Ann Arbor Summer Day Camp Information

Summer camp creates memories - swimming, crafts, sports,
or horseback riding  - of a lifetime!

Many parents are already searching for summer day camp options for their children, I know, I am one of those parents  It's exciting and scary. My son even wants to try an overnight camp this summer - I just don't know if I am ready for that.

So for working parents throughout the area, here is my annual camp list that includes Ann Arbor summer camp and day-camp options that are convenient and at a variety of prices.

I will be updating this list as information becomes available, so if you have other Ann Arbor area summer day camp information or feedback that you would like included, please contact Tammy at tmayrend (at) gmail.com or add a comment to the post.


ANN ARBOR

All Hands Active Summer Camp
Ages: 10-15
Cost: $200+
Times: 12:00-5:00 p.m.
Specialized Camps: Maker Bootcamp, Gamer Summer Camp and Arduino Bootcamp.

Ann Arbor Art Center - Art Camp
Ages: 5-12
Cost: $380/wk.
Times: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Pre and post camp care is also available starting at $30/wk.
Specialized summer camp - focus on arts including sculpture, mixed media, drawing, clay and more.

Ann Arbor Community Rec & Ed  Summer Camp Catalog
Ages: Variety
Cost: Varies based on program chosen. Pre-school camp programs are also available.
Times: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Before and aftercare available to campers.
General summer camp activities.

Day camp may mean exploring the great outdoors, playing
in the sandbox and making new friends!

Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation Summer Camps

Ages: School aged children - Programs may be age specific

Cost: Start at $225+/wk
Times: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. - AM and PM extended care available for campers.
Specialized and general camping activities: Programs are available to canoe/kayak, swim, and playing golf. *For some of their camps, register by March 15 to receive a $20/week discount.

Ann Arbor YMCA Summer Day Camps
Ages: 5-16
Cost: Some camp prices vary $110+/wk for half-day - $210+/wk full-day
Times: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Pre/post care camp options available.
General summer camp activities.

Camp CDC at Ann Arbor Learning Community
Ages: Grades 1-5
Cost: $156.50/wk morning only - $252.50/wk. Daily rates are also available.
Time: 7:30 a.m. -5:30 p.m.
General summer damp programming - swimming every day! Weekly themes and field trips. There is a non-refundable registration fee of $50 per child.

Camp Exploration​s​​ ​at the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History
Ages: ​6-12
Cost: $130+
Times: ​8:00 a.m - noon & 1:00-4:00 p.m. Post care camp options available.
All Camp Explorations programs include daily experiments, hands-on activities, related games, journaling, and plenty of play! Every session is a new experience. If your child is enrolled in an all-day session, lunch is between 12:00-1:00 PM and is supervised.​

Camp PAWS at the HSHV
Ages: 4-11
Cost: $255
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Info: Activities that will help prepare kids to become responsible and compassionate future pet owners. Weekly field trips.

Creature Conservancy Summer Camp
Ages: Kinder Camp, Grades 1-3, Grades 4-7
Cost: $275+
Time: Kinder Camp = 9:00-noon or 1:00-3:00 p.m., Other Camps = 9:00-4:00 p.m.
Info: Day Camp focusing on animals.

Emerson School Summer Program
Grades: K-8
Cost: $115+/wk.
Time: 9:00 a.m. - noon and 1:00-4:00 p.m. Extended day childcare before and after camp is also available.
General summer camp activities - baking, chess, Lego's, soccer and more.

Flipside Art Studio Summer Camp
Ages: Pre-K - 9th Grade
Cost: $125+
Times: Half Day and Full Day options
Multi Mixed Media Camps centered around various themes learning multiple techniques.

Gym America
Cost: $153+/wk.
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Sports camp: gymnastics and swimming with other great activities. Call for more details.

Honey Creek Summer Program
Grades: Pre-K-Grade 8
Cost: $45+/day

Time: 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Science, music, Greek mythology and more.

JCC Camp Raanana Summer Day Camp

Ages: K-8
Cost: $180+/week ($36+/day)

Times: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.; AM and PM extended care available

General summer camp activities, plus specialties for grades 3-5, adventure program for grades 6-8 and counselor in training programs for teens. A 3-day option (M,W,F) is available for campers entering kindergarten.

