP/SERVICE

YouthServe Urban Service Camp

Urban Service Camp is a transformative weeklong residential camp with an emphasis on community service. USC is designed to not only introduce campers to the benefits of serving others, but to demonstrate the importance and benefits of collective impact. Youth will come away from camp with experience building new relationships, strengthening community and an empowered self. Space is limited. Financial assistance available.

Telephone: (205) 521-6651
Address: Camp held at Avondale Samaritan Place (adjacent to Avondale UMC)
Email: [email protected]
Website: youthservebham.org
Ages: 13-18
Dates: Session I – June 10-14; Session II – June 24-29; Session III – July 8-12

MUSIC

Adventures in Music Camp at Samford

These one-week intensive music camps offer aspiring piano and voice students music training, including private instruction, music literature, ensemble, theory and performance opportunities. Piano students must have at least three months of private instruction.

Telephone: (205) 726-2739
Address: Samford University Academy of the Arts, Homewood
Email: [email protected]
Website: samford.edu/academy-of-the-arts/summer-camps
Ages: Grades 1-12
Dates: June 10-14 (piano only); July 8-12 (piano and voice)

Dawson Music Academy

Campers explore the instrument of their choice (guitar, piano, percussion, ukulele, violin or voice) in small group instrument sessions with 6-10 campers who possess similar musical skills. Campers also enjoy rec games, art electives and fun team building activities.

Telephone: (205) 879-1758
Address: 1114 Oxmoor Rd., Homewood
Email: [email protected]
Website: dawsonmusicacademy.org
Ages: Grades 4K-5, completed
Dates: July 15-19

Jazz Camp at Samford

This camp is open to students interested in working to learn and improve their jazz skills on their instrument or voice. The goal of Jazz Camp is to continue to teach this art form to the younger generation.

Mason Music

Mason Music’s 2019 summer camps include Princess and Pirate Preschool Music Camp for ages 3-5; Mason Music Camp for Beginners for ages 6-9; Rock Band Camp: 90s Edition for ages 10-18; and Overdrive Rock Band Camp for ages 13-18. Camps offered vary by location.

Address: 761 Shades Mountain Plaza, Hoover, (205) 582-2238; 2903 Cahaba Rd., Mountain Brook, (205) 874-9596; 3187 Cahaba Heights Rd., Vestavia Hills, (205) 908-7059; 5406 Hwy. 280 E, Suite B103, North Shelby, (205) 874-9800
Email: [email protected]
Website: masonmusicstudios.com/summer-camps
Ages: 3-18
Dates: June 4-August 2

Music and Art for Minis

This camp offers a fabulous learning experience for preschoolers. Activities include singing, movement, listening skills, art projects, instruments, games, music history, recreation and a daily snack time. Campers bring their own lunch. Space is limited to 40 campers.

UAB Summer Music Symphonic Band Camp

This weeklong band camp for instrumental students helps develop new skills and methods that participants can carry back to their school band programs and share with other band members. It introduces participants to new friends and professional musicians with whom they can build relationships through sharing music.

Telephone: (205) 934-7376
Address: Hulsey Center, 950 13th St. S., Birmingham
Website: uabbands.org
Ages: Grades 6-12, rising
Dates: June 2-8

SCIENCE/NATURE/TECHNOLOGY

Aldridge Botanical Gardens

Creative camps in, around and with nature. Specializing in American Girl Doll Camps and lots of science and art.

Telephone: (205) 682-8019
Address: 3530 Lorna Rd., Hoover
Email: [email protected]
Website: aldridgegardens.com
Ages: Grades 5K-5
Dates: June 3-28 in one-week camps

Birmingham Zoo Camp

This year’s camps have been revamped to include science, nature play, conservation and “zoo-learning.” These camps are educational and encourage active learning through games, crafts, age-appropriate explorations and special encounters with some of the zoo’s resident animals.

Telephone: (205) 397-3877
Address: 2630 Cahaba Rd., Birmingham
Email: [email protected]
Website: birminghamzoo.com/camps
Ages: Grades 4K-12
Dates: June 3-August 2

Birmingham Botanical Gardens

BBG’s programs actively promote your child’s natural sense of creativity and joy of discovery with fun learning experiences in the unmatched setting of the Gardens. This summer, BBG offers exciting opportunities to grow and discover through art, cooking, gardening, children’s literature and more, all while forming new friendships.

