Summer Camps
Summer Camps: Day and Overnight Camps
14 Summer camps that are local and in the southeast you should know about
It seems like Georgia just recovered from the January snow and slush, but before you know it, the sun will beat down on us once again and it will be time to figure out how to keep the kids occupied this summer. So, whether it’s just for the day or for an exciting sleepaway, there are lots of great options for parents to choose from.
With current health considerations, changes in camp schedules may occur. So please contact camps directly for the most up-to-date information. Also, this year we have so many amazing summer camp programs to choose from that this article will focus mostly on general summer camps. Sports, arts and science camps will be covered in subsequent issues.
Wesleyan School Summer Camps
Registration opened January 18 so email Director of Auxiliary Programs and Outreach Kelly Weatherly at KWeatherly@wesleyanschool.org to check availability. More information at wesleyanschool.org/programs/summer-camps.
Rising Pre-K
Children spend a fun summer day in small groups based on age and gender. Activities range from introduction to athletics, art projects, crafts, and science experiments. In between rotations, Jr. Wolves can play with Legos, spend time on the playground or in the gym or watch short videos. Jr. Wolves also enjoy limited staff-led tech time. Morning and full day options are available. Snacks and lunch are provided with the full day option.
Rising K-4th
• General Day Camps: Each week of day camp offers a unique theme along with structured activities and free time for playground, gym games and Legos. Morning and full day options available. Snacks and lunch are provided with the full day option.
• Academic Camps: Academic camps are offered by upcoming grade and allow campers to review key subjects and preview upcoming concepts specific to reading, math and school structure. Children will also spend time becoming familiar with campus. Morning options only. Lunch is not included, though campers may join an afternoon day camp with lunch provided.
• Enrichment Camps: These camps are smaller in size and offer children an opportunity to dive deeper into art, movie making, STEM and more. Full day option only, with snacks and lunch provided.
Rising 5-8th
• Academic Camps: The camps will spend time on notetaking, assignment management and test preparation in addition to grade specific review. Children will also become familiar with the Wesleyan School campus.
• Enrichment Camps: Enrichment camps range from babysitting to sewing, forensics to robotics, and more. Morning and afternoon options available. Lunch is not included unless enrolled in combined morning/afternoon option.
Camp All American
Camp All American is the recreational camp ministry of Perimeter Church, created to serve Johns Creek area kids in an enriching, safe environment and give them a memorable traditional summer camp experience. It also has satellite camps at other churches around Atlanta — and even two in South Carolina and one in Florida.
Ten unforgettable camp week sessions are on their way, from May 31 to August 5. When you sign up for camp, your child is divided into smaller “camp groups” depending on gender, specialty and grade completed.
Ages served range from 5 years to 11th graders in the CIT program. Day camp and sleepaway camp options are available. Contact guestservices@campallamerican.com, 678-405-2266 or campallamerican.com. The office is open 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Brandon Hall School Summer Camps
Brandon Hall School offers many creative, educational experiences for students to plug into this summer, so here are just a couple to think about. Go to brandonhall.org for the full list.
Sustainability Camp
June 13-24
Do you love nature and the outdoor environment? Do you have a love and heart for animals and plants? Brandon Hall would love to teach you more about sustainability efforts on campus and around the Atlanta area. Campers will look at different types of wildlife that naturally graze and grow on the 24-acre nature reserve along the Chattahoochee River in Sandy Springs, as well as discover about agriculture, composting, greenhouses, rainwater harvesting, raising chickens and more.
Finance Camp
June 13-24
Brandon Hall School will teach how to manage your money using curriculum from Money Matters, Dave Ramsey and Junior Achievement. This summer camp experience will help you build financial confidence in saving, investing and growing your money. You don’t even need money to get started, you just need the desire to have money one day. This camp will be a mix of in-person learning, online resources and activities and project-based learning. Come learn how to deal with your dough!
Camp Evergreen
Camp Evergreen is a Christian camp located in the serene mountains of north Georgia near Lake Burton. It has its own manmade self-contained lake (dubbed Lake Dean) that boasts a blob water feature, as well as a zipline and a swimming hole supervised by licensed lifeguards. Other activities on deck include canoeing, campfires, hiking, horseback riding (for an additional fee) — and the list goes on.
Campers can stay for a four-day day camp from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. that is integrated into ongoing Overnight Camp sessions, or stay overnight in a 4-day, 7-day, 10-day or 14-day stint depending on age. Cost varies depending on the option selected. Information at campevergreen.org.
Greater Atlanta Christian School (GAC) Spartan Summer Camps
2022 camps will run from June 7 to July 30, with seven week-long sessions available. Go to greateratlantachristian.org/summer-camp/summer-camp for more detailed information.
Grow Day Camp
Summertime holds so much potential, so make sure your child doesn’t waste it in front of a screen. Children will enjoy time on the beautiful GAC campus with top-notch camp staff. Campers will engage in a variety of activities — from soccer and flag football to jewelry making and cheerleading — in addition to daily pool time and weekly field trips. Each week is a little different to keep things exciting. New this year is the GAC clubhouse, where campers will enjoy casual games of ping pong, air hockey, board games and arcade-style basketball. Regular camp hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., though before and after extended hours are available.
THRIVE Day Camp
Thrive camp is tailored for rising 6th to 8th graders, which will convene separately from GROW campers. Middle school is a uniquely different time, so GAC created a line-up that suits the specific needs of this age group. Activities, scheduling, field trips, choice opportunities and even leadership are carefully selected. Let’s get tweens off their phones — but rest assured that they will be among their peers engaging in real relationships and wholesome fun while enrolled in a robust camping program. Several different local ball games, an indoor skating party and a trip to the movies are just some of the field trips planned for maximum adolescent appear.
Camp Rockmont
Camp Rockmont is a Christian summer camp for boys, located in the mountains of North Carolina that focuses on growth in self-confidence, independence, leadership ability and character. Young men come to Rockmont to have fun, make friends and grow as individuals.
Each age group and tailored program is designed to build confidence and self-sufficiency as well as a sense of community, not to mention the many skills and activities that campers will enjoy, including adventure trips, free swim, arts and sports. Information at rockmont.com.
Robert D. Fowler Family YMCA Camps
Robert D. Fowler Family YMCA camps are designed to make summer fun, exciting and safe while focusing on the Y’s values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. The 2022 camps are available from May 31 to July 29, in nine separate week sessions. For more information on dates and pricing, go to ymcaatlanta.org/program-locations/summer-camp/norcross and select the Camp-At-A-Glance tab.
Junior Ranger Camp
This day camp takes place within the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, a unit of the National Park Service. The final July 25-29 week will be held at the Y.
The program includes classic camp activities including archery, swimming, learning character values and making new friends. This camp is for 5 to 12-year-olds and runs from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.
Leaders In Training
This teen-focused camp for 13 to 15-year-olds is an opportunity for teens to gain valuable experience in leadership roles. The teens will spend time shadowing and assisting counselors in all the different camp activities. This program runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
YMCA Overnight Camps Camp Ocoee in Tennessee
Every day at Camp Ocoee is carefully planned to allow each camper to develop skills through instructional activity times. It also fosters a strong sense of community through several cabin activity periods during which they interact with other cabins. There are many water and land activities available to allow for a fully enriching experience. The Younger Camp is for kids ages 7 to 12. The Older Camp is for ages 13 to 16. More information at ymcacampocoee.org.
Camp Thunderbird in North Carolina
Nearly two miles of shoreline on Lake Wylie provides an amazing backdrop for life-changing experiences at YMCA Camp Thunderbird, a co-ed overnight camp for ages 6 to 16. Just 30 minutes from Charlotte, its ultimate water playground has welcomed campers for over 80 years and has helped kids cultivate individual talents and skills like independence, self-discipline and empathy. Information at ymcacharlotte.org/camps/camp-thunderbird.
