News flash: Summer is rapidly approaching, and so are deadlines for early summer camp registration. Save your wallet and some sanity - investigate and plan for summer now so you can relax later with a strategy in place.
Whether your child is an aspiring musical theater "Gleek," a wannabe Serena Williams or David Beckham or fancies exploring crime scenes, there are plenty of options close to home to engage them. Here's a few of them.
GENERAL
Johnson Park Summer Camp
May 31-July 27, 7 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. (Ages 5-12)
$100/week per child (includes field trips), $60 for the last week of camp.
Swimming, arts and crafts, table games, reading, supervised free times, teambuilding activities, and weekly field trips to places such as bowling, Romp and Roll, Browns Mill Water Park, and Pine Log Park.
June 13-24 full; registration for other weeks still ongoing. Call 770-278-7529 for more information.
Trip to Six Flags
June 7, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., bus leaves from Johnson Park
$35/person. Youth must be accompanied by adult unless registered in Johnson Park Summer Camp. Ticket payment due by May 31. Call 770-278-7529 for more information.
Barksdale Boys and Girls Club
June 6-July 29, 7 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Cost $350/non-member, $200/member. Spots available for 6-year-olds (20 spots), 7-year-olds (20 spots), 8-12 year olds (40 spots), and unlimited spots for teens. For more information, call
SPORTS
Rockdale Youth Soccer Association
June 20-24 & July 11-15
Summer Soccer Camp
Ages: 5-15
Half Day: 9 a.m. to Noon, $100
Full Day (ages 8+): 9a.m. to 3p.m., $185
June 20-24 & July 11 -1 5 Goalkeeping Clinic Ages 9-15 Half Day: 9a.m.-Noon, $100 Full Day: 9a.m.-3p.m., $185
Register before June 1 to receive $20 early bird discount. For more information, visit www.rysa.net or call (770)388-9259. 1780 Old Salem Rd., Conyers.
Rockdale Tennis Center
Big Rocks Camp (ages 8-16) will focus on fundamentals, stroke production, competitive drills and match play.
Sessions run Monday - Friday 9 a.m. - Noon, $135 members, $165 non-members. Before camp care offered from 7:30 a.m. - 9 a.m., $10 per day.
Little Pebbles Camp (ages 4-7) introduces young children to tennis and helps develop basic skills. Smaller nets, racquets and low compression balls are used. Sessions run Monday - Friday 9 a.m. - 10 a.m., $60 members, $75 non-members.
Starting date of sessions for both camps: June 6, 13, 20 & 27 and July 11 & 18.
Discounts for multiple sessions & multiple children residing in same home.
For more information, visit www.RockdaleTennisCenter.org or call (770)278-7251. 1370 Parker Rd., Conyers.
Rockdale Youth Baseball Association
June 6 - 9, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. For ages 6 - 12. $100. Registration deadline is June 1.
For more information, visit www.ryba.org or call Al Sadler at (678) 570-7410. RYBA Legion Fields 674 Legion Rd., Conyers.
Rockdale Gymnastics
Summer Sports Day Camp
Weekly sessions running May 27 - July 29. Activities provided from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. and supervision from 7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. For girls ages 5 -12 and boys ages 5-10. $135 per week plus a $25 registration fee. Multiple week and child discounts available.
A palooza of activites including gymnastics, tumbling, swimming, karate, rock-climbing, bungee-swinging, zipline, kickball, Frisbee, etc.
For more information, visit www.rockdalegymnastics.com or call (770)483-0229. 1774 Old Covington Hwy., Conyers.
Have your kids enjoy a fun filled week including rock-climbing, gymnastics, bungee-swinging, and much u
Mega Sports Camp
June 6 - 10 and June 27 - July 1, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., rising Kindergarten - rising 6th grade children. $75 per week.
Children will learn basic skills in basketball, soccer, or cheerleading while hearing about how much God loves them and cares for them. Camp instructors are area physical education teachers, coaches and former/current college athletes. Camp will be held at Conyers First United Methodist Church, 901 Main St., Conyers. For more information, call Stanley Davidson at (770)388-9933 or visit www.fumcconyers.org.