Telephone: (205) 414-3950
Address: 2612 Lane Park Rd., Birmingham
Email: [email protected]
Website: bbgardens.org/summercamps
Ages: Pre-K – Grade 9
Dates: June 3-August 2

Gross Out Camp

Kids explore the great outdoors in this award-winning science camp, a hands-on field biology experience. Dig for worms, hunt for crawdads, feel a snake slither through your hands, make slime and other gross science adventures. (Shhh! It’s science, but please don’t tell the kids.)

Telephone: (205) 540-6642
Address: Camps take place at Vulcan Park and Museum, Trussville Athletic Center, The Village at Cook Springs and Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve.
Email: [email protected]
Website: GrossOutCamp.org/Birmingham
Ages: Grades 1-4, rising
Dates: May 28-August 2 (weeklong sessions)

Materials Camp at UAB

Students interested in engineering and applied science can explore metals, plastics, ceramics and high-tech composites through hands-on activities, interaction with UAB engineering faculty and students, field trips and a design competition.

Telephone: (205) 934-8450
Address: 1150 10th Ave. S., (BEC 254), Birmingham
Email: [email protected]
Website: uab.edu/matcamp
Ages: Grades 10-12, rising
Dates: July 15-19

McWane Science Center

McWane Science Center Camps make learning an unforgettable adventure. Various themes and activities allow kids to experience something new each day. Flexible programming gives parents options ranging from an afternoon of exploration to full weeks of learning fun.

Telephone: (205) 714-8300
Address: 200 19th St. N., Birmingham
Website: mcwane.org

Summer Science Workshop

Campers will gain hands-on research experience this summer at the UAB Translational Research for Injury Prevention Laboratory while networking with UAB faculty, staff and students. Participants will learn how to conduct an independent study related to distracted driving.

Telephone: (205) 975-9440
Address: 916 19th St. S., Birmingham
Email: [email protected]
Website: triplaboratory.com
Ages: High school students
Dates: June 3-14

UAB School of Engineering

The school will host a variety of summer camp activities for students who are interested in STEM-related fields. Camps will begin registrations in March.

Telephone: (205) 934-8400
Email: [email protected]
Website: uab.edu/engineering/home/summercamps
Dates:
Introduction to Programming – June 3-7 (14 spots available), June 17-21 (14 spots available);
Programming Robotics – June 10-14 (14 spots available);
Engineering CAD and 3D Printing – June 17-21 (6 spots available);
Bio-Sensors and Applications – June 24-28 (12 spots available)

SPECIAL NEEDS CAMPS

The Exceptional Foundation

The Exceptional Foundation offers an eight-week summer camp for individuals with special needs. Activities include art, music, dance, sports, field trips, and more.

Telephone: (205) 870-0776
Address: 1616 Oxmoor Rd., Homewood
Email: [email protected]
Website: exceptionalfoundation.org/summer-camp
Ages: 5 and up
Dates: June 3-July 26

SPORTS CAMPS

Briarwood Jr. Ambassadors Soccer Camp

Great for new soccer players, includes introductions to soccer for any beginner and the space to improve the skills of the experienced player, all in a Christian environment.

Telephone: (205) 776-5114
Address: 2220 Briarwood Way, Birmingham
Email: [email protected]
Website: briarwoodsoccer.com
Ages: 4-10
Dates: June 17-21

Briarwood Elite Ambassadors Soccer Camp

A great camp for players to be challenged in a fun learning environment. It is a place to improve the skills of experienced players and deepen their understanding of the game, all in a Christian environment.

Telephone: (205) 776-5114
Address: 6255 Cahaba Valley Rd., Birmingham
Email: [email protected]
Website: briarwoodsoccer.com
Ages: 7-14
Dates: July 8-12

Dawson Basketball Camps I & II

Dawson’s Recreation Ministry invites children of all skill levels in Grades 1-5, completed, to kick off their summer with a half-day basketball camp. No experience required.Telephone: (205) 879-1758

Address: 1114 Oxmoor Rd., Homewood
Email: [email protected]
Website: dawsonchurch.org
Ages: Grades 1-5, completed
Dates: Camp I – May 28-31; Camp II – July 8-11

High Point Summer Rock Climbing Camps

Our enthusiastic instructors will teach climbing skills and equipment usage and facilitate warm-up and team building games to keep your young athlete engaged and moving. Beginner climbers are welcome. It’s our goal to help campers finish the week with a sense of self-confidence and accomplishment.

