A sample of Summer: Popular camps that are bound to keep kids busy
Editors note: On March 3 and 4, Daniel Island News writers Elizabeth Bush and Jennifer Johnston participated in career day mini sessions with eighth graders at Daniel Island School. As part of the curriculum on journalism, our staff tasked the middle schoolers with creating a headline and “hook” (lead-in paragraph) for two upcoming news stories: the following camp article and the STEAM night story on page 24. From the 50 submissions for each story, one set was selected for print. Eighth grader Charlie Plese submitted the winning headline and hook for this story. Congratulations, Charlie – not too shabby for only five minutes to write!
When you think of summer camps, you think bugs and bad food. But with the help of these survey results, you can find the camp that can change your summer for the better. The Daniel Island News surveyed our readers just last week, asking them to dish about their kids’ favorite Charleston-area summer camps. Across several camp genres, parents revealed where their kids loved to spend precious weeks off school, and why they were happy to send them on their merry way each day. By no means meant to be a comprehensive list of local camps, following are the stand-outs from that survey.
And in the Academic Camp category, reader props go to… Camp Invention campinvention.org
Readers with campers ages seven to twelve said they were particularly fond of Camp Invention when it was offered at Daniel Island School, but the program is surely just as cool offered in 2016 at James B. Edwards Elementary in Mount Pleasant. Respondents also indicated that their kids attended this camp multiple summers. Why the kids loved it: “It offers a little bit of everything. They get to design and think about their projects, but are given prompts and assistance.” “It’s different than other camps; they get to build and make games.” Why the parents loved it: “All day program!” Honorable Mention: Duke Tip Offered to qualifying seventh graders based on test scores, Duke Tip camp takes place at various campuses, including Appalachian State University and Duke University. Why the kids and parents loved it: “Learning. Being involved.”
And in the Arts Camp category, reader props go to… Bottles and Brushes (now Wine and Design Art Buzz Kids Program) wineanddesign.com
Readers with campers ages seven and ten said their kids attended this program multiple times at the Mount Pleasant store that was formerly Bottles and Brushes, but is now Wine and Design. Still, the Art Buzz Kids Program under the new store name offers a similar summer camp, with exposure to different art mediums and at least one completed project each day (read: make space on your walls/fridge/bookshelves!). Why the kids and parents loved it: “They painted all kinds of cool things, not just canvas.”
And in the Music Camp category, reader props go to… Black Tie Music Academy blacktiemusicacademy.com
Readers with campers ages three to eight gave the Daniel Island studio rave reviews, sending their kids to multiple weeks of this camp in the same summer. Offering more than just music, Black Tie makes certain the kids think creatively, develop skills, and get some fresh air into their lively lungs! Why the kids loved it: “They walk to Governors Park once a day to the zip line. They can watch a movie in the morning on the big screen.” “Showing off what she learned at Friday’s performance… And it was optional for the shy kids!” “Playing all of the different instruments.” Why the parents loved it: “The interactive nature of the camp. He lets them play with music all day.” “They have free early drop off.” “It’s on DI - very convenient!”
And in the Faith-Based and Sleepaway Camp category, reader props go to… Camp St. Christopher stchristopher.org
Readers with tween campers loved this weeklong camp, located in beautiful Seabrook Island. St. Christopher also offers shorter sessions, as well as those for families. Why the kids loved it: “It was her first camp experience and went with a bestie and loved everything about it.” “That it was go away camp close to home and so fun.” Why the parents loved it: “Close to home.” “Also being close to home and faith-based.”
And in the Sports Camp category, reader props go to (four-way tie)…
Bishop England High School Football Camp besports.net
Readers sons have attended this camp, which takes place at the high school, many summers in a row. Campers learn fundamentals and compete in camp scrimmages by week’s end. Why the kids loved it: “Playing flag football, doing drills with the players and coaches.” Why the parents loved it: “They have so much fun!”
Japan Karate Institute Daniel Island japankarateinstitute.com
Readers sent kids aged five to ten to this all-day, weeklong adventure camp. Karate is just one component of this program, which includes multiple field trips on JKIDI’s signature red bus. Why the kids loved it: “Dynamic, fun, full of karate, interesting field trips, and water park days. Like being tourists in their home town.” Why the parents loved it: “Convenient, affordable, and not too big (only take 24 kids). Staff to camper ratio of 1:4. I know my child is well taken care of.”
Family Circle Tennis Center MWTennis Academy familycircletenniscenter.com
Readers raved about the convenience of this camp, where other activities and games supplement renowned tennis instruction. The average age of respondent campers was seven. Why the kids loved it: “Playing tennis!” Why the parents loved it: “On DI!”
Sol Surfers solsurfers.net
Readers shared that their tween campers attended multiple years of this surf camp, which includes a shuttle to and from Folly Beach and accompanying environmental curriculum. Why the kids loved it: “They love getting to surf and being with the older teens that help teach the camp.” Why the parents loved it: “It gives the kids a lot of confidence in surfing and they are EXHAUSTED after!”