Parents, we’ve almost made it to the finish line of May mayhem. For many, summer vacation kicks off in just a couple days. It’s almost time to say goodbye to school work and hello to sleepaway camp, summer trips others are packing to summer abroad, swim team meets, ballet intensives, and staycations at home. This time of year, happens like clockwork, but despite knowing what to expect, it can feel overwhelming. I’ve come to the conclusion that like in all arenas of life, there is a balance to be found in planning summer break for our kids. For my family, that balance consists of two specific things. The first item being, don’t overschedule; allow space for unstructured, unscheduled time to play and explore. The second part of the balanced equation, is to take advantage of the incredible camp resources we have around us. From “unplugged” days of swimming and hiking for your adventurer, to being center stage at drama camp for your performer, I’ve done a little bit research to help you find the perfect local Atlanta camps for your kids. Atlanta has so many wonderful options, but I’ve compiled a few of my favorites below.
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- Josh Powell Camp– This camp was established in the 1970s and has being going strong since. Good old-fashioned fun for kids ages 5-10yo. Kids are picked up from two different in-town locations and bused to a lake recreational area 30 minutes away. Activities include: swimming, archery, hiking, arts & crafts, canoeing, etc. It’s like sleep-away camp, but they come back to their own beds to sleep! Highly recommend
- Neighborhood Camps- I love supporting camp programs that are run by neighborhood teens. It teaches them a great deal about SO many things. In Atlanta and want more information? Email kim@kimbusbyphotography.com for more details about future camps.
- Faith-Based Camps-Also, a big fan of faith-based summer camp experiences for the whole family. There are several options just outside Atlanta, but I’ve heard such wonderful things about both Camp Highland and Pinecove Chimney Point. Check out their weekend options available throughout the year too!
- Whitehead Learning Group also did a fantastic job outlining wonderful programs offered by many Atlanta Independent Schools. If you don’t follow Rebekah Whitehead (@wlgatl), you should. She is an invaluable resource for Atlanta parents.
- Of course, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Creativity Camp a unique camp experience I founded last year with the full intent of igniting passion and creativity in girls ages 8-14. More than about introducing modern creative courses from the industry’s top instructors, our mission is to inspire, engage, and mentor these young girls to use creativity and a do-it-yourself attitude in ALL aspects of life.
- Toddler Camps-Sometimes we moms just need to get the kids out of the house for a few hours a day- I TOTALLY get that. Look for preschool programs like First Presbyterian Preschool, The Spanish Academy Atlanta, The Cathedral Preschool Atlanta, and Haygood Methodist Weekday Children’s Ministry for preschool-appropriate programs.
Additional Camp Resources
For those who have children who love to perform, the Alliance Theater has a fantastic option! The Alliance Theater is bringing back in-person drama camps this summer, and they’re great for ages 3-18. I grew up in a small town that had very little performing arts opportunities, so this is such a gem of an experience for anyone who loves to take center stage.
Looking for something in the field of science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and entrepreneurship? If you have a child loves to code, build and innovate (like mine)- this is a good. Club Scikidz has 7 different locations across Atlanta for grades 1-8.
Happy Summering!