Telephone: (205) 981-9190
Address: 4766 Highway 280, Birmingham
Email: [email protected]
Website: highpointclimbing.com/birmingham
Ages: 5-14
Dates: Throughout June and July

Mike Getman Soccer Camp (Day & residential)

Great soccer training for all ages. Learn from the best in a motivational environment.

Telephone: (205) 870-0194
Email: [email protected]
Website: MikeGetmanSoccerCamp.com
Ages: 5-18

Photo courtesy of Samford University Baseball.

Samford University Casey Dunn Baseball Camps (Day & residential)

These age-appropriate baseball camps maximize the camp experience so campers enjoy the game and become better players. Sessions led by the Samford baseball staff, current and former Samford players, as well as other college players, college coaches and high school coaches.
Address: Samford University, 800 Lakeshore Dr., Homewood

Website: subaseballcamps.com
Ages: Grades K-12
Dates:
Youth Camps – June 10-13, June 24-27, July 8-11 and July 22-25;
Middle School Advanced Camp – June 19-20;
High School Elite Camp – July 16-17

Samford University Volleyball Camps (Day & residential)

Samford coaches, staff and players, will help campers train, compete and improve in individual skill development, offensive and defensive systems and knowledge of the game. Campers will get an edge on the competition and have fun with the Samford Volleyball team.

Address: Samford University, 800 Lakeshore Dr., Homewood
Website: subulldogvolleyballcamps.com
Ages: Grades K-12
Dates: July 8-24

Vestavia Hills Soccer Club

The VHSC will offers soccer camp opportunities all year. This summer, the club will offer camps for all levels of players.

Telephone: (205) 978-0182
Address: 1973 Merryvale Rd., Vestavia Hills
Email: [email protected]
Website: vestaviasoccer.com/camps
Dates & Ages:
Pre-Tryout Camp – May 7-9 (U9-U14, competitive players)
Player Showcase – May 7-9 (U15-U19, competitive players)
Got Skills Camps – July 8-11; July 15-18; July 22-25; July 29-August 1 (U9-U14)
Goal-Keeper/Striker Camp – July 26-28 (U9-19, competitive players)

TRADITIONAL CAMPS

Camp Briarwood Overnight

This Briarwood Christian School camp is held in Wetumpka at YMCA Camp Chandler. Each session offers activities including canoeing, sailing, skiing, riflery, archery, arts and crafts, horseback riding and a high ropes course.

Telephone: (205) 776-5237
Address: Briarwood Presbyterian Church, 2200 Briarwood Way, Birmingham
Email: [email protected]
Website: questrecreation.org
Dates & Ages:
Session A – July 8-13 (grades 5-7, rising)
Session B – July 10-13 (grades 3-4, rising)
Session C – July 15-20 (grades 4-6, rising)
Session D – July 22-27 (grades 7-10, rising)

YMCA Camp Cosby (Residential)

Independence, joy, excitement and life-long friendships are what you’ll find at YMCA Camp Cosby. This is a week-long sleepaway camp experience for boys and girls ages 6 to 16, providing safe adventures on 135 acres nestled in foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in east Alabama. With our great 1 to 7 staff to camper ratio, activity variety, beautiful landscape and amazing views on the shores of Logan Martin Lake, Camp Cosby is the perfect camp atmosphere to up to 2,000 campers each summer.

Telephone: (256) 268-2007
Address: 2290 Paul Bear Bryant Rd., Alpine
Email: [email protected]
Website: campcosby.org
Ages: 6-16
Dates: June 2-July 27

Camp Fletcher (Day or residential)

This camp offers traditional day, resident and specialty camps in a beautiful, rustic, woodland setting and a safe and structured environment; with programs led by trained, carefully chosen staff, fun-filled activities for all ages and interests, small groups and high staff rations and affordable sessions.

Telephone: (205) 584-6033
Address: 5150 Fletcher Rd., Bessemer
Email: [email protected]
Website: campfire-al.org
Ages: Grades 1-12, children and youth
Dates: May 28-August 2

Camp Mac (Residential)

Camp Mac gives kids a place to “learn stuff, do things and have fun.” It also gives kids a unique place to explore their strengths, find their courage and reach out beyond their comfort zone in an environment that is wholesome, supportive and surrounded by natures’ beauty. Programs are fun, challenging and offer an unforgettable camp experience.

