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Top 101 Best Summer Camps 2013
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Top 101 Best Summer Camps 2013.
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Academic Summer Camps
Boston Leadership Institute–Top-quality programs are designed for middle school and high school students. Students take fun behind-the-scenes field trips as well as tours geared toward teens at Boston museums and attractions. These adventures are combined with stimulating classroom enrichment and laboratory activities. Courses are taught by excellent teachers including recipients of major teaching awards. info@bostonleadershipinstitute.com 617-283-4825 www.bostonleadershipinstitute.com |
SuperCamp – A 30 year leader in student success with over 64,000 graduates worldwide — is a highly engaging summer enrichment program held on prestigious university campuses for middle school, high school and college age students. SuperCamp inspires students to get excited about life and learning, and empowers them to excel. |
Wesleyan Summer Gifted Program – Gifted children from across the state and the country will get a taste of what “real college life” is like this summer on the campus of West Virginia Wesleyan College. For two weeks, students in grades 5 through 12 participate in the Wesleyan Summer Gifted Program. The camp also emphasizes fun and recreation, offering extensive facilities, movies, guest speakers, group activities, opportunities for athletic pursuits, and a talent show at the end of camp. sgp@wvwc.edu 304-473-8072 FACEBOOK www.WVWC.edu/summergifted |
Academic Outdoor Adventure Camps
![]() Cape Hatteras Summer Program – Exclusive, private, homelike atmosphere academic programs for teens ages 12-17. Youth leadership, skill enhancement and international exposure offer a challenging and rewarding experience of academic enrichment, character building and outdoor adventure! Enhance foreign language skills, horseback riding, surfing, swimming, Island wildlife tours and much more… info@ |
Activity/Traditional Camps
Falcon Camp – Falcon Camp is about getting outside, trying new things and making new friends! From arts and crafts, drama and archery to outdoor activities such as horseback riding, sailing, canoeing, tennis, hiking and sports, Falcon Camp brings campers together for a fun and adventurous time. The best part? You choose your activities and there’s always something new to explore! |
Les Elfes International–International Summer and Winter Camps in Verbier, Switzerland. Providing children and teenagers from around the world with holidays that combine the discovery and the practice of new exciting sports with learning and perfecting languages (French, Spanish, German, and English). Cultural excursions to Swiss major attractions are part of the program too. info@leselfes.com +41 27 775 35 97 www.LesElfes.com FACEBOOK TWITTER YouTube |
Adventure Summer Camps
EarthConnect is a summer teen program to the coolest places in Costa Rica, Ecuador and Spain. For those interested in student educational travel in the summer, our unique approach to eco-immersion takes you to dramatic, unforgettable settings and introduces you to the most interesting characters you will ever meet. |
Cheley Colorado Camps –The Cheley Mission states “We build the lasting character and resiliency of young people, creating unique life experiences in a challenging and nurturing natural environment.” Spend your summer in the Colorado Rockies hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, mountain biking, rafting, climbing and much more. office@cheley.com 303-377-3616 www.Cheley.com FACEBOOK TWITTER YouTube |
Long Lake Camp Adventures — Every day is thrilling as you embark on your unique journey through Adventure Camp. Kids have the unique opportunity to create their own schedule from a variety of options and to do so daily — from adventure sports to water sports to arts and crafts and they have the opportunity to learn to live off the land. Kids take exciting trips exploring the Adirondack high peaks, unspoiled rivers, and lush forests, plus they enjoy sea plane rides as well as theme parks with roller coasters and giant water slides! Campers immediately feel at home, which enables them to thrive and grow. lee@longlakecampadventures.com 800-767-7111 www.LongLakeCampAdventures.com FACEBOOK TWITTER YouTube |
Alternative Summer Camps
Turtle Island Preserve — Turtle Island Preserve is a non-electrical, nonprofit education center and Appalachian Farmstead founded in 1987 by renowned naturalist Eustace Conway in Boone, North Carolina. Turtle Island Preserve hosts summer youth camps, school field trips and numerous other events dealing with traditional living and celebrating a close relationship with the natural world. The Preserve offers a referral discount of $50 off a camper’s tuition when the camper has a friend or family member register with them. mail@turtleislandpreserve.com 828- 265-2267 www.TurtleIslandPreserve.org |
Shared Worlds – Creative Writing With Visiting Author Instruction
Archaeology Summer Camps
Crow Canyon Archaeology Adventures!
