Community
15 Upcoming Kids’ Summer Camps in and around Peachtree Corners
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.
Not long after the incorporation of Peachtree Corners in 2012, city leaders envisioned an arts council that would ensure local arts and culture were given necessary attention. The Peachtree Corners Arts Council, now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, was established in 2016 to bring that vision to life by creating an Arts & Culture Master Plan and Public Art Initiative program for the city.
The council facilitates public art projects, such as a soon-to-be-completed mural on Peachtree Corners Circle by artist Jonathan Bidwell. With another major endeavor, the independently funded Debbie Mason Memorial Garden, also nearing completion, Peachtree Corners Magazine caught up with the organization — now called Peachtree Corners Arts Inc. (PTC Arts) — to learn more about the projects as well as the future of arts and culture in our city.
Debbie Mason Memorial Garden
The Debbie Mason Memorial Garden is an aesthetic and contemplative garden space nestled in an area of the Peachtree Corners Botanical Garden near Town Center. A group of Peachtree Corners residents, with a shared love for the city’s first first lady and an appreciation for all that she has done for the city, formed the Debbie Mason Memorial Committee (DMMC) to raise funds to build the oasis that will delight with flowering color each season.
The goal of the DMMC is to preserve Mason’s memory by transforming a space that will offer Peachtree Corners residents a quiet place to reflect, connect and rejuvenate among vibrant colored seasonal plantings and mosaic tiled artwork, according to the PTC Arts website.
Although the Debbie Mason Memorial Garden falls under the umbrella of PTC Arts Inc., it had its own committee in charge of design and fundraising goals.
“When they started getting going, because they were creating an artistic kind of installation in the city and were going to raise the funds for it, they worked with our council for ideas and input on the plan that they ultimately came up with,” said Marcia Catterall, a member of PTC Arts. “They really ran independently with that. Primarily, they used us as the nonprofit vehicle to raise the funds.”
Independent of PTC Arts, DMMC created all of its own publicity and had a committee tasked with handling all of the fundraising.
Building a master plan
Although the objective of PTC Arts Inc. is simple, the execution can be complicated.
“We had our hands in numerous things,” said Catterall. “We’ve created the city’s arts and culture master plan. We created a public art initiative. Our goal was to think about all of the ways that arts and cultural activities could impact the city and then to help facilitate the creation and the installation of arts and culture in the city.”
The initiative, along with the master plan, took up the first several years of the council’s efforts. The master plan was formalized and officially adopted in 2018.
According to city records, “The resolution requires developers to meet with the Peachtree Corners Arts Council to discuss possibilities for public art on their property. Developers would also be asked to voluntarily set aside one percent of their project costs for public art, either by including public art on their site or contributing money to a public art fund administered by the city.”
“This Public Art Initiative and Vision Map is intended to help city officials, developers and the community at large visualize and implement the city’s public art future. It outlines a vision for public art, offers an inventory of opportunities for public art throughout the city and provides background on the types of projects that should be encouraged and prioritized,” the records continued.
Early efforts of the council included designing activities for the Town Green and facilitating the use of public spaces for a variety of arts and cultural activities.
“One of the things that we helped with initially was designing some of the activities and talking about how to host activities on the Town Green,” said Catterall. “Now that’s all handled separately by the city, but we were sort of the sounding board and created a lot of the ideas and the thoughts about how Town Green was to be used.”
The mural project and what’s ahead
The first big art installation project initiated from beginning to end by the council is a mural on the retaining wall at Peachtree Corners Circle.
“That’s going to be our first big project that we’ve started — soup to nuts — and have run with completely on our own,” said Catterall.
Jonathan Bidwell, a well-known artist out of Asheville, North Carolina is creating the mural, having designed several others in the past.
“He designed, for example, the playful foxes on the Social Fox Brewing Company in downtown Norcross,” she said. “He’ll be covering the big, long retaining wall that will border part of the Botanical Garden Walk around the Town Center area. And it will actually be near the Debbie Mason Memorial Garden.”
Funding for the mural project was covered partly through business donations.
“Part of our arts and culture master plan is to ask businesses, when they either develop or open up a new business, to donate 1% of their project value towards public art on their property or to give that to us,” Catterall said. “So, this is being funded mostly through the donation from QuickTrip’s new development.”
Since the company didn’t have a particular art installation in mind for its property, it allowed the money to go toward an effort elsewhere in the city.
The mural’s background colors were scheduled to be painted by the end of September with the remaining details to be completed by late October, in time for the ribbon cutting for the Debbie Mason Garden. That event is set for 11 a.m. on October 26.
For more information about Peachtree Corners Arts Inc., the mural or the Debbie Mason Memorial Garden, visit ptcarts.org.
You can read this article in the October/November issue of Peachtree Corners Magazine.
The Gwinnett County Public Library is now accepting applications for its next New Start Entrepreneurship Incubator Program (NSEI).
NSEI provides business education for formerly incarcerated individuals through in-person classes, online coursework and a robust network of mentors and community partners. NSEI is specifically geared towards the reentry population, which, in Georgia, is disproportionately minority populations and people of color.
This six-month course is designed to help community members who have served time in jail or prison create and sustain their own businesses.
“Formerly incarcerated individuals are an overlooked population of aspiring entrepreneurs, often lacking the means, access and support to launch a small business successfully,” said Charles Pace, executive director of the Gwinnett County Public Library.
About the program
NSEI originated as a grant project in 2021, funded by Google in partnership with the American Library Association.
Coordinated by a team of five library staff members, NSEI includes cohorts of 15 to 20 students who attend monthly presentations by local business experts on topics such as finance, marketing, licensing and writing a business plan. Following each meeting, participants complete assigned online coursework and receive one-on-one support from experienced small business mentors. The library provides free laptops and Wi-Fi service to those who need them.
The program’s culmination occurs at Launchpad, where the aspiring entrepreneurs pitch their businesses to community business leaders.
As of this year, the program has graduated 35 entrepreneurs in four cohorts. And the Gwinnett County Public Library Foundation has awarded $8,000 in start-up funding through the Launchpad event.
For more information, visit gwinnettpl.org/adults/new-start-entrepreneurship-incubator.
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