February is the time to research the many summer camps/program opportunities available to young people and families. The fourth annual Summer Camp Convention will be from 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23 at the Solon Community Center, featuring the American Camp Association and the camp community. All in one location, speak to directors, former counselors or representatives regarding their summer programs.

A West Site camp event will be from 10-2:30 Sunday, Feb. 24 at the Westlake Holiday Inn. Admission is free to both events.

Exhibiting camps/programs are from near or far, low cost or very exclusive programs to match your child’s interests and goals. Explore traditional camps, as well as camps that offer new and exciting activities.

Choose from hiking, art, astronomy, dance, adventure tours, international and U.S. travel for teens, creative writing, horseback riding, music, mountain biking, rock climbing, riflery, paintball, go-karts, scuba diving, canoeing, sailing, swimming, backpacking, land sports, water sports, gymnastics, mountaineering, counselor-in-training, leadership training, wilderness first aid certificate, cultural learning, special needs, volunteer or service programs, high and low rope courses, theatre, visual and motion picture arts, college credit courses, computer technology, filmmaking, employment opportunities (for high school and college students) and more.

For more information, call 440-248-3418.

Academic Fun and Fitness Summer Camp

Expect the unexpected in this unique camp. It’s an exciting experience for campers with special learning needs. Campers gain new perspectives on learning, while developing social skills, building self-esteem, exercising and improving basic reading and math skills.

This unique camp is for ages 6 to 17 with learning differences (ADD, ADHD, learning disabilities, dyslexia and Asperger’s Syndrome). At this “un-school” camp, instructors and aides use systematic instruction and multi-sensory techniques (eyes, ears, touch and muscle movement) to improve campers’ basic reading and math skills. Science, theater and computer mini-courses let campers explore the world beyond the traditional classroom. Ratio of campers to staff is 5 to 1.

Baldwin-Wallace College Summer Music Program

Choose from several summer music camps in Berea:

String Camp (June 15-20). For violin, viola, cello and bass players in grades 4-9, residents or commuters. Participate in one of five orchestras, sectionals, chamber ensembles, and social and recreational activities. Application deadline: May 15.

Band Camp (June 22-27). For woodwind, brass and percussion students in grades 4-9, residents or commuters. Participate in one of four bands, sectionals, chamber groups and/or jazz ensemble, and social and recreational activities. Application deadline: May 15.

Summer Music Institute in Strings, Voice and Winds (July 6-19). For serious high school musicians. Includes four private lessons. Audition tape required; application deadline: April 15.

Victoria Bussert’s Music Theatre Intensive (July 20-25). For high school juniors looking for music theatre audition preparation. Includes private voice lessons and interaction with the cast and artistic staff of Cain Park’s “Harold and Maude.” Audition tape required; application deadline: April 15.

Beachwood Rec Camps

Centrally located in the eastern suburbs, the Beachwood Recreation Department offers seven-week day camps and one-week specialty camps for various ages.

Summer day camps begin June 16 for grades K-8. Kidz Camp for grades K-2 offers age-appropriate activities, fun-filled theme days, field trips and swim lessons. Bison Day Camp for grades 3-6 provides each camper the opportunity to “create” the day by selecting activities and also offers swim lessons.

Beachwood Sports Camp offers instruction and supervision by teachers and high school coaches in all areas of sports: baseball, basketball, no-contact football, softball, wrestling, soccer, volleyball and tennis. This camp, for boys and girls in grades 4-8, offers a six-week session beginning June 18.

Believers Academy Summer Camp Program

We are back for another thrilling summer of fun and enriching activities. The program is a positive developmental experience that provides your child with support, empowerment, boundaries, clear expectations and opportunities to learn new skills, meet new people, develop and maintain positive peer interactions, and enjoy the exciting activities.

Some of the activities your child will experience are canoeing, go-carts, zoo, nature-hike, cookouts at the beach and more. We have highly qualified staff trained to meet the special needs of your children.

Camp Jam

Camp Jam Rock ’N’ Roll Summer Day Camp is a five-day program designed for young musicians and singers ages 11-17 with at least six months of experience. It’s a rock ’n’ roll experience of a lifetime. Form a band, perform on stage, learn from pros, hang out with rock stars, learn team-building skills, and write and record songs.

At Camp Jam Kidz, held at the same location as Camp Jam, kids ages 7-10 get to be the star of the show for a whole week kids. No musical experience is necessary. This is a great chance for kids to get tons of hands-on musical experience, while having fun and feeling what it’s like to be a rock star for a week.

Camp Wise

For more than 100 years, Camp Wise has been a second home to campers and staff of all ages. From horseback riding to swimming, basketball to drama, every day at Camp Wise is an adventure in self-discovery, community-building and fun.

Send your child to Camp Wise and give them a gift that will stay with them forever. Camp Wise will help your child develop confidence, independence and positive self-esteem. We’ll give your child the skills needed to make life-long friendships and learn how to face challenges and overcome them.

Camp Wise is the overnight camp of The Mandel Jewish Community Center of Cleveland. For more information, call 216-593-6250 or 216-831-7796, e-mail wisekids@clevejcc.org or log on to www.campwise.org. Jodi Sperling is camp director.

Children’s Museum of Cleveland

Your child is creative and energetic. The Children’s Museum of Cleveland has the right combination of hands-on learning activities to inspire your child to have a fun and imaginative summer.

All of our multidisciplinary Discovery Camps offer science experiments, art exploration, music and movement, and free play in museum exhibits and the outdoor garden. Camps will join 4-, 5- and 6-year-olds. A multiage curriculum has been developed that will encourage teamwork and creativity. Camp themes are developed to satisfy the particular interest of boys and girls.

New this year is the Lunch Bunch, which will be offered to children who need extended care. Bring your lunch and enjoy facilitated free play in the museum exhibits.

“We were very impressed with the camp,” says a parent of a 2007 camper. “The instructor’s enthusiasm was infectious, and our son had a great time. It was well-organized.”

Children’s Technology iCamp

Children’s Technology Workshop iCamp is a weeklong day camp where students embark on their own adventure.†Adventures include Olympic, Mission to Mars, Fashion Design, Architect and Team F1. We also offer Gamemaker Guru, Animation Alive, Engineering, Robotics, Graphic Design and Digital Art.

Technology used is computers, cameras, green screen, robotics and more. All of this is rolled into a weeklong experience to allow students’ creative juices to flow.†We supply the equipment, they supply the brain power.

CTW renovated a building in Chagrin Falls on River Street.†The “barn” holds Saturday walk-in workshops, as well as birthday parties.†During school breaks and summer, we hold our iCamp.

Stop in at 33 River St. on the river level and see what we are all about or call Karen at 440-484-2222.

Classroom Antics

At a Classroom Antics summer technology camp, children entering grades 3 through 8 are introduced to exciting adventures in applied technology. Our fun, workshop-style summer camp combines a child’s natural curiosity in technology with the latest age-appropriate equipment, exciting teachers and safe surroundings to bring their imagination and creativity to life.

Campers build projects that focus on engineering and robotics, video game design, animation and digital video production.†Our hands-on activities allow children to collaborate on their projects, promoting teamwork and increasing the fun. All the materials needed for the camp are provided, including computers, LEGO “robotics” and digital cameras.

Classroom Antics technology camps are offered in Avon Lake, Fairlawn, Hudson, Rocky River/Westlake and Strongsville. Call 330-220-0400 or visit www.classroomantics.com for camp dates and more information.

Cleveland Boomerang School

Doug Boehm, 216-289-6324

Day, coed, ages 5 and up

The Cleveland Boomerang School specializes in using science and flight behavior taught by Joe Timbery, Aboriginal boomerang champion. The camp, which provides fun, history and science, includes Timbery boomerangs, flight sport training and construction of high-quality boomerangs. Good for any group event, scouts and many other social gatherings. Materials and supplies are provided.†Suited for coed ages 5 and up. Call 216-289-6324 for more information.

Cleveland Clinic ADHD Treatment Program

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can negatively impact a child’s academic performance and social/emotional development. Eventually, it may limit a person’s chance of success in school and, longer term, in the workplace.

Cleveland Clinic’s Summer Treatment Program for ages 6 to 14 with ADHD offers a unique approach to managing the condition. The seven-week program is staffed by professionals from Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital.

“The comprehensive nature of the STP is what makes it so special,” says Michael J. Manos, Ph.D., director of the program and a pediatric clinical psychologist at the Clinic. “Children receive daily social-skills training combined with sports skills and classroom survival skills.”

Participants spend several hours in a classroom setting learning to manage their behavior in a school environment. The rest of the day features such group activities as swimming, soccer and baseball.

The program runs June 16-Aug. 1 at Woodbury School in Shaker Heights. For more information, call 216-444-0075 or visit www.clevelandclinic.org/kids.

Cleveland Institute of Music

Explore the benefits of musical education at the Cleveland Institute of Music. Private lessons, classes and ensembles are offered through CIM’s Preparatory and Continuing Education Division.

Programs for children start as early as age 3 and continue through high school and beyond. Music lessons are proven to aid a child’s success in school, society and life. Skills learned through the discipline of music transfer to study, communication and cognitive abilities useful in every part of daily life.

