Patch's Picks: Summer Camps

Summer may still be a few months away, but registration for summer camps starts soon. You won't have to travel far for these day camps; each one is located in St. Clair Shores.

• The department offers a summer playground program for the kids. The program, held at Veteran's Memorial Park, runs from June 13 through August 11 and is open to both residents and nonresidents. Kids 5-12 are invited to the park for arts and crafts, games and sports activities. The fee for the program also includes two weekly field trips to the pool as well as other field trips outside the area. The program runs Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. They also offer a program for special needs children. For more information, contact the Parks and Recreation office at (586) 445-5350 or visit their website, www.scsparksrec.net.

• runs the School Age Care Summer Camp at Rodgers Elementary. This year's theme is "Lights, Camera, Action." The 11- week program starts June 13 and runs through August 26. It is open to all kids in the area from kindergartners to 12-year-olds. Campers are invited to attend Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., but can chose how many days they would like to go. Lunches must be provided, but morning and afternoon snacks are included. Kids will participate in arts and crafts, special activities and field trips. For more information contact Camp Director Lora Gonzales at (586) 285-8617 or visit the website, www.lsps.org.
• The offers "Camp Wanacombak" for kids of all ages. All programs run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday-Friday, June 6 to September 2. Kids are separated into camps by ages. The Explorers Group is for kids ages 3-5, the Challengers Group is for kids ages 6-10 and the Leaders Group is for kids ages 11-13. They also offer counselor-in-training programs for older teens. These free programs are spilt into two levels, the first for ages 14-15, and the second for ages 16-17. Campers will participate in many activities including swimming, archery, canoeing and nature education. Financial assistance is also available for those that may need it. For more information contact (586) 778-5811 or visit the YMCA website at www.ymcadetroit.org/daycamp.
• There are also options for those with kids in daycare. runs a summer camp program that has both full- and part-time options. At one location, parents will find 10 different camps that run from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Each week introduces a new theme from music, dance, drama and sports. In addition to arts and crafts projects and learning activities, kids will also be able to go on field trips. For more information call (586) 778-3380. For a full list of camp options, visit the website at www.childtime.com.
• Many churches in the area also offer Vacation Bible School for families looking for an option that doesn't run the length of summer. This year, starts the "Panda-monium" program on June 20. It runs through June 24 and is free to all residents. Described as "Bible study with a twist," activities include crafts, songs and music. Snacks will be provided. Registration starts in May. For more information call the Religious Education Office at (586) 772-1282.