2014 Summer Camps

by Angela Genusa

Summer fun and learning opportunities for young people abound in the Northeast Louisiana area. Whether it’s a traditional summer day camp with swimming and canoeing, or workshops exploring iFilm or Shakespeare, there’s something for every child in the northeast Louisiana area. Check out our guide to summer camps.

BOB ALLEN DOJO KARATE CAMP
June 16-20 (5-7 year olds)
July 28-Aug. 1 (8-12 year olds)

Karate, jujitsu, and kickboxing camp for youth age 8-13. Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-noon. $125 per student, includes uniform and snacks. To register, call (318) 348-9747. Deadline for June camp is June 11; deadline for July camp is July 23.

BRICKS 4 KIDZ ®
June 2-Aug. 1

A variety of camps for children pre-K (completed) and older, such as Super Hero Academy, Comic Creator, Brick Dynasty, Movie Making 101, Bricks 4 Girlz, Advanced Robotics Beginner, Mining and Crafting, Space Adventures, Space Adventures, and more. All camps will be held at The IDEA Place at Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, 135 Wisteria St, Ruston. Each session of camp is $150 with a $25 deposit. Multiple camp and sibling discount of $15. Only one discount may be applied and is limited to the full price. Refunds on camp are issued only if cancellation is made two weeks prior; otherwise, a credit is issued. To register, contact Sarah Wages at (318) 243-4580 or visit http://www.bricks4kidz.com/louisiana-westmonroe-ruston/

CAMP CH-YO-CA
Camp Ch-Yo-Ca Junior 1 (ages 8-11)
June 2-7
Swimming, sports, fishing, games, and more keep campers busy and learning.  Cost: $230.

Camp Ch-Yo-Ca Day Camp 1
(5 years old-5th grade)
June 3-7
Campers will enjoy the same activities as night campers, such as swimming, crafts, sports and Bible, but will go home at the end of the day. Price includes breakfast, lunch, T-shirt, and camp picture. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Cost: $155.

Camp Ch-Yo-Ca High School Overnight Camp (ages 11-graduated senior)
June 9-14
“A week to remember” as teens gather to make new friends, learn new skills, and grow stronger in their faith.
Cost: $250.

Camp Ch-Yo-Ca Middle School
Overnight Camp
June 16-21 (ages 11-14)
Enjoy the outdoors while meeting new friends, playing new games, and learning new skills. Cost: $240
Camp Ch-Yo-Ca Elementary Overnight Camp Junior 2
June 24-28 (ages 8-11)
Swimming, sports, fishing, games, and more keep campers busy and learning. Cost: $230

Camp Ch-Yo-Ca Day Camp 2
June 24-28 (5 years old-5th grade)
Campers will enjoy the same activities as night campers, such as swimming, crafts, sports and Bible, but will go home at the end of the day. Price includes breakfast, lunch, T-shirt, and camp picture. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Cost: $155.
To register, go to http://www.campchyoca.com, or call Danny Sidders at (918) 510-2956.

CAMP QUALITY LOUISIANA
May 31-June 6

For children who have been diagnosed with cancer in any state of treatment or remission, ages 5-18. Camp Quality is a summer camping experience and year-round support program for children with cancer. Many difficult physical and emotional challenges face a child, and his or her family, when battling cancer. There is no cost for children to attend any of Camp Quality’s activities. Siblings of cancer patients may also attend on a space-available basis. To register, go to http://www.campqualityusa.org/la/Home.aspx and click on “Be A Camper.”

CUB AND BOY SCOUT CAMPS
Camp T.L. James
Boy Scout Summer Camp
June 8-14

Cub Scout Camp
June 25-28
Downsville, LA
Camp T.L. James is located in Union parish, and consists of approximately 1142 acres of land. Two programs unique to T. L. James are the Project C.O.P.E. and ATV safety instruction course.  C.O.P.E stands for Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience, The COPE program is challenge and ropes course where scouts form a team and work together to solve puzzles and navigate obstacles. The ATV program is brand new scouts have fun riding through the multitude of trails at camp, but will also learn and the safety and maintenance of operating an ATV. (Boy Scouts only)

