School is out for summer …if one listens close enough, she can almost hear the song, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year …” But is it? Give it two or three weeks, and survey your family. Kids are bored and their brains are starting to atrophy. Mom is looking for excuses to get out of the house by herself …food shopping trips …trips to the gas station …anything to get out of the house for twenty minutes and regain her sanity. Dad is creating projects in the garage …he never did make that birdhouse he always promised to make … Give your vacationing students a gift for them, as well as the rest of the family, and choose the “perfect” camp or summer program them. There is a camp for everyone: day camps, overnight camps, theme camps, faith-based camps. Pair your loved one with a camp they will love!

*Editor’s note: Images AZ does not independently evaluate programs, nor does it imply endorsement by listing them. We recommend that you call or visit to ask additional questions before choosing a program for your child. When in doubt, ask for referrals from other parents.

ACADEMIC

The Caepe
40311 N. National Trail, Anthem
Phone: 623.332.2976
Web: www.thecaepe.com
Ages: Preschool, Grades K – 8: Multi-age learning environments
Dates: Weekly throughout the summer, June 2 – August 1
Times: Check website or call for schedule.
Cost: $100 - $125 per week

Programs this summer include Reader’s Workshop, Writer’s Workshop, and Math Workshop.

Smart Starts LLC
Phone: 623.810.3626
Web: www.smartstartsllc.com
Ages: 3-16
Dates: various weekly programs from July 21 to August 8
Times: Full day and Half day
Cost: from $40 to $200

Programs this summer will include; Gaming 101, Forensics and CSI, Multi-Media, Animal Adventures, Dinosaur Safari, Robotics and more. Camps are to be held a various locations throughout the area.

Summer Camps at Kumon
Kumon of Anthem
42302 N. Vision Way, Anthem
Phone: 623.551.9217
Web: www.kumon.com
Ages: 4-18
Dates: June 2 to August 8
Times: Please consult the center.
Cost: $170 to $260

VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS

Musical Theatre of Anthem
39506 Daisy Mountain Drive, Ste. 122, Anthem
Phone: 602.743.9892
Web: www.musicaltheatreofanthem.org
Ages: 7-19
Dates: July 7 to 18
Times: 9 AM to 2 PM
Cost: $375 per student with a 10 percent sibling discount.

Students will learn vocal technique, musical theatre style dance, acting interpretation of songs, advanced audition techniques, and stage presence, as well as get the opportunity to showcase their talents during a free, live performance.

Camp Rising Star
Phone: 623.566.7991
Web: www.starlightcommunitytheatre.org
Ages: 7-12
Dates: June 16 to 27
Times: 9 AM to 1 PM
Cost: $299 per student with a 20 percent sibling discount.
Students will learn techniques in Acting, Vocalization, Dance and Technical Theatre through the theme “Everything’s Groovy: A Tribute to the 1960s”.  Camp will culminate with a final performance at Boulder Creek Performing Arts Center: Main Stage in Anthem.

Protégé Music Academy
42201 North 41st Drive, Suite 132, Anthem
Phone: 623.551.6496
Web: www.protegemusicacademy.com
Dates: June 2 to August 1
Times: various hours from 9 AM to 7 PM
Cost: $99 to $449
Programs include “Protégé School of Rock”, “Show Choir – A Disney Spectacular”, “Show Choir – Twist & Shout”, “All About Strings”, “Sizzling Summer Band”, “Intro to Jazz Band”, “Chamber Choir”, “Success in Music 101”, “Monster Drums Bootcamp”, “Drumline”, “General Music Madness”, and Kindermusik”. Please visit the website for more details.

On The Towne Community Theatre Day Camp
Kids Play at Anthem Outlets
Phone: 623.594.3832
Web: www.onthetownetheatre.org
Ages: 6 to 12
Dates: June 3 to 12, August 5 to September 13
Times: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday: 4 to 6 PM
Cost: $200, sibling discounts available

Children will experience the fun and excitement of being in and planning a production. The production for each session is different, depending on how many students are enrolled. Registration is currently open at Anthem Community Center or online at www.onlineatanthem.com.

Summer Dance Camps
AZ Dance Group, Anthem
Various locations
Phone: 480.215.1916
Web: www.azdance.org
Times: TBA
Dates: June 2 to August 31
Cost: TBA
Dance classes available for Movement E-Motion, and intermediate and pre-professional students.