University of Michigan Summer Computer Camp

Ages: 7-17

Cost: $849+/wk

Specialized summer computer camp held at University of Michigan.

Leslie Science Center Summer Camp Programs

Ages: 2-12

Cost: $115+/wk half-day - $250+/wk full day camp

Times: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m

General summer camp activities with focus on nature and the outdoors.

Camp Liberty

Ages: 5+ including pre-teen camps

Cost: $200+/half day, $320+/full day
Times: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Pre and Post camp extended care also available. General camp activities with swimming, tennis, lacrosse, kung fu and lightsaber camp.

Meri Lou Murray Recreation Center Day Camp
Ages: 6-11
Cost: $150/wk.
Times: 9:15 a.m. - 4:15 p.m. Pre- and post-care is available
General day camp activities.

Michigan Math and Science Scholars Program
Ages: Grades 9-12
Cost: $1,000+
Times: 9:00 a.m - 4:30 p.m.
Math and science programs with titles such as Fibonacci Numbers, Roller Coaster Physics, and Human Anatomy and Physiology.

Oz's Music Summer Camps

Ages: 3 - 16

Cost: $275/wk half-day, $385/wk full day

Times: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Specialized summer camp - music.

Peachy Fitness
Ages: 3-14
Cost: $125+
Specialized fitness camps - dance, yoga, zumba and combo camp.

Planet Rock
Ages: 8-14
Cost: $275+

Ring of Steel Stunt Academy

Ages: 8-18

Cost: $295+/wk
Times: 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Specialized summer camp - Theatrical swordplay, stunts and stage combat. Minimal pre and post care is available.

Rocks And Robots Summer Camp
Various weeks
Ages: Programs for ages 6-15
Cost: $239+/wk for half-day - $479+/wk full-day
Times: 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Before and after care also available.
Specialized summer camp - Robots, rock climbing, computers.

Rolling Hills Summer Day Camp
Ages: 6-11
Cost: $135/wk. pre and post camp care available.
Times: 9:15 a.m. - 4:15 p.m.
Specialize summer day camp - swimming.

School of Rock
Ages: 8+
Cost:$240+
Times: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Specialized music camp. Lunch is provided. After care is available for $10/hour.

My children love their summer day camp experience!

Summers-Knoll Summer Programs
Ages: 4-12
Cost: $270+/wk.
Times: 9:15 a.m.-3:34 p.m. Before and after care available.
General summer day camp activities - adventure or hands-on educational fun.

Wild Swan Theater Summer Camps - Camp DoYaWanna
Half-day weekly camps June 22-August 7.
Ages: 4-12
Cost: $110+
Times: Vary
Specialized summer camp - Theater. 6175 Jackson Road, between Zeeb and Baker Roads.

WideWorld Sports Center Kids K.A.M.P.
Ages: 4-13
Cost: $195+/wk. Daily rates also available.
Times: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Before and after care available.
Specialized summer camp - sports and soccer specific camp programs.


SUMMER CAMPS NEAR ANN ARBOR

CANTON

Real Life Day Camp & Farm
Ages: All ages
Cost: $215/wk
Times: 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
General summer camp with a focus on farm life, animal care and horseback riding skills.

High Velocity Sports Camps
Ages: 5-17
Cost: $100/wk half-day - $200/wk full-day
Times: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. before and after care available.
Specialized summer camp - sports.

SkyZone SkyCamp
COST: $30/day or $125/week
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

DEXTER

Camp Birkett a YMCA Day Camp
On Silver Lake


PITTSFIELD TOWNSHIP

Montibeller Park Day Camp!
Ages: 5-12
Cost: $75+/wk
Times: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
General day camp activities.

SALINE

Saline Parks & Recreation Summer Kids Camp
Ages: 5-14
Cost: $150+/wk (daily rates also available)
Time: 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
General day camp activities.


YPSILANTI

Center Stage Productions Summer Camp
Cost: $350-$550
Times: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Specialized day camp - Musical theatre camp.