CAMP ATTAKAPAS
Boy Scout Summer Camp
June 15-21

Cub Scout Camp
June 22-25

Camp Attakapas in Trout, LA, in LaSalle Parish approximately 35 miles from Alexandria. Scouts enjoy programs like, archery, rifle, and shotgun instruction, as well as swimming, canoeing, and kayaking. Traditional scouting activities are taught like fire building, cooking, forestry and conservation, as well as wilderness survival and pioneering skills.
Cost for camps is $195 for Boy Scouts and $100 for Cub scouts. Both camps offer 40 merit badges. To register or for more information, contact the Louisiana Purchase Council at (318) 325-4634 or visit http://www.louisianapurchasecouncil.org

LOUISIANA DELTA COMMUNITY COLLEGE
STEM Summer Camp
June 16-22

The week-long camp will give high-school students an opportunity to gain hands-on experience with science models, enjoy engineering (robotics) challenges, create digital projects, sharpen math skills, and explore cool careers. Campers will work in teams as they master STEM concepts through daily challenges, earning points towards the STEMthusiasm Award. Camp runs from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Louisiana Delta Community College is located at 7500 Millhaven Rd., in Monroe. Cost is $35 per student, includes tuition, materials, lunch and T-Shirt. To register, visit http://www.ladelta.edu. For more information, contact Jeanne Collins at (318) 362-4288 or jcollins@ladelta.edu

GIRL SCOUTS
Overnight Camp
June 1-7 (check in Sunday 2-4 p.m.)
Girls Can Do It: If you can dream it, you can do it! Join us in making a change in your world through service and practice to better your camp. Build your future by making memories and leaving footprints at Camp Wawbansee, 610 Girl Scout Rd., Simsboro.

Each Daisy Girl Scout (maximum 12) must be accompanied by an adult female. Girls may not be placed with their entire troop or adult volunteer. No tagalongs allowed. No bus transportation available. Fees are camper, $125; Program Aide, $75. Late registration fee is $25. Deadline to register: May 1. Mail registrations to: Chrystal Woodard, Summer Camp, 1700 S. Barnett Springs, Ruston, LA 71270. For more information, call (318) 325-2691.

Overnight Camp
Session 1: June 7-11
Every day’s a holiday. Enjoy songs, crafts, swimming, fishing, canoeing and so much more while camping in luxury. Sat. 4:30 p.m.-Wed. 7 p.m., deadline to register: May 14

Session 2: July 12-18
Sunday 4:30 p.m.-Friday 7 p.m.,
deadline to register: June 18
Camp sessions to be held at Holiday Express, Lake D’Arbonne State Park. Tagalongs allowed on the day(s) their parent volunteers if someone volunteers to be in charge. They are not allowed to stay the night. No bus transportation available. Fee: Camper $125, Program Aide $75, Tagalong $20. Late registration fee is $25. Mail registrations to: Sarah Diffy, 406 Leland Pardue Road, Chatham, La. 71226. For more information, call (318) 325-2691.

Specialty Day Camp
June 16 -20
Girls Power Up (girls entering 4th grade and up): When girls attend this STEM-focused camp, they will build bridges, erupt volcanoes, have computer fun and top it all off with a field trip to Sci-Port Science Center in Shreveport. University of Louisiana at Monroe, Strauss Hall, Monroe, LA, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. No Tagalongs allowed. No bus transportation available except to and from Sci-Port from ULM. Fee not available at this time due to funding opportunity. Deadline to register: May 16. Late registration fee $15. Each girl will receive a Get Moving Journey book and will fulfill criteria for the Get Moving Journey Award. Mail, fax or email registrations to: GSLPG, 102 Arkansas Ave., Monroe, LA 71201; fax: (318) 325-7903 or email: dnolan@gslpg.org. For more information, contact Katherine Stagg, (800) 960-2093, ext. 224, kstagg@gslpg.org.

LOUISIANA PURCHASE GARDENS AND ZOO
June 9-13: Down on the Farm (ages 4-6):
Learn about our Zoo farm animals, how they are cared for, their diets, and behaviors. There are ducks and pigs, horses and cows, turkeys and chickens and more!

