2024 GUIDE TO
SUMMER CAMPS
!
! !
!
!
!
!
SINGING "! ACTING "! DANCING
MAKING FRIENDSHIPS THAT LAST A LIFETIME! Your child’s lifelong love of Theatre begins here!!
2-Week Camps at Roland Park Country School in Baltimore Theatre Intensive Arts Camp "! Weekdays 8:30 am – 3:30 pm!
#1 - 6/17-28 (Ages 9-17)
75% Sold
75% Sold
!
!
#4 - 8/5-16 (Ages 7-17)
#3 - 7/22-8/2 (Ages 9-17)
#2 - 7/8-19 (Ages 7-17)
70% Sold
!
!
3-Week Camps at Slayton House in Columbia, Howard County Theatre Intensive Camp "! Camper Ages 7-17 "! Weekdays 9:00 am – 4:00 pm! Camp #1 - 7/8-26
BALTIMORE INFO
Awarded
BEST FAMILY THEATRE !
!
Camp #2 - 7/29-8/16
!
For more Information visit:
www.CharmCityPlayers.com
COLUMBIA INFO
!
!
Or email Chrissy Napp at:
Imagination101@CharmCityPlayers.com!
!
Summer is looking BRIGHT at St. Paul’s!
June 10 to August 16 Programs for students entering pre-K through grade 12 STPAULSMD.ORG/SUMMER
GUIDE TO SUMMER
CAMPS
Publisher/Editor
Nicole Allen Advertising Executive
Julie Sawyer Contributor
Karen Nitkin Graphic Designer
Charlie Herrick Baltimore Fishbowl Founder
Susan Gerardo Dunn
The Baltimore Fishbowl Guide to Summer Camps is published once yearly by Baltimore Fishbowl. To advertise, contact Nicole Allen at nicole@baltimorefishbowl.com or Julie Sawyer at julie@baltimorefishbowl.com. Baltimore Fishbowl 1014 West 36th Street Baltimore, MD 21211
Winner of 21 MDDC Press Association Awards
including
BEST OF SHOW for
Website of General Excellence
2023
2 | BALTIMOREFISHBOWL.COM
TABLE OF
CONTENTS EDITORIAL
Summer: That Magic Time When 12 CIT You’re Both Camper and Counselor in Quality: Why Choosing the Right 24 Investing Summer Day Camp is Worth Every Penny
40 The Joy of Camp SPONSORED
7 Summer Program Profiles 29 Summer Camp Directory LETTER FROM THE
EDITOR Dear Readers,
We are excited to introduce Baltimore Fishbowl’s inaugural Guide to Summer Camps. After struggling to find the perfect summer camp for my sons, I realized that other parents and caregivers in our area were likely struggling, too. Online searches gave me some ideas, but there was no one place to quickly find details about dates, rates, and exactly what each camp offers. There had to be a better way.
For eight years, Baltimore Fishbowl has published the Guide to Baltimore Independent Schools, helping parents decide where to send their kids to local private schools. But what about summer? Finding a camp that suits a family’s needs can be just as tricky as choosing the right school. Baltimore Fishbowl needed to publish a camp guide. Whether our kids attend public school or private school, and whether we’re
working full time over the summer or simply trying to cut down on our kids’ summertime screen time, we all share the same concerns: we have to know that our kids are in a safe, reputable, fun environment. In addition to editorial content from Baltimore Fishbowl’s trusted staff, the Guide to Summer Camps includes sponsored content and advertisements from area camps as well as a detailed directory, designed to quickly answer questions about locations, session dates and rates, program offerings, and where to find more information. Our main feature story focuses on counselor-intraining (CIT) programs, exploring how several local CIT programs have not only helped campers learn about responsibility and work ethic— lessons that will help them in all aspects of their lives—they have also created strong bonds and friendships that last far after camp is over. We hope you are as excited about this new publication as we are and, in the following pages, you find the perfect place for your child this summer. Enjoy!
Nicole Allen
GUIDE TO SUMMER CAMPS | 3
a magical summer at Get ready for an energetic and creative summer at Mercy!
Now is the perfect time to make exciting plans for your summer! Try a new sport or take it to the next level in one you love, or dive deeper into your passion for dance.
Offerings are available for basketball, dance, field hockey, volleyball, cheerleading, lacrosse, and soccer!
Register today! All camps will be held on Mercy High School’s campus located at 1300 East Northern Parkway, Baltimore, Maryland 21239 410.433.8880 www.mercyhighschool.com/a-magical-summer-at-mercy
The PEABODY PREPARATORY is Maryland’s premier community school for music and dance. Our summer session includes private instruction, group classes, and ensembles for students of all ages and skill levels. See what’s available near you! Downtown Baltimore • Towson • Annapolis • Howard County St. John’s Episcopal Church in Ellicott City • Frederick
RE G SU IST NOMMER W ER F O R
peabody.jhu.edu/prepsummer 667-208-6640
GUIDE TO SUMMER CAMPS | 5
or ing fSummer! h t e om ilman G e is s r e h T ne at o y r eve
Enrichment and skill-building programs for boys and girls grades K-12, designed and run by Gilman faculty and field experts. Join us for a summer of learning and fun! For more info and to register, visit gilman.edu/gilmansummer.
Offerings for boys and girls ages 3 and up! GRIZZLY DAY CAMPS SPECIALTY CAMPS RESIDENTIAL EXPERIENCES
6 | BALTIMOREFISHBOWL.COM
SUMMER PROGRAM
PROFILES
Capital Camps
Overnight Jewish Camp Experiences for Kids Ages 7-17 When the summer sun illuminates the beautiful Waynesboro, PA campus, campers find themselves immersed in the joy and adventure of the camp season. At Capital Camps, they not only focus on creating unforgettable memories, but also on fostering the holistic well-being of their campers. Transitions are an inherent part of life, and for young campers, they can be exciting AND challenging. Whether it’s adapting to camp from home, moving between activities, or making new friendships, these moments shape their camp experience. The days are full of activities from the farm and the lake, to the sports courts and drama, singing, rikkud (Israeli
dancing), and so much more. Camp is also a place for quiet moments. Unforgettable memories are made when campers watch the sunset together at the lake after an evening program or share a story while walking up the hill. Capital Camps is an ideal setting for fostering emotional resilience. Through a variety of activities and experiences, campers learn to embrace change, engage in problem solving and critical thinking, manage their emotions, and adapt to new situations. Caring staff members are trained to support campers by offering guidance, encouragement, and a safe space to express their feelings.
8 | BALTIMOREFISHBOWL.COM
Community is priority at Capital Camps. Campers are encouraged to forge connections with their peers, participate in team-building exercises, and engage in group activities that promote inclusivity and cooperation. Supporting campers in and through these efforts is an anchor of Capital Camps. By nurturing campers’ emotional resilience, fostering a sense of belonging, and promoting mental wellness, counselors and staff guide them through the transitions they face at camp and beyond. Campers are empowered to embrace change, grow in confidence, and create lasting memories.
Summer at Garrison Forest
Grizzy Day Camps, Specialty Camps, Residential Experiences Join Summer at Garrison Forest for fun at the Forest this summer! Located on a beautiful 110-acre campus in Owings Mills, Maryland, Summer at Garrison Forest offers an array of co-ed camps designed for ages three and up. Their camps offer flexible options and are grouped into three categories: Grizzly Day Camps, Specialty Camps and Residential Experiences. Traditional Grizzly Day Camps run for eight weeks, June 20-August 11, 2024. Sign up for one week or all eight! Highlights include themed weeks, water play and swimming, barn visits, Gaga ball, STEAM projects, cooking, mystery guests, nature walks, sports and more!
fully engage in what they love as they advance their knowledge and skills. (Note that Residential Experience camps are for girls aged 11-14 only.) Each curriculum is thoughtfully crafted to include deep dives, problem solving, mentorship, career exploration, service
and leadership. Outside of the hands-on academic day, campers enjoy evening and weekend social activities and trips. Experience everything GFS has to offer; visit gfs.org/ summer for a full listing of options and to register today!
