Summer is a break from school. A time to relax. A time to have fun family experiences. But summer can also be stressful. Maybe your child needs some structure in their day. Perhaps they miss being around kids their own age. Or maybe they want to try something new. Whatever the reason, summer camps are a great option! There is a wonderful variety of options for summer camps in Chesapeake, VA, and the surrounding areas. From outdoor adventures, to sports, to arts and sciences, your child is sure to have an unforgettable summer! In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the possibilities available to your child, covering various interests and age groups.
Each year, Chesapeake City Parks and Recreation hosts their Summer Blast Day Camp for kids ages 6-12. Each week, the camp explores new things with nature activities, games, field trips, sports, arts and crafts, and even water fun. Registration is first come, first served, so if you are interested you should make sure you get registered once dates are announced. Camps are located at various recreation centers in Chesapeake so it is best to check with Parks and Recreation for up to date information.
Serving ages 3-12, the Little Gym is a great summer camp option for kids. Children can attend every day or just a few days each week, making it ideal if you need a flexible schedule. Since they serve a variety of ages, the Little Gym offers camps at for varying skill levels as well. Younger children will participate in themed activities at camp each week. During their three hour time block, children will participate in indoor activities on the Little Gym’s Gymnastics Equipment, do arts and crafts and eat snack with their new friends. Meanwhile, older children focus more on developing their gymnastics skills. Overall, the Little Gym is a great option for active children who enjoy tumbling.
The YMCA is always a great option when looking into options for summer camp in Chesapeake, VA. In Hampton Roads, the YMCA offers day camp at convenient YMCA locations. But they also offer more specialized camp options in three outdoorsy locations. YMCA location day camp serves ages 4-17 and allows your child to participate in a variety of activities centered around each of its weekly themes. Specialized camps can be found at Camp Arrowhead in Suffolk, Camp Red Feather in Norfolk, and JT’s Camp Grom in Virginia Beach. At these specialized camps, your child will have the opportunity to learn new skills like rock climbing, archery, kayaking, fishing, and more. These are a great option if your child enjoys outdoor activities!
For an overnight camp experience, look no further than Triple R Ranch, located conveniently in Chesapeake! Overnight camps are available to children ages 8-16 and vary from 3 to 5 days. Campers participate in a variety of outdoor activities including horseback riding, rock climbing, canoeing, and archery. Each day also consists of more calm activities such as arts and crafts and Bible study. Triple R Ranch also offers a day camp option for kids who are not quite ready for an overnight experience yet.
If your child is interested in a certain sport, summer camp in Chesapeake is a great option! Many sports, including soccer, taekwondo, football, and more offer camps for kids focusing on their sport. These camps are often a great way for a child to try out a sport they may be interested in. They tend to be less competitive than sports offered throughout the school year, giving kids a chance to really gauge their own interest. They are also a great option for kids who are really serious about their sport, giving them extra practice and the chance to learn from new coaches.
Similar to sports, many dance studios offer day camps. These day camps introduce young dancers to class in a fun way, as well as providing opportunities to practice for more advanced dancers. Many dance studios will offer themed weeks in order to create excitement for young dancers. Themes I’ve seen include mermaids, princesses, and popular movies. It will be important to check with the individual studio you are interested in to find out their themes, registrations dates, and fees.
There is a plethora of options for summer camp in the Chesapeake area. The types of camps covered in this post are available to children of varying ages and interests. Whether your child is an outdoor adventurer, a budding artist, a future athlete, or a grooving dancer, you’re sure to find a summer camp in Chesapeake, VA waiting to ignite their interest, satisfy their curiosity, and create memories that will last a lifetime. As you plan for the upcoming summer, you can explore these options to ensure your child has a summer filled with fun, learning, and new friendships.
As a family photographer, I appreciate these days of energy and curiosity in children. When I take your family’s photos, I try to let kids be themselves and explore and play. I think it makes for the greatest pictures, capturing your family as they are in the moment! If you find yourself hoping for family portraits this summer, I would love to be part of it. Reach out and we can talk about your vision for a session today!
Looking for more recommendations for kids in Chesapeake? Check out these blog posts!