CIM is enrolling for three intensive summer programs for serious, young musicians interested in strengthening their musical abilities. Summer Chamber Music is offered for strings, piano and woodwind students ages 12-18. Summer Sonata is for pianists ages 9-18. The Young Composers Program is for composition students ages 15-19. Contact the preparatory division for more information at 216-791-5000 or visit www.cim.edu to apply online.

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

Night Tracks Overnight Program is an exciting opportunity to spend the night in the zoo’s Wolf Wilderness Lodge. Night Tracks allows campers ages 6 and older to become scientists for a night.

Participants will learn to identify various North American animals by their tracks and also track an “animal” in the zoo using radio telemetry equipment. Each camper also will have the opportunity to use night-vision binoculars during a brisk, evening hike through the zoo.

Breakfast is provided the following morning, followed by more learning activities and animal adventures. Reservations for groups with a minimum of 15 participants are being accepted. Family nights also are available.

For more information, log on to www.clemetzoo.com or call 216-635-3391.

The Cleveland Music School Settlement

CMSS offers several summer camps:

Music Builders (June 16-July 11). Kindergarten through current sixth-graders can explore world-wide cultures through music, dance, art, drama, food and literature. Limited openings are available for children with special needs. Call ext. 305.

Piano Camp (June 16-27). Two-week camp provides ages 9-18 who already play the piano with the opportunity for intensive study and practice time with faculty and guest clinicians. Call ext. 109.

Chamber Music/Orchestra Camp (June 15-21). Students can participate in a variety of smaller ensembles. Call ext. 109.

Jazz Camp (July 7-12). One-week camp explores practice techniques, improvisational theory, interpretation and ensemble playing in a challenging and fun setting.

Suzuki Camp (July 30-Aug. 3). Students who already study the Suzuki method will participate in group classes and chamber music in an intensive week of instruction, motivation and fun. Call ext. 123.

Creative Playrooms

What a great way for your kids to spend their days this summer than with their friends playing, swimming, creating crafts, and going on field trips.

The summer camp program at the seven Creative Playrooms Montessori and Child Care Centers lets children grow physically, emotionally, socially and psychologically.

A full-day program that offers a comprehensive curriculum for ages 4-12, the Creative Playrooms summer camp calendar runs from the start of summer vacation in June and ends when school commences in August. Children will take part in activities including computer, cooking, art, music, science, sports, crafts and field trips such as the zoo, laser tag and museums, to name a few.

Call now to reserve your spot: Solon, 440-248-3100; Strongsville, 440-572-9365; Maple Heights, 216-475-6464; Westlake, 440-835-5858; Parma, 216-898-9520; Independence, 216-524-8008; Stow, 330-928-1444.

Dayton Women in Engineering Camp

A six-day residential program sponsored by the University of Dayton that introduces high school women to career opportunities available to them in the various fields of engineering. The 2008 camp will mark the program’s 35th anniversary.

Participants experience a total immersion into the world of engineering with 18 hours of classroom activities taught by School of Engineering faculty and/or practicing engineers. Throughout the week, they gain an understanding of chemical, civil, computer, electrical and mechanical engineering and engineering technology.

Participants also attend challenging evening sessions in areas such as exploring the nano world, evolution of materials, innovative new tools for creation of technology, and design and construction of a piping system for the transport of water. The young women enjoy an evening of Dinner with an Engineer and hear from professional women engineers who are willing to share and ready to encourage.

Contact us at www.engineering.udayton.edu/wie, www.wie@udayton.edu or 937-229-3296.

Falcon Camp

Widely recognized throughout the Midwest as Ohio’s premier summer camp, Falcon Camp offers a beautiful lakefront setting, a talented staff and a variety of activities.

Campers choose activities within a general framework. Activities are separate for boys and girls, with planned coed events. The 1:4 staff/camper ratio allows important individual instruction and attention. Falcon creates learning opportunities and growth in an atmosphere of care and understanding.

The majority of campers come from the triangle of Cleveland, Columbus and Pittsburgh, but Falcon also typically hosts campers from nearly 20 states and countries. Located on eight-mile Leesville Lake in Carrollton, Falcon is an easy day trip so families can visit beforehand. This makes Falcon a good fit for campers who want to go away and parents who like the comforts of campers being close to home.

Falcon Horse Lover Camp

For horse lovers only, girl campers will eat, sleep and breathe horses in this special program designed to improve riding skills and teach horsemanship, horse health and care. Limited enrollment ensures excellent, individual instruction.

Falcon Horse Lover Camp offers more actual riding time than anywhere (approximately four hours a day). Each camper receives a horse for the week, with mounted lessons, trail rides, fun rides, games, guest instruction, field trips, a parent demo, ground lessons a take-home video and more. Swimming and other camp activities are included.