Does your child have a specific interest or are they looking to hone their skills over the summer? Check out Summer at Garrison Forest Specialty Camps that include sports, performing arts, equestrian and enrichment. Ready for a next-level experience? Campers who are passionate about riding, polo or performing arts can join them for twoweek Residential Experience programs, held in their on-campus dorms. It’s the perfect way for your child to
GUIDE TO SUMMER CAMPS | 9
Summer Nature Camp at Irvine A camp for curious kids! Do you have a child who asks why? Is eager to discover and explore? Looks to share each small discovery? Enjoys animals, games, creative art, running around, and doesn’t mind a little mud? Irvine Nature Center’s SUMMER NATURE CAMP is designed for them! Summer Nature Camp at Irvine offers children an immersive experience in the outdoors with hiking, exploration, and fun on eight miles of trails throughout 211 acres of forests, meadows, and wetlands. At Nature Camp, campers fill their days with adventures, learning about the animals, habitats, and conservation issues right here in the Maryland Piedmont. During daily excursions in nature, they surround themselves in the sights, sounds, textures, and
smells of the natural world, making discoveries at every turn.
available for ages three and up; after care is available for ages five and up.
Each week-long camp focuses on a unique, creative theme, led by professional educators and naturalists. Campers engage in nature-inspired arts, environmental science investigations, animal encounters, and child-led imaginative play. Irvine’s 50+ live Animal Ambassadors serve as the most popular teaching assistants.
Is your nature-loving preteen too old for camp? Young teens, ages 13-16, can apply for the Counselor-in-Training program and continue enjoying the summer fun of camp while developing valuable leadership skills.
Full-day camps for ages five through 12 run from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. For campers ages three and four, they offer a half-day “Saplings Camp.” Returning this year is “Little Birds Summer Camp” – a unique introductory experience for children under three and their caregivers. Before care is
10 | BALTIMOREFISHBOWL.COM
Located in Owings Mills, just minutes from I-695, I-795, and I-83, Irvine’s Summer Nature Camp will run from June 17-August 23, 2024. Irvine hopes your child will join them! ExploreNature.org/summercamp
SUMMER CAMPS! REGISTRATION IS OPEN!
Basketball, Camp Invention, Lacrosse, Teen Etiquette & Finance, Softball, Summer Activities, and Volleyball!
June 10 to August 16 All skill levels Coed | Ages 3–18 Day & Evening Classes
CIT Sum That Magic Time When You're Steve Cusick started going to Summer at Friends day camps when he was four years old. Today, he’s director of the eight-week day camp program, a job he has held since 2019. One of the most satisfying parts of his job, he says, is helping campers grow and mature during their counselorin-training (CIT) summer, and watching them thrive later as counselors themselves.
by Karen Nitkin
“One of the big things we hear from counselors in training is that they had a great experience as a camper and they want to pay it forward, to keep the magic of camp happening,” he says. Cusick remembers well his own counselor-in-training summer, and how it prepared him for a lifetime of summer
12 | BALTIMOREFISHBOWL.COM
camp leadership and joy. “I’ve been a camp employee since I was a counselor in training,” he says. CIT summers are a beloved staple of both day and overnight summer camps in the Baltimore region and beyond.
CAMP LOUISE'S 2023 COUNSELORS IN TRAINING TAKE PART IN THE ANNUAL TRADITION OF RUNNING TOGETHER DOWN THE CAMP AIRY HILL. PHOTO CREDIT: MARJI ARNHEIM
mer
Both Camper and Counselor Each camp has its own traditions and programs for helping teens move from carefree campers to responsible counselors. Some programs are just a couple of weeks long while others span several summers. But all share a devotion to creating fun, safe settings for both
campers and counselorsto-be, with opportunities to learn and grow in a familiar, nurturing setting. For many young people, working as a camp counselor is their first real job. Counselor-in-training programs give them their first experiences with applications
and interviews, teach the importance of showing up on time and doing a job well, provide training, deliver important feedback, and prepare them for even more responsibilities as future camp counselors.
GUIDE TO SUMMER CAMPS | 13
in training don’t get paid, though they can get servicehour credits for their schools. Assistant counselors and head counselors do get paid.) They also have a better shot at getting hired as assistant or head counselors in future years, says Cusick. The CITS are in some ways the face of the camp, interacting with parents during pick-up and drop-off, says Cusick. “They have a lot of face time with the families and with the kids,” he says.
STEVE CUSICK, SUMMER AT FRIENDS 2008 PHOTO COURTESY OF SUMMER AT FRIENDS
For all the responsibilities that a CIT summer entails, it is also a time of fun and friendship, one that many CITs remember with fondness. Often, they have attended the same camp for years, and have come to know and admire their CITs and counselors. Finally, they get to emulate the best qualities of those leaders.
talking about how to apply to be a CIT,” he says. Counselors in training go through the same application process as staff, which means they must submit letters of recommendation and participate in interviews, he says.
At Friends, says Cusick, the gradual transition from camper to counselor begins at age 12 or 13, when a first assignment might be to run an activity station during field day.
four-week sessions—are grouped so that two CITs, an older-teen assistant counselor, and a collegeaged head counselor share responsibility for a group of up to 12 campers. (Counselors
“When they’re 14, we start
The ones who are accepted— and can commit to working at least one of the summer’s
14 | BALTIMOREFISHBOWL.COM
Cusick says CITs tend to adjust well to their new responsibilities, partly because they are close in age to the campers they are guiding. “Often they’re able to relate to the campers in a way that is different from an adult,” he says. At McDonogh School, which has been offering summer camps for more than 80 years, the two-week CIT program teaches teens 14 to 16 CPR, first aid, and other skills. Most mornings, the CITs get two hours of instruction, says Ramzi Sifri, who has been assistant director and then director of McDonogh summer camps for 22 years. After lunch, they help the counselors who are working with campers aged four through 12. A key learning experience for the CITs is that they are evaluated by each counselor, as well as by camp leaders. “If they’re successful in the
Explore our full lineup of camps, and register today at mcdonogh.org/summer. Early Bird Discount Available!
2024 MCDONOGH SUMMER CAMPS GUIDE TO SUMMER CAMPS | 15
CIT program, they get a certificate,” says Sifri. As many as 85 percent return as counselors. The whole experience, he says, “gives young people the opportunity to learn a little about the work ethic and the patience it takes to work with campers of all ages, as well as how to be a leader and how to work cooperatively with other counselors.” The summer camps at the Park School of Baltimore include a two-week counselor-in-training program for campers between 12 and
15 years old, says Jimmy Bonner, lead instructor for the Park Camp’s Leadership Development and Counselor in Training (CIT) program. The CITs assist the lead and junior counselors with activities for campers aged three and a half to 10 and meet with Bonner to talk about successes and challenges. The program includes a training program “that focuses on camper management, leadership, self-advocacy, and professionalism,” says
PHOTO COURTESY OF MCDONOGH CAMPS
16 | BALTIMOREFISHBOWL.COM
Bonner, in order to give CITs the tools to become camp counselors, if that’s what they want. “Many CITs are first on the list for counselor jobs as they age into a full-time paying position as a Park Camps counselor,” he says. “However, our main goal is to inspire responsibility and confidence in a burgeoning generation of young adults.” Bonner, like other leaders of CIT programs, notes that the affection between campers and CITs is mutual, and a key component of camp success.
“You’d be hard-pressed to find a CIT without a crowd of campers fluttering around them during recess,” he says. Alicia Berlin, director of Camp Louise, notes that the CIT programs at the all-girl Jewish overnight camp in Cascade date back to at least the 1940s, and that she was one in 1987. The program takes teens from camper to counselor over the course of three summers with training sessions and a growing roster of responsibilities. Berlin says she interviews every CIT at the end of the summer and asks them about their experiences. “I always ask them, who was the counselor you strive to be like and what are the characteristics of that person that you most admire? They want to be for their campers what other counselors were for them.” She notes that being a counselor isn’t easy. “It’s 24/7,” she says, and it involves waking up in the night to comfort a child who is homesick, or keeping young campers entertained on a rainy day that forced a change of plans. Rising 10th graders are known as senior trainees, or STs, with responsibilities that might include leading a camp activity and helping with Louise Lends a Hand, a program that teaches kindness through charitable acts such as making cookies and sandwiches to donate.
PHOTO COURTESY OF PARK CAMPS
The following year, the counselor assistants, or CAs, work directly with younger campers, serving as mentors and planning activities. While STs and CAs are required to stay for either the threeweek or the four-week session of their trainee summer, the CITs stay for all seven weeks. These rising high school seniors are assigned departments, such as a particular sport or art form, and receive training in leadership, mental health, first aid, and other ways to help children, says Berlin, who has been Camp Louise director for 17 years.
