Summer vacation is upon us. I can taste it. Children are counting down the days and shutting off the brain; routines are ready to rest. But the summer vacation ideal of families frolicking through parks, hanging at the pool, and lapping ice cream together in nostalgic bliss only lasts about a week. Soon the "I'm boards" and the "We never do anythings" take over and the television babysitter steps in. Parents wonder what they've been wishing for these last few weeks. Enter summer camp: the answer to summer restlessness or idleness.
This article is the second in a series on local summer camps for the left vs. right brain. The following list of camps focus on programs that stimulate the right brain; the side of the brain responsible for art and music, creativity, intuition, emotion, and holistic thought. Camp registration is coming to a close, so if you haven't already filled the weeks with stimulating, creative camps, check out the list below for a few ideas. And happy summer, left and right brainers--here's to the balanced child.
Camp Odyssey at the Passionist Earth and Spirit Center:
Location: Passionist Earth and Spirit Center 1924 Newburg Road
Age Group: Kids entering grades 1-6
Description: A camp run by the Earth and Spirit Center and Shine studio that focuses on exposing children to the natural world, fostering a connection to the earth and their own unique spirit. Children explore the nearby 20 acres of woodland and meadows, learn gardening, bee keeping, nutrition, yoga, art, music, and wellness activities. A great way to teach respect for the planet and self.
Cost: Morning Session $90/week (9-12:00)
All Day Session $180/week (9:00-4:00)
Dates: June 20-24 or June 27-July 1
Contact: 502.452.2749 or earthandspirit@passionist.org
Camp Shakespeare:
Location: St. Francis High School
Age Group: 4-18
Description: Will's camp has been revived this year and includes five separate age appropriate divisions ranging from The Groundlings (ages 4-6) where the youngest players are introduced to Shakespearean theater and role-playing to The Players (ages 15-18) that work in a 7 week intensive workshop. Role-playing, history, costume and set design, art, and games round out this unique Louisville experience--all-in-all a fantastic program inspired by The Bard.
Cost: $200-$600 depending on length of session and age
Dates: June 6-10 is the 1st session with sessions running through the end of July.
Contact: Melinda@kyshakes.org or 502.574.9900
Louisville Leopard Percussionist Summer Camp:
Age Group: Kids entering 2nd-5th grades
Description: If you aren't familiar with the Leopards, prepare to be blown away. Children learn jazz, improvisation, and expression through hand-made percussion instruments, bongos, steel drums, xylophones, and a variety of other things that create rhythm. Builds confidence, creativity, and interconnectivity.
Cost: ???
Dates: July 18-22