FAITH-BASED

Cross of Christ Vacation Bible School
39808 N. Gavilan Peak Parkway, Anthem
Phone: 623.551.3454
Web: www.anthemcross.org
Ages: 4 and older
Dates: June 9-13
Times: 9 AM to 12 PM
Cost: $30 per child (Volunteer parents get half off)
Children ages 4 and older are welcomed to God’s Big Backyard, where kids have a blast serving Jesus.

Catholic Vacation Bible School
St. Gabriel the Archangel
32648 North Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek
Web: www.groupvbs.com/webtoybox/myvbs/stgacc
Dates: June 9 - 13
Times: 9 AM to 12:15 PM, extended day available at additional charge
Cost: $40

Power Lab is where kids discover Jesus’ miraculous power. Be ready for an exciting adventure, following Jesus as he heals, helps, and gives power to the people who need him. Power Lab is fizzing with fun. Everyone involved in this VBS will explore God’s Word – and never be the same again. As kids experience amazing Bible adventures, they’ll take part in Daily Challenges that encourage them to apply Bible truths to everyday life. All this and fun science, too!

Arizona Hills Church
Boulder Creek High School
40404 N. Gavilan Peak Parkway, Anthem
Phone: 623.465.0202
Web: www.azhills.com
Dates: June 23 to 27
Cost: $30 - $40
One week program with crafts, games, and music.

GENERAL & HOBBYIST

Cross of Christ Christian School Summer Camps
39808 N. Gavilan Peak Parkway, Anthem
Phone: 623.551.3454
Web: www.anthemcross.org
Ages: 4 and older
Dates: Weekly, June 2 to July 18
Times: Options include: Full day (8:30 to 3:30), Morning (8:30 to 11:30), Afternoon (12:30 to 3:30), and All Day (includes extended care, 7 to 5:30)
Cost: Full day: $160, Half day: $100, All Day: $190
Registration Fee: $25 each week, non-refundable.

Programs include: “Calling All Mathletes” (Math Pentathlon games), “Art Explosion” (art projects), “Now We’re Booking”(making books), “Bam!” (cooking and science), and Oodles of Fun (sports and games).

Fellowship Summer Camp
Fellowship Child Development Center
39905 North Gavilan Peak Parkway, Anthem
Phone: 623.551.1144
Web: www.fellowshipanthem.com
Ages: 3 to 8
Dates: June 2 to 27
Times: TBA
Cost: $115 to $330

Learn about animals and how they live or about the community we live in and all those who help our community function.`

Valley Child Care & Learning Center
41117 North Daisy Mountain Road, Anthem
Phone: 623.551.7992
Ages: 3 to 10
Web: www.valleylearningcenters.com
Dates: Weekly programs, from May 27 through August 8
Times: TBA
Cost: $10 per class

Weekly themes include “Carnival Week”, “Western Week”, “Go For the Gold Olympics”, “Hit the Beach Week”, “Let’s Go Camping”, “Go Back to the 50’s”, “Get Silly with Dr. Seuss”, “Go On Vacation with VCCLC”, “Don’t Be Afraid to Go on a Jungle Safari”, and “Talent Show: American Idol/Dancing with the Stars”.

* The Quarter Circle V Bar Ranch Camp
The Orme School
HC 63 Box 3040, Mayer
Phone: 928.632.7601
Web: www.ormecamp.org
Ages: 7 to 16
Dates:  Four sessions, June 16 through August 10
Times: Overnight
Cost: $2049 per session, see website for discount packages.

A Western riding camp located on a 26,000 acre working cattle ranch in the high country of central Arizona. Campers live in cabins and dormitory rooms and enjoy the rich characteristics of life on an authentic Western ranch.

Preschool Rocks Summer Camp
Deer Valley Unified School District Community Education
Anthem Elementary
41020 N. Freedom Way
Phone: 623.445.5018
Web: www.dvusd.org
Ages: 3 to 5
Cost: $125 to $450

Four different theme weeks with a variety of activities including crafts, music and movement, group games, and outdoor play.

Creative Castle Summer Program
Creative Castle Preschool and Kindergarten
4220 West Opportunity Way, Anthem
Phone: 602.740.9561
Web: www.creativecastlepreschool.com
Ages: 3 to 7
Dates: June 2 to July 25
Cost: $55 to $125

Gymnastics, arts & crafts, Spanish, music, and academic review, plus summer fun.

Summer Adventures
Kindercare
2098 W. Shadow Glen Way, Anthem
Phone: 623.551.4177
Web: www.kindercare.com
Ages: 3 to 12
Dates: June 2 to August 1
Times: Call center for details.

Summer Olympics theme and two field trips per week.

