“There’s nothing to do” just isn’t going to cut it when it comes to summertime options for kids.
With dozens of art, sport, theater, learning and day camps, the challenge won’t be coming up with something to do, it’ll be narrowing it down to a best fit for individual schedules, location and interests. To help in that, 360 has identified a few highlights in the local offerings. Get details on these and other camps below:
Whether they’re new to the area or just to our listing, new camps are added all the time, and this year is no exception. Eureka! Palouse is an educational organization that provides STEM (science, technology, education and math) activities and programming outside of school time. They’ve got classes, tutoring services, play areas and Eureka! Palouse STEM summer camps where kids can learn code and build robots.
Moscow Parks and Recreation is offering a new Teen Adventure Camp one Saturday each month of the summer. Kids ages 13-17 will be challenged by a zipline and skybridge course in June, learn water safety and kayak techniques on Coeur d’Alene Lake in July and head into the Gospel Hump Wilderness on horseback in August.
Some of this year’s camp options have a unique subject matter that might appeal to kids who’ve grown tired of the same-old, same-old. Take opera, for example. The Kenworthy Performing Arts Centre has a four-day Opera for Kids program that introduces kids seventh grade and older to the stage and music genre that’s been enjoyed for centuries by audiences around the world.
Pullman Parks and Recreation is offering an Intro to Parkour (mentioned in Sports and Movement Camps) for kids older than 12 who want to turn their urban environment into an obstacle course by learning the sport of jumping, tumbling and climbing quickly through the obstacles in a space.
The Children’s Ceramic Classes at Artisans at the Dahmen Barn may be covering a somewhat familiar subject, but it’s offered in a unique way: Participants get to pick their class times. The class registration comes with six classes, and kids get to select which Tuesday or Saturday afternoon they want to take them and might be a good option for busy summertime schedules.
For families on a tight summer budget, there are free and low-cost options as well. The Boys and Girls Club Summer Program offers full days of games, crafts, educational activities and lunch that is free with a $25 membership fee. A number of churches offer vacation Bible school programs free of charge, like Masterpiece! Lutherhaven Day Camp’s full-day option and the half-day, science-oriented Faith Lab.
Quality Behavioral Health provides a weekly daylong Summer Youth Program for teens that combines fun activities and preventive education. And the Families Together Summer Camp offers a free weekly day camp for kids with unique abilities.
Participants will have to shell out $95 for the weeklong STEM-based Camp Invention, but it’s a discounted cost available this year to Idaho public school students; the price for non-Idaho public school students is $225.
2017 Kids Summer Survival Guide
If you’re a kid who’s looking for a summer full of fun, adventure and new experiences, you’ve come to the right place. From ceramics to opera, baseball to writing, parkour to improv, here’s Inland360’s 2017 guide to multiday camps and workshops for kids in the Quad Cities. Select a category below to jump to that section or scroll down:
CREATIVE ARTSChildren’s Ceramics Classes - UNIONTOWN - Kids with all levels of ceramics experience can develop their skills with an instructor in a fully equipped studio. Instruction begins with hand building and those who want to try a wheel will be able to do so. Students can choose six sessions at their convenience during the summer, which will be scheduled after registration.
For: Ages 5-16
When: 1 to 3 p.m. Tuesdays and/or Saturdays during June, July and August
Cost: $125, includes clay and firing
Information/registration: www.artisanbarn.org, (509) 229-3414
Summer ArtCamp - MOSCOW - Learn elements and principles of design with high-quality art materials in both indoor and outdoor studio spaces with professional artist Jeanne Leffingwell. Topics include drawing, painting, watercolor, fiber arts, beading, printmaking and more.
For: Ages 8-15
When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 19-23, June 26-30, July 17-21
Cost: $200/session
Information/registration: www.jeanneleffingwell.com/artcamps, (208) 882-7211
Art Club Camp - PULLMAN - Explore nature, create recycled art, examine various mediums at Kruegel Park Studio.
For: Ages 5-12
When: 1 to 4 p.m. Mondays-Fridays June 19-30, July 10 - Aug. 18
Cost: $63-$65/week
Information/registration: www.pullmanparksandrec.com, (509) 338-3227
Kids’ Art Camp - MOSCOW - Explore different methods of creating art with Rachael Eastman, art teacher at Sacajawea Junior High in Lewiston. Instruction in drawing, painting, screen-printing and sculpting using a variety of media.
