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It’s barely spring, but Reina Doten isvalready thinking about summer camp. Last year, the 8-year-old participated in the Brandywine YMCA’s popular circus camp, where she learned to perform like a Big Top veteran. She hopes to repeat that experience this year.
“She can’t wait for camp to start,” says her mom, Laura. “As soon as it opens, we’ll be one of the first ones to register. I don’t want to miss out.”
There was a time when all a kid needed for summer camp was a bathing suit, a towel and sunblock. Nowadays, that must-have
list can also include a chef’s hat, a tennis racket, theater makeup or dance slippers.
That’s because parents and children are opting increasingly for specialty camps where kids learn specific skill sets.
“Specialty camps are a place where kids can really indulge their interests,” says Ivy Sheehan, camp director at the Brandywine YMCA in North Wilmington. “They just dive right in and are able to participate in real-world activities.”
At the Y, campers can choose from a menu that includes adventure camps, performing/fine arts activities, animal care and volunteerism. Most popular is circus camp, says Sheehan.
Below is a list of what some area camps are offering this summer. There truly is something for everyone.
Alapocas Run State Park | Alley-Oop Skim | Bellevue
Brandywine State Creek Park | Brandywine Zoo | Cab Calloway School of the Arts
Camp Arrowhead | Camp Manito and Camp Lenape | Camp New Hope
Camp Tockwogh | Cape Henlopen State Park | Clear Space Theatre Company
Delaware Art Museum | Delaware Center for the Contemporary Arts
Delaware Center for Horticulture | Delaware Financial Literacy Institute
Delaware Nature Society | Delaware Technical Community College
Delaware Theatre Company | Easter Seals Camp Fairlee | First State Ballet Theatre
Girl Scouts of the Chesapeake Bay | Hockessin Athletic Club | Kids Cottage
Killens Pond State Park | Lums Pond State Park | Music School of Delaware
Shoestring Productions | Siegel Jewish Community Center of Delaware
Trap Pond State Park | White Clay Creek State Park | YMCA of Delaware
How to Choose the Right Summer Camp for Your Child
Campers at Brandywine Zoo Camp |
Summer camp at Cape |
Kayaking at Cape Henlopen |