“They’re living together as CITs, and they are mentored by counselors,” she says. CITs are also, in some ways, the face of the camp. They’re the ones who greet campers and parents on opening day, who walk the campers to their bunks, who perform in welcome shows. Seth Tow, who went from camper to CIT to counselor at Camp Airy, the brother camp to Camp Louise, based in Thurmont, remembers his CIT summer well. Tow, now 26, started going to Camp Airy when he was nine and “got hooked on camp pretty
GUIDE TO SUMMER CAMPS | 17
PHOTO COURTESY OF SUMMER AT FRIENDS
quickly,” he says. Tow, like his younger brothers Josh and Danny, went through the training programs and worked as a counselor for several summers. “They still wanted to be campers but they also wanted more responsibility,” says their mother, Debbie Tow, of Howard County. All her sons, she says, “just loved the camp. They wanted as much camp as they could get.
Every year we picked them up they wanted more.” Seth says the transition from camper to counselor was so gradual that he never felt particularly stressed about each new level of responsibility. He also remembers his CIT summer as a time of particularly strong bonding with his peers. “A lot of those sort of bonding activities that you do to get closer with the
18 | BALTIMOREFISHBOWL.COM
rest of your group kind of stick with you,” he says. “Some of my friends still talk about it to this day.” In fact, notes his mom, “the boys grow so close during CIT summer that it carries forward long after the summer ends.” Her son Danny, she says, still gets together with his CIT friends every New Year’s Eve, four years after that magical summer.
AGES 2 - 15 Choose your own adventure: J Day Camp | Sports Arts & Theatre | STEM Tennis & More HELP YOUR CHILD
DISCOVER THEIR POTENTIAL! Visit JCampsBaltimore.org and secure your spot today!! OR SCAN HERE>>
A GREAT PLACE
TO BE ME!
Free convenient express bus service from 8 locations, including 2 in Howard County and a new stop in Carroll County!
Questions? Call 410.559.2390
GUIDE TO SUMMER CAMPS | 19
PARK CAMPS
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!
parkcamps.com
PARK SCHOOL’S Summer Program
provides dynamic experiences for children ages 3 ½–15 2425 Old Court Road • Baltimore
CUBS, BEARS, and BRUINS Day Camps for ages 3-1/2 to 10! New offerings include our “School’s Out!” SPORTS CAMP and SPECIALTY CAMPS for 10- to 13-year-olds! C.I.T. opportunities for ages 12–15!
Make the MOST of your child’s summer!
SUMMER A T JEMICY A program for students with dyslexia or related language-based learning differences
LOWER SCHOOL grades 1 - 5 • Instruction & tutoring to minimize summer learning loss • Engaging creative & recreational afternoon activities Reading skills, language arts, math, organizational skills, woodshop, outdoor education, art, theatre, field trips & more
MIDDLE SCHOOL grades 6 - 8 • Retain & hone academic skills • Arts & adventure • Build your own half or full-day program Paragraphology,TM, reading, math, executive functions, creative writing, STEM, coding, forensic science, maker-crafting, photography, trips, & more summer 2024 • july 1 - july 26 details & registration • www.jemicyschool.org/camps jemicy school • owings mills, md • 410.653.2700
Throughout their time at Camp BCS, students will practice artistic skill building through theatre games and exercises, writing, visual arts, movement with music and STEAM workshops. CAMP DATES Session 1: June 24-July 5 Session 2: July 8-July 19 Session 3: July 22-August 2 Sessions run from 8:30 AM - 4:15 PM
CAMP COST: $750 scholarships are available
Register at
CENTERSTAGE.ORG
Empowering Bright Students Who Learn Differently
davidrossorthodontics.com
CALL OR TEXT US NOW AT 443.901.3100 TO BOOK YOUR FREE EXAM!
GUIDE TO SUMMER CAMPS | 23
Investing in Quality By Nicole Allen
Why Choosing the Right Summer Day Camp is Worth Every Penny When my twin sons were in preschool, summer camp
was easy. A lot of preschools offer summer programs, so we kept it simple and went that route. Drop-off and pick-up times were the same as during the school year. I already knew and trusted the teachers and staff, and my sons had no trouble adjusting to a slightly different schedule that included more time playing outside and less time focusing on traditional learning. Camp time was one of their favorite times of the year.
Finding a suitable camp
When kindergarten was over, we had to find somewhere new. Being from the area and working in local advertising for years, I had contacts at some amazing camps, but of course, the best ones I knew were either too far to make sense or a bit out of our price range.
My husband and I took the boys to a local day camp’s open house, signed up, and hoped for the best. It was affordable
24 | BALTIMOREFISHBOWL.COM
and nearby, and the drop-off and pick-up times were perfect for my work schedule. The boys would be able to swim twice a week, they would have weekly field trips, and they would spend plenty of time outside. The price was right, it was conveniently located, and it fit my work schedule, but as is often the case, we got exactly what we paid for.
Figuring out what to bring
As camp got closer, we received a few emails outlining the theme for each week, a rough idea of the daily/weekly schedule, and what campers should bring each day. They would need water bottles and sunscreen daily, lunches most days, and swimsuits and towels twice a week. Parents were to apply sunscreen before drop-off, and counselors could help with reapplication in the afternoon, provided that parents sent spray sunscreen (counselors wouldn’t mess with lotion). On field trip days, campers were to arrive wearing their camp t-shirts, so as long as I washed those each weekend, we were good to go. I’ve never been a fan of spray sunscreen—it just doesn’t seem to work as well—so I opted for face sticks and
lotion for the mornings, but since my guys were so young, I also bought some of the spray variety for counselors to apply in the afternoons. My kids have sensitive skin, and I like the idea of not killing coral reefs, so I went with the more expensive, organic, crueltyfree kind. For wet swimsuits and towels, I sent some plastic, waterproof drawstring bags— the kind businesses use for giveaways—they were less likely to leak into backpacks and are a little nicer than plastic grocery bags. Before their first day, I marked their names on their towels, swimsuits, goggles, sunscreen, and water bottles. (There was definitely a chance that other kids would have the same Minecraft water bottles.)
Lost and Found
Despite clearly marking all items, after a few days, one of our sunscreen bottles was missing. I inquired the next morning at drop-off, and the staff directed me to the lost and found. Our sunscreen wasn’t there, but a counselor was happy to give us an unclaimed, unmarked, much cheaper, non-organic replacement. (It turns out that the counselors weren’t helping the kids apply sunscreen at all in the afternoons, so it didn’t matter what kind the boys had in their backpacks.)
If your kids are younger, or if they have a habit of leaving things behind, make sure you know where to find the lost and found. Though the sunscreen never turned up, I located in the lost and found water bottles, towels, and goggles that were left behind. Your best bet is to do a bag check each day at pick-up. Before you leave, make sure nothing is missing. Even if everything turns back up, it’s best to avoid letting a wet swimsuit and towel sit in a bag all weekend.
GUIDE TO SUMMER CAMPS | 25
Some camps provide lunch, and some camps don’t. Our first camp provided pizza once a week (for an additional charge), and kids brought lunches the rest of the week. Like most kids, my sons love pizza, and they always bring lunch to school, so this would be simple. I would pack the same lunches I send to school. When I arrived for pick-up after the first day of camp, counselors swarmed me, and my sons ran up to tell me about the horrible mistake I had made. The camp was peanutfree, but no one had bothered to tell me until after my kids
Lunch
opened their contrabandfilled lunchboxes. My sons were so upset that they (but mostly I) had potentially put other kids at risk, and they were probably even more upset because they were hungry (their sandwiches had been confiscated). If your kids typically eat peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for lunch, ask the camp about its peanut policy. Most peanut-free facilities take it seriously and make it very clear. Paperwork will have this info in bold, and there will be signs posted near the entrance, but don’t make any
assumptions. Just because no one bothered to mention it or post anything on the website or near the entrance doesn’t mean peanut butter is an acceptable lunch option. If you discover that your camp is peanut-free but you have kids like mine who don’t like lunch meat and won’t fall for fake peanut butter alternatives, invest in a thermos. It takes a little more time in the morning, but you can throw some chicken nuggets in the oven, stick them in that thermos, and ensure that your kids have lunches they will actually eat.
Camp Communication
If questions or problems arise, you should have a number and email address to direct your concerns. Our first camp provided contact info for the director. We met her at the open house, and I felt confident she would help if something came up.
Not long into the summer, my sons frequently mentioned one camper. They told me he was calling them names, pushing them, and even kicking them, but it never seemed to happen when a counselor was looking. I explained that camp counselors have a lot of children in their care and that, while they try their best, they can’t always see and
hear everything. I told my sons not to retaliate; if this kid kept giving them trouble, they needed to tell a counselor.
