Please keep in mind that this list is not comprehensive - there are surely lots more options available. The list represents the variety of impressive programs available in our area, but keep your eyes and ears open for additional fun summer opportunities!

Many private organizations, day care centers and churches also offer summer camps and activities for children. If a whole week is too much for your child, there are some places that offer one-day or half-day programs. With so many activities to choose from, your child is sure to be happy and busy this summer.

Day Camps

4-H Cloverbud Explorer Workshop. Wednesday - Friday, July 9-11, 2008. Stafford County Extension Office, Rowser Building; 1739 Jeff Davis Hwy. 9 AM - NOON. Ages 5-8 (by September 30, 2008) are eligible
Cost: $30.00/camper. This camp will be filled with fun and exciting activities designed to help youth explore the interesting world around them. Day 1 we'll put on our chefs' hats and unleash the budding gourmet. Day 2 we'll look at the world through a camera lens. Day 3 we'll get down and dirty in the garden. The $30 registration fee includes all necessary materials and a healthy snack each day. Send registration to Devena McLaurine, VCE-Stafford County, POB 339 Stafford, VA 22555-0339

4-H Junior Money Camp. Wednesday-Friday, August 6-8, 2008. Stafford County Extension Office, Rowser Building; 1739 Jeff Davis Hwy. 9 AM - 3 PM. Ages 9-13 (by September 30, 2008) are eligible. Cost: $45.00/camper. Our goal is to nurture the budding entrepreneur and educate youth on the value of money! We'll learn about saving, spending, borrowing, investing and more! What does it really mean to let your money work for you? We'll learn how to develop a budget for long and short-term monetary goals. On our final day we'll enjoy presentations by participants sharing their immediate and long-term financial goals. The $45 registration fee includes all necessary materials and a healthy snack each afternoon.**Juniors, please bring a bag lunch & drink each day.**. Send registration to Devena McLaurine, VCE-Stafford County, POB 339 Stafford, VA 22555-0339

Aquia District Cub Scout Day Camp - Monday, June 16 - Friday, June 20, 2008. $130 (by 4/11) ($150 by 5/23 and $175 after.) The theme for the 2007 National Capital Area Council Cub Scout Day Camps is "Wild Wacky Wonderful Wheels." This day camp theme includes just about everything rotates.... wheels on a car, train wheels, Ferris wheels, spinning tops, pizza wheels, clockworks, color wheels… Go to www.boyscouts-ncac.org and look under the Camps tab for more info.

Boys and Girls Club Summer Camps offered in conjunction with Fredericksburg City Parks and Rec and Fredericksburg Area Food Bank Kids' Cafe. 8 weeks of summer camps. Camps open to all kids ages 5-16. Activities include swimming, golf, basketball, crafts, computers, game room and more!
Call 368-9531.

City of Fredericksburg Parks and Recreation. Camps Wildwood, Camp Hideaway, Teen Adventure Camp, and Survivor Camp all coming to F'burg this summer! Registration begins 4/15 for city residents. Check out the website at www.fredericksburgva.gov/PR or pick up the current brochure from Dorothy Hart Community Center on Canal St. for complete listings. 372-1086.

Stafford County Parks and Recreation. Whether it's a full-day option (Camp Abnaki, Camp Aquia, Curtis Park Camp, Teen Camp, Gymnastics Camp) or a specialty camp (Crafty Kids Camp, Camp Discovery, Adventure Camp, Camp Morning Star, Camp Bright, Basketball Camp, Soccer Camp, Skateboard Camp) that you are looking for, Stafford Parks and Rec offers a variety of summer fun opportunities. Call: 658-5115. Website: www.staffordparks.com

Spotsylvania Parks & Recreation has several sports and arts and crafts camps for children 5 and older. The summer schedule will be available in late April. Call 540-507-7529. www.spotsylvania.va.us/departments/parksandrec/

