Are you already dreading summer? Kids spend countless hours staring at screens and you try everything to get them to go do something else. Summer Camps are the answer to summer boredom – and summer learning loss! From STEM and marine biology to music and fitness, there is something for every child that’s fun and educational. Here are some of the 2024 Summer Camps in Thurston County.
Puget Sound Estuarium
For kids who love the ocean and marine life, check out the Puget Sound Estuarium’s summer camps for kindergarten through eighth grade. These day camps will be full of all sorts of fun hands-on science activities while teaching campers to be good environmental stewards. Beach exploration, touch tanks and live feedings are just some of the fun waiting for your kids. Limited, low-income options are available. For more information and to register, visit the Puget Sound Estuarium website.
South Sound YMCA
The South Sound YMCA has a long list of summer day camps with all kinds of activities including athletics, arts and crafts, STEM, outdoor experiences and more. Camps happen at Black Lake, Centennial, Chambers Prairie, Hanson, and Madison Elementary schools. For a complete list and to sign up, visit the South Sound YMCA website.
Student Orchestras of Greater Olympia
Have a musically-minded child? The Student Orchestras of Greater Olympia have music summer camps in Thurston County for all skill levels and ages fourth grade through high school. Day camps are held June 24-28, 2024, at Jefferson Middle School, with a culminating performance on June 28 in the evening. A free All-Camp Choir class comes with the purchase of any class. To register, head to the Student Orchestras of Greater Olympia website.
Bayview School of Cooking
Learning to cook can be fun with Bayview School of Cooking’s summer camps! During these day camps for 5- to 13-year-olds, kids will learn the joy of cooking tasty treats all ages love, including pizza and pasta. The 2024 summer camp theme is Italy. Camps are happening July and August. Visit the Bayview School of Cooking website or call 360.754.1448 to register.
Intercity Transit
Children 8 to 10 can learn to ride a bike this summer through Intercity Transit Walk N Roll’s free camp for Thurston County Youth. They learn bike handling and safety skills while having fun with games and other activities. Daily activities include riding at parks, on trails and other community spaces. Bring your own bike and helmet or borrow theirs. For more information and to register email walknroll@intercitytranist.com.
The Little Gym
The Little Gym’s summer camps in Olympia are perfect for active kids. Ages 3 to 12, can enjoy their camps that teach them about body movement while having fun. Find out more and register on The Little Gym website.
Camp Wa-Ya
The Camp Wa-Ya is holding its popular summer camps in Thurston County, with day camps for ages 9 to 13 and overnight camps for ages 12 to 17. Camps are entirely outdoors, exploring nearby parks, forests, beaches, trails and rivers. Day camp sessions provide opportunities to experience marine science, forest ecology, geology, Native teachings, outdoor survival skills, naturalist pursuits, hiking, kayaking and more! The overnight Teen Adventure Camp program strengthens true outdoor skills on overnight sea kayaking and backpacking trips with a focus on environmental stewardship. For more information including available scholarships and to register, visit the Camp Wa-Ya website.
Camp Juliette
The Scouts of Western Washington is having their annual summer camp August 7-11, 2024 with the theme of “Candy Land.” Camp leaders are all registered Girl Scout volunteers with current background checks. Camps are for girls entering 2nd through 12th grades. Older girls get to decide what types of activities they do during the camp, giving them choices while learning leadership and democracy. Non-Girl Scouts are welcome! For more information and to sign up, visit the Camp Juliette website.
Sequoia’s Treehouse Children’s Center
Sequoia’s Outdoor Adventures Summer Day Camps spend the summer days outside, full of animals, science, cooking and farming, and that’s just a start! They have three age groups this year: 4.5 to 6, 7 to 9 and 10-12 years. All camps include a summer full of fun outside. They will even take field trips to the zoo and for swimming. For more information and to register, visit the Sequoia’s Treehouse Children’s Center website.
Terra-Form Education
Terra-Form Education is offering their Eco-Quest Summer Day Camps in Olympia for summer 2024. They have camps for youth ages 6 to 10 from end of June through August. Kids will learn about how we are all connected through arts, science, adventure and myth. Learn more and register on the Terra-Form Education website.
Hands On Children’s Museum
The Hands On Children’s Museum provides exciting summer adventures for curious minds from June 24 through August 30, 2024. Choose from over 50 half- and full-day camps focused on art, science, nature, and cooking for ages 3 to 9. Your child will enjoy small class sizes with experienced educators, exploring STEAM concepts through a wide variety of topics, and daily exploration and play in the unique Museum setting. Hands On Children’s Museum camps go on sale in February and typically sell out. Currently, there are just a few spots left for campers ages 5 to 7. But more opportunities are available for campers ages 3 to 5 and 6 to 9. If the camp you want is sold out, Hands On offers a waitlist. Camp spots do open up and are filled first from the waitlist. For more information visit the Hands On Children’s Museum website.
Parks and Recreations
Cities’ Parks and Recreation departments have tons of fun summer camps and classes for all ages, even adults. Be sure to check out their websites:
