Excited or apprehensive, kids all across the metro will head to summer camps this year. With hundreds to choose from, camps, classes and programs provide a wide range of enrichment and entertainment.
This year we asked members of mom2momkc.com to share experiences they have had with their children. Find advice from them in the highlighted boxes.
We’ve tried to provide as much information as possible about each organization, but do your homework before selecting an activity for your child. Narrow your child’s field of interest as much as possible, and have a list of specific questions for the camp representative. Request a brochure or use a camp’s Web site to gather details. Have a calendar handy, and be ready to register early because programs can fill quickly.
SPECIAL NEEDS
21st Century Therapy, P.C. offers a Life Skills Program in the Brookside area to promote independent living skills for teens with special needs. Community Living/Access, June 9-20. Job Skills, June 23-July 3. Money Management, July 7-18. Domestics, July 21-Aug. 1. $315 per two-week session. 816-353-8585 or www.21stcenturytherapypc.com
Accessible Arts Inc. in collaboration with the Kansas State School for the Blind offers the Discovery Trails Program for ages 14-20 who are blind or visually impaired. Tent camping the full length of the Santa Fe Trail. June 4-19; $250. 913-281-1133.
American Cancer Society sponsors Camp Hope for c ages 7-18 who have or have had cancer. Featuring outdoor activities, arts and crafts, swimming, hiking, games, singing around campfire and more. Beginning June 15; free. 800-359-1025.
Camp Encourage at Tall Oaks Conference Center in Linwood, Kan., is an overnight camp for those with autism, Asperger’s syndrome and related pervasive developmental disorders. Ages 8-13 can participate in horseback riding, fishing, swimming, art activities, singing by the camp fire and more. July 30-Aug. 2; costs vary. 816-830-7171 or www.campencourage.com.
Camp Hickory Hill in Columbia provides a specialized summer camp for ages 8-17 with insulin-dependent diabetes. Obtain education for managing diabetes along with sports, arts and crafts, astronomy, boating, campfires, campouts, fishing, rappelling, cave exploring, nature study, skits, stories and songs and swimming. Session for ages 13-17, June 8-18. Session for ages 8-12, June 22-29. Costs vary. 573-449-8551 or www.camphickoryhill.com.
Children’s Therapy Group offers programs for developing skills and self-esteem for typically developing children and special needs children birth-12. Handwriting, fine/sensory motor skills, social language, art classes, water fun and sports. June 9-July 31; $90-$250. 913-383-9014 or www.childrenstherapygroup.org.
The Epilepsy Foundation of Kansas and Western Missouri offers Camp Shing for ages 6-17 diagnosed with epilepsy/seizure disorders. Parents/guardians and all children in the home encouraged to attend. Arts and crafts, swimming, archery, sand volleyball, horseback riding, campfire and special events. June 20-22; $80 for first camper; $30 for each additional family member. Scholarships available. 816-444-2800 or www.epilepsyfoundation.org/local/kansas/children.cfm.
Juliette LowCamp, co-sponsored by Girl Scouts of northeast Kansas and northwest Missouri and Rotary Club No. 13, is designed for girls 8-18 with physical disabilities. Hike, swim, arts and crafts, and other outdoor activities. Girls with no disabilities in grades 4-7 are invited to attend depending on space. Two sessions offered, July 12-18 and 22-28; $130. 816-358-8750 or www.girlscoutsksmo.org.
Join the discussion
Share your observations and experiences about news. Lively, open debate is the goal, but please refrain from personal attacks or comments that are racist, vulgar or otherwise inappropriate. If you see an inappropriate comment, please click the "Report as violation" link to notify a KansasCity.com editor. Thanks for your feedback.