The Arts
Camp Dance at Conyers School of Ballet
July 5 - 8, 9:30 a.m. - Noon, $80
Creative Movement (ages 4-5) and Ballet 1(ages 6 -7). Along with dance instruction, aspiring ballerinas will have interludes of crafts, music and drama.
July 5 - 8, 1:30 p.m. - 4 p.m., $80
Mini-dance days featuring hour-long instruction in both ballet and jazz for students who've completed Ballet 1 or older beginners.
For more information, call (770)483-5280. 931 Center St., Conyers.
ArtSmart Camp presented by Conyers-Rockdale Council for the Arts
June 13 - 16 & June 20 - 23, 8:30 - 3:30 p.m., ages 6 - 14. $150 per session for non-donors and $125 for donors. Register by May 15 for a 10% discount.
ArtSmart will include various sessions such as Drawing with local artist Orrin Morris, Music Exploration with Lorraine Elementary's music teacher Rebekah Roberts, Pottery, Watercolor, Acting and Adventures in Art.
Camp held at Memorial Middle School, 3205 Underwood Rd., Conyers. For more information, visit www.conyersarts.org or call (770)922-3143.
Drama Camp
July 11 - 23, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., rising 3rd graders - college. $100 for entire two weeks.
Joey Fargar, former artistic director of Class Act and current director of Conyers Kids, will lead participants in a variety of musical numbers based on their singing and dancing abilities. At the end of camp, there will be a performance of all numbers. All will receive training in singing, acting and movement. "Learn what it takes to become a triple threat!"
Camp held at Rockdale Auditorium, 903 Main St., Conyers. For more information, visit www.conyersarts.org or call (770)922-3143.
Dominy School of Ballet
June 20 -24, All-Day Camp, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. $175 (ages 6-12). This camp covers it all - dance, tumbling, drama, music, voice, art, stage make-up, pantomime, etc.
July 11-15, Mini-Camp & Teacher Training, 1 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. $80 (ages 4 - Adult). Ballet, tap, jazz, choreography,drama, music and costuming.
For more information, visit www.dominyschool.com or call (770)388-7916. 2204 Salem Rd., Conyers.
ACADEMIC
Rockdale Magnet School's Summer Forensics Science Camp
June 6 -10, 9 a.m. - Noon. For current 4th grade students in Rockdale and surrounding counties. $100.
Students will enjoy a variety of activities related to a Murder Mystery: exploring the crime scene, performing exciting experiments, and identifying the suspect. These activities will involve hands-on lessons that are intended to promote excitement and interest in the field of forensic science. For more information, visit www.rockdalemagnetschool.com or all (770)483-8737. Registration form and fee must be postmarked by May 13. 930 Rowland Rd., Conyers.
SAT Prep Camp at Open Campus
May 31 - June 3. 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. No cost.
All RCPS high school students are eligible to attend. Great opportunity for students taking SAT at Salem High on June 4. For more information, e-mail satprep@rockdale.k12.ga.us. or call (770)388-5727. To register go to http://portal.rockdale.k12.ga.us. 1115 West Ave., Conyers.
CRCT Camps at Conyers Middle School and Memorial Middle School
This camp is designed to accelerate students with the next grade level's standards for math. Dates will be posted on the school's website by mid-May. Visit http://portal.rockdale.k12.ga.us.
KinderCamps
July 11 - 14th, 8:30 a.m. - 11 a.m. for 2011-12 kindergarten students.
These camps are free of charge and offered by many Rockdale County public elementary schools. Students experience a "real day" in kindergarten and become familiar with the campus before the first day of school. They will learn about their school, play on the playground, interact with other kindergarten students, eat a snack in the cafeteria, ride a school bus and much more. For more information, go to http://portal.rockdale.k12.ga.us to link to child's designated school or call RCPS at (770)483-4713.