For: Ages 7-17
When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 10-14
Cost: $200-$201
Information/registration: www.ci.moscow.id.us, (208) 883-7084
Jr. and Sr. High Art Camp - LEWISTON - Learn mosaic, watercolor, paper marbling, printmaking, letterpress, writing and more in a Lewis-Clark State College Kids College class designed especially for junior and senior high students.
For: Grades seventh-12th
When: 12:45-4:30 p.m. July 10-13 and July 24-27
Cost: $77, includes materials and transportation
Information/registration: www.lcsc.edu/kids-college, (208) 792-2860
Rendezvous for Kids - MOSCOW - Offers opportunity to participate in a variety of hands-on art activities and workshops in a variety of artistic disciplines, including sculpture, painting, tie-dye, drama, music and more. Main program includes activities, workshops, T-shirt and lunch. Walk-on program includes activities and lunch.
For: Ages 3-12
When: 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. for ages 5-12, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for ages 3-4, July 13-14
Cost: $35/both days or $20/one day for ages 5-12, $15/day for preschool, $10/day for walk-on program
Information/registration: www.rendezvousinthepark.com, (208) 301-0706
Kids Summer Creativity Days - UNIONTOWN - Each day includes three different arts: clay studio, culinary arts and a creative art project.
For: Ages 5-16
When: 9-4 p.m. July 13, 20, 27 and Aug. 3
Cost: $40, does not include lunch
Information/registration: www.artisanbarn.org, (509) 229-3414; registrations must be received by the Monday of each week
THEATER, DANCE & MUSIC
Children’s Summer Musical - LEWISTON - The Lewiston Civic Theatre summer musical production of Disney’s “Peter Pan” will develop basic acting skills.
For: Ages 16 and younger
When: Auditions are at noon June 16 at the Lewiston High School auditorium; rehearsals 1 to 3 p.m. Monday - Friday beginning June 19; performances Thursday - Sunday Aug. 3-6 and Aug. 10-13
Cost: $100
Information/registration: (208) 746-3401
Summer Children’s Camps - PULLMAN - A one-week intensive program that culminates in a performance. Themes include: Stepping Out into the Spotlight, Wonderful World of Disney, Hollywood Premiere and Broadway Show Review.
For: Ages 8-16
When: 9 a.m. to noon or 1 to 4 p.m. June 19-23, June 26-30, July 10-14 and July 17-21, with 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Friday session, including performances at 12:30 and 2 p.m.
Cost: $105/session
Information/registration: www.rtoptheatre.org, (509) 334-0750
Teen Summer Performance Workshop - PULLMAN - Participants will take part in the main stage production of “All Shook Up” as ensemble members, but will also receive direct training to strengthen ensemble work and exercise understudying the show’s lead roles. They will perform in a mini-showcase Aug. 5.
For: Ages 13 and older
When: Time to be announced Monday - Friday July 10 - Aug. 4
Cost: $350
Information/registration: www.rtoptheatre.org, (509) 334-0750
Summer Drama Camp for Youth - MOSCOW - Participants will learn about acting, movement, building sets, props, costumes and more from guest artists and theater student camp counselors. The camp will culminate in a free public performance of a Shakespeare play.
For: Ages 6-16
When: Noon to 5 p.m Monday - Friday July 10-28; final performance July 29
Cost: $190/person before June 15 or $230/person after June 15
Information/registration: www.uidaho.edu/class/theatre/productions-and-events/drama-camp, (208) 885-6465
New Saint Andrews College Summer Music Camp - MOSCOW - Students will refine their music skills as they sing, dance, work on crafts, study music theory, learn from the Bible and more in preparation for a final concert and folk dance. Prep camp is a half-day program for students entering kindergarten to fourth grade; junior and senior camps are a full-day program for those entering fifth grade through graduated high school seniors.
For: Ages 5-18
When: Half-day and full-day July 10-14; final concert July 15
Cost: $70/student for prep camp, $110/student for junior and senior camp; family discounts available
Information/registration: music.nsa.edu/music-camp
Opera for Kids - MOSCOW - Opera for Kids will plug kids into the timeless, relatable stories of love, passion and joy as participants explore an introduction to opera, fairy-tales and comedy in opera. Feature a Live in HD presentation from the Metropolitan Opera.
For: Grades seventh-12th
When: 9 a.m. to noon June 12-15
Cost: $75/student; scholarships available
Information/registration: kenworthy.org/opera-for-kids/
Storybook Ballet Workshop - MOSCOW - Focuses on creative movement and introduces basic ballet skills.
