At least that’s the plan for these Topsail-area organizations right now. Read on for information about kids’ summer camps starting in June.
Summer camps are in the works at many organizations throughout the Sneads Ferry, Topsail Island, Holly Ridge and Hampstead area. These groups are optimistic that kids will be able to get outside and enjoy nature, participate in gym and dance classes, and learn more about local waterways and wildlife in the upcoming summer months.
In Hampstead, kids ages 2 to 10 can have fun at the Puddle Jumpers Summer Nature Camp. Starting June 15 and running through August 21, week-long camps offer time to unplug and reconnect with nature. Two-day and three-day camps are also planned. The programs offer fresh air and sunshine, active healthy outdoor play, hikes in the Fairytale Forest and bug catching. Of course, there will be time for making mudpies and puddle jumping too. This year, the registration fee has been waived, and Puddle Jumpers is offering either a 10% military discount or a 10% sibling discount to campers.
Surf City Parks and Recreation has scheduled weekly camps from June 22 through August 14 at both the Surf City Community Center and the Holly Ridge Community Center for kids ages 6 to 12. Siblings enjoy a $15 discount for these programs, which include crabbing, a visit to the Battleship North Carolina, fun at the waterpark and a trip to the trampoline park. Participants must have completed kindergarten, and pre-registration is required.
Ecological Marine Adventures in Surf City plans to offer a wide range of camps from June 1 through August 30. They are excited that they will have “something for everyone, regardless of age or knowledge,” in drop-off, single day and multi-day camps. There will be ghost crab hunts, science adventures and an opportunity for young adults (ages 11 to 18) to learn exactly what it takes to be an aquarist. Kids of all ages can enjoy sunrise beach yoga and learning more about the Intracoastal Waterway and all the amazing species that call that environment home. Ecological Marine Adventures also just opened Topsail Island’s very first Touch Tank Aquarium with many different local species including stingray, urchins, sea stars. They also have an entire reptile room with species from all over the world.
Kids ages 3 and older can have fun this summer learning how to dance and swim at Forever Fit Fitness Center in Sneads Ferry. Details will be available soon for dance, gym and swimming camps planned for July through August 15. Dance classes will include ballet, tap and jazz. Your little ones will love Princess Camp, as well as gymnastic classes and learning how to swim (ages 4 and older)!
While the Missiles and More Museum in Topsail Beach is not planning their own camps this year, they are looking forward to hosting kids and campers throughout the summer. The museum offers tours at children’s levels, giving the fascinating history of Topsail Island and offering the adventures of an archeological dig, where kids can find real shark’s teeth and fossils. The museum is open Monday through Friday from 2 to 5 pm. Starting in June and running through Labor Day, they will add Saturday hours. Groups are encouraged to call and make an appointment to explore the museum during the earlier morning hours, before it is open to the public.
North Shore Academy in Sneads Ferry is offering a Fourth Quarter from July 8 to August 19 for students in grades K through 8; it will be open to the public. Participants may learn a new skill, build fluency in a skill or learn to apply an existing skill to new situations or settings. Many activities are designed to be fun, which helps kids engage more in their learning and to retain more information.
The Summer Motivational Program at Coastal Fitness Center in Hampstead offers weekly programs starting in June. Greatness is a Choice will include a dance and cheering program, a running program, and an athlete program, focused on the activity of the week as well as incorporating and building kids’ knowledge in nutrition, weight training, agility/plyo and yoga. The Hampstead Hammerheads summer swim team will also return this summer, and group swim lessons will be offered for ages 6 months and older.
There are plenty of opportunities for kids to have fun and maybe even learn a few things on Topsail Island and the mainland this summer. Check with these organizations to confirm dates and availability, as plans may have to change as we get closer to summer.