Archaeology Field Work, University of Virginia
Boys Camps
Indian Acres Camp for Boys – Join a 90 year tradition in teaching your children, independence, friendship, and group living, all while being nestled into the Mount Washington Valley of magnificent Western Maine. Enjoy top quality facilities for all major sports and private lessons in tennis and swimming. Your gift of camp to your children will last a lifetime for them and provide many benefits. geoff@indianacres.com 207-935-2300 www.indianacres.com FACEBOOK TWITTER YouTube |
Community Service Camps
Project Hawai’i Teen Mentoring Summer Camp provides teens the opportunity to work hands on with homeless children while learning a new culture and exploring the islands of Hawai’i. This 3 week program provides community service, teen workshops, Hawaiian Culture lessons, and travel between the islands. projecthawaii@CulturalInstituteofAmerica.com 808- 987-6018 www.CulturalInstituteOfAmerica.com |
Computer Technology
iD TECH CAMPS – North America’s #1 summer computer camp for kids and teens held at 60 university campuses. Courses in 3D video game design, web design, Flash®, programming, robotics, digital video editing and more. |
Cooking/Culinary Summer Camps
EXPLO Chef: Culinary Arts Focus Program
Summer Art Academy Cooking Camp
Girls Camps
Forest Acres Camp for Girls – Join a 90 year tradition and one of the most prestigious equestrian programs in camping. Led by riding director Mrs. Carol Law of Mt. Holyoke College, the program is second to none. For non-riders Forest Acres offers a tremendous tennis program, as well as adventure opportunities, drama, and a full arts and crafts program–all in the comfort of the Mt. Washington Valley in Western Maine. geoff@indianacres.com 207-935-2300 www.IndianAcres.com FACEBOOK TWITTER YouTube |
Healthy Lifestyle Camps
Horse Lovers/Equestrian Summer Camps 2012
Kimberly Farms — Send your child to savor summer in Vermont at their friendly, individualized horsemanship camp. Kimberly Farms emphasizes skillful and safe riding (beginner to advanced) as well as encourages personal growth for each camper. By learning new skills, connection with people and building a strong relationship with the animals, campers demonstrate improved self-esteem and many of the students find that horsemanship becomes a driving interest for many years. In addition, the camp limits the number of campers in order to preserve their individualized approach. info@kimberlyfarms.org 802-442-5454 www.KimberlyFarms.org YouTube |
Petit Galop Horsemanship Camp – A horse lover’s dream! Each camper is assigned a horse of her own to ride, care for and love, and taught the necessary skills to keep her assigned horse healthy and happy. Through thoughtful, in-depth instruction in riding, hands-on horse care, and stable management, children gain true horsemanship skills and are able to experience a more rewarding and meaningful relationship with horses. |
Bridal Paths Summer Horse Camp
Leadership Camps
Longacre Leadership is a summer program for teens (12-18) with a MiniCamp for tweens (8-12) and is rated #1 in Pennsylvania by the independent user reviews at campratingz.com. Their wide range of activities attracts a diverse student body: horseback riding, community service, farming & gardening, the arts, carpentry & construction, environmental education, recreation & swimming, photography, and outdoor expeditions. There is a student to staff ratio of 3.5 to 1. It’s a fun co-ed community. Note: All applicants participate in an interview. connect.longacre@gmail.com 717-567-3349 www.LongAcre.com FACEBOOK TWITTER YouTube |
Marine Biology Summer Camps
The Whale Camp — No other Marine Science program offers as many face-to-face encounters to closely observe and study whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals and puffins in their natural habitat. Board their 65 foot sailboat for unmatched examinations of marine life. Help collect data to document whale distribution, feeding patterns and behaviors. Through direct observation, scientific data collection and hands-on experience with marine science equipment, The Whale Camp is the place where exploration & inspiration abound. The tone set allows you to be comfortable with yourself, value others, have fun, improve self-esteem & make lasting friends. whalecamp@verizon.net 610-399-1463 www.WhaleCamp.com |