After our talk, one of my sons told me he tried talking to a counselor, but he said she was too busy sitting on a bench, talking to other counselors, to listen. This son can be dramatic, so I didn’t jump to conclusions, but I reached out to the director to see if she might speak to the problem camper. I tried emailing her first. No response. Then I tried calling and leaving a message. Still no response. A few days later, a counselor pulled me aside at pick-up. I needed to sign a form. One of
26 | BALTIMOREFISHBOWL.COM
my sons had pushed this kid so hard that he fell on the floor. Is it OK to knock a kid on the floor? Absolutely not. I was not pleased with my son. However, as I pointed out in my next email to the director, responsiveness to problems like this is essential to avoid retaliation and escalation. Over the summer, I reached out to the director a few more times—nothing major, just a few questions about field trips and early pick-up—but it was a waste of time: My phone calls and emails were never answered.
Finding the perfect summer day camp
For our first non-preschool camp, my husband and I focused primarily on proximity to our house or place of work
making sure our sons would get to swim
start date and end date
price
drop-off and pick-up times It wasn’t a horrible summer. Our sons weren’t injured or traumatized – they actually had a pretty great time – but communication was lacking, and the children weren’t supervised as well as I would have liked. There were a few other things we should have focused on: the experience level and professionalism of the staff the counselor-to-camper ratio feedback from other parents/caregivers who had sent their children there This summer, we’re trying somewhere new. When I told the boys they’ll get to swim every day, it wasn’t hard to convince them. It’s a camp we previously considered out of our budget, but we’ve decided that it’s worth it. To soften the blow, we’re signing up for two fewer weeks than last year, something to consider if you’ve found the perfect camp but will struggle to pay for the whole summer. We might sprinkle in a few slightly less expensive specialty camps in between, an excellent option for children who are interested in the arts, science, sports, or the countless other programs our local camps provide. This summer will be amazing!
GUIDE TO SUMMER CAMPS | 27
DIVE INTO LOCAL NEWS
Read Baltimore Fishbowl
Winner of 21 MDDC Press Association Awards
including
BEST OF SHOW for
Website of General Excellence
2023
Providing a daily catch of news since 2011 b a l t i m o re f i s h bow l .co m
CAMP GUIDE
DIRECTORY
Direc t ory Baltimore Community Rowing
ADDRESS: 3301 Waterview Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21230 WEBSITE: baltimorerowing.org/juniors CAMP HOURS: Partial Day SESSION LENGTH: 1 week PRICE PER SESSION: $300 CAMP TYPE: Co-ed AGES: Grades 7-12 CATEGORY: Sports Camp TRANSPORTATION PROVIDED: No OVERVIEW: Spend a week on the water with Baltimore Community Rowing this summer! Learn the Olympic sport of rowing with a skilled staff of USRowing-certified youth coaches. Participants will learn boat handling skills, mechanics of the rowing stroke, and will progress to rowing as a team. Practices are designed to build on your current fitness and will include land and water workouts. On-water instruction will take place in team boats. Participants will row alongside current high school athletes and collegiate rowers with opportunities to learn more about BCR’s high school rowing program and collegiate rowing opportunities. Each week will end with a spectatorfriendly intra-squad race. Open to athletes in grades 7-12. Scholarships are available for residents of the Baltimore metro area based on financial need.
BCS Summer Camp
ADDRESS: 700 N. Calvert Street, Baltimore, MD 21202 WEBSITE: centerstage.org PHONE NUMBER: 410-332-0033 CAMP HOURS: Full Day, 8:30 a.m.-4:15p.m. SESSION LENGTH: 2 weeks PRICE PER SESSION: $750 CAMP TYPE: Co-ed AGES: Children entering grades 1-8 CATEGORY: Performing Arts Camp TRANSPORTATION PROVIDED: No OVERVIEW: Campers will spend two weeks creating artistic work for a retrospective to be shared at the end of each session. Throughout their time at Camp BCS, students will practice artistic skill building through theatre games and exercises, writing, visual arts, movement with music and STEAM workshops. Campers will explore a variety of topics, such as Acting Writing Dance/Movement Music
Technical theater/ Production Devised theater Improv STEAM Campers will be split into three pods of 10-15 students. Each pod will be determined by age group. Children entering grades 1-8 in the 2024-2025 school year are eligible to attend. The campers will move through class rotations with their pod and occasionally overlap with other pods for all-camp programming.
30 | BALTIMOREFISHBOWL.COM
B.Funk Summer Dance Camps
ADDRESS: 10291 Baltimore National Turnpike, Ellicott City, MD 21042 WEBSITE: bfunk.com PHONE NUMBER: 410-313-8199 CAMP HOURS: Partial Day, Full Day, Extended Day Preschool Age Camps: MondayFriday, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. School Age Camps: Monday-Friday, 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Extended hours available. SESSION LENGTH: July 15-August 16 PRICE PER SESSION: $350-$600 per week CAMP TYPE: Co-ed AGES: 3-10 CATEGORIES: Traditional Day Camp, Performing Arts Camp TRANSPORTATION PROVIDED: No OVERVIEW: Weekly themed preschool and school age camps are divided into levels by age and experience, where students will enjoy daily dance, arts, crafts, tumbling, games, and theater activities. B.Funk Dance Company’s well experienced, professional staff will teach all camps. Each morning will consist of alternating dance classes in the following styles: hip hop, jazz, tap, ballet, and musical theatre. Each camp day will include a craft and daily activities that expand outside of dance classes (tumbling, theatre, karaoke, dress up, and fun activity-based games). Students will need to bring water bottles and finger food snacks. School age camps will also include lunch (provided by students). The week will conclude with a parent performance on Friday. Extended hours are available upon request.
CA Camps
ADDRESS: 8100 Stevenson Road, Pikesville, MD 21208 WEBSITE: cacamps.org PHONE NUMBER: 443-658-2267 CAMP HOURS: Full Day, July 17-August 9, 8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.; optional before and after care available SESSION LENGTH: 1 week; 2 week minimum PRICE PER SESSION: $425 per week CAMP TYPE: Co-ed AGES: 4-15 CATEGORIES: Traditional Day Camp, Specialty Camp, Teen Programming TRANSPORTATION PROVIDED: No OVERVIEW: Chizuk Amuno Camps - a day camp for kids pre-K through 8th grade. CA Camps is a Jewish day camp located in the heart of Pikesville at Chizuk Amuno Congregation’s beautiful 30-acre complex. CA Camps offers both indoor and outdoor spaces, a state-of-the-art pool, an inclusive playground, and amazing programming to keep children engaged and challenged all summer long. Come see why you can’t spell CAMP without CA!
Camp Heritage
ADDRESS: 800 S. Rolling Road, Catonsville, MD 21228 WEBSITE: ccbcmd.edu/Campus-Life-andActivities/Athletics/Youth-Campsand-Training/Camp-Heritage.aspx PHONE NUMBER: 443-840-4197 CAMP HOURS: Full Day, 8:45 a.m.-4:00 p.m., with morning and afternoon extended care options SESSION LENGTH: 4-week sessions, with 6-week, 7-week, and 8-week options PRICE PER SESSION: $950-$1,800 CAMP TYPE: Co-ed AGES: Grades K-5; CIT program for grades 6 and 7 CATEGORIES: Traditional Day Camp, Counselor-inTraining Program TRANSPORTATION PROVIDED: No OVERVIEW: Camp Heritage is operated by CCBC Catonsville and licensed by the Maryland State Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. It is designed for children who will have completed kindergarten through fifth grade. Children who have completed sixth grade and seventh grade are eligible to be selected for the counselorin-training program. Children are grouped according to the grade completed by June 2024 and with daily group sizes of 24-32 campers. The curriculum is created to involve campers in a wide variety of programs that provide an enriching and memorable camp experience. The programs include swimming, art, performing and creating, nature and the environment, sports and games, discovery time, table games, and special events. Each program focuses on activities that encourage children to explore their potential, build relationships, and develop self-confidence. Facilities offered include an indoor swimming pool, air-conditioned activity rooms and classrooms, a spacious multi-purpose gymnasium, and outdoor playing fields.
Camp Rock
ADDRESS: 1607 Cromwell Bridge Road, Baltimore, MD 21234 WEBSITE: camprockmd.com PHONE NUMBER: 410-665-7461 CAMP HOURS: Full Day, 8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.; Extended Day, 7:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. SESSION LENGTH: Up to 11 weeks with 2-week minimum PRICE PER SESSION: Starting at $266 per week CAMP TYPE: Co-ed AGES: 4-11 CATEGORY: Traditional Day Cap TRANSPORTATION PROVIDED: No
OVERVIEW: Camp Rock offers 11 weeks of summer fun for children ages 4-11 in a safe, nurturing, supportive environment. Camp Rock summer camp activities include nature trails, a high ropes course and zip line, water activities, swimming, games, crafts, performing arts, sports, team building, academic enrichment, special guests, field trips, delicious meals, friendships, and so much more! Activities are age-appropriate and led by a caring staff. Camp Rock also offers specialty classes featuring swimming lessons, culinary arts, horsemanship, martial arts, gymnastics, and art. Come see why they are the best day camp in Baltimore!