For: Ages 4-6
When: 1 to 2 p.m. for ages 4-5, 2 to 3 p.m. for ages 5-6 July 17-21
Cost: $65
Information/registration: festivaldance.org, (208) 883-3267
Imagination Arts Musical Theatre Workshop - MOSCOW - Movement-based mini-musical workshop based on “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz”; students will learn dances, songs and dialogue.
For: Ages 7-14
When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 17-21; final performance July 22
Cost: $90
Information/registration: festivaldance.org, (208) 883-3267
Theatrix - MOSCOW - This impromptu acting class allows students to hone their creativity through acting games, practicing and perfecting improvisational skills and learning how to perform in front of an audience.
For: Ages 7-15
When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 31 - Aug. 4, with a final performance 1 p.m. Aug. 4
Cost: $125-$126
Information/registration: www.ci.moscow.id.us, (208) 883-7084
Music and Dance Camps - PULLMAN - Pullman Parks and Recreation offers dance, music and dancing and drumming for kids of various ages and skill levels.
For: Ages 4-17
When: Times and dates vary
Cost: Varies
Information/registration: www.pullmanparksandrec.com, (509) 338-3227
SPORTS & OUTDOORS
Rec Mobile - LEWISTON - Introduces kids to safe, supervised recreational activities that are fun and challenging; offered Monday-Friday for two hours at two different locations across the valley.
For: All ages
When: June 11-Aug. 18; see website for times and locations
Cost: Free
Information/registration: www.cityoflewiston.org/parksandrec or www.facebook.com/lewistonparksrecreation
Amazing Athletes - LEWISTON - Kids learn basic fundamentals of nine different sports while improving seven key areas of motor development: balancing, running, jumping, throwing, catching, kicking and target bowling. Activities increase cardiovascular fitness, muscle tone, reaction time and more.
For: Ages 2½-6
When: 9-9:35 a.m. Fridays June 16 - July 21
Cost: $65/participant
Information/registration: amazingathletes.com
Gymnastics Camps - MOSCOW - Palouse Empire Gymnastics holds weekly camps for children of all ages. Camps include tumbling and trampoline, junior gymnast, girls gymnastics, mini cheer and teen tumbling.
For: Ages 16 and younger
When: Noon to 3 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays beginning June 20
Cost: $80/session
Information/registration: www.palouseempiregymnastics.com, (208) 882-6408
Wacky Wednesday Game Club - PULLMAN - Participants can select from a variety of board games or play movement games like Nerf and disc golf.
For: Ages 8-13
When: 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays June 21-Aug. 9
Cost: $20-22/session
Information/registration: www.pullmanparksandrec.com, (509) 338-3227
Breakaway Program - PULLMAN - Day trips to Get Air! Trampoline Park, Salmon River rafting, Silverwood, Triple Play Fun Park and Splash Down Water Park.
For: Grades fifth-eighth
When: June 21, 29, July 13, 25, Aug 8, times vary
Cost: $39-$67/day
Information/registration: www.pullmanparksandrec.com, (509) 338-3227
Sports and Movement Camps - MOSCOW - Moscow Parks and Recreation offers a number of sports and movement classes and workshops for kids, including mini junior golf, junior golf, movement, performance training and Skyhawks sports camps that develop skills in basketball, cheer, golf, swimming, soccer, tennis and more.
For: Ages 4-15
When: Times and dates vary
Cost: Varies
Information/registration: www.ci.moscow.id.us, (208) 883-7084
Sports and Movement Camps - PULLMAN - Pullman Parks and Recreation offers a variety of athletic camps for sports like football, basketball and tennis, as well as gymnastics, biking, horseback riding, parkour and more. Skyhawks sports camps are also offered.
For: Ages 4-18
When: Times and dates vary
Cost: Varies
Information/registration: www.pullmanparksandrec.com, (509) 338-3227
Lewis-Clark Warrior Athletics Youth Camps - LEWISTON - Develop skills in track and field, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, tennis and volleyball with college coaches and athletes.
For: Grades first-12th
When: Times and dates vary
Cost: Varies
Information/registration: www.lcwarriors.com
University of Idaho Sport Camps - MOSCOW - Get instruction and practice with coaches and players in football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, soccer, volleyball and golf.
For: Grades second-12th
When: Times and dates vary
Cost: Varies
Information/registration: www.vandalcamps.com
Washington State Cougars Athletic Camps - PULLMAN - Learn the basics or work on advanced skills from coaches and players at camps for all ages and skill levels. Camps offered in baseball, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, football, soccer, tennis and volleyball.