Math Summer Camps
Carnegie Mellon University SAMS Camp
Math and Related Sciences – University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Stony Brook University Math Camp
Music Summer Camps
Camp Jam – Power Chord Academy
New York Summer Music Festival
Nature Camps
Burgundy Center for Wildlife Studies. In this unique program, children and teens explore the nature of the West Virginia Appalachians with dynamic, knowledgeable, caring staff. Educating along the way, this camp incorporates laughter, games, arts and music into a relaxed but high quality program on animals, plants, geology, astronomy, ecology and conservation. Small in size, with a high staff:camper ratio, small groups, independent projects and a non-competitive attitude, this camp builds a lasting community. Campers return year after year. Burgundy Center for Wildlife Studies is located in a beautiful remote 500-acre mountain sanctuary, 2.5 hours from the DC area. bcws2@earthlink.net 703-842-0470 http://burgundycenter.org FACEBOOK |
Performing Arts Summer Camps
The New York Film Academy offers hands-on 16mm filmmaking, digital filmmaking, acting, 3D animation, screenwriting, music video, broadcast journalism and musical theatre camps tailored specifically to the needs of high school students. NYFA requires participants to bring the discipline, commitment, patience, and passion to explore, to work collaboratively with a team – to lead, and to problem-solve. Workshops challenge the students’ creative, physical, and organizational abilities. Summer programs are offered in New York City, Los Angeles: Shooting at Universal Studios, Boston at Harvard University, Abu Dhabi, Australia, Paris, Florence, & Orlando at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. studios@nyfa.edu 818-295-2020 www.NYFA.edu FACEBOOK TWITTER |
French Woods offers summer camp programs in dance, theater, music, circus, magic, visual arts, film and video, sports, tennis, fitness, waterfront, skate board, rock and roll and horseback riding. They cater to children from 7-17 years old. Each camper designs his or her own unique summer experience. admin@frenchwoods.com 800-634-1703 www.FrenchWoods.com FACEBOOK TWITTER |
School of Creative & Performing Arts
Residential Camps
Kennolyn Camps are situated on 300 acres of private property in Santa Cruz, California. Redwood trees dominate the entire property and provide an awe-inspiring backdrop for camp adventures. Kennolyn offers one and two week Resident and Day Camp Sessions all summer long for children 7-14, as well as two Family Camp Sessions per year for the entire family! Since 1946, campers have grown up with the traditions that are important to a Kennolyn camp experience. camps@kennolyn.com 831-479-6714 www.KennolynCamps.com FACEBOOK TWITTER |
Camp Wekeela – A safe, fun, nurturing environment in a bucolic mountain lake setting in the beautiful state of Maine. Core components include water skiing, tennis, outdoor adventure, land and water sports, creative, performing and culinary arts. An Outdoor Adventure program is also offered. ephram@campwekeela.com 201-612-5125 www.CampWekeela.com FACEBOOK YouTube |
Science Summer Camps
University of Arkansas College of Engineering –Are you looking for something to do this summer? If you will be in the 6th grade or above next school year, the University of Arkansas College of Engineering has a summer program for you. Their programs offer hands-on engineering activities tailored to different ages and interests. celling@uark.edu 479-575-5325 www.ENGR.uark.edu/home/ |
Space Summer Camps
Space Camp at U.S. Space & Rocket Center
Special Needs Summer Camps
Camp Kodiak is a unique, integrated, non-competitive program for children & teens with & without ADHD, LD, NLD & high-functioning Asperger Syndrome. Included are the following: Academic tutoring, Social skill building, Professional staff, Small cabin groups,Over 50 activities, L.I.T Program for 16-18 year olds, 2 to 1 camper : staff ratio |
Sports Summer Camps
