SUMMER CAMP GUIDE

HIKES IN THE WOODS, SPINE-TINGLING tales by the campfire, roasted marshmallows, canoe races-summer camp memories are the stuff of pre-adolescent nostalgia. Today’s youth enjoy an ever-widening array of camp opportunities ranging from the traditional fare of sports, knot-tying, and woodworking to ultramodern camps that give kids a taste of cutting-edge technologies.

D’s camp guide provides a look at some of the best and most innovative summer camps in the area. While covering a broad range of interests, these camps can be divided into two main types-day camps and residential camps.

Sports camps provide intensive skills training and a chance to learn from superstars of professional and amateur sports. Many young campers report that the most valuable aspect of such camps is the opportunity to interact with and learn from the experiences of the role models they cheer for on television each weekend. Some camps, like the Jay Novacek Football Camp are specific to one sport, while others, like Hockaday’s Coed Summer Session and Greenhill School’s Summer on the Hill, provide instruction in a broad array of disciplines including

basketball, tennis, baseball, field hockey, volleyball, and soccer. Specialty and career camps not only stimulate the minds of today’s youth, but also provide a low-impact introduction to children who think they know what they “want to be when they grow up.” An aspiring marine biologist can whet his or her appetite at Sea World of Texas’ camp; young hackers can hone computer and design skills at FUTUREKIDS Summer Fun Camps, and tomorrow’s Oscar winners can rehearse for their big audition at KD Studio’s summer classes.

Other camps provide children with an adventure in the great outdoors, complete with activities like rafting, swimming, climbing, firearms, safety, and crafts. Of course, some of these groups offer a ’90’s twist on the traditional camp experience with the added fun of jetskis and motorboats. YMCA Camp Grady Spruce features the beauty of Possum Kingdom Lake. YO Adventure Camp is located in lovely Mountain Home, Texas. Local kids can see scenic Lake George, Colorado, at the Outpost Wilderness Adventure Camp. Another beautiful camp in the Colorado Rockies is the Anderson Western Colorado Camp.

Camps centered at local private schools give students the opportunity to expand on any number of academic disciplines and get a valuable leg up on their classmates. The Highlands School Summer Camp Program provides classes in a number of academic areas as well as sports, arts, and crafts. The Greenhill School offers academic and enrichment classes in addition to athletic programs. Hockaday’s Coed Summer Session also offers academic, artistic, and athletic instruction.

When choosing a camp, carefully consider all your options. Remember that whatever you are looking for in a camp, it is your child who will be spending his or her precious summer days there, so be sure to consider his or her interests.

The best way to learn about a camp is to talk to the individuals or organization running it. They can give further information on recommended ages, experience levels, and gear that will be needed for a complete camp experience.

Above all, talk to your children. Make sure they are ready for the camp that you mutually select. Help them understand that while summer camp is a lot of fun. it requires that they pay attention and apply themselves, whether they are studying a foreign language, learning how to spike a volleyball, or singing kum-bayah around the camphre.

DAY CAMPS



FUTUREKIDS

Summer Fun Camps offer girls and boys from 3 1/2 – 14 innovative programs built around themes and subjects they love. Each one offers the chance to master computer skills and to discover how much fun learning can be. Graphic Design, Simulation, Keyboarding, Robotics, Animation and much more. Small camp groups. Call for a brochure. 214-596-0515. 2220 Coit Road, Suite 550, Piano, TX 75075.



GREENHILL SCHOOL



Summer on the Hill

Academic and enrichment classes-June 12-July 21

Day Camps for ages 3 1/2 to 13-June 12-July 21

Basketball, tennis, baseball, volleyball. soccer, football, softball, and field hockey camps run throughout the summer. Special August programs. Contact Elaine Velvin at Greenhill School, 214-661-1211.

THE HIGHLANDS SCHOOL



Summer Camp Program

Exciting, creative programs for ages 440 provided in a safe, Christian environment. Academics, sports, Spanish, computer classes, arts & crafts, music, swimming and field trips are offered. The Summer Camp Program features a low student/teacher ratio. Hot breakfast & lunch available. Early drop-off at 7:45. Call 214-554-1980 ext. 233. 1451 E. Northgate, Irving, TX 75062.



HOCKADAY



This coed summer session offers enriching academic courses, creative arts and theater programs, and sports camps. Hockaday’s programs are open to students from age 5 to 18. Three- and six-week sessions are available, beginning June 6. Hockaday is located two blocks west of the Dallas North Tollway on Forest Lane. For more information, call 214-363-6311 ext. 211.

THE JAY NOVACEK FOOTBALL CAMP



Learn football from the best!

The camp will feature several of the Dallas Cowboys and outstanding coaching! June 4-9 & 11-16, East Texas State University. Also available: Jason Garrett Quarterback & Receiver Camp and the John Jett Kicking and Punting Camp. Call 1-800-466-6888 for free information.



KD STUDIO



Offers exciting summer classes in acting to children and teens ages 4-18. Participants learn specialized acting techniques for the camera under the guidance of top working professionals. Classes are limited. Call now to enroll. 214-638-0484.



CAMP SEA WORLD



Offers children ages 3 to 18 the opportunity to discover magnificent ocean animals. Most camp sessions end with a sleepover. Call 210-523-3608 for a brochure.

RESIDENTIAL CAM

ANDERSON WESTERN COLORADO CAMPS



Adventure camp!

Rafting, riding, rappelling, trips, camping and more! Separate camps for girls and boys ages 7-17. Three 3-week sessions. Located in the Colorado Rockies, 50 miles northwest of Vail. Opportunity for growth in a safe, organized, outdoor environment. Enrollment limited. Daily schedule varied. 7177 Colorado River Road, Gypsum, Colorado, 81637.1-800-832-4851



THE JAY NOVACEK FOOTBALL CAMP



Learn football from the best!

This camp will feature several of the Dallas Cowboys and outstanding coaching! June 4-9 & 11-16, East Texas State University. Also available: Jason Garrett Quarterback & Receiver Camp and the John Jett Kicking and Punting Camp. Call 1-800466-6888 for free information.



OUTPOST WILDERNESS ADVENTURE



OWA means 17 years of great adventures for young people. Specialty camps in rock climbing, fly fishing, and mountain biking. Backcountry expeditions in Colorado, Yellowstone and the Wind River Range. Backpacking, ice climbing, Whitewater, mountaineering and more. Exciting options for 11 year olds and up. PO Box 7, Lake George, CO 80827. 719-748-3080 (winter office: 210-238-4383).



SEA WORLD OF TEXAS



Ever dream of working with marine animals? Make it happen at Sea World of Texas. Students in grades 10-12, apply for this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Call 210-523-3608.



YMCA CAMP GRADY SPRUCE



This camp is located on beautiful Possum Kingdom Lake. With the guidance of young adults, campers will have countless opportunities of self-discovery and growth. Whether it be skiing, horseback riding, sailing, swimming or jet skiing, each activity provides an opportunity of a lifetime. 7-and 14-day sessions are available for 8- to 16- year-old boys and girls. For a full color brochure, please call 214-954-0647.



Y.O. ADVENTURE CAMP



This is a residential coed summer camp with one, two, or three-week sessions for children 7-16. Activities include: high ropes course, climbing, firearm safety, horseback riding, crafts, and much more. Small enrollment. For information contact us at HCO1, Box 555, Mountain Home, TX 78058 or call 210-640-3220.