Math and science are popular areas of study for summer camps, and they definitely attract mathematically gifted kids. But what about verbally gifted kids and kids with talents and interests in language, music, and the arts? Thankfully, there are a number of summer camps available for them too! Here is a short list of some excellent summer camps that focus on the arts and humanities.
1. Interlochen Arts Camp
Interlocken Arts Camp, located in northwestern Michigan, offers summer camp programs for children in grades three through twelve. With its programs in Creative Writing, Dance, Motion Picture Arts, Music, Theatre Arts, and Visual Arts, Interlocken is an ideal camp for children whose abilities and interests lie in the performing arts area.Not all of these areas are open to children of all ages. Music, for example, is open to children in grades three through twelve, while dance is available only to those in grades six and up.
2. Concordia Language Villages Summer Camps
These summer camps are so varied it is impossible to describe them! Basically, these camps are language immersion camps, which means that the kids who attend these camps listen to and speak only the language of a particular "village." A village is a camp devoted to one of fifteen different languages, including French, German, Finnish, Japanese, Russian, and Arabic.Camps are available for children as young as seven and can last from one to four weeks in a few different locations, including some overseas. Most, however, are located in Minnesota.
3. Appel Farm Arts Camp
This camp for kids ages 9-17 offers a variety of classes in music, theater, dance, visual arts, photography, video, recording arts, and creative writing. How perfect is that for those with artistic interests and abilities? Kids can attend either a 2-week session or a 4-week session, both of which emphasize the creative process and provide opportunities for hands-on learning.There are two major areas and one minor area to choose from and the list of topics available for study seems infinite. Here is a very brief sampling: acting, theatrical design & construction, stage combat, costuming, painting, sculpture, drawing, playwriting, photography, ballet, folk dance, tap dance, chorus, music ensembles (string, brass, woodwind), jazz band, rock band, horseback riding.... There are many, many more!
What's really cool is that campers spend time working individually and collaboratively on performances and exhibitions that families get to see and enjoy at the end of the session!
