Splash, discover and explore at summer camps for kids

School is officially out of session in Moab and the kids are gearing up for summer activities.

As a parent, you may be panicked about how you’re going to keep the kids entertained, learning new skills, sharpening their minds but staying safe and busy in the process. For this reason, a summer camp is a great option for parents and kids. Moab has a range of summer camps for you to choose from.  

ARTY FARTY AT THE MARC

Arty Farty has been rated by kids in Moab as “the coolest camp” around this summer for children interested in art. Held at the Moab Arts and Recreation Center (MARC), 111 E. 100 North, the summer camp accepts all kids between the ages of 5 and 10. The cost is $120 per child each week.

Art projects, games and activities are all created around the camp’s weekly themes: Time Travelers, Secret Garden and Mad Scientist. Your children’s creativity will bloom in the art room and they will stay active with games, crafts, experiments and fun with food.

The Time Travelers camp is being held week of July 8-12. This summer camp will take your child “back in time” and even into the future through history. Art projects and games will explore the time of the caveman, ancient Greece, cowboys and more.

The Secret Garden camp is being held the week of July 15-19. The organizers for this summer camp said participants will “visually celebrate nature” as well as get their hands dirty exploring the great outdoors and healthy food habits.

Finally, the Mad Scientist camp is from July 22-26. This camp is all about experimentation, building and inventing. This summer camp is keeping kids busy building forts, inventing new games and creating unique visual pieces.

SPLASHIN’ SPANISH SUMMER CAMP AT THE MVMC

This is the first year for the Moab Valley Multicultural Center’s Splashin’ Spanish Summer Camp and it’s for all students who are in grades first through sixth.

This camp offers fun in the pool and is an interactive camp that helps kids learn Spanish while doing a variety of water-based activities. All levels of Spanish experience are accepted.

“Splashin’ Spanish Summer Camp is a brand new camp in Moab,” said Quincy Masure, education coordinator at Moab Valley Multicultural Center (MVMC). “We are excited to offer an inclusive, fun and interactive camp to help kids learn Spanish while doing a variety of water-based activities.”

Masure and AmeriCorps VISTA Bradia Holmes are bilingual camp counselors leading the program.

4H SUMMER CAMPS

“4H focuses on helping children develop skills and increase in confidence,” said Kristin Godwin of USU Extension – Grand County. Godwin said that so far there are 72 children enrolled in 4H this summer. The camps are led by 15 adult volunteers and 6 youth volunteers.  

Godwin said there is still room in several camps, including Tennis Camp, which will happen on Tuesdays (June 18, 25, July 2 and 9) from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at the Grand County High School tennis courts, 608 S. 400 East. This is for children between the ages of 8 and 19. High school coach Skylar Johnson will teach children how to play tennis. Equipment will be provided. Children should have shoes they can safely run in and a water bottle.

Folk Dance camp will take place on Mondays (June 24, July 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29) from 1 to 2 p.m. in the Mirror Room at the Grand Center, 182 N. 500 West. It is designed for children between ages 10 and 19.

Board Games Camp is scheduled for Wednesdays (July 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31) from 9 to 10:30 a.m. in the 4H conference room at USU-Moab, 125 W. 200 South. The purpose fo the camp is to learn good sportsmanship and play board games. It is for children between ages 8 and 19.

Godwin said that children can be placed on a wait list for Rollerskating Camp (9 to noon, June 24, 25 and 26 at the Spanish Trail Arena pavilion); Summer Splash Camp (10:30 to 3:30, July 15 through 19 that will include lunch, art, service projects and swimming); Lego Engineering (2 to 3 p.m., Tuesdays, June 18, 25, July 9, 18, 23 and 30) and Energy Scientists (2 to 3 p.m., Thursdays, June 20, 27, July 11, 18, 25 and August 1) at the Grand County Public Library.

CANYONLANDS FIELD INSTITUTE SUMMER PROGRAM

There are a variety of summer camp opportunities for kids and teens offered by the Canyonlands Field Institute.

La Sal Mountains Explorer Base Camp is for students entering fifth through seventh grades who will enjoy a break from the heat in the valley venturing up to the cool summer temperatures on the La Sal Mountains. Students will experience an eco-adventure with Canyonlands Field Institute by spending time outdoors, disconnected from technology, learning about wildlife and how to connect to the natural world.

“We believe outdoor experiences are vital in developing healthy children and landscapes and commend our local supporters for helping ensure all children have the opportunity to explore the natural world around them,” Canyonlands Field Institute Communications Director Resford Rouzer said.

The Youth River Skills Camp is for students entering seventh through ninth grades. This camp is an opportunity to learn rafting skills, paddling techniques, guiding skills and how to utilize paddles, oar-rig rafts and inflatable kayaks on a gentle stretch of the Colorado River.

The Whitewater Academy is for students entering 10th through 12th grades, and the teens will be able to experience slightly more advanced skills.

JUNIOR GOLFING CAMP

Every summer, the Moab Golf Course offers kids a chance to learn the sport of golf.

“They get to learn the game of a lifetime, we teach them life skills and gives the kids a chance to play golf,” said Rob Jones, the golf pro at the Moab Golf Course.

This camp features three sessions with the first week starting on June 17. The second week will coincide with the first week of July and the final week takes place during the first week of August.

The cost is $25 per session or $40.00 for all three summer sessions.

YOUTH GARDEN PROJECT SUMMER CAMP

The Youth Garden Project’s Summer Camp is for kids in first through third grades. This popular summer camp filled up quickly, but those who are interested may call and have their name placed on a waiting list in case of cancellations.

This nine week summer camp offers a unique theme each week and parents can select the weeks that they prefer. Kids will engage in team-building games and also have time for free play.

“Summer Camp at the Youth Garden Project is filled with nonstop fun,” Youth Garden Project Coordinator Julie Zender said. “From harvesting and tasting berries to competing in obstacle courses around the garden, each week introduces something new and exciting for all campers.”

The YGP Summer Camp is in session from 9 a.m. through 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Moab programs keep children engaged all summer long

 

“Splashin’ Spanish Summer Camp is a brand new camp in Moab.”

Where: MARC, 111 E. 100 North

When: July 8 – 12; July 15 – 19; July 22 – 26, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday through Friday

Cost: $120 per child/per session or $325.00 for all three weeks; scholarships are available

Info: To register, visit tinyurl.com/moabartyfarty or call 435-259-6272

Where: MVMC, 156 N. 100 West

When: July 22 – 25 and July 29 – Aug. 1, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday

Cost: $60 per child per week; tuition assistance is available

Info: Register online at www.moabmc.org/summercamp or call 435-259-5444

Where: Varying Moab locations depending on camp

When: June through July

Cost: $10 annual membership fee per child

Info: Register online at 4honline.com or call Kristin Godwin at 435-259-7558

Where: La Sal Mountains or the Colorado River

When: July through August

Cost: Prices vary and start at $250 for local students

Info: Visit www.cfimoab.org or call 435-259-7750

Where: Moab Golf Course, 2705 S. East Bench Rd.

When: June 17-20; then the first week of July and August

Cost: $25 per session or $40.00 for all three summer sessions

Info: Visit www.moabgolfcourse.com or call 435-259-6488 and ask for Rob Jones

YGP, 530 S. 400 East

When: June 3 through Aug. 9; no camp during the week of July 1-5; there is a waiting list

Cost: $130 per camper/per week. Scholarships available

Info: Call 435-259-2326 or email julie@youthgardenproject.org