Camp Peachtree
Weekly sessions from May 26 - July for Pre-K graduates to rising 8th graders. Cost is $95 - $125 per week, depending on age of the child.
Campers will experience a wide variety of field trips, games, community outreach experiences, science and sensory activities, creative writing and sports related programs. A wide-range of field trips include Malibu Grand Prix, High Museum of Art, Georgia Aquarium, Center for Disease Control, Six Flags, historical tours, etc.
For more information, visit www.peachtreeacademy.com or call (770)860-8900. Main campus, 1801 Ellington Rd., Conyers.
OVERNIGHT CAMPS
Camp Westminster
Weekly sessions running from June 5 - July 24, excluding week of July 4. For ages 6 - 17. Camp tuition runs from $195 - $405, depending on age, length of stay and activities. Day camp also available for ages 6 -10.
Nestled on 120 wooded acres, with a 2-acre lake, in North Rockdale County, this Christian camp offers horseback riding, a ropes course, swimming, fishing, canoeing, archery, paintball, etc. This is a non-profit, Christian camp operated by Westminster Presbyterian Church of Atlanta.
For more information, visit www.campwestminster.org or call (770)483-2225. 2412 Lake Rockaway Rd., Conyers.
Mission Work Camp at Smyrna Presbyterian Church
June 12 - 17 for rising 7th graders - seniors. Camp tuition is $165 (which goes towards supplies for job sites).
Campers are divided into teams sent out in the mornings to various job sites to do repair work on homes of local elderly and handicapped citizens. In the afternoons, swimming, tennis, baseball, etc. is available on Smyrna's extensive campgrounds with music and worship in the evenings. Friday is a free day for outings ranging from white water rafting to Stone Mountain park (at an additional cost).
For more information, visit www.smyrnapc.com or call (770)483-8962. 2920 Hwy. 212, Conyers.
Camp Wahsega, at the Wahsega 4-H Center
June 27-July 1, $300.
For current fourth, fifth, sixth graders. For more information, call the Rockdale County Cooperative Extension Office at 770-278-7373
Crosspointe Christian Church’s Allison Gaddis (also a fearless veteran of Haitian Relief missions) said of this year’s line-up, “It’s a non-traditional VBS with games centered on bringing children to know who Jesus is and the plan of salvation. Our target is un-churched children.” Conyers Presbyterian Church is also offering simultaneous parenting classes while the kiddos are engaged in Renew: Grow in Faith, Have Fun & Change the World. The festivities begin with a family cook-off opening night, July 17.
The aforementioned programs are in the evening, but if you’re looking for a free place to park the precious things during the day while you work to pay for camps, vacations, etc., Conyers First UMC and Rockdale Community Church offer day programs (but please be sure, if funds or time allow, to help out or contribute to the church’s worthwhile missions).
If you’re looking for other activities during the day for kids, the Main Street Summer Series is not to be missed (events list to be published soon).
With ever escalating gas prices, let’s hear it for two amazing overnight camps in our backyard. One of the county’s best kept secrets is Camp Westminster, a non-profit, Christian camp that’s nestled on 120 wooded acres, with a 2 acre lake in north Rockdale. Among their offerings for 6 – 17-year-olds are horseback riding, a ropes course, archery, canoeing, paintball, etc. There’s also Smyrna Presbyterian Church’s annual Mission Work Camp where your middle – high schooler can learn valuable repair/construction skills while helping local elderly folks by day, and also get in tennis, swimming, baseball, etc. by night in their venerable campground.
OVERNIGHT CAMPS
Camp Westminster
Weekly sessions running from June 5 – July 24, excluding week of July 4.
For ages 6 – 17. Camp tuition runs from $195 - $405, depending on age, length of stay and activities. Day camp also available for ages 6 -10.
Nestled on 120 wooded acres, with a 2-acre lake, in North Rockdale County, this Christian camp offers horseback riding, a ropes course, swimming, fishing, canoeing, archery, paintball, etc. This is a non-profit, Christian camp operated by Westminster Presbyterian Church of Atlanta.