Telephone: (256) 362-7449
Address: 2671 Cheaha Rd., Munford 36268
Email: [email protected]
Website: campmac.com
Ages: Grades 1-8, completed
Dates: June 4-August 3

Camp Merri-Mac (Residential)

Camp Merri-Mac is a girls’ Christian summer camp located high in the mountains of Western North Carolina, providing a summer of growth through friends and adventure.

Telephone: (828) 669-8766
Address: 1123 Montreat Rd., Black Mountain, NC 28711
Email: [email protected]
Website: merri-mac.com
Ages: 6-16
Dates: June 4-August 8

Camp Nakanawa (Residential)

This private summer camp for girls is located on the Cumberland Plateau in Crossville, Tennessee. It offers a wide variety of activities designed to develop skills, make lasting friendships and gain confidence.

Telephone: (931) 277-3711
Address: 1084 Camp Nakanawa Rd., Crossville, TN
Email: [email protected]
Website: campnakanawa.com
Ages: 8-16, girls
Dates: June 16-July 28 (two- and four-week sessions)

Camp Timberlake (Residential)

A boys’ Christian summer camp located in the mountains of Western North Carolina provides for a summer of growth through friends and adventure.

Telephone: (828) 669-8766
Address: 1123 Montreat Rd., Black Mountain, NC 28711
Email: [email protected]
Website: camptimberlake.com
Ages: 6-16
Dates: June 4-August 10

Camp Winnataska (Residential)

In 2018, Camp Winnataska celebrated its 100th anniversary of inspiring campers to become like “knights in the days of old.” At the threshold of its second century, Winnataska, “Christian camping at its best,” beckons a new generation of campers to come take part in unique traditions, grow in their faith, cultivate friendships and experience new high-adventure programming.

Telephone: (205) 640-6741
Address: 336 Winnataska Dr., Pell City
Email: [email protected]
Website: winnataska.org
Ages: 6-15, finished grades K-9
Dates: June 5-July 27 (8 sessions)

Camp Woodmont (Residential)

Camp Woodmont is an ACA-accredited camp that offers archery, climbing, horseback riding, crafts, game and more. Deep-seeded traditions and family atmosphere gives campers a sense of acceptance and belonging. One- and two-week sessions are available for boys and girls. Open House Sunday, May 19, 2-5 p.m.

Telephone: (423) 472-6070
Address: 381 Moonlight Dr., Cloudland, GA
Email: [email protected]
Website: campwoodmont.com
Ages: 6-14 (Boys and girls)
Dates: May 26 – July 26

Camp Sumatanga (Residential)

Campers enjoy age-level activities that include swimming, hiking, creek studies, canoeing and archery. They can participate in spiritual formation through creative worship, intentional fellowship and small group discussion. Sumatanga offers day, 5-night elementary, mid-high and senior-high camp experiences.

Telephone: (205) 305-8433 – Laura Sisson
Address: 3616 Sumatanga Rd., Gallant
Email: [email protected]
Website: sumatanga.org
Ages: Rising 1st graders through 2019 high school graduates
Dates: June 9-July 19

The Walkabout Experience (Residential)

The Walkabout Experience is the most fun way to spend your summer outdoors. Learn to roll a kayak, climb a rock wall, backpack, explore a cave and more.

Telephone: (423) 757-2515
Address: 171 Baylor School Rd., Chattanooga, TN
Email: [email protected]
Website: baylorschool.org/summer/overnight-camps/camp-walkabout
Ages: Ages 8-16
Dates: Sessions in June and July

VARIETY/SPECIALTY CAMPS

Camp Briarwood Day Camps (Day)

Campers travel from Briarwood Presbyterian Church to YMCA Camp Hargis every day for hiking, swimming, arts and crafts, canoeing and archery. Bible stories and songs help children grow in their relationships with each other and God. Lunch and snacks are provided each day.

