A Window To Williamsburg

Summer Camps
by Natalie Miller-Moore
July 17, 2008

It’s hot and the kids are complaining that there’s nothing to do. If you’ve looked through a summer camp catalog lately, you know that’s not true.

Summer camps have grown in popularity and variety for a good reason: summer is an opportunity to learn something a bit offbeat, or immerse your children in something to develop their skills in a way that’s not possible during the busy school year.

It’s also surprising how many local options there are. From The College of William & Mary, to the local city and county camps, there’s a ton to choose from.

Here’s a few that looked interesting to me:

WISC Gymnastic Camp

I would have loved this as a kid. It’s a great way to develop coordination and get some exercise indoors for the summer.
Monday – Friday, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm, (Ages 5-7) $105 / a week
Each week has a theme, including “Twist & Shout” “Monkeying Around” and “Movin' & Groovin'”
Monday – Friday, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm, (Ages 8-18) $105 / a week
Themes for these classes are more advanced and include “Power Hours,” “Routine Composition,” and “Artistry.”

Internal Drive Tech Camps at William and Mary

This is a great way to get your kids to develop their computer skills somewhere besides your home office – these classes are taught with customized instruction. These happen to be at William and Mary this summer, but there are other locations as well, like Charlottesville.
Classes include Digital Video Editing, Web Design and Flash Animation, and Adventures in Comic Creations. Learn more about these classes here.

Shorin-Ryu Karate Studio

Karate is an intensive practice, but Shorin-Ryu is offering a camp for beginners, to get their feet wet. A one week camp from July 21st to July 25th. Ages 5 and up, no experience needed. It’s a great way to find out if karate is right for your kid.
A Weapons Summer Camp is also offered, but you have to be an orange belt, at least. Something to shoot for!
$75 fee for the session.

Family Sailing Camp

If you want to go to camp, too, try ChristChurch School’s Family Sailing Camp on the Chesapeake Bay. Classes are for racing and sailing and include lessons on catching crabs. Rates vary with number of family members and day or boarding choices. July 18 - 20, 2008

UK Style Soccer : An International Twist on Soccer Camp

York County Parks and Recreation Department offers UK International Soccer, with professional staff from United Kingdom. Campers will develop skills and learn in a creative environment. Four sessions are offered this summer, three co-ed and one for girls only.

So, tell your kids to cool off – there’s a ton of fun to be had during the summer, in lots of different places. They might beg you to go back next summer.

Natalie Miller-Moore has been a resident of Williamsburg, Virginia for six years and is serving as our monthly columnist and local expert. On most days, Natalie can be found spending time with her historian husband and young son, tending to her thriving vegetable garden or enjoying all the thrills found right here in Williamsburg.

You can also enjoy Natalie's writing in the Daily Press.