Favorite Out-of-the-Ordinary Camps
Just because school is out for summer doesn’t mean your child shouldn’t continue to explore their passions. These exceptional camps offer unique opportunities and extraordinary summer fun.
Summer Home on the Range
Head into the backcountry of the beautiful and wild areas around Jackson Hole and Yellowstone at the Teton Valley Ranch Camp. Campers explore what it’s like to be a cowboy or cowgirl for 30 days. The camp provides challenging and fun western and backcountry experiences to kids ages 11-16.
A Screaming Good Time
Teens who love coasters can get their daredevil thrills with ThrillCoaster Tours, where they’ll visit multiple amusement parks and water parks. Tours this year go to Dollywood, Busch Gardens, Six Flags New England and more. Kids stay at Marriott or Hilton hotels. Ages 12-17.
For the Aspiring Naturalist
Broadreach Global Educational Adventures’ summer program mixes biology and conservation with rustic adventure. Head to some of the most biodiverse places on the planet to assist biologists and conservationists with real-life research. During down time, expect to hike, snorkel and raft. Other summer adventures include scuba diving, sailing, marine biology and veterinary medicine. Programs available for grades 6-12.
Almost Famous
Stagedoor Manor offers kids the opportunity to begin an intense, thrilling and magical introduction to professional theater. Performers ages 10-18 will learn from directors, choreographers and vocal coaches. Alumni includes Mandy Moore, Robert Downey Jr., Natalie Portman and Sebastian Stan.
Fiction and Fantasy
Your child can be the hero of their story this summer! With three main story lines for the camps in the world of Sidleterra for ages 7 and older, kids can express themselves with like-minded peers. At the Wizards & Warriors Camp, walk through The Gate of Destiny to explore a fantasy realm featuring creatures from myth, history and literature. Use NERF Blasters to battle zombies at the Zombie Summer Camp. And for older teens, travel to a steampunk realm inspired by HP Lovecraft with the Blackwatch Summer Camp.
Global Connections
Travel to the Language Villages in Minnesota for a summer language immersion program from Concordia. From the moment campers arrive, counselors and instructors speak and play in the chosen language (there are 15 to choose from!) to help campers ages 7 and older immerse themselves and learn as if they were inside the country itself. Explore the culture of the country with cuisine, activities, music, dance and art.
For Adventure Seekers
Take learning to the next level with Pali Adventures. Campers choose a specialty to focus on under the instruction of experts in each area. With courses in adventure, creative and performance, kids can choose to become experts in broadcasting, culinary, Hollywood stunts, motor sports, water sports and more. This one-of-a-kind overnight summer camp is for ages 8-16.
Jurassic Summer Fun
Work with a professional paleontologist and his colleagues in some of New Mexico’s most exciting dig sites to explore paleontology. Teens explore active dig sites and learn the techniques for processing artifacts for local museum displays. Along with paleontology, learn metalsmithing, animal tracking, plant identification, farming and more. Cottonwood Gulch Expeditions offer more experiences for different age groups.
Environmental Exploration
Explore the outdoor classrooms of forest, mountains, oceans, shores and volcanoes of Hawaii with Science Camps for Teens. At the Air & Space Camp, learn about the Earth’s atmosphere, climate and astronomy, or at the Land & Sea Camp, engage with volcanoes, the ocean, the forest and the environment.
Maritime Memories
Summer adventure camps include sailing, scuba, community service, water sports and marine biology with ActionQuest for ages 12 and older. Head to the British Virgin Islands, a cluster of 36 small islands for sand and sea fun.