The camp runs as a separate program at the same time and location as Falcon Camp’s larger, traditional program. The traditional camp includes horses as one of the many activities. Horse Lover Camp is for those girls who want horses, horses and more horses.

Family Karate’s Camp Keiki

Family Karate’s Camp Keiki is a day camp concentrating on Asian martial arts and culture. The camp sessions will be from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. June 9-13 and Aug. 4-8 at Cedar Hills Episcopal Conference Center in Leroy.

Beginners and advanced students ages 7-12 will enjoy an opportunity to learn and practice self-defense, open-hand and weapon forms, and Tai Chi and Yoga movement. There will be classes on fabric painting, origami and Zen gardens, along with swimming, hiking and games.

The cost is $199 per camper for a week and includes lunch. There is a discount for additional family members enrolled. New this summer will be Teen Camp Keiki from July 28-Aug. 1.

For more information or to register, call 440-255-7300 or e-mail contactus@Karate4Family.com.

Family Life Child Care Centers

Summer is the time for laughter and fun, and children who attend the Family Life Child Care Centers summer camp get plenty of it from June to August.

FLC summer camps feature a wonderful assortment of fun-filled educational activities. Your child will participate in a reading enhancement program, weekly field trips, arts and crafts, swimming, weekly themes and sports. The program is for children who have completed K-5, sixth or eighth grade (depending on location) and is offered in Berea, Brook Park, East Cleveland, Lakewood and Maple Heights.

Fine Arts Association

Young people who love to perform will want to audition for The Fine Arts Association’s Summer†Theatre Arts Camp.†Campers in grades 3-12 explore the creative world of the theatre in this fun, three day-per-week camp.†The six-week program covers the theatrical aspects of music, dance, theatre and art, giving students an understanding of how all the arts interrelate. A fully-staged musical theatrical production showcases the students’ talents the final weekend of camp.

Students in grades 9-12 and 2008 high school grads who want to enroll in an intensive acting study should check out†The Young Actors Ensemble.†This summer theatre experience takes place two days a week for six weeks. Collaboration, creativity and professionalism are emphasized as students learn acting, movement and vocal techniques, culminating in a Young Actors Ensemble Showcase Performance.

For further details and audition information for both programs, call 440-951-7500, ext. 104, or log on to www.fineartsassociation.org.

Gilmour Day Camps

Get set for another fun-filled summer at Gilmour Day Camp at Cedar and SOM Center roads in Gates Mills. Whether it is sports, technology or arts and crafts, Gilmour campers thrive. Our Preschool Day Camp from June 16-July 25 will delight children ages 3-5 with art, music, science, drama, storytelling and fitness activities through changing weekly themes.

Grade K-6 campers will relish field trips, learn to skate on Gilmour’s NHL-size ice rinks, play hockey and tennis, and master sports. (Campers are grouped by age and physical ability.) They will learn film production and create their own Harry Potter scene, explore digital music making and photography, and build robots.

Staff includes faculty, alumni and counselors. Day camps run from June 16-Aug. 8 with weekly options for all camps. Before- and after-camp care programs are available.

For information about Preschool Camp, call 440-684-4574; Day Camp, 440-684-4580; and Sports and Hockey Camps, 440-449-7490.

The Goddard SchoolÆ

With snow and ice still on the ground, it seems hard to believe that it’s time to choose your child’s summer camp. Summer programs generally begin registration as early as January and may be fully enrolled by the end of March. With that said, where should you start?

Look for a program that provides a safe learning environment. Camp visitors provide an exciting and unique departure from a typical school day and provide optimum safety. The Goddard SchoolÆ includes learning adventures like on-site creepy crawler investigation, pen pals and playground gardens, as well as visits from zoos, museums, theater groups and community helpers.

At The Goddard SchoolÆ, teachers are part of the learning continuum, even in the summer. For young, school-age children, preschoolers and toddlers, summer programs should be staffed by experienced faculty.

To learn more about The Goddard SchoolÆ in your neighborhood, visit our Web site at www.goddardschool.com or call 1-800-GODDARD.

Great Summer Science Day Camps

Voted as having the “Best Kids Program of 2007” by readers of Scene magazine, the Great Lakes Science Center will again offer its weeklong Great Summer Science Day Camps beginning June 16.

Young scientists in grades K-8 will enjoy scientific exploration, wacky experiments, new friendships and hands-on fun. Camp content is designed according to age level to ensure a high-quality experience.

Great Summer Science Day Camps will be at the Great Lakes Science Center’s downtown location from June 16-Aug. 15 and also at suburban locations including Laurel School’s Butler Campus in Russell Township from June 16-July 11.