June 16-20: Critter Twitter (ages 7-9)
How do animals communicate? Vocalizations, behaviors and movements, even color changes can indicate an animal’s intentions.

June 23-27: Flying High (ages 10-12)
There are so many species of birds even in our own area. What is a raptor? Do all parrots imitate sounds? What is the difference between a parrot, a parakeet, a cockatoo and a cockatiel? Owls can be as small as a softball or as larger than a 3 liter bottle of soda!

July 7-11: Wild Design (Girl Scouts Only)
This week is for Girl Scouts, and will explore why animals look the way they do and how their bodies and anatomy are adapted for their habitats.

July 14-18: Animal Wrappers (ages 4-6)
Why do some animals have fur or hair, others feathers, some skin or scales? Animals are wrapped in a wide variety of packages, and they all feel different to the touch.

July 21-25: Bayou Beasts (ages 7-9)
Louisiana has an incredible array of creatures from birds to mammals, reptiles to amphibians. What do an alligator and a barred owl have in common? They’re both found along the bayou, but there’s another similarity!

July 28-Aug 1: Party with the Animals (ages 10-12)
Do you ever get bored? You need enrichment, something to do and so do the animals. From hidden treats to toys and activities, zoo animal keepers are always ready to be creative in order to keep our animals occupied and behaving normally.

Aug 4-8: Feeding Frenzy (ages 7-9)
Animal diets are all very different: Some eat meat, some eat vegetation, some like fruit and seeds, some eat it all! Discover animals’ favorite foods.

Most camps are full-day, but half-day camps may be arranged. Camps begin at 9 a.m. and end at 4 p.m., Monday-Friday. Early arrival, 8 a.m., and late pickup, 5 p.m., can be accommodated. Fees are: Full day (Zoo Society members) $105; full day (non members) $130; half day (members) $55, half day (non-members) $65; multiple camps or multiple family members: members, $90; non-members $115; extended care (8-9 a.m.) daily $3 weekly $10; extended care (4-5 p.m.) daily $3, weekly $10. Fees are payable by credit card, check and money order. All attendees receive a Zoo Camp T-shirt. To register, contact Kim B. Dooley at (318) 329-3308 or kim.dooley@ci.monroe.la.us.

MASUR MUSEUM OF ART
Adventures in Art: Ages 5-8
June 2-6 or July 8-11, 9:30 a.m.-noon
Learn drawing and design skills while experimenting with a variety of materials. Students will try their hand at sculpture, drawing, painting, collage and printmaking with the Masur’s etching press. Students will tour the museum and develop art vocabulary. The goal of this session is to have fun and foster an appreciation for art. Students will create several works of art to take home! Fee: $75 non-member/$65 member (all supplies and daily snack provided)

Young Artists: Ages 9-12
June 9-13 or July 14-18, 9:30 a.m.-noon
Improve drawing skills and learn important drawing and painting techniques while experimenting with new media. Students will also enjoy printmaking with the Masur’s etching press! Students will get tours and hands-on experience relating to the museum’s current exhibition. Creativity and skill building are the emphasis of this session. By the end of the week, students will have several works of art to bring home! Fee: $75 non-member/$65 member (all supplies and daily snack provided).

To register, contact Jenny Burnham for more info at (318) 329-2237 or jenny.burnham@ci.monroe.la.us

MEDCAMPS OF LOUISIANA
June 1-6: Camp Little Giants (for children living with sickle cell anemia)
June 8-13: Camp Rolling Thunder (for children living with spina bifida and orthopedic conditions)
June 15-20: Camp Rough Riders (for children living with cerebral palsy)
June 22-27: Camp Kandoo (for children, ages 6-12, living with developmental disabilities)
June 29-July 1: Camp Busy Bees Retreat (3-day retreat for children with autism and one parent)
July 6-11: Camp Smiling Suns (for children, ages 13+ living with developmental disabilities)
July 13-18: Camp Easy Breeze (for children living with asthma)
July 20-25: Camp Big Hearts (for children living with hearing/speech/visual impairments)
July 20-25: Camp Shining Stars (for children living with epilepsy/seizure disorders)
To register, call the MedCamps office or visit http://www.medcamps.org. For more information, contact Camp Director Wes Cavin at (318) 329-8405 or toll-free at (877) 282-0802 or via email at wes@medcamps.org.

