This summer will certainly look different for most of us, thanks to Covid-19, but that doesn't mean all fun is canceled.
CDC guidelines still permit small social gatherings, and that's good news for kiddos who could use a dose of their peers right about now (and the parents who could also use their kiddos getting a dose of their peers right about now). Many local camp and VBS opportunities are still available, as are online opportunities for learning and fun. Of course programs are subject to change, and many organizations and churches are still in the planning stages, but let this list help you start planning some great summer fun for the family (and couldn't we ALL use some of that right about now?)
Happy Camping!
1. Center for the Arts
Dates: June 1- 26
Hours: Varies
Ages: 5-18
Cost: Varies
Website: Boroarts.org/csa-tv-summer-2020
Aspiring artists and thespians can choose from a variety of live and pre-recorded streaming workshops from the Center for the Arts, from "Minis Choreo" for little ones, to Music Theory and Ear Training and "Glamour and Gore" theatrical makeup workshops for older students. There's something for everyone in the family, so don't miss the chance to add a little drama (the good kind) to your summer!
2. Camp Bloomsbury
Dates: June 1-5; 8-12; 15-19; 22-26; July 13-17; July 20-24; July 27-31
Hours: 9am-3pm
Ages: 3-9
Cost: $350
Website: bloomsburyfarms.com/camp-bloomsbury
On the organic, Smyrna-based farm, children are encouraged to learn, explore, create, and reflect on the gorgeous property's fields and forest under the guidance of director Jessica Plumlee. Parents are promised, "Your child will come home dirty or your money back!"
3. Discovery Center
Dates: June 8-12; June 15-19; June 22-26
Hours: 9am-2pm
Ages: K-5; 6th-9th
Cost: $275
Website: explorethedc.org/camps/
Younger grades will love exploring, learning, creating and collaborating at the center during their camps, while grades 6-9 can get in on one of three Coding Campology opportunities: Game On!, The Makers Coding Lab, and Code Like a Girl.
4. Sam Davis Home
Dates: June 15-19
Hours: 9am-2pm
Ages: 7-14
Cost: $200
Website: samdavishome.org/camps
Students can choose from the Nature Navigators Summer Camp with its emphasis on exploring bugs, birds, plants and animals on the historic grounds, or the Soldiers and Civilians Camp and learn what it was like to live in the 19th century as a soldier, spy, or farmer. Hands-on activities and time spent out doors will bring history brilliantly to life for young explorers.
5. Lucky Ladd Farms
Dates: June 8- 12; 15-19; 22-26; July 27-31; August 3-7
Hours: 8:30am-4pm
Ages: 5-10
Cost: $245
Website: Luckyladdfarms.com
Kids with a budding interest in animals, farming and the great outdoors will have a blast learning and recreating on the beautiful acreage of Tennessee's largest petting zoo.
VBS Experiences
1. Third Baptist Church "Concrete and Cranes" VBS
Dates: June 1-5
Hours: 9am-12pm
Ages: Rising K-8th grade
Website: 3bconline.com/events/events-and-registrations
2. City Church "Community VBS 2020"
Dates: June 2-5
Hours: 5:45pm-8pm
Ages: 3y (potty trained) and up
Website: Myvbs.org/CommunityVBS20
3. The Experience Church "Community Camp"
Dates: July 13-16
Hours: 8:30am-12pm
Ages: Rising 1st-5th grade
Website: Facebook.com/ExperienceCC/
4. First United Methodist "Bolt VBS"- ONLINE
Dates: Jun 26- 28
Hours: 3pm-7pm
Ages: Pre-K and up
Website: Facebook.com/FUMCBoro/
5. North Boulevard Church of Christ "Boulevard Kids VBS"
Dates: June 28-July 1
Hours: 6pm-8pm
Ages: 3y- rising 6th graders
Website: Northboulevard.com/ministries/students/boulevard-kids/news/register-for-vbs
6. Westwood Baptist Church "Concrete and Cranes" VBS
Dates: July 12-16
Hours: 6:30-8:45pm
Ages: TBD
Website: wbconline.net/vbs-2019/
7. Lighthouse Baptist Church "Focus VBS"
Dates: July 13-17
Hours: TBD
Ages: 3y- 6th grade
Website: Lbctn.com/focus-vbs-2020
8. Northside Baptist Church "Concrete and Cranes" VBS
Dates: July 20-24
Hours: 9am-12pm
Ages: 4y- 5th grade
Website: Northsideindy.org/vbs-2019.html
How'd I do and what I miss? If your church or organization's summer opportunity for children is missing here, please share in the comments to help spread the word!
