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 12^th 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.