Orlando International Golf Camp is an all-inclusive, fun summer camp. OIGC is a one of a kind world-class golf and vacation experience for youth of all ages world-wide. Participants train at a first rate golf facility, learning and improving their golf along with mental skills. Campers experience exciting theme parks, fantastic cuisine and are pampered at an upscale resort. Golfers make lifelong friends as they learn to focus on discovering and expanding their golfing talent. coach@orlandointernationalgolfcamp.com 352-408-5463 www.OrlandoIinternationalGolfCamp.com |
Advantage Basketball Camps are nationally recognized as one of the Top ball handling camps in the world. In fact, Advantage Basketball Camps were named by Sports Illustrated Kids as one of the top camps in the country. Come meet one of the top coaching staffs in the world that will motivate and inspire your child. Students will build on their ball-handling skills by learning lightning-quick, one-handed moves off the dribble. Children learn a work ethic and life lessons that they will carry with them for the rest of their lives. info@advnatgaebasketball.com 425-670-8877 www.AdvantageBasketball.com View Videos |
Soccer Camps International–Learn from the Best Clubs in England, Spain, Italy and France! Elite Official Soccer Camps for 7 – 18 years old players from all over the World! Exclusive Access! ENGLAND: Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal. SPAIN: Real Madrid, Barcelona, Spanish Soccer Federation. ITALY: AC Milan, Juventus. FRANCE: Paris Saint Germain, Bordeaux. info@soccercampsinternational.com 650-324-9899 www.SoccerCampsInternational.com FACEBOOK TWITTER |
Preston Goldfarb’s Soccer Camp
Dallas Cowboys Youth Football Academy
Traditional Summer Camps
Camp Birch Hill – YOUR HOME AWAY FROM HOME! Camp Birch Hill is a family owned, traditional, over-night summer camp for boys and girls ages 6 to 16. Campers choose from 50 activities throughout their 2, 4, or 6 week stay. Birch Hill is nestled on over 100 private acres in the “Lakes Region” of NH. Celebrating our 20th summer of Friendships and Memories of a Lifetime this summer 2012! |
Camp Towanda – Premier coed residential summer camp; celebrating 90 years of developing lifeskills, land & water sports as well as the arts, drama and outdoor adventure in a warm, personable, safe, fun and nurturing environment. Life the way it use to be! The directors are the owners; hands-on involved in all aspects. |
Travel Abroad Summer Camps
Western Style/Dude Ranch Summer Camps
Wilderness Adventure Summer Camps
Hawaii Wilderness Adventure School

Pat Wyman is America’s Most Trusted Learning Expert, college professor, best selling author of Spelling Made Easy: Learn Your Words in Half the Time; Amazing Grades: 101 Best Ways To Improve Your Grades Faster, CEO and founder of HowToLearn.com. Each year, she and her team reviews each and every website and are proud this year to bring you the Top 101 Best Summer Camps 2013.
Choosing the best summer camps for your child can be a big task and at HowToLearn.com we want to make that experience easier for you by selecting what we believe is the widest variety of types and choices for the best summer camps 2013.
5 Tips for Choosing the Best Summer Camps 2013
1. Call the camp and interview the director by asking how long the camp has been operating, how many kids typically attend, what their policies are for behavior, what types of schedule the kids have, etc.
2. Check references. If the camp provides references, write or call the reference and ask them what their child’s experience was and whether they have attended this camp more than once. Often-times, kids who return to a camp more than once is a good sign that the camp is the type you want your child attending. You can also check camp accreditation via the American Camp Association, remembering that if a camp does not yet have that accreditation, it may still be an outstanding camp – just ask more questions of that camp.
3. Choose the best activity camp that’s a fit for your child. Ask your child what they would like to do at summer camp and find one that aligns with their interests.
4. Check all safety and emergency procedures before enrolling your child -it will put your mind, and theirs at ease.
5. Make camp affordable by determining whether day camps are considered day care and if you are an alumni of a college, ask whether their camps offer discounts to you.
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