Ask any school-aged child what his or her favorite season is, and you can likely guess the answer — summer of course! With the warming weather comes the end of school, swimming pool season, popsicle season, and most importantly, summer camp season. The learning doesn’t end when the school year ends — it just gets a bit more fun. Whether your child is a budding artist or performer, an athlete, a scientist, an outdoorsman, or all of the above, there are so many opportunities to explore those talents during a summer camp in Toledo. Take your pick from our favorites below, or enroll in them all! After all, a summer camper is a happy camper. For the Little Ones
Gateway School
Ages 2 ½-6, Four-day-long sessions from May 30-August 17 Every week brings something new at Gateway’s summer school. Your little ones can come for any and all sessions, which run from Monday to Thursday each week. Themes include “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” (painting with ice pops, making frozen desserts, and building winter homes for animals), and “Sticky Stuff’ (experimenting and crafting with glue, syrup, lollipops and the works). Call 419-536-6503 to learn more and enroll. Camp Little Mouse
Ages 3-5, June 12-July 28 This six-week camp is in its third year now, but is gaining in popularity! It's not hard to see why. With special events like a red, white and blue bike parade and a visit from zoo animals, each week at Camp Little Mouse brings a new theme and a new adventure. "If you are looking for a great adventure for your 3 to 5 year old during the summer while the older sibling are busy doing their own projects, think about Camp Little Mouse for great fun, socialization and extra learning in the summer," says Director Tina Haack. Interested parents should call 419-882-2150 to reserve a spot.
For the Curious
Photo courtesy of Imagination Station
Imagination Station
Ages 6-13, Varying Dates Broken into two different age groups (6-9 and 10-13), the camps at Imagination Station are as interesting as they are fun! Your kid can attend one or all of the camps (depending on how curious they are). Options include the Super Splatter Science Camp (a messy, gooey week of fun), the Young MacGyver camp (good for tinkerers and makers), Inside the Lab (in which your child will be an extreme scientist in training), and much more! Vex Camp
Grades 7-12, June 12-14 If your child has a budding interest in tech and robotics, consider enrolling them in VEX. Here, they’ll experience the wonders of science, technology and math through VEX robotic kits, including programming and contests. Summer Time at Maumee Valley
Ages 2-18, Broken into five sessions, June 19-July 28 The summer camps at Maumee Valley show just how fun school can really be. From Hobbit Camp for the little ones (which includes playground time, yoga, art and reading) to specialized camps for the curious older ones (Glee camp, anyone?) there’s so much to learn, and so much fun to be had! For the Budding Athletes
Notre Dame Academy
Girls only, varying ages, varying dates From rowing, lacrosse, softball and soccer, to coding, ballet and self defense, there is much to learn at Notre Dame Academy this summer. Your daughter can study one or many of these thing, as dates run throughout the summer. Check out the full list here. Play Sylvania
Ages and dates vary depending on sport Play Sylvania offers experience in any sport your child wishes to explore, whether they’ve already developed a passion for it or they’re looking to try something new. Choose between basketball, baseball, cheerleading, soccer, lacrosse, water polo, skateboarding and much more. Toledo Rockets All Skills Baseball Camp
Grades K-6, June 19-22 and July 17-20 This four-day camp is headed by coach Cory Lee, and is designed to provide your up-and-coming baseball star with individual instruction. They will practice pitching, catching, infield and outfield defense, hitting and baserunning — and having fun! Soon, you and your entire family will be singing “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” with your athlete. The YMCA
Dates and Ages Vary The West Toledo YMCA offers a variety of options to entertain your kid during the summer months. If you’re just looking for a break in routine on Tuesdays, check out the themed day camps (including “Spies Like Us,” “Summer Olympics” and “Pokémon”) happening throughout June and July. Otherwise, consider enrolling your school-aged child in a week-long sports camp. From the Sports of All Sports Camp (ages 3-5, June 26-30), to the basketball camps in July and August, there are plenty of choices for your little athlete. For the Outdoor Enthusiasts
Photo courtesy of the Toledo Metroparks
Toledo Metroparks
Dates and ages vary From the Wee Workshop (ages 3-5) to the Art of Nature Camp (ages 8-16), there’s a camp for every age, budget and interest at Toledo Metroparks this summer. Interact with nature, learn how to work a camera in any environment, create brilliant works of art with natural mediums, all while enjoying the Toledo sunshine! For the Animal Lovers
Photo courtesy of Stonehaven Farms
Toledo Zoo Summer Camp
Ages 4-15, Dates vary Going to the zoo is a favorite family activity during the summer anyway, so why not make more out of the experience? Depending on the camp you choose, your kid will learn how to be a junior zookeeper, create wild art, learn about interesting animal traits, solve puzzles and challenges around the zoo using teamwork, or attend a week-long fishing camp. The critters are calling! Rosenbloom’s Farm
Waiting to hear back for ages and dates Rosenbloom’s Summer Day Camp is back for its 14th year! Your kids will enjoy a fun environment while learning to care for the animals on the farm. Included in the price of tuition is a scrambled egg breakfast, crafts, games, hayrides and all of the cute, cuddly animals you can imagine. Stonehaven Farms
Ages 5 and older, Camps begin June 12 The camps at Stonehaven Farms (located just over the state line in Temperance, Michigan), are designed to teach first-time or advanced riders how to safely ride horses and ponies. The four to five day camp weeks run from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. each day, and include tack and riding lessons as well as arts, crafts and games. Just add boots! For the Artists and Performers
Toledo Ballet
Intensive Classes: Levels 5-7, or Ages 11 and Up, Dates Vary Fairytale Dance Camp: Ages 4-8, Sessions from June 26-August 4 Your ballerina in training will enjoy sharpening his or her skills at these intensive summer skills training camps. Flit around the studio in full-day classes, or sign up for a musical theatre intensive and study for a performance (this year is Legally Blonde). For the younger students, Toledo Ballet offers Fairy Tale Dance Camp, during which students will study Sleeping Beauty with introductory level classes, and enjoy other activities such as story time and crafting. Children’s Theatre Workshop
Ages 10-18, June 5-July 27 To be, or not to be? Definitely be at this theatrical summer camp, during which kids will enjoy an education in performing, complete with workshops, snacks and performances. This year, the production is Disney’s Alice in Wonderland, so if your kid is a fan of the Mad Hatter of Cheshire Cat, they won’t want to miss this opportunity. Toledo Museum of Art
Ages 5-18, Week-long sessions from June 12 to July 28 Enroll your budding artist into the summer camp at the Toledo Museum of Art, where in just one week, they will become experts in the medium of their choosing. Options range from figure sculptures and lego masterpieces to mixed media painting and even glassblowing. Happy Summer!
Did we miss any of your favorite camps? Let us know in the comments.