For more information, visit www.campwestminster.org or call (770)483-2225. 2412 Lake Rockaway Rd., Conyers.
Mission Work Camp at Smyrna Presbyterian Church
June 12 – 17
For rising seventh graders – seniors. Camp tuition is $165 (which goes towards supplies for job sites).
Campers are divided into teams sent out in the mornings to various job sites to do repair work on homes of local elderly and handicapped citizens. In the afternoons, swimming, tennis, baseball, etc. is available on Smyrna’s extensive campgrounds with music and worship in the evenings. Friday is a free day for outings ranging from white water rafting to Stone Mountain park (at an additional cost).
For more information, visit www.smyrnapc.com or call (770)483-8962. 2920 Hwy. 212, Conyers.
Junior Camp, 4-H
June 20-24
For rising eighth or ninth graders, at the Fortson 4-H Center. Cost is $300; that does not cover transportation to and from the camp. It does include a trip to White Water, Stone Mountain, Thursday Night Thunder at the Atlanta Motor Speedway, a meal at the Varsity, and a T-shirt. Transportation for these activities will be provided. 770-278-7373
Camp Wahsega, at the Wahsega 4-H Center
June 27-July 1.
For current fourth, fifth, sixth graders. For more information, call the Rockdale County Cooperative Extension Office at 770-278-7373
Marine Resources Camp
July 4-8
For rising seventh, eighth, and ninth graders, at the Jekyll Island 4-H Center. Cost is $320; that does not cover transportation to and from the camp. It does include a trip to Cumberland Island, an outing on a shrimp boat, Summer Waves water park, bicycle rental, seafood dinner, and a T-shirt. Transportation for these activities will be provided. 770-278-7373
Senior Camp
July 4-8
For rising 10th, 11th, 12th graders and those that have just completed senior year, at Rock Eagle 4-H Center. Cost is $285; that does not cover transportation to and from the camp. It does include a trip to UGA in Athens, a skating and bowling trip, and social activities at Rock Eagle. Transportation for these activities will be provided. 770-278-7373
(More) DAY CAMPS
World Quest Summer Arts Academy
Camp runs weekly from June 7 – July 21. Tues. – Thurs., 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
For ages 3 – 8. $75 per week or $120 per week for two children. Registration is $25 – but waived if registered before June 1.
Children will explore cultures through language, art, music, cuisine and play. Offered by Theresa Hamm-Smith, renowned operatic vocalist and music teacher; artist Jennifer Baker, Savannah College of Art & Design grad and new CRCA employee, and pre-school teacher Meghan Hilleboe. For more information, call (770)760-8076 or visit worldquestsaa.blogspot.com.
Rockdale County High School Youth Cheer Camp
June 20−24, 5:30pm - 8pm, at the RCHS Gymnasium,
Ages: 4−13 years old (no experience necessary)
Bulldog Cheerleaders invite you to attend the 3rd annual Youth Cheer Camp. Learn cheers, chants, jumps and motions! Camp includes: camp T−shirt, snacks, picture and gift bag. Special performance for family and friends Friday, June 24.
Cost is $65. Cost is $75 after deadline. Registration deadline Friday June 3. No refunds will be given due to items that are ordered in advance. For questions contact Annette Craig, 770−403−8358 or akcraig@comcast.net
Insect Day Camp
June 20-24. 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Rising fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh graders; limited to 20 participants, at 1400 Parker Road, Conyers. Cost is $50. Learn about insects from the largest to the smallest, create insect art, and see live insects. 770-278-7373
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOLS
Crossroads UMC
Dates: June 5-9
Times: 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Location, contact: 2460 Highway 138 NE, 770-388-7438
Ages: Pre-K – fifth grade
Theme: Island Odyssey
Rockdale Baptist Church
Dates: June 6 – 10
Times: Monday – Friday, 9 AM - 12 PM
Location, contact: 1295 Smyrna Road, Conyers, Georgia 30094,
For more information, Cindy Moreno at 770-483-7628, morecin1@gmail.com.
