Summer Camp Options In Olympia And Thurston County

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I anxiously await summer vacation.  I long for the ease of parenting when I don’t have to nag about bedtime rituals or cajole my daughters to rise from bed in time to catch the bus.  I don’t have to remember a library book, pack lunches, or worry about whether homework is being turned in on time.  Frankly, it’s a lot easier to parent in the summer.

Then, by July 1st the novelty wears off, the sibling bickering starts and I begin to count down the days until school starts again and there is structure and routine back in my life.  So, I do what most parents in my circle of friends also do, I look for summer day camps to sprinkle into our schedule.

I’ve simplified the task for you this year.  Here is your summary, as approved by parents that care about safety, like fun mixed with education, and frankly want happy, worn-out kids returned to them at the end of the day.

ThurstonTalk is your go-to source for family friendly events.  Keep your eyes peeled for our new Thrifty Thurston weekly posts.  From Memorial Day through Labor Day weekends, ThurstonTalk will be delivering inexpensive family fun throughout Thurston County.  Our Thurston Activities section is also packed full of cool, outdoor activities.  Take a peak!

How many more days until Wednesday, September 5th?

South Sound YMCA – multiple weeks throughout the summer

Overnight, day, or specialty camps at the Y share one thing-they’re about adventure. Kids have the opportunity to explore nature, find new talents, try new activities, gain independence, and make lasting friendships along with awesome memories. Of course, camp is also serious fun!  For a complete list of summer camps, click here to read more and register.

Hands On Children’s Museum – multiple weeks throughout the summer

Whether you select a half day or full day camp at Hands On Children’s Museum, your child is sure to pop out of bed each morning, ready for hands-on fun.  Quality instructors including special guest experts, lead the engaging, creative camps at the Museum.  Whether your child is interested in cooking, ancient Egyptian mummies, cave exploration, or the more traditional zoo animals, HOCM is sure to have a summer day camp that is a match.  Read about all the options here.

 

Olympia Family Theater – multiple weeks throughout the summer

Each week, June 25 – August 24, Olympia Family Theater offers a different week-.long camp with a different focus and age group.  “Whether your child wants to act our fairy tales, create an perform an original piece, learn about improv, or perform a scripted play, OFT is the place to be this summer,” says OFT’s Samantha Chandler.  More information can be found by clicking here.

Kids At Play at Capital Playhouse 

Entering its 26th season, Kids At Play produces five musicals rehearsed, choreographed, and performed with professional sets, lights, costumes and orchestras. Youth ages 8 through 17 are invited to participate in the summer theater program.  This year’s performances include The Wiz, Cinderella, Annie, and Les Miserables.  Complete information can be found here.

danceOlympia Dance Center – June 25 – 29 or July 30 – August 3

Two summer dance workshops are being offered at Olympia Dance Center for children ages 4 – 7 years old.  Select a day camp focused on Sleeping Beauty or Carnival of the Animals.  In 2.5 hours, children explore creative dance movements, prepare crafts, and practice for their recital at the end of the week.  “I was amazed at how much my daughter learned during this camp,” reports one parent.  For a full description, click here.

 

Creative Theater Experience

Since 1981, the Creative Theater Experience has been delivering unique summer theater opportunities.  Geared for students primarily for students 6th through 12th grade, CTE’s offers four workshops throughout the summer.  (One workshop is for students 1st through 7th grade.)  Workshops vary from a full musical production to a behind-the-scenes experience at producing a show.  Read more by clicking here.

Sounders Soccer Camp – August 6 – 10 at Pioneer Park

The Sounders FC half-day program is designed for the recreational to intermediate player ages 4 – 15.  The full day camp is geared for kids ages 7 – 15 and includes the half-day curriculum plus scrimmages related to the day’s skills.  Coaches place an emphasis on technical and tactical skills.  More information about the camp can be found by clicking here.

British Soccer Camp – July 9 – 13 in Lacey & Fort Lewis, July 16 – 20 in Tumwater

Challenger British Soccer, the largest soccer camp operator in the US is coming to the Regional Athletic Complex, CYSS Athletic Fields in Fort Lewis and Pioneer Park in Tumwater.  Utilizing an all British coaching staff, the camp keeps kids active all day.  The camp focuses on skill building in the morning and games and scrimmages in the afternoon.  To register, click here.

 

LIVE.LEARN.HOOP. Basketball Camp – weekly in July depending on age group

Held at South Puget Sound Community College, the youth basketball camp focuses on individual drills, appropriate for each age level.  Kids develop skills in defense, rebounding, ball handling, shooting and passing.  In addition, kids have the opportunity to practice these skills in a controlled scrimmage and game setting.   To learn more and determine which week your child would participate, based on age, please click here.

Nisqually Reach Nature Center – multiple weeks throughout the summer

“A typical day at camp is all about students working together in a quest to have fun and learn about treasures in the South Sound through hands-on educational experiences,” reports NRNC Executive Director Daniel Hull.  Students learn about science through beach surveys,

Nisqually Reach Nature Center
Nisqually Reach Nature Center

watersheds, vertebrate and invertebrate identification, estuaries, and habitats.  The three-day camps occur throughout the summer.  Click here to learn more.

Nature Nurtures Horse Camp – multiple weeks throughout the summer

This horse-themed day camp is geared for children of all ages and abilities.  Participants ride horses each day while also participating in lessons covering everything from stable management to competition.  Activities include equine art, horse-centric games, and the ever-popular horse painting.  Campers also participate in barnyard tasks to gain an appreciation for teamwork and responsibility.  Click here to discover more.

Discoveries Summer Camp – July 9 – 13 and/or July 30 – August 3

Discoveries Summer Day Camp, at NOVA School, is especially designed to challenge motivated, academically talented students who will be entering 4th or 5th grade in the fall.  Parents can opt for half or full day programs, with multiple courses offered during each time slot.  Add on a half day program at TCTV during the week of August 6h to work on digital stories.  Complete information is available by clicking here.

Olympia Parks & Rec – multiple weeks throughout the summer

With over 40 different camps, the City of Olympia’s Parks & Rec team has your kid’s interest and hobby covered.  Camps range from mini-camps for young kids to overnight adventure camps and multimedia camps focused on technology.  The outdoor camps, combining skill development with the basics of environment stewardship, look very entertaining.  Check out the City of Olympia’s summer camp offerings here.

Thurston County Parks & Rec

Located at Pioneer Elementary School, the Thurston County Parks & Rec team have designed a day camp for children 6 – 13 years old.  Campers will swim, visit the library, and attend at least one major field trip each week.  This year, the County program has added a summer teen camp, designed for disabled youth.  Learn more here.

Know of a camp that should be added to the list?  Drop us a line at submit@thurstontalk.com.

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