Rappahannock Area YMCA Summer Camps. Camps are offered for ages 3-5 (KinderKamp), ages 6-10(Y-Camp), tweens and teens (Explorers: ages 11-12, Teen Explorers: ages 13-15, Leaders in Training: ages 13-15). Registration and dates: 540/371-YMCA. www.family-ymca.org.
Massad Branch 212 Butler Rd. 540-371-9622.
Spotsylvania Family Branch 5700 Smith Station Rd. 540-891-7203

Educational Opportunities

Camp Alliance. Ages 7-14. Memory calisthenics, mathematics enrichment, Spanish language immersion, abstract art (painting with acrylics), library excursions, and recreational activities. Begins June 25. 4 one-week sessions, 5 days a week from 9-5. Call Dr. Sylisa Lambert-Woodard (540) 373-9577 or (703) 309-3409.

Summer Math Camp. Jump-start the next school year for students entering geometry, pre-algebra, algebra I, and math 5 and 6. Pure enrichment! Make math fun! MWF 8/1-8/19 in Stafford. 75 minutes each day. Call Donald Manigault at (540)720-0861 or (540) 659-6725.

Ferry Farm Baptist Preschool Summer Fun. Activity based program taught by experienced, enthusiastic professionals. Weekly themes include science/weather, cooking, sports, beach, zoo, and Christmas in July. Ages 2-5th grade. 9:30-12, T, W, Th. 1 Westmoreland Drive. 373-5982.

Fredericksburg Academy's Explore Summer 2008 camp program provides an enriching environment with fun and recreation. Weekly themes are planned by professionals and include music, theater, literature, arts, crafts, cooking dramatic play, and sports. In addition, a swimming and athletics program is part of the afternoon schedule for those students attending full-day. Middle and high school offerings include dance, video production, art history, soccer, field hockey, and lacrosse. FA is excited to offer weeklong camps with instructors from Stage Door Productions, Studio 17, and Academy Int'l. For more information contact Jeana Bailey, Director of Auxiliary Programs at 898-0020 or www.fredericksburgacademy.org.

Odyssey Montessori. 125 Olde Greenwich Drive. Summer camp programs available. Call for dates and more information. Ages 3-15. 891-9080

Specialty Camps
(Arts/Crafts, Cultural/Historic, Workshops, Sports)

ART-is-IN Performing Arts Day Camp for kids in completed K-5th grade. Kids work together to learn and produce a Broadway style musical featuring professional staging, costumes and sets; drama, music and choreography. Camp runs August 18 – 22, 2008, 9 am – 3 pm daily at Mt. Ararat Baptist Church, 65 Toluca Road, Stafford. Tuition is $70 for the week. Space is limited. For information call Jaime Breth at 540-659-2554. www.frickandfrackmusic.com

Autumn’s Gate Farm. Horseback riding lessons, seasonal programs, birthday parties, summer camps, training, sales. Located in Spotsylvania. 540/785-6998. www.autummsgatefarm.com

Cheer Dynasty - 2008 Summer Camp details available in April. 31 Utah Place, Suite 104, 659-2572. www.cheerdynasty.com

Creative Childcare Academy Summer Camps. Fun summer camp for children ages infant-12. Ages 5-12: daily pool use, moon bounce, weekly field trips to area museums, hikes on nature trails and more. Preschoolers (3-4): puppet shows, balloon animals, face painting, music programs, sand and water play, kiddy pool, and more. 12720 Spotswood Furnace Rd, Spotsylvania. For camp dates and more information: 540/785-6588 or 786-1216 or www.creativechildcareacademy.com./camp.htm.

Drama Kids Camp. Held at the Freedom Aquatic and Fitness Center in Manassas. July 14-18 (11-15yrs), Aug. 4-8 (7-10yrs). Learn acting skills and perform in an end-of-camp show. Call 703-993-8444 to register. www.dramakids.com/va3.