Sun’sational Summer Camps
DVUSD Community Education
Anthem Elementary
41020 N.E. Freedom Way
Phone: 623.445.5005
Web: www.dvusd.org
Ages: 5 to 13
Dates: May 27 to August 1
Cost: $115 and up

Weekly programs will be offered with various themes, including “Are You Smarter than a Summer Camper?”, “Kids Vote 2008”, and “Let the Games Begin”.

SPECIAL NEEDS

*Camp AZDA
American Diabetes Association
933 Friendly Pines Road, Prescott
Phone: 602.861.4731
Web: www.friendlypines.com
Ages: 8 to 16
Dates: June 7 to 14
Cost: $650

At Friendly Pines Camp each child follows a structured schedule under what they call CIS or “Constant Intelligent Supervision”. Children choose their favorite activities from a list of thirty to forty. At Friendly Pines, they believe in “making their own fun”!

*Camp Not-A-Wheeze
American Lung Association
933 Friendly Pines Road, Prescott
Phone:  602.258.7505
Web: www.lungarizona.org
Ages: 7 to 14
Dates: May 31 to June 6
Cost: $600

Children participate in activities ranging from horseback riding, hiking, canoeing, fishing, and more, while attending asthma education class to learn more about properly managing their asthma. Licensed medical professionals, who volunteer to ensure a safe, well-monitored environment, accompany campers throughout the week. A safe traditional overnight camp experience for children with asthma.

*Camp Cruz
Arthritis Foundation
Camp Wamatochick, Prescott
Phone: 602.212.9907
Web: www.arthritis.org
Ages: 7 to 16
Dates: June 1 to 6
Cost: Free to children with arthritis with $35 processing fee; siblings pay $440

A week-long camp specifically designed for kids with all forms of juvenile arthritis. Activities include archery, horseback riding, arts & crafts, kayaking, and making new friends!

*Camp Courage and C.L.T. Program
Foundation for Burns and Trauma
Pine Summit Bible Camp, Prescott
Phone: 602.230.2041
Web: www.azburn.org
Ages: 6 to 20
Dates: June 15 to 21
Cost: Free

Activities include horseback riding, mountain biking, fishing, swimming, performing skits, and making crafts. Approximately one hundred young burn survivors attend this one-week camp where lots of smiles can be seen among the cool pines!

*Kamp Talkalot
Pediatric Speech and Language Specialists
7440 East Sutton Drive, Scottsdale
Phone: 480.991.6560
Web: www.pediatricspeech.net
Ages: 3 to 10
Dates: June 6 to July 25
Cost: Please call the PSLS Office for more information.

Kamp Talkalot is an opportunity for your child to participate in an intensive, pragmatic language experience. The program is a highly interactive engaging experience designed to teach children the communication skills necessary for improving social/communicative functions.

SPORTS

A.K. Taekwondo
42707 North Vision Way, Ste. 114, Anthem
Phone: 623.551.8089
Ages: All
Dates: Two four-week sessions: June 2 to June 27 & July 7 to August 1
Times: 10 AM to 1 PM
Cost: $100 weekly, $300 monthly (per child). Discounted sibling rate $25 monthly.
Program includes Taekwondo, Korean words and numbers and culture, crafts, games, swimming, bowling, arts, and heightened sensory perception.

Big Stuff Basketball Camps
Boulder Creek High School, Anthem
Phone: 602.363.2659
Web: www.bigstuffacademy.com
Ages: 9 to 18
Dates: June 10 to 19
Cost: $175 to $200

If your child is entering the 4th through 12th grade and loves to play basketball, enjoys competition, and has a desire to improve his/her basketball skills, this basketball camp is for you!

Little Gym Day Camp
The Little Gym of Anthem
Phone: 623.551.2337
Web: www.tlganthemaz.com
Ages:  3 to 12
Dates: June 9 to August 8
Cost: $50 to $135
Theme weeks include “Who’s Your Hero?”, “Cheerleading”, “Sports”, and “Pirate Week” .

*Phoenix Suns Basketball Camp
Phoenix Suns, Prescott
Phone: 602.594.2267
Web: www.jrsuns.com
Ages: 7 to 18
Dates: July 25 to 29
Cost: $475

One-on-one instruction in a safe, positive atmosphere. Learn about the ins and outs, the tips and tricks, the drills and skills that can help any youngster love this game even more! Personal attention from experiences coaches under the watchful eye of a certified athletic trainer. Each caper receives an autograph from a Suns player, official reversible camp jersey, gym bag, t-shirt, hat, Phoenix Suns basketball, free tickets to games, and a chance to meet Suns & Mercury celebrities!

Overnight = O