Two new locations, Hudson and Brunswick, have been added this year due to the program’s enormous popularity. Hudson camps will run July 21-Aug. 1. Brunswick camps will be in session July 28-Aug. 15.

Gymboree Play and Music Learning Center

Gymboree Play and Music Learning Center of Lake County offers a variety of classes and programs this spring and summer. Let your child or grandchild experience one of the world’s leaders in parent/child development, specializing in programs from newborns through 6 years old.†Our new schedule offers four open play/gym sessions per week and additional class offerings and times.

Gymboree offers 2 1/2-hour, drop-off programs including a school readiness program designed especially for Gymboree by Leapfrog and drop-off programs with an art or a music focus.†These programs can supplement your†spring/summer activities†and provide†parents with several hours for themselves.

Hanna Perkins Center

Hanna Perkins Center in Shaker Heights offers a variety of summer camps:

Roller Skating Camp, $125, ages 5-8, June 23-26. Children will participate in a sequence of skill-building activities, earning a badge and certificate for their efforts.

Wood Working Camp, $150, ages 7-9, June 30-July 3. Children will learn how to safely use tools to make mini-projects and a larger project to take home.

Garden Camp, $125, ages 6-8 from July 7-10, ages 4-5 from July 14-17. Children will learn how to plant, harvest and cook produce from the garden. Several garden craft projects are included.

Creative Camp, $125, ages 4-5 from July 7-10, ages 6-8 from July 14-17. Children will use their senses in a day full of crafts and fun.

Cooking Camp, $175, ages 6-8, July 21-24. Participants will cook up a light meal, dessert and beverage to enjoy at camp or for taking home.

Hathaway Brown School

Hathaway Brown School in Shaker Heights offers several camp options this summer.

Broad Horizons serves girls in grades K-8. From June 23-July 31, this Monday-Thursday camp meets from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. with before, after and Friday camp options.

Broad Horizons for Beginners serves boys and girls ages 3 and 4 from 9-noon, with after care available from 12:30-3.

Offered March 17-March 28 during spring break and Aug. 4-22, Vacation Camp provides adult-supervised activities from 8 to 6 weekdays.

Hawken School

Known for its excellent PK-12 education, Hawken School also is home to a variety of vibrant summer programs.

Hawken’s Boys Day Camp and Girls Day Camp provide fun, wholesome activities for grades K-5 and include sports, arts and crafts, and swimming instruction. The six-week-long camps will be June 16-July 25 at Hawken’s Lyndhurst campus.

The Boys Sports Camp and Girls Sports Camp will be at Hawken’s Gates Mills campus for grades 5-8 and are offered in two-, four- and six-week sessions. The sports camps stress sport fundamentals and fair play, and start June 16.

Hawken Summer Studies is a six-week program of credit, review, preview and skill-building for grades 6-12. Offerings include math, writing, reading and study skills, foreign language, photography and health studies. Classes are conducted mornings from June 16-July 25 and are open to students from public and independent schools.

Howe Summer Camp

Northwest Indiana

Aimee Arklie, 260-562-2131,

aarklie@howemilitary.com,

www.howemilitary.com

Traditional, sports, academic

Boys, ages 9-15

Resident camp.

Three weeks June 22-July 11, July 13-Aug. 1, $2,100

Six weeks June 22-Aug. 1, $3,400

Academic classes in the morning and a variety of recreational/sports activities in the afternoon. Located on beautiful Cedar Lake. Emphasizes structure, organization, leadership, teamwork skills, traditional values and respect for authority. Affiliated with the Episcopal Church.

Girls’ Summer Glow Camp at Insight Wellness

Reinvent yourself and become a stronger, relaxed and confident young woman. Return to school with a backpack full of tools that will allow you to be comfortable with yourself in any setting.

At Insight Learning & Wellness Center’s Summer Glow Camp, meet new friends and create a new you with a positive way of thinking and trusting your gut instincts. Learn to make better decisions, look in the mirror and love what you see, recognize negativity and know what to do with it, build self-acceptance, and formulate long-term and short-term goals.

John Carroll University Sports Camps

John Carroll University’s Department of Athletics is offering a variety of sports camps this summer for students of all ages. Join the fun and learning in 2008 at one of the many summer sports camps, including baseball, basketball, football and volleyball.

Your sons and daughters will love the facilities, the coaching and the experience. You can learn more about the outstanding athletic programs at John Carroll University at www.jcusports.com or the Department of Athletics at 216-397-4416.

The Department of Athletics & Recreation at John Carroll University is committed to a broad-based program of competitive excellence for all its students and student-athletes. Administrators, coaches and staff are dedicated to supporting each student’s journey toward academic, athletic and recreational success. Influenced by Jesuit values, student-athlete development is accomplished through quality coaching, adequate resources and an environment that fosters personal growth.