Colchester Equines - Day and week-long summer camps available for all ages and skill levels. Camps allow rider to learn about the care and skill required to care of horses on a daily basis. Activities include instructional time, games, trail rides, basic care and tack care. 2568 New Bridge Road, Mineral, Va 23117 894-4700 www.colchesterequines.com

Fredericksburg Area Museum and Cultural Center - Sneak a Peak: The Museum is Growing! Children's Programs/Discovery Workshops, 907 Princess Anne St. 371-3037; www.famcc.org. Held in Market Square every Thursday morning beginning June 19 - July 31. 10-11am. All of the topics tie directly into the new exhibits in the new building: Native American, Transportation, the Rappahannock River, Fredericksburg at War, African Americans, Fredericksburg as Community.

Fredericksburg Christian School Summer Camps. Sessions held at FCS High School and Middle School campuses, and vary throughout the summer. Subjects include Art, Creepy Crawlies, Computers, Robotics, Basketball, Volleyball and Soccer. Camps available for grades 1-10. Application deadlines are May 9 for non-sports camps/May 26 for sports camps. Fees and locations vary by session. For more information visit www.fredericksburgchristian.com or call 373-5355.

Fredericksburg Fieldhouse - Camps include adventure sport, soccer, lacrosse, and field hockey. ½ day, full day. Register online. www.fredfieldhouse.com. 3717 Shannon Park Drive, 361-4717

Fredericksburg Ice Park in Uptown Central Park - Summer skating camps to choose from. 786-0809; www.fipskate.com

George Washington's Ferry Farm & Historic Kenmore; Children's Summer Discovery Workshops. Ages 4-10. July 6-Aug 8. Children connect with history through hands-on participation in fun and engaging activities that will help them better understand colonial lifestyles, American Indian culture, and today's natural world.18th century life. Archaeology. Art. Nature. Games. Puppets. 370-0732 x24; www.kenmore.org

Hazelwild Farm offers weekly day camps from June - August for ages 4 - rising 6th graders. Activities include sports, nature and crafts, and swimming. A horseback riding program is available for children 7 years or older. 891-8751. hazelwildfarm.com

It's all about fishing! Fishing on the Rappahannock Summer Day Camp
June 17-19, 2008. Learn fishing basics and try your hand at angling each day. In addition, learn more about fish and river conditions that make healthy fish habitat.
Daily 9 am - 1 pm. Ages: 9-13. Fee: $90. Location: Virginia Outdoor Center, 3219 Fall Hill Ave, Fredericksburg. Registration required: 540-373-3448

Kids N Clay. Learn the craft of ceramics using pottery wheels and handbuilding techniques. Camps offer a choice of: Clay and Wood Tables or Clay Lamps and More! Full day, week long camps, half day camps for 5-7 year olds, half day camp for 7+ and some mini camps, too! Camps start the week of June 9th and continue through the summer. Visit the website to print out a brochure or call the studio. Spaces are limited!
Spring Break Half Day Clay Camp also available M-F 9 am -12 noon ages 7+. 11 Smokehouse Dr. Suite 111. 370-4114. www.kidsnclay.com/stafford

M & S Studio Academy of Acting, Dance and Music - Summer camps include musical theater and acting for film and television. 785-6772. www.mandsstudio.com

Paragon Gymnastics in Central Park. Gymnastics, sports, arts & crafts, and more. Full and 1/2 day camps available. Ages 5-15. 548-4966. www.paragongymnastics.com.

Pots & Palettes offers weekly camps for children ages 6 and older. Different themes to include ceramics, casting and pouring, wheel throwing, clay/hand-building.1013 Princess Anne St., F'burg. 373-7046. www.potsandpalettes.com

Rappahannock Summer Music Camp. Not-for-profit performing arts camp led by committed and highly-talented musicians from around the country as well as in-state and local community. Classes include piano skills, choir, concert band, music theory and technology, orchestra, conducting, ear training, jazz improv and ensemble, and composition. Ages 9-18. Camps held at Fredericksburg Academy campus. 540/846-8436; RSMCdirector@aol.com or www.rsmusiccamp.com.