Capital Camps
ADDRESS: 12750 Buchanan Trail E, Waynesboro, PA 17268 WEBSITE: capitalcamps.org PHONE NUMBER: 301-468-2267 CAMP HOURS: Overnight SESSION LENGTH: 5 days, 7 days, 12 days, 3 weeks, 4 weeks, 7 weeks PRICE PER SESSION: $1,200-$7,100 (needs-based financial assistance available) CAMP TYPE: Co-ed AGES: 7-17 CATEGORIES: Overnight Camp, Faith-Based Camp, Counselor-in-Training Program TRANSPORTATION PROVIDED: Yes OVERVIEW: Capital Camps is a place where campers can try everything, take calculated risks, and explore their personal and Jewish identities in an environment steeped in nature, adventure, and tradition. Health, safety, and fun are everyday priorities. Every year, more than 840 campers and 180 cabin and specialty staff descend upon their happy place— Waynesboro, Pennsylvania—for a summer filled with swimming, ropes, arts, and more screen-free friendship building and challenges by choice. Village life is the backbone of Capital Camps. From the youngest elementary school-aged campers to the oldest high schoolers in leadership programs, each village has unique age-appropriate accommodations and programmatic elements. The intent is for campers to grow within themselves, be a part of the bunk community, interact with campers in other cabins, and contribute to the camp as a whole.
GUIDE TO SUMMER CAMPS | 31
Direc t ory The Dance Conservatory at The St. Paul’s Schools
ADDRESS: 11232 Falls Road, Brooklandville, MD 21022 WEBSITE: stpaulsmd.org/TDC PHONE NUMBER: 410-823-6323 ext. 1136 CAMP HOURS: Partial Day, Full Day, Evening Classes SESSION LENGTH: A variety of weeklong sessions from June 17-August 9 PRICE PER SESSION: $140-$415 CAMP TYPE: Co-ed AGES: 3-18 CATEGORY: Performing Arts Camp TRANSPORTATION PROVIDED: OVERVIEW: The Dance Conservatory at The St. Paul’s Schools has been designed for beginning through advanced dancers to identify, nurture, develop, and train the Baltimore community’s children in the art of dance. This program offers students the opportunity to foster and enrich their dance education through the development of technical proficiency, artistic growth, and creativity. The process of learning to dance also teaches discipline and self-awareness, defines limitations, and enhances musical aptitude, concentration, and focus. Multiple disciplines including ballet, jazz, tap, and contemporary are offered for all ages, from the youngest dancers through pre-collegiate and pre-professional training. Specialty classes, including musical theatre dance, acrobatics, and hip hop, allow dancers to further their skills for specific venues.
Everyman Theatre Summer Experiences 2024
ADDRESS: 315 W. Fayette Street, Baltimore, MD 21201 WEBSITE: everymantheatre.org/education PHONE NUMBER: 443-615-7055 ext. 7133 CAMP HOURS: Full Day SESSION LENGTH: 1 week, 2 weeks PRICE PER SESSION: $350-$710 CAMP TYPE: Co-ed AGES: K-8 CATEGORY: Performing Arts Camp TRANSPORTATION PROVIDED: Yes OVERVIEW: At Everyman Theatre, they excite the imagination, channel creative energy, and build social-emotional skills through dramatic play. With story at the center of their work, they embrace song, movement, and visual art with the goal of providing a warm and nurturing environment for each child’s formal artistic experience. Dive into the world of story and embrace each class as part of a larger journey as students hone their actor’s tools of body, voice, imagination, focus, and heart! In Everyman Theatre’s summer experiences, students will explore acting, writing, music, dance, movement, improv, visual arts, devised theatre, and theatre production.
32 | BALTIMOREFISHBOWL.COM
Gilman Summer!
ADDRESS: 5407 Roland Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21210 WEBSITE: gilman.edu/gilmansummer PHONE NUMBER: 410-864-9905 or summer@gilman.edu CAMP HOURS: Partial Day, Full Day SESSION LENGTH: 1 week PRICE PER SESSION: $180-$450 CAMP TYPE: Co-ed for some; single-sex, boys for certain sports AGES: 4-18 CATEGORIES: Academic Camp, Sports Camp, Specialty Camp TRANSPORTATION PROVIDED: No OVERVIEW: There is something for everyone at Gilman Summer! Enrichment and skill-building programs for boys and girls grades K-12 are designed and run by Gilman faculty and field experts. Enhance athleticism and agility in one of many sports camps, including baseball, football, lacrosse, and more. Brush up on reading, writing, and math skills with one of the academic programs, or get started on the college application process with an essay writing workshop led by a college counselor. Discover new interests in one of the specialty camps, such as Maker Space, Nature Explorers, or World Cooking and Art. Weeklong camps are available June through August. Gilman Summer hopes you will join them for a summer of learning and fun!
iMAGiNATiON 101 Summer Arts Camp – Baltimore
ADDRESS: Roland Park Country School, 5204 Roland Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21210 WEBSITE: charmcityplayers.com PHONE NUMBER: 410-472-4737 CAMP HOURS: Full Day, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.3:30 p.m. SESSION LENGTH: 2 weeks PRICE PER SESSION: $750; sibling and multi-session discounts available CAMP TYPE: Co-ed AGES: 7-17 CATEGORY: Theatre Intensive Performing Arts Camp TRANSPORTATION PROVIDED: Before care, after care, and transportation provided through Coppermine Theatre Summer Camp - Baltimore OVERVIEW: iMAGiNATiON 101 Summer Arts Camp – Baltimore provides children with the unique opportunity to be part of the musical theatre world, taught by outstanding performers and arts educators in 2-week theatre intensive summer sessions. Through daily instruction, young performers gain insight and understanding into the actor’s process in musical theatre – from auditions to the creation of believable characters to the final on-stage performances for friends and family. iMAGiNATiON 101 Summer Arts Camp teaches “Life skills through stage skills.” 2024 camps include these fantastic 2-week sessions: Camp Session #1 – 6/17-6/28 Final Production: Mean Girls Jr. Ages 9-17 Camp Session #2 – 7/8-7/19 Final Production: The Little Mermaid Jr. Ages 7-17 Camp Session #3 – 7/22-8/2 Final Production: Legally Blonde Jr. Ages 9-17 Camp Session #4 – 8/5-8/16 Final Production: Finding Nemo Jr. Ages 7-17
iMAGiNATiON 101 Summer Arts Camp – Columbia ADDRESS: Slayton House, 10400 Cross Fox Lane, Columbia, MD 21044 WEBSITE: charmcityplayers.com PHONE NUMBER: 410-472-4737 CAMP HOURS: Full Day, Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. SESSION LENGTH: 3 weeks PRICE PER SESSION: $1,000; sibling and multi-session discounts available CAMP TYPE: Co-ed AGES: 7-17
CATEGORY: Theatre Intensive Performing Arts Camp TRANSPORTATION PROVIDED: No OVERVIEW: iMAGiNATiON 101 Summer Arts Camp – Columbia provides children with the unique opportunity to be part of the musical theatre world, taught by outstanding performers and arts educators in 3-week theatre intensive summer sessions. Through daily instruction, young performers gain insight and understanding into the actor’s process in musical theatre – from auditions to the creation of believable characters to the final on-stage performances for friends and family. iMAGiNATiON 101 Summer Arts Camp teaches “Life skills through stage skills.” 2024 Camps include these fantastic 3-week sessions: Camp Session #1 – 7/8-7/26 Final Production: The Little Mermaid Jr. Ages 7-17 Camp Session #2 – 7/29-8/16 Final Production: Annie Jr. Ages 7-17
It’s All Fun & Games Camp
ADDRESS: P.O. Box 175, 1810 Valleybrook Drive, Kingsville, MD 21087 WEBSITE: funandgamescamp.com PHONE NUMBER: 410-879-4460 CAMP HOURS: Full Day, Extended Day SESSION LENGTH: 1 week PRICE PER SESSION: $360-$385 CAMP TYPE: Co-ed AGES: 6-13 CATEGORY: Traditional Day Camp TRANSPORTATION PROVIDED: No OVERVIEW: Located at Valleybrook Country Club, campers stay occupied on 20 secluded acres of property. Exploring the stream, plenty of green space, two air-conditioned buildings, state-of-the-art pools, four-square, gaga court, tennis time, arts & crafts, group games and special programming keep campers busy. Small groups led by highly trained and experienced staff help set the camp apart from others. It’s the perfect mix of old fashioned, outdoor fun, combined with learning through new experiences, new friends, and plenty of time to cool off. It’s truly “everything a camp should be.”
GUIDE TO SUMMER CAMPS | 33
Direc t ory J Camps ADDRESS: 3506 Gwynnbrook Avenue, Owings Mills, MD 21117 WEBSITE: jcampsbaltimore.org PHONE NUMBER: 410-559-3500 CAMP HOURS: Half Day, Full Day, Extended Day SESSION LENGTH: 1-8 week options PRICE PER SESSION: $250-$580 CAMP TYPE: Co-ed AGES: 2-15 CATEGORIES: Day Camp, Sports Camp, Tennis Camp, Theatre and Performing Arts Camp, Pickleball Camp, Teen Camp TRANSPORTATION PROVIDED: Express Bus service available from multiple locations OVERVIEW: Watch children discover their potential at J Camps, offering a wide spectrum of programmatic options for everyone. Sports, swimming, science, arts, theater, nature, or a little bit of everything – J Camps has it. An outdoor camp with plenty of air-conditioned indoor space to beat the heat or stay dry in the rain, J Camps features Shapiro Aquatics Park, Gordon Center for Performing Arts, J Camps Adventure Park, two gyms, tennis courts, nature trails, athletic fields, art studios and so much more. Each day, campers will come home happy, exhausted – and with the boost of confidence that comes with the joy of self-discovery. J Camps offers various camp options for grades pre-K through 10, with optional extended care and Express Bus service available from multiple locations. ACA accredited on the Owings Mills campus. Indoor and outdoor facilities. Swimming.
Kids @ CCBC
ADDRESS: CCBC Essex (BESS-115), 7201 Rossville Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21237 WEBSITE: ccbcmd.edu/kidsatccbc PHONE NUMBER: 443-840-2222 CAMP HOURS: Full Day, MondayFriday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Half-Day classes at Essex and Owings Mills SESSION LENGTH: 1 week, 2 weeks PRICE PER SESSION: $165-$259 CAMP TYPE: Co-ed AGES: 7-17 CATEGORIES: Academic Camp, Cooking Camp, STEM Camp (Engineering and Electronics), Visual and Performing Arts Camp, Sports Camp TRANSPORTATION PROVIDED: No
34 | BALTIMOREFISHBOWL.COM
OVERVIEW: Kids@CCBC strives to create positive and fun learning experiences for students ages 7-17 with quality instruction, small class sizes, and individualized attention. They offer what parents have come to expect in summer learning. Whether it’s drawing, academic writing, dancing, baking, building, PreAlgebra, Algebra 1, SAT Test Prep, sculpting, or engineering, Kids@CCBC has a class for that! Don’t just take their word for it. Here’s a testimonial from Yuka Lasher, a parent in Sculpting for Character Design who wrote, “The teacher was fantastic! I wish the class was longer.” Register now. Call 443-840-2222 or check them out at ccbcmd.edu/kidsatccbc.
A Magical Summer at Mercy
a magical summer at
ADDRESS: 1300 East Northern Parkway, Baltimore, MD 21239 WEBSITE: mercyhighschool.com/a-magical-summer-at-mercy PHONE NUMBER: 410-433-8880 CAMP HOURS: Partial Day Basketball Camp: June 24-27, 5:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m. on the Mary Ella Marion ’76 Court (Mercy High School’s gymnasium) Cheer Camp: July 22-25, 5:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m. on the Mary Ella Marion ’76 Court Dance Camp: June 24-27, 5:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m. in the Dance Studio in The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Auditorium Field Hockey Camp: June 24-27, 5:00 p.m.-7:30 pm. on Sisters of Mercy Field Lacrosse Camp: July 15-18, 5:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m. on Sisters of Mercy Field Soccer Camp: July 29-August 1, 5:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m. on Sisters of Mercy Field Volleyball Camp: July 8-11 or July 15-18, 5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. on the Mary Ella Marion ’76 Court SESSION LENGTH: 1 week PRICE PER SESSION: $200-$215 CAMP TYPE: Single-sex, girls AGES: Girls entering grades 6-9 CATEGORIES: Sports Camp, Performing Arts Camp TRANSPORTATION PROVIDED: No OVERVIEW: Intellectually curious students thrive in a welcoming community that reflects Mercy values. These values empower each Mercy Girl to draw upon her worldclass International Baccalaureate education to make a difference in our world.
Maryvale Summer Camps
ADDRESS: 11300 Falls Road, Lutherville, MD 21093 WEBSITE: maryvale.com PHONE NUMBER: 410-252-3366 CAMP HOURS: Full Day SESSION LENGTH: 4-5 days each PRICE PER SESSION: $200-$425 CAMP TYPE: Co-ed and single-sex, girls AGES: K-12 CATEGORIES: Sports Camp, Teen Etiquette, Camp Invention TRANSPORTATION PROVIDED: No OVERVIEW: Maryvale, a Catholic independent girls’ school serving grades 6-12, affiliated with the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, provides an environment in which each student can reach her academic, spiritual, physical, and civic potential in a loving, supportive, and diverse community. Building upon its unique and special heritage, Maryvale’s mission is to provide an exceptional education that responds to change and prepares young women for life. Maryvale is excited to offer a variety of camps this summer for Maryvale students as well as students from area schools. Camp Invention is for students in grades K-6. There are a handful of athletic camps for middle and high school students as well as an etiquette camp for teenagers.
McDonogh Summer Camps
ADDRESS: 8600 McDonogh Road, Owings Mills, MD 21117 WEBSITE: mcdonogh.org/summer PHONE NUMBER: 443-544-7100 CAMP HOURS: Full Day, Extended Day SESSION LENGTH: Full summer (6-week) and single-week sessions available PRICE PER SESSION: $350-$925 CAMP TYPE: Co-ed AGES: 4-17 CATEGORIES: Traditional Day Camp, Academic & Technology Camp, Sports Camp, Counselor-in-Training Program, Performing Arts Camp, Visual Arts Camp TRANSPORTATION PROVIDED: Bus service available for an additional fee OVERVIEW: Get ready for fun, friendship, discovery, and adventure this summer! McDonogh offers a wide range of traditional day camps, arts and educational programs, and sports clinics for children ages 4-17. The camps are conducted on the school’s stunning 800-acre campus with impressive indoor and outdoor facilities. Transportation, lunch, before and after care, and sibling discounts are available for many camps. Check out the full lineup at mcdonogh.org/summer, and see why families have been choosing McDonogh Summer Camps for more than 80 years!
The Park School of Baltimore/Park Camps
ADDRESS: 2425 Old Court Road, Baltimore, MD 21208 WEBSITE: parkcamps.com PHONE NUMBERS: 410-339-7070/410-339-4120 CAMP HOURS: Full Day/Partial Day SESSION LENGTH: Varies per camp chosen PRICE PER SESSION: Varies per camp chosen CAMP TYPE: Co-ed AGES: 3.5-15 CATEGORIES: Sports Camp, Traditional Day Camp, Robotics Camp, Counselor-in-Training Program, Nature Camp, Travel Camp, Visual and Performing Arts Camp, and more! TRANSPORTATION PROVIDED: No OVERVIEW: Think summer! The Park School of Baltimore is excited to offer an expansive set of camp experiences for students ages 3.5-15. Park Camps runs from June 11-July 26 in a wide range of disciplines, using our beautiful 100-acre campus as the playground and inspiration for hands-on learning. What distinguishes Park Camps? The people. Our lead instructors, counselors, and lifeguards are almost entirely Park faculty, employees, current Park students, young alumni, and recent college graduates who are aspiring educators. The center of Park’s program is our day camp for Cubs (ages 3.5-5), Bears (ages 6-7), and Bruins (ages 8-10). The day camp includes specialty workshops in the visual arts, music, athletics, and outdoors, along with a daily trip to the pool. This year, campers will also get to participate in team-building activities on our challenge course. One of the core values of Park Camps is choice, as campers have ample time within their dens to choose between indoor and outdoor activities that align with their interests. In Summer 2024, Park is excited to launch two new programs, the first of which provides families with something they often need: camp that starts the first day after school ends! From June 11-14 and June 17-21, Park has you covered with School’s Out Sports Camp, a camp that showcases Park’s robust athletics and physical education programs. The camp is for both recreational and competitive athletes, as they will be grouped by both age and interest to ensure that the coaches can tailor the experience to each specific group. Finally, Park is introducing Specialty Camps for students ages 10-13, aging up the day camp model to meet the needs of older campers. The “hands on, minds on” camps provide project-based experiences in a wide range of disciplines, ensuring that campers can fully immerse themselves in topics that interest them. Park is offering three different morning and afternoon options each week, and campers choose their sessions based on their passions and interests. This new program is fullystaffed by Park faculty and also includes a daily trip to the pool and challenge course. Come join us at Park this summer! Registration is open and includes discounts for siblings and new campers.
GUIDE TO SUMMER CAMPS | 35
Direc t ory Peabody Preparatory Summer Programs
ADDRESS: 21 E. Mt. Vernon Place, Baltimore, MD 21202 WEBSITE: peabody.jhu.edu/prep PHONE NUMBER: 667-208-6640 CAMP HOURS: Varies based on program: Full Day, Half Day, Partial Day SESSION LENGTH: Varies based on program PRICE PER SESSION: Varies based on program CAMP TYPE: Co-ed AGES: All ages, infant to adult CATEGORY: Performing Arts Camp TRANSPORTATION PROVIDED: No OVERVIEW: The Peabody Preparatory offers a variety of weeklong specialty music and dance programs designed to provide a fun yet focused opportunity to hone your craft or try something new. From ballet to guitar virtuosity, these programs offer extraordinary artistic experiences. Craft your own beats at the Baltimore Beat Lab, master the piano with Piano at Peabody and Peabody Piano Week, explore the world through dance at AileyCamp Baltimore or the Summer Dance Intensive, further you skills in guitar, strings, and woodwind instruments, or simply have a blast with your new friends. With programs for students of all ages and skill levels, there is something for everyone this summer at the Prep! Additional programs offered at locations in Towson, Howard County, Frederick, and Annapolis.
Red Hot Summer Camps
ADDRESS: 5204 Roland Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21210 WEBSITE: rpcs.org/summer PHONE NUMBER: 410-323-5500 CAMP HOURS: Partial Day, Full Day; before and after care available SESSION LENGTH: 1-2 week sessions based on camp PRICE PER SESSION: Varies CAMP TYPE: Co-ed and single-sex, girls AGES: 5-16 (with an additional camp for ages 1-4) CATEGORIES: Traditional Day Camp, Academic & Technology Camp, Performing Arts Camp, Sports Camp, Visual Arts Camp TRANSPORTATION PROVIDED: No OVERVIEW: No matter what your child’s interest, Red Hot Summer Camps at Roland Park Country School will provide experiential, hands-on experiences led by talented and expert teachers in STEM/STEAM, Sports, Cooking, Visual & Performing Arts, and more! Whether your child is into running and soccer, or chess and theater, Red Hot Summer Camps offer one summer under one roof.
36 | BALTIMOREFISHBOWL.COM
Red Hot Summer Camps knows that planning your children’s summer activities can feel like a jigsaw puzzle. A talented staff is there to alleviate that stress of trying to find which camps fit into which week by offering a new CAMP CONCIERGE SERVICE! Red Hot Summer Camps offer amazing opportunities for older students, partnering with Charm City Players, Johns Hopkins University BioEyes, Spark Business Academy, Baltimore Tennis Patrons, Baltimore Music School, Pedal Power, and more! These partnerships allow Red Hot Summer Camps to offer a wide range of camps that fit your children’s interests and provide parents with a one-stop drop-off through the entire summer!
Schoolhouse Theater Arts, Inc.
ADDRESS: P.O. Box 8076, Elkridge, MD 21075 WEBSITE: schoolhousetheaterarts.com PHONE NUMBERS: 410-936-8484/410-379-6991 CAMP HOURS: Full Day, Extended Day (before and after care available) SESSION LENGTH: 1 week, 2 weeks PRICE PER SESSION: $250-$500 CAMP TYPE: Co-ed AGES: 3-16 CATEGORIES: Performing Arts Camp, Traditional Day Camp TRANSPORTATION PROVIDED: No OVERVIEW: Lights, Camera, Action! Join STA to make friends, play games, create crafts, learn drama skills, and put on a theatrical production for family and friends on the last day. Did you ever wonder what happens behind the scenes in a production? In the Set It Up Camp, participants will design and build sets for summer camp productions and then work as the tech crew during performances. Staff includes certified teachers and experienced counselors. STA looks forward to seeing you on the stage! Registration is now open. To register, visit howardcountymd.gov/rap or call 410-313-PARK (410-313-7275).
Stages Music Arts Summer Music Camps
Rock Camp, Rock Camp Junior, Electronic Music Camp, Mini Music Maker Camp ADDRESS: 10 Stenersen Lane, Cockeysville, MD 21030 WEBSITE: stagesmusicarts.com PHONE NUMBER: 443-353-5300 CAMP HOURS: Full Day, Partial Day All camps 9:00 a.m.-3:00 pm. except Mini Music Markers, which is 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. SESSION LENGTH: 1 week; Mini Music Makers MondayWednesday; all other camps Monday-Friday PRICE PER SESSION: Mini Music Makers - $250; all other camps - $550 CAMP TYPE: Co-ed AGES: Rock Camp Junior: 9-12 Rock Camp: 13-18 Electronic Music Camp: 11-18 Mini Music Makers: 5-8 CATEGORY: Performing Arts Day Camp TRANSPORTATION PROVIDED: No OVERVIEW: Summer camps at Stages hold the promise of endless fun, friends and memories! Your rock star will experience the exhilaration of mastering an instrument, singing their heart out, performing their favorite songs with a band or composing their own original digital music using cutting-edge software. Stages Music Arts is Baltimore’s premier music school and recording studio whose mission is to inspire students of all ages and abilities to experience the joy of making music while gaining confidence, making friends and thriving within a fun and supportive community.
STEAM Summer Camps with the Science Guys of Baltimore
ADDRESS: Varying locations WEBSITE: scienceguysofbaltimore.com PHONE NUMBER: 443-436-2663 CAMP HOURS: Full Day, Partial Day, varying by location SESSION LENGTH: Weekly, June 17-August 23 PRICE PER SESSION: Varies by location CAMP TYPE: Co-ed AGES: 5-12 CATEGORIES: Traditional Day Camp, Academic Camp TRANSPORTATION PROVIDED: No OVERVIEW: At Science Guys of Baltimore, Summer Camps are their absolute favorite programs to offer! They pack each week full of experiments (about 20-30 per week!!), games, relationship building, and FUN! The vibe is very campy but with tons of learning woven in. This makes the camp great for all kids: those who love science, and those who don’t yet know they love science!
Summer at Bryn Mawr
ADDRESS: 109 West Melrose Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21210 WEBSITE: brynmawrschool.org/ summer PHONE NUMBER: 410-323-8800 CAMP HOURS: Full Day, Partial Day, Extended Day (morning and afternoon extended hours available) SESSION LENGTH: 1 week, 2 weeks PRICE PER SESSION: Starting at $300+ per week CAMP TYPE: Co-ed AGES: 5 and up CATEGORIES: Day Camp, Academic & Technology Camp, Performing Arts Camp, Creative Arts Camp, Sports Camp, Science Camp, STEM Camp TRANSPORTATION PROVIDED: No OVERVIEW: Summer at Bryn Mawr offers a huge range of camps including sports, arts & crafts, science, drama, dance (or all of the above!). Enjoy long-running favorites like Creative Workshop or find something new to explore! Extended care is available, and lunch is included for full-day campers!
Summer at Friends
ADDRESS: 5114 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21210 WEBSITE: fscamp.org PHONE NUMBER: 410-649-3218 CAMP HOURS: Full Day, 8:30 a.m.3:30/5:00 p.m. SESSION LENGTH: 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 8 weeks PRICE PER SESSION: $960-$4,080 CAMP TYPE: Co-ed AGES: 4-13 CATEGORIES: Traditional Day Camp, Counselor-inTraining Program, Performing Arts Camp, Sports Camp, Visual Arts Camp TRANSPORTATION PROVIDED: No OVERVIEW: Summer at Friends offers a variety of exciting day camps for children ages 4-13 on Friends School of Baltimore’s beautiful 35-acre campus. There are traditional day camps, featuring a mix of activities ranging from art to swimming, as well as specialty camps focusing on drama, visual arts, robotics, makerspaces, technology, and sports! Camp groups are intentionally kept small, allowing for lots of personal attention from terrific counselors and teachers. All of the camps include lunch, snack, and daily on-site swimming! Summer at Friends has been creating amazing camp experiences for over 60 years! Come see what Summer Fun looks like!