Jumonville

Uniontown, Pa.

Jaye Beatty, 1-800-463-7688, Jaye@Jumonville.org, www.Jumonville.org

Sports, church, adventure, creative and performing arts, sampler

Resident, coed, ages 3-7 with parent, 8-99 children, youth, adult, family

June 10-Aug. 11 (one-week sessions)

You and/or your child can enjoy exciting adventures at Jumonville. Best known for its 60-foot-high white cross, this premier retreat center offers Christian camps that focus on adventure, creative and performing arts, sports, sampler and specialty camps.

Events for children, youth, adults and families are designed with plenty of outdoor recreation, campfires and inspirational opportunities. Scheduled activities vary based on age and event. Campers stay in beautiful cabins/lodges with one counselor for every four campers. Co-ed and resident camps are available. Located 90 minutes south of Pittsburgh. For recreation, rest and renewal, come see The Cross, and experience the difference at Jumonville.

Karate Institute Martial Arts Camp

Are you thinking about which camp or program to put your child into this summer? The Karate Institute (www.mentorkarate.com) has an outstanding martial arts program for your child to learn and have fun in safe environment.

Our success-enhancement program will guide children through fitness, sports and martial arts games, self-defense, personal safety, mastering the basics of martial arts sports weapons, sport sword/padded weapons sparring and learning how to break boards. All help build children’s self-esteem and pride. Your child will have the opportunity to train safely with high-ranking, experienced and professional instructors.

Summer programs and camp dates will be announced. To make your RSVP, call the Karate Institute at 440-951-0463. To hold your RSVP, pay $25, and you will receive a Child Safety ID Kit. Karate camps are in high demand, so call today or visit the Karate Institute at 7667 Mentor Ave., Suite 102, in Mentor.

Kent State PEAK Camps

Summer is fast-approaching.†Soon the kids will be home from school and looking for something to occupy their summer vacation.

Fortunately, boredom and monotony can be avoided for ages 6 to 12 years at the Kent State University Department of Recreational Services’ PEAK weekly day camps.†The Summer 2008 Series of PEAK Camps kicks off June 9 and ends Aug. 15.†Each session, or week of camp, has a designated theme.

Registration continues through the first day of each session or until the session is full.†Camp space is limited and on a first-come first-serve basis, so early registration is encouraged.

Cost of PEAK camps to SRWC affiliates (children of students, faculty and staff of KSU) is $125 per session.†Cost of PEAK camps to community members (non-affiliated) is $150 per session.†Extended care hours are available for families who need before- and/or after-camp supervision.

For more information, call 330-672-4732 or visit www.recservices.kent.edu.

Lake Metroparks Summer Day Camps

Celebrate this summer with Lake Metroparks Summer Day Camps for children in preschool through eighth grade.†Led by qualified staff at various park locations, summer day camps offer fun and educational activities, field trips and an overnight campout for select camps.

Camp activities include nature, science, art, farm animal care, hiking, swimming, kayaking, canoeing, sailing, rock climbing and more. Extended hours are available for most camps.

Pre-registration is required to participate in Lake Metroparks Summer Day Camps and/or the extended hours offerings.†Registration begins at 8 a.m. March 3 and is available online for most camps at www.lakemetroparks.com. Beach Adventure Camp, Creativity Camp and extended-care registrations are available by phone or in person only.

To register for all camps and for any extended-care needs, call 440-358-7275 or 800-669-9226 (8 to 4:30 Monday through Friday).†In-person registration is available at the Lake Metroparks Registration Office at 11189 Spear Road in Concord Township.

Lake Ridge Academy

At Lake Ridge Academy, find a diverse and dynamic program offering experiences in arts, academics and athletics for children in grades K-12. Running from June 9-July 18, the day includes half- and full-day sessions with limited class size, before and after care, and a supervised lunch.

Our popular Discovery Camps are multidisciplinary day camps designed to provide grades K-6 with an enriching and rewarding learning experience in an environment of summer fun. Camp themes include Super Science, Rock Hounds and Storybook Theatre.

Courses include a writers’ workshop, SAT prep, algebra, rocketry, study skills, outdoor entomology, sculpture, drum circle, ceramics, painting, photography, video production, illustration with Photoshop and claymation. Athletics include basketball, volleyball, tennis and wrestling.

In North Ridgeville, LRA offers a contemporary campus on 88 acres featuring five playing fields, a two-acre environmental studies lake, a fine arts center, a convocation center and a gymnasium with a fitness center.