Regency Park Sports. Campers will have a blast learning and playing volleyball, swimming, basketball, dodgeball, indoor soccer, indoor tennis, indoor flag football, crafts and much more. Call 540-786-8688 to register or online at www.regencyparksports.com

Riverside Center Theater Camp - Performing and directing professionals will instruct students in dramatic arts, music, choreography, and technical support. A variety of concepts and skills will be addressed including audition skills, acting concepts and fundamentals, vocal and physical expression, theater crafts and games, and choreographic movements. Students will participate in a showcase at the end of each session. 95 Riverside Pkwy. 370-4300; www.riversidedt.com

Stafford Golf Academy at the Gauntlet. Pee Wee camps (ages 5-8, $85) are 2 days long. Perfect intro to golf! Junior Fundamentals camps (ages 9-17, $195) are 5 days long. This camp focuses on the swing, the rules, and course etiquette, including real course instruction. All camps are 9am-12pm. June through August. 752-0963. www.golfgauntlet.com

Stafford Stars Cheer – All Day cheer camps - Come to Stafford Stars for a summer cheer camp experience that you will not forget. You will learn motions, cheers, chants, dances, pyramids, tumbling and partner stunts. Throw in some teambuilding, fun and a water park trip and you have the start of a memorable summer. Camps run from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm. The cost is $200 for the week. Before and after care is available upon request for summer camps at an additional cost of $50 per week. Free T-shirt. Camps run from June 30-August 22. (The first week of camp is a shortened 4 day week for $150.) Call 540-657-2215 or register online at www.staffordstars.com

Summer History Camp in Historic Fredericksburg. June 23-27. 9am-noon daily. Rising 3rd-6th graders. Explore history and follow in the footsteps of George Washington, his family and friends. Hands-on activities, projects and games at the Rising Sun Tavern, GW's Ferry Farm, Mary Washington House, Kenmore, and the Hugh Mercer Apothecary. Learn about colonial architecture, food, medicine and daily life. $100 per child. 370-0732 x24. hayes@gwffoundation.org

Young Chef's Academy. 540-479-6615. www.youngchefsacademy.com/fredericksburg

Unless otherwise noted, these camps are for chefs 5 and up
Pre - Registration and $25 deposit per week required
Each 3 day camp cost nonmembers $150, members $125 (sibling discounts)
Sign up for 2 sessions and save 10%
Sign up for 3 sessions or more and save 15%
Sign up for 6 sessions and save 15%, plus get the 7th week 1/2 off!!

July 1st - 3rd 12:30 - 3:30 "The Champions Table." Ever wonder what famous athletes enjoy cooking in their own kitchen? What famous boxer loves Bread Pudding? Who is it that makes a delicious Pasta Primavera? This camp provides you with some amazing recipes and some staggering statistics.

July 8th - 10th 12:30 - 3:30 "The Torch Relay." Melting Pot of Nations
The summer games bring athletes from around the globe together, so why not learn about some of these worldly cuisines? This camp will put an American twist on some foreign favorites!

July 22nd - 24th 12:30 - 3:30 "Athletes in Training." Athletes stay fueled by eating the right foods for their sport. What gives you more stamina? What gives you more power? How do you re-fuel after a workout? Come to this special session to find out!

July 29th - 31st 12:30 - 3:30 "A Day In Beijing." Welcome to the destination of the 2008 Summer Games. Explore the culture, cuisine, and cooking techniques that make Chinese food so delicious. Serve up some of the great flavors of China that are fit for an Emperor…or an athlete!

Aug. 5th - 7th 12:30 - 3:30 "Kitchen Olympics." This camp will venture into the world of International Culinary Competitions. It is all about presentation, garnishing and display…of cold foods and hot foods. At the end of this camp…Well lets just say, that with you new-found presentation skills, the looks of the dish you prepare just might be deceiving!