Camp High Harbor in two North Georgia locations
Potential campers can’t go wrong with Camp High Harbor at Lake Allatoona or Lake Burton. Camp High Harbor is accredited by the American Camp Association. Each week has a fun theme for campers to look forward to, including Aloha Summer, Time Warp by the Decade and Movie Magic. Find information at ymcaatlanta.org/ymca-locations/camp-high-harbour/.
Camp Westminster near Atlanta
With 120 acres of beautiful woods, Camp Westminster is the perfect place for adventure and learning new skills. For 6 to 16-year-olds, their weeklong sessions are designed with each age group in mind. From the ropes course to horseback riding, to wakeboarding and paintball, cooking, arts, crafts and more, there’s something for everyone at Camp Westminster. The summer fun begins on June 12 and ends July 29, with many sessions available. Information at campwestminster.org.
Camp Woodmont in North Georgia
Located on 170 acres of beautiful North Georgia woodlands on top of Lookout Mountain, Camp Woodmont is a traditional overnight summer camp for boys and girls ages 6 to 14. The program features traditional summer camp activities with an emphasis on nature, outdoor adventure, horseback riding, noncompetitive sports and more. The nondenominational Christian atmosphere is appropriate for children of all faiths. Information at campwoodmont.com.
Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta Camps
Is your daughter ready for a summer of adventures? Girl Scout Camps inspire curiosity, discovery, and problem-solving. Whether learning to sail, conquering a challenge course, programming robots or developing your roping skills on horseback, girls develop courage and teamwork skills.
Your Girl Scout will have experiences that are hard to get anywhere else: rock climbing, kayaking across a lake, developing a product and ziplining through the forest — all while making friends that last a lifetime. It’s all happening at Girl Scout Summer Camp!
There are lots of great options for your girl scout to take advantage of this summer. There’s Camp Timber Ridge, a day camp 12 miles west of metro Atlanta. This 280-acre camp features rolling hills, forests, and water. Activities include art projects, recreational swimming, STEM programs, high and low challenge course, canoeing and kayaking and outdoor skills.
Or maybe Camp Meriwether is more her speed. Located in Luthersville, Georgia, this sleepaway camp is 270 acres of rolling hills, shady woods and open fields. The place captures the truly unique feeling of “home” for both campers and staff. Meriwether campers explore horseback riding, drama, the arts and adventure. They can also stay cool at the pool and canoe, kayak and paddle board in the pond.
Lastly for in-state camps, there is Camp Misty Mountain located in the northwest Georgia mountains. This sleepaway camp boasts 800 acres of fields, forests and its own lake nestled against the Appalachian Mountains. Activities include western riding, trail riding, target and field archery, mountain hiking trails, outdoor cooking and sailing. Get more information at girlscoutsummer.com.
Camp Glisson
Hit gold in Dahlonega with Camp Glisson! The impressive campus hosts three unique camping experiences. The first is Village, a five-day traditional sleep-away camp at the heart of Glisson’s 90-plus years of ministry. A two-day minicamp option is also available for the youngest campers.
Upon arrival, counselors welcome each camper into his or her Living Group — two counselors and eight to 12 campers who experience the week together as a Christian community. Some of the core experiences to look forward to are morning and evening chapel, as well as activities such as creek hikes, the challenge course, and the waterfront.
Next is Outpost, a camp experience designed to help campers grow their wilderness skills. All campers begin their week at the Outpost site on the other side of Falls Mountain from the Village camp. At this site campers sleep in covered, open-air shelters, participate in counselor/camper-led devotions, learn useful wilderness skills and prepare hot, tasty meals together in the outdoor kitchen.
Lastly there is Sparrowwood, a place for campers with different developmental needs to be accepted for who they are and celebrated for all they have to offer. The age ranges accepted for Sparrowwood are youth (11 to 17), young adult (18 to 39) and adult (40 to 60).
Get more Information at glisson.org.