Telephone: 205-776-5237
Address: Briarwood Presbyterian Church, 2200 Briarwood Way, Birmingham, 35243
Email: [email protected]
Website: questrecreation.org
Ages: Entering grade 1-3
Dates: Session 1 – June 17-21; Session 2 – June 24-28

Camp Dawson (Day)

Day camps are held at the beautiful wooded Camp Dawson near Calera, just the place for a summer adventure. Each morning, campers will meet at the Family Recreation Center on Dawson’s campus and travel by bus to camp. A variety of activities with something sure to satisfy every camper, including archery, swimming, BB guns, recreation, crafts, high ropes course and rock wall climbing.

Telephone: (205) 879-1758
Email: [email protected]
Website: dawsonchurch.org
Ages: Grades 1-5, completed
Dates: Camp I – June 10-14; Camp II – June 24-28

Kidcam Camp @ Oak Mountain

With over 45 years running summer camps, Kidcam knows how to make summers rock. Oak Mountain campers enjoy boating, archery, golfing, petting farm, interactive wildlife, playgrounds, sports courts, and swimming, plus three elective periods each day. Parents can choose only the weeks they need and save 10 percent on tuition when purchasing three or more weeks. Pay in advance or weekly throughout the summer.

Telephone: (877) 454-3226
Address: 200 Terrace Dr., Pelham
Email: [email protected]
Website: kidcamcamps.com
Ages: Kindergarten to age 13
Dates: May 28-August 2

Photo courtesy of the Levite Jewish Community Center.

Levite Jewish Community Center’s Camp LJCC

Ten weekly day camps, along with specialty and sports camps, filled with opportunities for children to play, explore and experience all that camp has to offer. Program includes indoor and outdoor activities, singing, dancing, sports, swimming, fields trips and much more.

Telephone: (205) 879-0411
Address: 3960 Montclair Rd., Birmingham
Email: [email protected]
Website: bhamjcc.org
Ages: Grades K-8, rising
Dates: Begins May 28, runs weekly through August 9

Samford Summer Cooking Camp for Teens

Samford University’s Department of Nutrition and Dietetics along with registered dietitian-nutritionists, Sonthe Burge and Jessica Ivey, are excited to offer a week of cooking classes designed specifically for teens. Participants will learn how to build delicious and nutritious plates for meals and snacks with the goal of developing a positive relationship with food and cooking. Space is limited.

Telephone: (205) 726-4672
Address: 800 Lakeshore Dr., Homewood
Email: [email protected]
Website: samford.edu/go/WellnessKitchen
Ages: 11-16
Dates: June 10-14, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

YMCA Summer Day Camp

At the Y’s Summer Day Camp is a home away from home where kids laugh, learn, explore and grow in the outdoors, while creating memories and friendships that last a lifetime. Kids discover the wonders of exploring their unique traits, talents and interests and the power of sharing their strengths and skills to benefit the group. That’s why more than 1,900 kids in the Birmingham area attend the Y’s summer day camps: to belong, achieve and build relationships.

Telephone: (205) 801-YMCA
Alabaster YMCA – (205) 663-7240
YMCA Hargis Retreat – (205) 678-6512
Northeast Youth Center YMCA – (205) 833-7616
Pelham Family YMCA – (205) 664-9622
Shades Valley Family YMCA – (205) 870-9622
Trussville Family YMCA – (205) 655-2224
YMCA Youth Center – (205) 324-1643
Address: 2101 4th Ave. N., Birmingham
Website: BhamYcamp.org
Ages: 5-18

UAB Rec Camp (Day)

Campers participate in a variety of themed weeks of activities including swimming, indoor climbing, fitness classes, sports and games. They will also take on-campus field trips and be visited by UAB student-athletes, our mascot Blaze and others.

Telephone: (205) 996-5038
Address: 1501 University Blvd., Birmingham
Email: [email protected]
Website: uab.edu/students/universityrecreation/programs/youth-programming/summer-camps
Ages: 5-12
Dates:
Week 1: May 28-31 – Blazer Week
Week 2: June 3-7 – Campers Have S’more Fun
Week 3: June 10-14 – Wildlife Adventure
Week 4: June 17-21 – Kids Got Talent Week
Week 5: June 24-28 – Under the Sea Week
Week 6: July 1-3 – Around the World Week
Week 7: July 8-12 – Science Week
Week 8: July 15-19 – Tropical Paradise
Week 9: July 22-26 – Summer Olympics
Week 10: July 29-Aug. 2 – Superhero Week
Week 11: Aug. 5-9 – Fitness Fun Week

—June Mathews