Summer at Laurel ’08

Combining summertime fun with imagination and creativity, Summer at Laurel ’08 will provide your kindergartener to 12th-grader with memories that last a lifetime.

Mary Pope Osborne’s magical series of time-travel books will come alive at the Magic Tree House Camp in our 1,600-sqaure-foot tree house. Fifth- and sixth-grade girls will learn leadership skills at our GLEE camp. At our Quantum Leap camps, the creative arts are combined with science/technology.

Laurel again has partnered with the Great Lakes Science Center to sponsor a camp that explores the mysteries of science and nature at our 140-acre wooded campus in Russell Township. Our Summer Theatre Intensive is for high-schoolers, while middle-school students can attend Shakespeare Rocks! camp. Our unique Forensics Camp is led by the leaders of Laurel’s award-winning speech and debate team.

Go to our Web site at www.laurelschool.org and click on the link to Summer at Laurel ’08 or contact Dr. Larry Goodman at 216-464-1441.

Lawrence Summer School

Would your child benefit from a positive learning experience where small classes and multi-sensory learning help students realize academic success? Lawrence School offers summer programs specifically suited to students who have faced academic difficulties or have learning differences such as dyslexia or ADD/ADHD.

Summer programs are from June 16-July 11. For grades 1-6, an academic Summer School (8 a.m.-noon) provides remediation in the basic academic areas of reading, written expression, language arts and math. Afternoon programs in art, technology and physical activity are offered from 12:30-4 p.m. Students in grades 7-12 may take courses (some for credit) in organizational skills, keyboarding, history, weather, forensics, physical education and more.

LifeCenter Plus

Situated on a campus with several acres of gardens, pools and outdoor space, the LifeCenter Plus full-service health and fitness facility offers full- and half-day camps to suit every interest for ages 3 to 13. To accommodate working parents, LifeCenter Plus has before- and after-hours care for school-aged children with supervised play for a nominal fee.

A few of the many themed summer camps include Wild Wild West Camp, rock climbing, Pee Wee sports camps, cheerleading, Scooter Mania, tent camping, soccer, volleyball, hockey and basketball clinics, and travel camps that take children on a different supervised adventure every day. The Kids Department staff has dozens of ways for kids to have a terrific time while learning new skills.

One-week camps run June 16 though Aug. 15. Sign up between March 10 and April 13 to save 10 percent. For more information, call 330-655-2377, ext. 145.

Loyal Oak

Loyal Oak is a beautiful summer destination with safe, well-maintained grounds. Loyal Oak offers a swimming beach area with diving boards and slides, picnic shelters and grills, a playground area and recreation room equipped with pool tables, ping pong, electronic games and a juke box.

The park also provides sports equipment such as baseball pitching machines and batting cage, horseshoe courts, a jogging track, and tennis and basketball courts. Miniature golf is also available for $1 for 18 holes. You can’t beat the price.

Loyal Oak opens late May and closes Labor Day for the season. Operating hours are 10:30 a.m. to dusk Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to dusk on Saturday and Sunday. The beach opens at 10:30 a.m.

Call 330-825-4343 or go to www.loyaloaklake.com for more information.

Mandel JCC Day Camps

The Mandel JCC has engaging and exciting day camps that encourage campers to be happy, make friends, discover themselves and become more confident. Judaism comes alive through creative programs, an innovative curriculum and special Shabbat celebrations every Friday.

Whether on stage, in the pool, kicking a soccer ball or playing in the Anisfield sprayground, campers are laughing, stretching their imaginations and engaging with counselors who are excellent role models. Physical and emotional safety is primary for the Mandel JCC camp professionals, educators and social workers who have over 90 years of combined experience.

A high staff-to-camper ratio ensures individual attention, maximum participation and success for each child. Extended day is available at The Mandel JCC, and shuttle services from Solon and Cleveland Heights are available. For more information, visit www.clevejcc.org or call Laurie Spielman, day camp registrar, at 216-593-6251.

Mathnasium

Has the school year not gone quite as well as you had hoped? Is your child falling further behind and getting more and more frustrated with each passing day?

If your child’s struggles are with math, Mathnasium of Willoughby can help. After reviewing the results of our diagnostic assessment given to your child, we prepare an individualized math workout program for them.

This individualized program focuses on specific needs. We work on foundational weaknesses, as well as grade-level problems. Once students are equipped with the right problem-solving tools, their confidence begins to build, and their frustration disappears.

Our program does not stop once the school year ends. Summer is a perfect time to get ready for the fall. Our summer programs work on algebra review and preview, geometry preview, pre-algebra preview and fraction review.

Mathnasium at 38669 Mentor Ave. across from Andrews Osborne Academy. Visit www.mathnasium.com/willoughby or call 440-942-6284.