Many of us can probably recall fond childhood memories of camp. I know I can. From conquering my fear of heights on a rock wall to learning how to throw pottery and perfecting my serve in tennis, summer camps allowed me to explore my curiosities and try new things.
I can still remember Jenna, my favorite camp counselor, blasting Queen’s famous “I Want to Ride My Bicycle” while a gaggle of 13-year-old girls sang at the top of their lungs.
Now more than ever, it’s important for kids to feel safe in a fun environment, free of stress, where they can make similar memories that will last a lifetime.
Below, we’ve compiled a list of upcoming summer camps in the Peachtree Corners area. Whether at a local school, park or museum, we’re sure you’ll find the perfect summer camp for your children.
Community camps
1. Pinckneyville Park Community Recreation Center, located off Peachtree Industrial Blvd in Berkeley Lake, is offering two Summer Specialty camps for children ages 8 to 12. From Tuesday, May 28, to Friday, May 31, campers will learn old and new world drawing, painting, and sculpting techniques to create their very own masterpieces.
2. The second Summer Specialty camp is for the young actors in the family. From Monday, July 8, to Friday, July 12, campers will stretch their creative muscles and showcase their passion for performance.
There is a $40 supply fee due to instructor Chris Harris on the first day of camp. Campers are advised to bring lunches and snacks with them. Registration is now open. Call 678-277-0920 for more information.
3. The Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta (MJCCA) is offering a mind-blowing ten weeks of summer days camps from May 27 to August 2, for children of all ages. MJCCA has a diverse range of activities, including sports, dance, faith, leadership, arts and cooking.
The center also has a brand new outdoor aquatic center for summer 2024. This facility offers a zero-entry pool, shallow areas with multiple options for all ages, an in-pool sundeck, a water slide, a shaded pool, deck areas, renovated locker rooms, picnic areas and more!
At MJCCA, summers are truly life changing. Campers will master new skills, form friendships that will last a lifetime and strengthen their Jewish identities. Visit mjccadaycamps.org/camps to see the full lineup of camp offerings.
4. Summer is a time for kids to find their sense of adventure and expand the limits of their imagination. From exploring nature to building imaginary worlds, Robert D. Fowler YMCA focuses on social-emotional learning and offers kids new experiences to discover what they love.
Robert D. Fowler YMCA has over 100 half-day and full-day traditional and specialty camp options happening from May 28 to August 2.
Specialty camps allow kids to expand their interests and learn new skills. Whether it’s cooking, basketball, drama or STEAM, children will have space to grow stronger, try new things and build their confidence in a safe and nurturing environment.
The traditional campers will have fun engaging in a wide variety of games, activities and team projects, in an environment that allows them to connect with new people.
Preschool-aged children, teenagers and everyone in between can find their perfect camp at ymcaatlanta.org/camp/day-camp.
5. Give your child a summer adventure to remember at Duluth’s Shorty Howell Park. Campers ages 7 to 13 can choose from four diverse day camp options.
From natural wonders to cultural traditions, campers will explore every corner of the globe during Around the World from June 24 through June 28. Mix it Up features a variety of classic camp activities to keep kids entertained and engaged. This camp will take place from July 8 to July 12.
The Shorty Howell Olympics are also back from July 15 to July 19. Campers can go for the gold through friendly competition, athletic showdowns and inter-camp games. The last camp of the season, Build It, allows participants to unleash their creativity and design their best craft creations from July 22 to July 26.
Lunch is provided, but campers are welcome to bring their own. Registration is now open and can be completed by calling 678-277-0900.
School camps
6. Greater Atlanta Christian camps are where active play, enriching experiences and true relationships meet.
With more than 30 summer enrichment programs in athletics, arts, academics and fun, campers can make new friends, discover new talents and explore in a safe, Christian environment.
With a group of trained counselors, your child will be encouraged and celebrated in all they do.
GAC parent Erica Pierre was thrilled with her children’s camp experience. “From the contagious smiles of the counselors that greet them in the mornings to fun times at the pool, this camp finds so many ways to create not only a fun, but also a meaningful time for each child.”