Ages:
Theme: Big Apple Adventure
Crosspoint Christian Church
Dates: June 12 – 16
Times: 6 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Location, contact: 4550 SR 20 SE Conyers, GA 30013 (770)483-1887 www.xpt.cc
Ages: Rising Kindergarteners - fifth graders
Theme: Lord of Your Life
One Crazy Summer: Come experience a non – traditional VBS, with door prizes and games centered on bringing children to know who Jesus is and plan of salvation.
St. Pius X Catholic Church
Dates: June 13-17
Times: 8:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m.
Location, contact: 2621 Hwy 20 SE Conyers, GA 30013, 770-929-1017
Price: $30 per child
Ages: 4 years old – eighth grade
Theme: Pandamania – God is wild about you; call or come by office to register child
Conyers First United Methodist Church
Dates: June 20-24
Times: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m
Location, contact: 921 N. Main St. Conyers, 770-483-4236, www.fumcconyers.org
Ages: Rising Kindergarten through rising sixth grade
Theme: Pandamania
This year’s theme is Pandamania: A Wild Celebration of God’s Unconditional Love. At Pandamania, kids discover that God has a purpose and a plan for everyone and that he crafted everyone with His own loving hands. Contact Stanley Davidson for more details.
Epiphany Lutheran Church
Dates: June 26 – July 1
Times: 6:30pm – 8:30 pm
Location, contact: 2375 Hwy 20 SE, (770)483-6222, www.conyerselc.org
Ages:
Theme: VBS – Hometown Nazareth. Come join the journey back to Jesus’ home town
Heritage Hills Baptist Church
Dates: July 10 – 14
Times: 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Location, contact: 2987 Hwy 212 SW, 770-922-2027, www.hhbcga.org
Ages:
Theme: Big Apple Adventure
Springfield Baptist Church
Dates: July 11-15
Times: 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Location, contact: 3001 Old Salem Road, Conyers GA 30013, 770-929-1111
Ages: Age 4 – adult
Theme: TBA
Ebenezer UMC
Dates: July 11 -15
Times: 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Location, contact: 2533 Stanton Road Southeast, Conyers, GA 30094-2533, 770-922-8447
Ages: 3-year-olds – rising sixth graders
Theme: Treasure Hunters
Rockdale Community Church
Dates: July 11 – 15
Times: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Location, contact: 2455 Old Salem Road, Conyers, GA 30013, 770-922-0107, rcc@rockdalecommunitychurch.org
Ages: Kindergarten – rising 6th graders
Theme: A Kids- Rock Music Camp & VBS
On Friday, July 15, at 7 p.m. children will perform. Theme: Everyday Heroes stories of Gideon, Ester, Nehemiah. Attendees will need to pack a lunch
Conyers Presbyterian Church
Dates: July 17-21
Times: 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Location, contact: 911 N Main Street, 770-929-0700
Ages: 4 years old – rising fifth graders
Theme: RENEW: Growth in Faith, Have Fun and Change the World
On the July 17, there will be a family cook off dinner from 5:30 p .m. – 8 p.m.; parenting class will be offered while children are engaged at VBS
First Baptist Church of Conyers
Dates: July 18- July 21
Times: 9 AM until 12 PM
Location, contact: 2100 Hwy 138 NE, Conyers (770)483-8700
Ages: Must be 2 years old by Sept. 1, through rising seventh graders
Theme: Jump! Put Faith Into Motion
FBC is going to JUMP! everyday and put faith into motion during this summer outreach program. The public is invited to experience God's love through Bible stories, crafts, music, and games. www.firstbaptistconyers.org
Voices of Faith
Dates: TBA
Times: TBA
Location, contact: 1290 Sigman Road, Conyers, GA 30012, 678-374-5040
Ages:
Theme:
Smyrna Presbyterian Church
Dates: June 6-10
Times: TBA
Location, contact: 2920 Hwy. 212, Conyers, GA 30094, 770-483-8962
Ages:
Theme:
