When school lets out, it supposed to be playtime for the kids. Today, however, most children play in a far more structured environment than their parents ever did. And although summer day camp is a structured environment, it's still fun! And it gives kids the chance to make new friends and gain skills.
These Baltimore area day camps range from tightly focused, instructional environments to more leisurely camp experiences. This list of day camping options includes:
Museum and Attraction Camps
|| BALTIMORE CITY ||Walters Art Museum
Ages: Grades 1 to 12
Dates: July 7 - Aug. 15, 2008
Hours:9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. or 1-4:30 p.m. or both
Phone: 410-547-9000
Cost per week: $95 (members), $160 (non-members) for half-day session. Discount when purchasing two sessions per day.
Description: Professional art educators at the Walters Summer Camp Program guide campers on tours of the museum as well as through creative activities that encourage exploration of world cultures. Art supplies and snacks are provided. Half or full day sessions.
|| BALTIMORE CITY ||
Maryland Zoo in Baltimore
Ages: Grades 3 to 9
Dates: June 23 - Aug. 15, 2008 (no camp week of June 30)
Hours: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Phone:443-552-5300
Cost per week: $344 (members), $408 (non-members)
Description: Zoo Camp offers two different types of experiences, "A Day in the Life of a Zookeeper" for kids in grades 3 to 6 or "Animal Research and Conservation Camp" for grades 6 to 9. Each camp allows kids to observe animals through behind-the-scenes tours and Keep Encounters plus learn more through songs, stories, crafts, science projects, games, videos and more.
|| BALTIMORE CITY ||
Maryland Science Center
Ages: 4 to 13 years
Hours:9 a.m. -4 p.m., half day 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (extended day available for fee)
Phone:410-545-2980
Dates:July 9 - Aug. 3, 2008
Cost per week: $250 (members), $265 (non-members) for full day; $90 (members),$105 $265 (non-members) for half day
Description:Choose from week-long, full- and half-day MDSC summer programs based on age and subject. Or, attend family science workshops at night. Full day programs offer field trips and lunch. Topics include dinosaurs, aviations and astronomy.
Note: Camp fees listed above do not include additional costs such as registration or application fees, deposits, transportation, extended care and, in some cases, lunch. Please check with individual camps for full list of fees and discounts available for multiple weeks and siblings.