NEVILLE HIGH SCHOOL CHEER CLINIC
August 4-8
8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.; ages 3+
$65 (early registration until July 15); $75 (day of clinic). Registration fee includes cheers, dance, arts and crafts, T-shirt, picture and daily snacks.  To register, pick up registration forms available at H. Mickel Sports and Neville High School. For more information, call Sherry Stephens at (318) 381-7943.

NEVILLE HIGH SCHOOL BENGAL BELLE DANCE CLINIC
July 28-August 1
8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.; ages 3+
$55 (early registration). Registration fee includes dance instructions, T-shirt and daily snacks. Dancers will learn Bengal Belles award-winning dance techniques and perform for parents and friends at the end of the week. For more information, contact Jessica Smith at (318) 450-1417

NORTHEAST LOUISIANA CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
Every Wednesday in June and July, The Children’s Museum has Drop Off Days. From 9 a.m.-2 p.m., drop off your child with a sack lunch for a super fun time. Ages 4-8.
June 4: Artic Blast
June 11: Pajama Party
June 18: Cooking Up a Storm
June 25: Rockets and Aliens
July 2: Party in the USA
July 9: Use Your Noodle
July 16: Around the World in a Day
July 23: Dog Days of Summer
July 30: Heroes Among Us

Also, in June and July, The Reuseum will be open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Come visit and make and take a summer craft (no extra charge). Fridays are Fantastic Fridays! Check Facebook and our website to see what’s happening each Friday. Fee for each week is $35 for non-members and $25 for family members.  Registration is required and limited to the first 25. The fee includes snacks, supplies for all crafts and activities, museum exploration time and more. To register, contact the NELA Children’s Museum at (381) 361-9611.

NORTHEAST LOUISIANA SOCCER ASSOCIATION
A variety of camps for ages 3 and older to be held at the CenturyLink Soccer Complex, Chennault Park, Millhaven Road, Monroe. Sign up at http://www.challengersports.com or for more information, contact Nick Rundell, area manager Challenger Sports (469) 713-2737 or at nrundell@challengersports.com

OUACHITA PARISH SHERIFF OFFICE’S  CADET ACADEMY AND CSI TRAINING
Youth Cadet Academy
June 2-6, July 14-18; July 28-Aug. 1 (Ages 10-13)
8 a.m.-5 p.m. daily; $50 per student.

Teen Cadet Academy
June 16-20 (Ages 14-18)
8 a.m.-5 p.m. daily; $50 per student.

CSI Forensic Workshop
June 9-10 (Ages 14-18)
8 a.m.-5 p.m. daily; $25 per student.
Must register by May 16. Pick up an application at any city or parish school or go to opso.net. For more information, contact Deputy Sharon Bacle, (318) 410-2436 or sharon.bacle@opso.net.

SEEKER SPRINGS DAY CAMPS
June 9-13
Day Camp 1 (Girls and boys 1st-6th grade)

June 16-20
Girls Only Day Camp (Girls 1st-6th grade, girls 3rd-6th grade can spend the night)

Jun 23-27
Sports Camp (Girls and boys 1st-6th grade;  same as other day camps but with sports tracks such as basketball, baseball, soccer, etc.)

June 30-July 3
Boys Only Day Camp (Boys 1st-6th grade, boys 3rd-6th grade can spend the night)
Four-day camp cost: $100 ($115 after May 17)

July 21-25
Day Camp 2 (Girls and boys 1st-6th grade)
Day camp cost: $115 ($130 after May 17)
Transportation available at Hobby Lobby in WM: 7:30 a.m. pick up and 5:30 p.m. drop off   ($10 per week)

Overnight Camps
Four-day, 3-night camp
June 16-20
Girl’s Camp (Girls 3rd-6th grade)
$175 ($190 after May 17)

June 30-July 3
Boy’s Camp (Boys 3rd-6th grade)
$150 ($165 after May 17)

July 7-11
SLAM (Student Leadership and Missions)
Camp for youth, 7th-12th grades
$185 ($200 after May 17)

Early Bird Special for all camps ends May 27, $15 off. All camps require a non-refundable $25 deposit (applied to camp fee). For tickets, go to seekersprings.com or for more information, call (318) 249-4495.