GUIDE TO SUMMER CAMPS | 37
Direc t ory Summer at Garrison Forest
ADDRESS: 300 Garrison Forest Road, Owings Mills, MD 21117 WEBSITE: gfs.org/summer PHONE NUMBER: 410-559-3433 CAMP HOURS: Partial Day, Full Day, Extended Day, Overnight SESSION LENGTH: 1 week PRICE PER SESSION: Varies CAMP TYPE: Co-ed AGES: 3 and up CATEGORIES: Traditional Day Camp, Overnight Camp TRANSPORTATION PROVIDED: No OVERVIEW: Fun happens here! Summer at Garrison Forest is conveniently located just off of 695 in Owings Mills in a gated community on a beautiful 110-acre campus. With traditional day, specialty, equestrian and overnight offerings, there are plenty of opportunities for campers to follow their dreams and explore their passions. Summer at Garrison invites children to discover new skills, dive deep into their creativity, play what they love and take their talents for a joy ride!
Summer at Highlands
ADDRESS: 2409 Creswell Road, Bel Air, MD 21015 WEBSITE: hsmd.org PHONE NUMBER: 410-836-1415 CAMP HOURS: Partial Day SESSION LENGTH: 6 weeks PRICE PER SESSION: $150-$2,950 CAMP TYPE: Co-ed AGES: Students entering grades 1-12 CATEGORIES: Academic Camp, Camp for Learning Differences, Performing Arts Camp, Sports Camp, Agriculture Camp, Technology Camp TRANSPORTATION PROVIDED: No OVERVIEW: Learning and fun meet during the summer at The Highlands School! Mind Jump is the signature 5-week academic program, which meets daily each morning. Each week, Summer at Highlands offers lunch bunch and afternoon camps to keep students active and engaged. Afternoon camps include Sports Camp, HipHop, Agriculture/Horticulture, Mindfulness, Musical Theater and more.
38 | BALTIMOREFISHBOWL.COM
Summer at Jemicy
ADDRESS: 11 Celadon Road, Owings Mills, MD 21117 WEBSITE: jemicyschool.org/camps PHONE NUMBER: 410-653-2700 CAMP HOURS: Full Day, 8:30 a.m.3:30 p.m. SESSION LENGTH: 4 weeks PRICE PER SESSION: See camp website for pricing details CAMP TYPE: Co-ed AGES: 6-14 CATEGORIES: Academic Camp, Camp for Learning Differences, Day Camp, Non-denominational TRANSPORTATION PROVIDED: No OVERVIEW: Summer at Jemicy is a 4-week (July 1-July 26) program for students with dyslexia or related language-based learning differences that endeavors to minimize the problem of “summer learning loss” by providing daily academic intervention and remediation designed to reinforce and maintain reading, language arts, math, and organizational skills learned throughout the preceding year. In addition, engaging creative and recreational activities provide opportunities for students to enjoy art, woodshop, outdoor adventures, drama, field trips, and more. The program strives to promote individual growth, build self-esteem, and facilitate positive social interactions. The option to enroll in half-day, full-day, and extended day programs provides families with flexibility to meet their scheduling needs.
Summer at The St. Paul’s Schools
ADDRESS: 11152 Falls Road, Brooklandville, MD 21022 WEBSITE: stpaulsmd.org/summer PHONE NUMBER: 410-821-3058 CAMP HOURS: Full Day, 9:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.; before and after care available SESSION LENGTH: Various weeklong sessions available June 17-August 9 PRICE PER SESSION: $275-$835 CAMP TYPE: Co-ed and single-sex options AGES: 3-18 CATEGORIES: Traditional Day Camp, Academic & Technology Camp, Counselor-in-Training Program, Performing Arts Camp, Sports Camp, Visual Arts Camp TRANSPORTATION PROVIDED: No OVERVIEW: For decades, children aged 4-16 have been building lifelong friendships and skills attending Summer at The St. Paul’s Schools. Located on a 120-acre campus just 10 miles north of Baltimore City, campers quickly connect and feel safe in a nurturing environment. With a ropes course, swimming pool, and athletics facilities including a state-of-the-art indoor golf training center, as well as facilities for arts, drama, cooking, and scientific exploration, campers can unplug, try new and exciting activities, make great new friends, and gain self-esteem! An exceptional summer camp staff is dedicated to helping your camper develop new skills, have fun, and become an integral part of the camp community. An early bird discount is offered for all registrations until March 1, 2024, and will be automatically applied. For more information, please contact Stacie Gottlieb, director of auxiliary services, at sgottlieb@stpaulsmd. org.
Summer Camp at The Odyssey School
ADDRESS: 3257 Bridle Ridge Lane, Lutherville, MD 21093 WEBSITE: theodysseyschool.org/ summer-camp-at-the-odyssey-school PHONE NUMBER: 410-580-5551 CAMP HOURS: Partial Day, Full Day SESSION LENGTH: 5 weeks PRICE PER SESSION: $2,600-$3,700 CAMP TYPE: Co-ed AGES: Students currently in grades K-6 CATEGORIES: Traditional Day Camp, Camp for Learning Differences TRANSPORTATION PROVIDED: No
OVERVIEW: Located on 42 acres in the Greenspring Valley of Baltimore County, The Odyssey School is a unique, co-educational community that provides specialized instruction for children with dyslexia and other language learning differences from kindergarten through eighth grade. At Odyssey, students develop their strengths, tackle their challenges, and feel the joyful spirit of learning. Teachers utilize the most current evidence-based methodologies that empower students to build the skills, strategies, and selfadvocacy needed to thrive in future academic settings. For more information, visit theodsyseyschool.org
Summer Nature Camp at Irvine – A camp for curious kids!
ADDRESS: 11201 Garrison Forest Road, Owings Mills, MD 21117 WEBSITE: explorenature.org/summercamp PHONE NUMBER: 443-738-9200 CAMP HOURS: Full Day for campers ages 5-12: 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Half Day for campers ages 3-4: 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Partial Day for caregiver + child (ages 6 months-2): 9:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m. Optional before and after care SESSION LENGTH: 1 week – each weeklong camp focuses on a unique, creative theme with a variety of activities PRICE PER SESSION: $260-$545 CAMP TYPE: Co-ed AGES: 3-12, with a special caregiver + child camp for 6 months to 2; counselor-in-training for 13-16 CATEGORIES: Nature Camp, STEAM Camp, Animals, Counselor-in-Training Program TRANSPORTATION PROVIDED: NEW for 2024! Optional bus transportation offered from Downtown Baltimore for an additional fee during week #2 (June 24-28) OVERVIEW: Summer Nature Camp at Irvine is the place for kids who love being outdoors, are naturally inquisitive, learn best through hands-on experiences, and like to have fun. Irvine Nature Center offers an immersive nature experience on 211 acres of wetlands, forests, and meadows. Campers enjoy daily exploration, hiking, games, creative arts, and animal encounters. Each weeklong camp focuses on a unique and creative theme – so campers want to come back week after week! Do you have a child who asks why? Is eager to discover and explore? Lights up with each small discovery? Enjoys animals, games, running around, and doesn’t mind a little mud? Check out Irvine Nature Camp – a camp for curious kids!
GUIDE TO SUMMER CAMPS | 39
THE JOY OF
CAMP
Summer camp leaves indelible memories in the hearts of campers. It’s a time when children and teenagers escape the confines of daily routines and immerse themselves in a world of adventure, friendship, and personal growth.
The challenges they face teach invaluable life skills.
Camp offers an escape from the digital world, where campers trade screens for new activities, from acting to arts and crafts, fostering confidence and a sense of accomplishment.
40 | BALTIMOREFISHBOWL.COM
But the true magic of summer camp lies in the friendships formed. Campers from diverse backgrounds come together, forging bonds that can last a lifetime.
It’s not just about the activities or the scenic landscapes; it’s about the sense of community, personal growth, and the friendships that make it a cherished experience.
Kids + CCBC = Fun All Summer Long! Kids@CCBC (Ages 7-17) June 24–August 9
Camp Heritage (Grades K-5) June 17–July 12; July 15–August 9
Classes include: • Coding and gaming • Cooking • STEM • Theater • Various locations
Day camp featuring: • Daily swimming • Art and performances • Nature and sports • Amenities at CCBC Catonsville
Contact 443-840-4700 or ccbcmd.edu/kidsatccbc
Contact 443-840-4197 or ccbcmd.edu/heritage
Enroll now!
2024 Come see what summer fun looks like! day camps for ages 4 to 13
Friends School of Baltimore 410-649-3218 FSCAMP.ORG