Inkstains Summer Writing Camp at Eastern Michigan University
Cost: $225+
Times: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Specialized day camp - summer writing camp for middle and high school writers with a focus on creative writing poetry and prose; staffed by certified, experienced English teachers.

Ypsilanti Township Parks & Recreation Day Camps
Ages: Pre-kindergarten-7th grade
Cost: $85+/wk half-day - $125+/wk full-day
Times: 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
General day camp activities.

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Incentivizing Summer Reading Programs

It's not a secret to many of my family and friends that I have been frustrated getting my child to read. I still don't understand why reading is not something he enjoys when he comes from a family of fairly avid readers. Thankfully though I'm not against incentivizing his reading - In other words I'll use bribery when necessary.

That's a good thing too because on a recent shopping trip he begged for a toy, so in seizing the opportunity, I decided to buy it and hold onto it until he read a certain number of books to me. Now he been happily reading to me every evening without my nagging him. Now that the end of the school-year is coming close, I have begun to look for summer reading programs that offer incentives.

We participate in the summer reading programs at the Ypsilanti District Library. The kids love getting the free ice cream at the start of the program and don't realize they are working hard to reach their summer reading goal. This year I even signed them up with reading buddies for the summer. The Saline District Library, Dexter District Library, the Ann Arbor District Library, and the Chelsea District Library all have summer reading programs for kids and teens. Just head over to your local library and check it out. I have heard some of the programs offer some awesome give-away prizes if your child completes the program in time.

For parents looking at other summer reading programs, fear not. There are MANY free incentives out there to encourage your child to read this summer, just take a look!

• Barnes & Noble (3235 Washtenaw Ave., Ann Arbor) - Imagination Destination allows kids to earn a FREE book and reading kit after tracking their reading on a reading log.
• Chuck E. Cheese - Kids can earn 10 free tokens when they read every day for 2 weeks in a row. Print the reading rewards form, track their reading and take it into a participating location for free tokens! This incentive does require a food purchase for redemption.
• PBS Kids encourages Summer Reading - Get information for parents and youth to give your child a lifetime of reading.
• Pizza Hut - BookIt Summer Reading Program - Students in grade K-5 can spark their greatness reading books to be entered into a sweepstakes for great prizes!
• Scholastic Summer Challenge - May 5-September 5 kids can log reading minutes into the Scholastic site to earn digital prizes! 
• Sylvan Learning Centers - (1601 Briarwood Circle, AnnArbor) Participate in a free summer Book Adventure program where children (Grades K-8) read grade-level books then take a comprehension quiz. Kids earn points based on how much they remember from reading and can be entered to win many free prizes as they earn points! There are hundreds of books to choose from in all reading levels. 

These types of programs are a great way to encourage children to read throughout the summer months to help avoid summer learning loss. I will continue to add programs as I find them, or feel free to let me know when new ones become available!

Free Gym America "Olympic Gymnastics" Event

 

Does your child like gymnastics? Are you interested in introducing your child to gymnastics at the 2012 London Olympics? Then check out this free event sponsored by Gym America Ann Arbor.

On Tuesday July 31, Gym America is hosting a free event - An Olympic Experience - for kids. Starting a 6:30 your child, ages 3+ can have fun bouncing in a bounce house, participating in Olympic-style events in gymnastics and track, and even have their photo taken on an award stand with a gold medal. This family event will even have prizes and give-aways. Then at 8:00 p.m. stay to watch the gymnastic finale.

The event takes place at the Saline High School Gym (1300 Campus Parkway, Saline MI). Food and beverages will be available for purchase.

Weekend Activities August 5-7

It's time for the weekend event round up of Ann Arbor activities for families. I hope that you find something to do, we'll be at the Family Campout at Rolling Hills among other things!

 

Friday, August 5:

• Tree Town Toys (2611 Plymouth Rd., Ann Arbor) has two free music classes - Find one for 3-5 year olds at 10:30 a.m. and one for 6-8 year olds at 1:00 p.m.
• Kids ages 9+ can also create a house out of recycled cardboard at tree Town Toys for $2.00.
• The Dexter District Library is bringing their Summer Reading Program Grand to a Finale with Bev Meyer "The Music Lady" at 11:00 a.m. followed by refreshments and balloon animals.
• The Saline Summerfest begins on Friday and runs through Saturday.