For: Ages 3-18
When: Times and dates vary
Cost: Varies
Information/registration: www.athletics.wsu.edu/camps/
DAY CAMPS
Summer Break Kids’ Kamp - MOSCOW - This full-day program offers a wide range of activities and includes weekly trips to the library, swimming twice a week, and regular trips to go rock climbing at the University of Idaho. Additional adventures include bowling at Zeppoz, visiting museums, digging for fossils and garnets and more.
For: Ages 6-12
When: 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday June 12 - Aug. 18
Cost: $20/day per child plus tax and additional money for outside trips
Information/registration: www.ci.moscow.id.us, (208) 883-7084
Boys and Girls Club Summer Program - LEWISTON, CLARKSTON, LAPWAI - The Orchards, Richard Guy Bennett Jr. and Lapwai clubhouses have qualified staff that provides structured activities including indoor and outdoor games, arts and crafts projects, computer fun and educational activities. Free lunch is provided.
For: Ages 5-18
When: 10 a.m to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday (Lewiston and Clarkston) and 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday (Lapwai) June 12-Aug. 18
Cost: Free to club members (membership is $25/child); fee-based Early Bird Program is available at some locations between 7 and 10 a.m.
Information/registration: www.poweroftheclub.org
Boys and Girls Club Challengers Program - LEWISTON - Staff provides structured activities including indoor and outdoor games, arts and crafts projects, computer fun and educational activities. Free lunch is provided.
For: Grades Kindergarten-sixth
When: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday June 12-Aug. 18
Cost: $25 membership fee, plus weekly fee beginning at $60/child
Information/registration: www.poweroftheclub.org
Cougar Kids Camp - PULLMAN - Weekly themed activities integrate physical activity, healthy lifestyles, skill development and more.
For: Grades first-sixth
When: 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Monday-Friday June 12 - July 28. Morning-only, afternoon-only and extended hours available.
Cost: $87-$98/week for half-day, $155-$166/week for full day; discount for early registration
Information/registration: urec.wsu.edu/cougarkids, (509) 335-2218
Summer Adventure Camp - PULLMAN - Weeklong half-day camps feature activities, crafts, outdoor play and field trips based on a weekly theme. Adventurers: Ages 3-6, Explorers: First grade-age 11.
For: Ages 3-11
When: 8 a.m. to noon Monday-Friday June 19-Aug. 18
Cost: $81-$83/week
Information/registration: www.pullmanparksandrec.com, (509) 338-3227
YMCA Summer Day Camp - PULLMAN - Held at Sunnyside Elementary School, the camp provides daily field trips around a weekly theme, service learning opportunities, academics and reading, swimming twice a week and more.
For: Ages 5-12
When: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday June 19 - Aug. 25. Extended hours available.
Cost: Fees begin at $130/week for part time, $180/week for full time, with discounted monthly and full-summer rates; financial assistance is available
Information/registration: www.palouseymca.org, (509) 332-3524
EDUCATION
Camp Invention - LEWISTON - Using innovation, creative problem-solving and teamwork, kids will build original prototypes using real tools and components.
For: Grades Kindergarten-sixth
When: 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. June 19 - 23
Cost: $95/students who attend an Idaho public school, email TLC@lcsc.edu for approval, $225/non-Idaho public school students
Information/registration: www.campinvention.org, (208) 792-2268
Eureka! Palouse STEM Summer Camps - MOSCOW - Eureka! Palouse offers three camp sessions that feature a range of STEM activities, including robotics, coding, drones, physical computing and more. Sessions for grades first-sixth are two weeks long, either half or whole days, and sessions for grades seventh-12th are full day, one week long.
For: Ages 6-18
When: Half days or full days Monday - Friday June 19-30, July 17-28 and Aug. 14-25
Cost: $125/half days or $200/full days for grades first-sixth, $175 grades seventh-12th, scholarships available to qualifying Idaho families
Information/registration: www.eurekapalouse.org
Kids College - LEWISTON - Select from a wide array of classes including archery, braiding, video games, Lego Mindstorms, cake decorating, henna body art, cooking and more. Class times are 8:15 to 10 a.m., 10:15 a.m. to noon, 12:45 to 2:30 p.m. and 2:45 to 4:30 p.m.; participants may come for only one class time or for a full day.
For: Ages 6-17
When: June 26-29, July 10-13, July 24-27, Aug. 7-10
Cost: $50-$75/class
Information/registration: www.lcsc.edu/kids-college, (208) 792-2860
Writers at Harriman - HARRIMAN STATE PARK - Join other high school students for an intensive week of imaginative writing with professionals at Harriman State Park.