Aug 12th-14th 12:30 - 3:30 "Closing Ceremonies." This camp celebrates the recipe highlights from the best of “Cook for the Gold” Each day the kitchen will heat up with champion recipes from each of the other camps. It is sure to include some medal winners

One day camps at Young Chef's Academy:
July 2nd - "Hurray for the U.S.A." Kindercook class for 3 - 6 year olds from 9:30 - 11:00 and 5:30 - 7:00 $15 must call to register

July 5th - Teddy Bear Picnic from 12:00 - 1:30 Bring your teddy bear and prepare a picnic lunch for you and your furry friend, don't have one? We have some you can adopt. 4 - 8 yr olds $15 must call to register

July 9th - Celebrate national Blueberry Month with us as we make some yummy recipes with Blueberries of course. 5:30 - 7:30 ages 6 and up $25 must call to pre-register with a deposit

July 25th - Kids Night Out "Cooking around the Campfire" 6:30 - 9:30 ages 4 and up. $35 per person - must call to pre -register with a deposit. Parents enjoy a night off and leave your kids with us. They will make some campfire food (minus the open flame), sing songs, laugh and play.

July 28th - 30th - Tour de France mini camp from 5:30 - 8:30 ages 7 & up $125 Must call to pre- register with a deposit. Join us as we celebrate National Tour De France month with some French Cuisine.

Overnight Camps

Nature Camp is a private, non-profit, residential, co-ed summer camp specializing in natural history and environmental science education, one of the oldest of its kind in the country. Since 1942 Nature Camp has sought to train a corps of interested, knowledgeable youth, 5th - 12th grades, to conserve and protect the environment and to become wise stewards of the earth's natural resources. Local garden clubs in Fredericksburg sponsor scholarships each year. See www.naturecamp.net for more info.

AdventureLinks. Paris, VA. Day and overnight camps, ages 8-17. Team development, adventure programming and wilderness expedition. 800-877-0954. www.adventurelinks.net

Camp Friendship - offers one and two-week coed sessions for children 6-16. Activities include a General Camp Program with 50 different activities; Sports Camp with golf, tennis and gymnastic; Challenge Adventure Trips with caving, canoeing, rock climbing and more; or an Equestrian Program. Located on 730 acres in Palmyra, Central VA. Call 800-873-3223 or www.campfriendship.com.

Camp Alleghany - established in 1922 the girls' camp offers a host of activities from archery and arts and crafts to tennis and water sports. Located in Lewisburg, WV, call 877-446-9475 or www.campalleghany.com.

Camp Flintlock. Colonial-American programs for participants of all ages. At Camp Flintlock, you get to live history firsthand. You can experience the life of a family during the 1770s, the period of the American Revolutionary War. (919) 938-1776. Four Oaks, NC (about 4 hours from F'burg.) www.campflintlock.com

Camp Horizons - Harrisonburg, VA. Coed overnight camp for ages 6-16 including sports, arts and crafts, nature, aquatics, horseback riding, performing arts and more. 800-729-9230 or www.camphorizonsva.com

Camp Motorsport™ is a unique race car driving sports specialty summer camp for girls & boys, ages 10-16. Campers participate in hands-on driving instruction and racing education at a real, live racetrack, as well as enjoy all of the fun activities of a traditional summer camp, such as campfires, fishing, sports, swimming in the pool...and more! Weeklong camps beginning June 29-Aug. 8. Weekend parent/child camps also available for ages 8-16. 434-822-2999 or www.campmotorsport.com

VA Space Flight Academy - offers summer and weekend camps at NASA Wallops Flight Facility near Chincoteague Island on Virginia's Eastern Shore. Presented by the Virginia Space Flight Academy, the weeklong coed residential summer camps are for students age 11-15 who are interested in learning about the science and engineering of rockets and space flight. 5 day sessions run June through August. 866-757-7223 or www.VaSpaceFlightAcademy.org.

Many private organizations, day care centers and churches also offer summer camps and activities for children. If a whole week is too much for your child, there are some places that offer one-day or half-day programs. With so many activities to choose from, your child is sure to be happy and busy this summer.

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