Saturday, August 6:

• Find lots to do at the Saline Summerfest!
• Jo-Ann Fabric stores has two free Make-It, Take-It demonstrations. At 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. create a Cricut machine bookmark, or from 3:00-5:00 p.m. kids and teens ages 12+ can get creative with a Tulip Body Art Face & Body Paint Make It-Take It event!
• In the area of Tree Town Toys? Stop in to get your child their very own free color-in tattoo anytime throughout the day.
• 
  From 2:00-4:00 p.m. Ann Arbor families can Celebrate National Clown Week with an afternoon of informal face painting and balloon sculpture, followed by a high-energy gardening variety show presented by Clowns Around Redford at the Ypsilanti District Library (5577 Whittaker Rd., Ypsilanti)
• Learn about the Korean martial art Tae Kwon Do, with a free demonstration and discussion at the Ypsilanti District Library (229 West Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti) from 2:00-3:00 p.m.

Sunday, August 7:

• Kids ages 4+ can decorate a wooden birdhouse for only $4 at Tree Town Toys. All paint and embellishments are included, which will save your house the mess!

Kids Golf 9-Holes for $1

In driving by Pine View Golf Course (5820 Stony Creek Rd, Ypsilanti) I noticed a sign that read kids golf for $1. I thought this was a great idea for my children to get out and golf with my husband for little to nothing so I called to verify.

Here's the deal. Kids golf the par three course at Pine View for $1 walking or $4 for a cart for 9-holes of golf!

For information call Pine View Golf at 734.481.0500.

Free Upcoming Kids Build-It Clinics

Kids who love to build or work with their hands will thoroughly enjoy the upcoming free building projects available at Home Depot and Lowes. In general the clinics are geared for children ages 5-12. They are a great way to spend quality mother-son or father-daugher time with a parent, they are fun (and free), and finally the workshops teach children do-it-yourself skills and tool safety, while at the same time helping to instill a sense of accomplishment!

Upcoming projects for August projects, highlighted below, focus on bugs and (gasp!) back to school projects...

• Saturday, August 7, 2010 - Build your own school bus pencil or crayon organizer at a Home Depot kids clinic between 9:00 a.m. and noon. Besides receiving their free constructed project kit, each child receives a kid-sized orange apron and an achievement pin.
• Saturday, August 14, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. at a participating Lowe's, children can build their own "beetle shaped" bug box for capturing their favorite critter. Besides the project, each participant will receive a free apron, goggles, a project themed patch, and a certification of merit - As an added bonus, kids who participate in the Lowe's Build and Grow projects this summer will receive a coupon for their own FREE Jr. Frosty at Wendy's. To sign your child up for the free Lowe's Build and Grow clinic of choice, be sure to register in advance at the Build and Grow website.
• Saturday, August 28 at 10:00 a.m. kids can build a cool school bus at Lowe's. The clinic includes stickers, and a secret compartment in the bus to store chalk. The cute school bus even has a sliding chalboard on top to get creative on!

Taking The Kids To The Ann Arbor Art Fair?

It’s art fair week in Ann Arbor, and if you are like countless parents in the area (like me), you may be asking yourself, “If I attend the Ann Arbor Art Fair with the kids in tow this year, will we have fun?” Quite possibly too you might be asking, “What will taking the kids to the art fair mean to me?” “Will there be melt downs?” “Will I have fun if the kids are in tow?” And most importantly, “What is there to do at the art fair for children?”

As my children are becoming more independent and gaining a few years on them it is easier for me to take them places. I’m also beginning to understand the power that these types of experiences afford me – Taking my kids to the art fair becomes a teaching experience, a cultural moment and so much more. So what are the kid friendly aspects of the Ann Arbor Art Fairs; what is there to do at the art fairs this week? Make sure to check out my ideas for parents that are considering taking their kids to wander the Ann Arbor Art Fairs - it's published on www.AnnArbor.com.