STRAUSS YOUTH ACADEMY FOR THE ARTS
SYAA CenterStage Workshop Series
(Six one-week camps for students age 5-12)
June 9-13: SYAA’s High School Musical
June 16-20: How to Stage Your Dragon
June 23-27: Despicable Minion Madness
July 7-11: Cinderella’s Princess Academy
July 14-18: Superhero Academy
July 21-25: Matilda’s Adventures on Broadway
Monday-Friday from 1-4 p.m. with a parent showcase on Fridays at 5 p.m.
Cost per week: $130 if pre-registered by May 30, $150 after May 30.

SYAA Summer Intensive Series
(Two two-week camps for older campers)
May 27-June 7: Shakespeare Intensive (ages 10-18)
10 a.m.-4 p.m. daily; public showcase: Saturday, June 7, 7 p.m.

June 16-27: Musical Theatre Intensive (ages 12-18)
Monday-Friday from 5-8 p.m.; public showcase Saturday, June 28, 7 p.m.
Cost per camp: $145 if pre-registered by May 20, $165 after May 20.

SYAA’s Film Series (ages 12-18)
July 7-11: Scriptwriting for Stage and Screen,
9 a.m.-noon. Cost: $80 if pre-registered by May 30,
$100 after May 30

July 14-25: iFilm Camp, 9 a.m.-noon
Cost: $200 if pre-registered by May 30, $220 after May 30.

SYAA Bonus Workshop (ages 10-18)
July 14-25: A Trip in the Tardis, 5-8 p.m.
Cost: $145 if pre-registered by May 30, $165 after May 30.

To register for all workshops or for more information, visit http://www.straussyouthacademyforthearts.com or contact Strauss Theatre at (318) 812-7922.

TIGER ROCK MARTIAL ARTS ACADEMY
June 9-12
Aug. 4-7

Martial arts, acrobatics, weapons classes for 7-13 year olds, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Campers must bring a lunch that does not need to be refrigerated or warmed and a beverage each day. $149 including weapons. To register, call (318) 325-4754 or email tigerrockmonroe@gmail.com.

TRAVELER’S REST FARM 14TH ANNUAL HORSEMANSHIP CAMP
Calhoun, LA
June 2-6, June 9-13, June 16-20, June 23-27, July 7-11, July 14-18, July 21-25; 7:45 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.; ages 6+.

Provides intensive, fun-filled equestrian instruction and experience for youth interested in horsemanship skills. The goal of the program is to enrich each camper’s ability, knowledge, and enjoyment of horses through a safe and structured environment. Campers of all horsemanship levels will be guided through a sequence of activities that are fun, build self-esteem and empower youth to work with others. Other activities include swimming and campfire games. $300 per session. To register, call Herman McGuire, (318) 644-2051, or write to P.O. Box 295, Calhoun, La., 71225.

UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA-MONROE SUMMER CAMPS
The University of Louisiana at Monroe (ULM) is offering a wide variety of summer camps this year that are about sharpening skills, learning and fun. These camps include sports, Lego camps, science, music and more. For a complete list of camps offered, visit http://www.ulm.edu/summercamps/. For more information, contact Katie Smith at ksmith@ulm.edu or (318) 342-1030.

YMCA OF NORTHEAST LA
YMCA of Northeast LA Childcare and Character Development Summer Academy
June 2-Aug. 1
M-F, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; pre-K to 6th grade.

Focuses on science and math enrichment. Science experiments, arts and crafts, aerobics, character development, Friday field trips and snow cones, and more. Campers must bring a lunch that does not need to be refrigerated or warmed and beverage each day.

Camps are located at Jack Hayes Elementary School in Monroe and Ridge Avenue Baptist Church in West Monroe. Registration through May 23, $25 registration fee, $80 week. Late registration: May 24-June 6, $35 registration fee, $85 week. Clothing needs to be appropriate. To register, contact Jermand Johnson at (318) 387-9622. YMCA (318) 366-2463, or email jjohnson@ymcanela.org