For: Grades ninth-12th
When: July 30 - Aug. 5
Cost: $175; registration deadline is June 15
Information/registration: www.writersatharriman.org
Learning Camps - MOSCOW - Moscow Parks and Recreation offers learning opportunities for kids in various subjects including Chinese language and culture, sewing, model building, chess, nature and more.
For: Ages 5-18
When: Times and dates vary
Cost: Varies
Information/registration: www.ci.moscow.id.us, (208) 883-7084
Learning Camps - PULLMAN - Pullman Parks and Recreation offers learning opportunities for kids in various subjects including baby-sitting, outdoor science, Palouse Discovery Science Center summer camps and more.
For: Grades first-12th
When: Times and dates vary
Cost: Varies
Information/registration: www.pullmanparksandrec.com, (509) 338-3227
OTHER
Teen Adventure Camp - MOSCOW - One Saturday each month of the summer, teens will be immersed in nature while ziplining through the woods, kayaking on Coeur d’Alene Lake and horseback riding in the Gospel Hump Wilderness.
For: Ages 13-17
When: Times vary June 10, July 15, Aug. 12
Cost: $80-$121/day
Information/registration: www.ci.moscow.id.us, (208) 883-7084
Masterpiece! Lutherhaven Day Camp and Vacation Bible School - MOSCOW - Lutherhaven camp staff will lead a week of Bible encounters, arts and crafts, games, singing, puppet shows and more at Emmanuel Lutheran Church.
For: 4 years through fifth grade
When: 9 to 1 p.m. for ages 4 through kindergarten, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. for grades first-fifth June 12-16
Cost: Free
Information/registration: www.emmanuelmoscow.org, (208) 882-3915
Summer Youth Program - CLARKSTON - Quality Behavioral Health offers a free program for kids in Asotin, Garfield and Nez Perce counties. Activities include swimming, skating and a ropes course, along with prevention education about topics such as healthy relationships, budgeting and substance use. The program includes breakfast and lunch as well as transportation and fees to activities.
For: Grades seventh-ninth
When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays from June 21 - Aug. 2, 5:30 to 8 p.m. Aug. 9
Cost: Free
Information/registration: registration is due June 14, registration packet available online at www.qualitybehavioralhealth.com or at 900 Seventh St. in Clarkston
Families Together Summer Camp - PULLMAN and MOSCOW - Families Together is offering a day camp on Thursdays for kids with unique abilities. The camp will meet at different parks and venues in Moscow and Pullman.
For: Ages 8-16
When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursdays from June 22 - Aug. 10
Cost: Free
Information/registration: www.eventbrite.com/e/camp-connect-tickets-34202838611; registrations closes June 15 or when 15 spaces are filled. Call (208) 874-7891 for questions.
Deep Sea Mission: Dive into God’s Love - CLARKSTON - This vacation Bible school is offered by Clarkston United Methodist Church.
For: Pre-kindergarten (potty trained) - sixth grade
When: 9 a.m. to noon July 10-14
Cost: Free
Information/registration: Registration available online at clarkstonumchurch.com or call (509) 748-7551
Faith Lab - LEWISTON - This science-inspired, Christ-focused program includes hands-on science activities, games and music and is offered by Orchards Community Church.
For: Grades Kindergarten-sixth
When: 9 to 11:45 a.m. July 17-21
Cost: Free
Information/registration: Registration available online at www.lewistonocc.org or call (208) 743-1021
Free Summer Lunch - MOSCOW - Moscow School District provides free summer lunch behind Lena Whitmore School at 110 S. Blaine St., Moscow.
For: Ages 1 - 18
When: 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Monday - Friday June 14 - Aug. 11 (closed July 3-4)
Cost: Free
Information/registration: Volunteers and those seeking more information can contact Mimi Pengilly at (208) 892-1123.
Free Summer Snacks - BOVILL - Moscow School District provides free summer snacks at the Bovill Library, 310 1st St., Bovill.
For: Ages 1 - 18
When: 10 a.m. - noon Mondays and Thursdays, 3 - 5 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays June 12 - Aug. 18 (closed July 3-4)
Cost: Free
Information/registration: Volunteers and those seeking more information can contact Mimi Pengilly at (208) 892-1123.
Note: This listing was assembled with the best information provided to us; check all camp information with each provider to verify times, dates, costs and other details. To find out about more classes and single-day events -- or to add your own -- visit the events calendar here at www.inland360.com.
