As early as December, I was thumbing through camp brochures and taking part in the race to get a coveted spot in a local summer camp. Early-bird special alerts were flooding my inbox. Some offered registration preferences if your child was a returning camper, while others extended families a deep discount if fees were paid by the end of January. Fast forward to May, inbox subject lines read: Summer Camp Is Cancelled. Later these were followed by regrets and refunds.
The onset of the novel coronavirus has caused schools to close and travel to cease. This summer there is limited access to pools, beaches, and summer camps across the country. Additionally the pandemic is leaving many parents with limited options for summer as traditional summer camps are unlikely safe.
Keep your family healthy and children entertained by making alternative plans. Many traditional camps have scrambled to offer virtual experiences. This list is a sample of organizations trying to meet the demand. While some are free, I found some options carry costs equivalent to in-person camp.
Mad Science offers immersive camps exploring space travel, machine invention, cryptography, and more for children ages 3-12. Mad Science has both half and full-day camp options.
Varsity Tutors is offering free week-long virtual camps throughout the summer. Camp activities include foreign language learning, interactive science games, and art projects.
The Children’s Theatre Company has moved its programming to its Virtual Academy inviting kids to develop acting, dancing, and screenwriting skills online. In fact, students will be able to collaborate and receive feedback from their peers to perfect their craft.
Great Lakes Aquarium’s Summer Camp in a Box sends campers an activity kit with all the materials they will need for a week of marine adventures. The aquarium uses a combination of prerecorded footage as well as daily live sessions. In addition, campers can conduct science experiments and learn about different habitats without leaving home.
The National Academy of Athletics is providing virtual sports camps this summer. Each day’s session includes a warm-up, drills, and a review of the new skills led by a coach. Options include volleyball, baseball, basketball, and soccer.
As summer camp organizers continue to shift, more virtual experiences are being developed. Please feel free to share the camps you recommend in the comments.