Learn more at greateratlantachristian.org/campus-life/summer-camp.
7. Marist School invites children and teens, ages 5 to 17, to enjoy a summer filled with a wide array of camps that cater to a myriad of interests. For those with a passion for athletics, multiple sports camps are available. Budding musicians and producers can explore their talents in the music technology and production camp.
For students seeking to boost their academic skills, Marist School provides a personal essay startup workshop and an intensive SAT/ACT boot camp.
STEM fans will find the science camp both educational and exciting, while those interested in health and wellness can dive into the sports medicine camp.
Future broadcasters can develop their skills in the sports center and entertainment tonight broadcasting camps. Additionally, the theater camp is the perfect stage for aspiring actors and performers to shine.
These programs run from June 3 to August 2, promising a summer of learning, fun and personal growth for young individuals at Marist School. For the full list of available programs, visit maristschoolga.myrec.com/info/activities.
8. For nearly three decades, Pinecrest Academy has hosted an array of summer camps filled with fun and educational value. These camps play a pivotal role in boosting confidence, fostering friendships and imparting new skills to children in a secure and caring Christian environment.
Pinecrest welcomes children of many ages, from rising kindergartners to 12th graders, at their 68-acre campus.
The schedule of activities includes a Coding Camp, Spanish Immersion Camp, Culinary Arts Camp and many more specialized programs like Paladin Boys Basketball Boot Camp, Play-Well TEKnologies and Sewing Camp.
The camps are scheduled from June 3 to July 19. Registration is forthcoming and the complete camp lineup can be found at pinecrestacademy.org/campus-life/summer-camps.
9. Wesleyan School’s summer camps have been a highlight for kids ages 5 to 14. With a blend of arts, athletics, STEM and life skills, these camps offer a rich mix of activities for kids. Wesleyan offers flexible half-day options starting at $175 and full-day camps for $400, fitting both schedules and budgets.
This summer, the fun runs from June 10-28 and July 8-19. These camps have everything from sports like soccer and lacrosse to creative pursuits like chess and sewing.
Kids can also dive into science with robotics programming or get artistic with photography. Each session is led by skilled counselors and coaches, ensuring a safe and engaging experience.
Contact Kelly Weatherly, Wesleyan’s Director of Auxiliary Programs and Outreach for more information at kweatherly@wesleyanschool.org.
Arts, sports and STEM
10. Creativity and fun await at Spruill Summer Art Camp! This summer, young artists ages 5 to 14 are invited to an extraordinary journey of discovery. From May 28 to August 9, each camp has its own captivating theme.
Camp hours are set from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., with additional before-care and after-care options available to accommodate various schedules.
For the younger age group (5 to 10 years), campers start with a morning session led by a teacher, followed by a lunch break, and then an afternoon session with a different instructor.
This format allows children to create an array of artworks, which are then showcased to parents at week’s end. A dedicated team of volunteers, including many former campers, is always ready to assist, ensuring that each camper receives the necessary support to thrive.
For rising sixth to ninth graders, the Spruill offers specialized Studio Art Camps. These sessions are conducted by professional teaching artists who introduce new art skills, assist in refining techniques and provide opportunities for campers to express their creative ideas. Visit spruillarts.org/camps to register.
11. This summer, the High Museum of Art invites young artists to immerse themselves in fine art through its weeklong camps designed for first through eighth graders.
The 2024 Summer Art Camp, opening for registration on February 13 (early access now available for members), offers a unique way for children to explore the Museum’s galleries and learn about its collections.
They will also get to visit special exhibitions and develop their artistic skills in drawing, painting and design.
Guided by professional teaching artists, campers will engage in activities that enhance their creativity and allow them to experiment with new techniques.
The camps run Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., during various weeks from June 3 through August 2, with morning drop-off starting at 8:30 a.m. and afternoon pick-up until 4 p.m.
There is also an aftercare option available until 6 p.m. for late pickups at an additional cost. Members of the High Museum are eligible for discounts and early registration, and non-members can easily add a membership during registration.
For more details or assistance, the Museum provides a Camp FAQ and can be contacted at HMAcamps@high.org or 404-800-0547.
12. The 2024 season at Top Dog Volleyball Club is underway, focusing on teams from 12U to 17U. This summer, the club is planning clinics and open gyms for May and June, which are open to everyone, not just club members.
Key dates to watch out for include the club tryouts scheduled for July 12-14. For the latest events and registration, the club suggests subscribing to their newsletter and is open to queries at info@topdogvolleyball.com or 678-333-0982.
13. United Fútbol Academy Norcross will host its 2024 Summer Ball Mastery Camp this June and July. Players of all skill levels born between 2011 and 2018 are welcome to participate.
Directed by Juan Cruz, this camp is an excellent opportunity for young soccer players to improve their ball-handling skills, foot speed, 1v1 moves, stop/start techniques, and clever maneuvers that keep opponents guessing.
The camp runs weekly from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Monday through Friday, with sessions scheduled for June 3-7, June 10-14, June 17-21 and July 8-12.
The Academy meets at Summerour Middle School in Norcross. Participants must bring their own ball, shin guards, plenty of water or ice, snacks or sports drinks and any necessary medications or EpiPens.
Parents can reach Juan Cruz at norcrosscamps@unitedfa.org for further information or to register their children for this rigorous training experience.
14. Club SciKidz believes that every child is a scientist and that they can become better scientists!
This summer, Club SciKidz will introduce a new format with many different camp options for a wide range of age groups.
For Pre-K to Kindergarten, camp themes include “Jurassic,” “Little Scientist” and “Mini Medical School,” among others. First through third graders can choose from “3D Creator,” “Junior Robot Engineer,” “Video Game Maker” and more.
Fourth through seventh graders have more advanced options like “Emergency Vet,” “Forensic Detective” and “Young EcoExplorer.”
Camps run Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, parents can contact Club SciKidz at 678-483-5651 or support@clubscikidz.com.
15. Paul Duke STEM High School in Norcross is hosting an array of Summer STEM camps for ages 7 through 12, with dates including June 3-7, June 10-14 and June 17-21.
Campers will learn tons of new skills like Scratch, game development, Roblox, Python and robotics, with an emphasis on hands-on learning and building technological acumen.
The camps have small class sizes and a 7:1 student-to-instructor ratio and are taught by vetted instructors from top universities.
Paul Duke STEM provides full-day and half-day options, along with pre-camp and post-camp care for additional fees. Half-day summer programs are also available for younger participants, specially tailored for those at least five years old, focusing on educational Minecraft lessons and creative projects.
Located in the serene mountains of North Georgia near Lake Burton, Camp Evergreen is a Christ-centered camp committed to creating a fun and loving environment – unplugged from technology and the pressures and schedules of life, where kids are free to explore God’s creation.
Camp Evergreen’s rustic wilderness experience is offered to boys and girls ages 7-14. In addition to our longer overnight sessions, we offer a unique Seedling 4-day, 3-night session specifically designed for first-time campers.
With no more than 80 campers per overnight session and a ratio of two staff members for every eight campers, Camp Evergreen believes that small numbers foster deeper relationships and increase the impact of the camp experience.
Their staff members use creative and engaging approaches to teach traditional summer camp skills such as archery, canoeing, survival skills and swimming.
Regular camp activities are supplemented by daily chapel services, cabin devotion and prayer time, evening all-camp games called “Wild Time,” and special activities such as Half Christmas, Survivor Day, and Ridic-Olympics, to name a few.
Family-founded and operated for over 20 years, their mission has remained the same, that each camper would become more firmly rooted in Christ, growing in faith and branching out in love.
Learn more and register for Summer 2023 here.
478 Andersonville Lane, Clarkesville, GA 30523
Phone: 404-210-9149
campevergreen.org
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