Mohican Wilderness Horse Ranch

Mohican Wilderness Horse Ranch Vacation is a week-long, co-ed, residential camp for ages 8 to 15. Traditional camp activities include daily horseback riding, canoeing, kayaking and tubing, crafts and nature programs, riflery, archery, field sports an overnight horse trip and canoe trip and more.

The camp is very small with only 12 to 14 campers per week and is non-competitive.†Centrally located in†the northeast corner of Knox County on the popular Mohican River, the camp is no more than two hours from the Cleveland area.

Running weekly June 15 through Aug. 16, the cost is $325 with a discount for subsequent weeks or siblings.†Sharing Mohican Wilderness’ valley for 40 years, visit anytime.†Call 740-599-6741 for more information and reservations.

Nature Center at Shaker Lakes

The 2008 Outdoor Adventure Camp schedule at the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes is full of new and exciting experiences. Each camp focuses on discovering nature while we hike on the trails, play in the brook, create crafts, learn about the plants and animals, and learn how we are connected to nature.

Camps for ages 2 months to 6 years have many new themes, including “Nature’s Numbers” and “Becoming Nature Detectives.” Ages 8 and 9 take field trips to a wider variety of locations throughout the region. Campers 10 to 15 years old participate in overnight experiences. The expanded overnight program includes two week-long trips.

There is nothing more exciting to children than encouraging them to explore, even if that means getting wet and muddy. The summer at the Nature Center is always full of fascinating experiences that help us be comfortable in the natural world. Call 216-321-5935 or visit www.shakerlakes.org for more information.

Northern Ohio Youth Orchestras

The Northern Ohio Youth Orchestras (NOYO) offers a progressive orchestra program with challenging educational musical opportunities in orchestral and small-ensemble training and performance for young instrumentalists under the guidance of professional musicians, using the resources of the Oberlin Conservatory of Music.

NOYO has been in continuous operation since 1969. There are three orchestra levels. The Camerata is a first-ensemble experience for young string players in grades two through five. Unlike the other NOYO orchestras, Camerata requires no audition, but does require that the student has been enrolled in string instruction prior to joining.

The Symphonetta is a training orchestra for musicians in the fifth through ninth grades. The Philharmonia is for advanced players in the ninth through 12th grades.

In addition to our summer camp program listed in this magazine, NOYO typically performs three concerts per season. Different performance and touring opportunities are offered each season. For more information, call 440-775-3059.

Old Trail S’Camp

Join us in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park for summer camp at Old Trail School. Our popular S’Camp Program runs from June 9 to Aug. 8.

Campers (ages 18 months to 14 years) can choose almost any kind of summer experience from more than 70 offerings, including SCUBA training, fencing, study skills, digital video production, soccer, bike riding, magical science adventures, tennis, digital photography, acting, computer animation, water fun, tennis, pottery creation and more.

Half-day and full-day camps are available each week. Transportation from Hudson and Brecksville is available, as well as extended-day camp care and lunch. For more information and to request a brochure, contact the school at 330-666-1118, ext. 469, or go to www.oldtrail.org.

Old Trail School is an independent, coeducational school for students (toddler to eighth grade) that emphasizes excellence in academics, athletics and the arts.

Ratner’s Around the World in 80 Ways

Cleveland-area toddlers through sixth-graders can anticipate a real treat this summer at The Lillian and Betty Ratner School’s distinctive and fun-filled cultural immersion camp. Conveniently scheduled in two-week sessions that span the summer from June 17-Aug. 7, Around the World in 80 Ways will be in the school’s unique and spacious facility and new gym.

Campers will learn about France, India, Mexico and China through art, theater, dance, music, food and language. The camp will be from 8:30 a.m. to noon weekdays.

Offering a program that is exciting and useful, children will be introduced to everything from mehndi (hand painting) to Mayan hieroglyphics to experiencing a bit of Beijing Summer Olympics in addition to enjoying citron pressÈ. Imagine the thrill of adventure in traveling “around the world in 80 ways.” For more information, call the Director of Admissions at 216-464-0033.

Red Oak, Red Barn and Chincapin Camps

Red Oak, a not-for-profit private camp, is proud of its mission to develop children’s inner strengths through outdoor adventure.

Red Oak is a residence camp for boys 11-15. Campers stay at camp weekdays, returning home on weekends. For the first six weeks, the boys learn to climb, rappel, backpack and canoe. The last two weeks feature an out-of-state backpacking, canoeing or climbing adventure.

Red Barn is a day camp for boys ages 7-11. Each day the boys choose fun, challenging outdoor activities, which include archery, canoeing, crafts, fishing, hiking, low-ropes course, outdoor science, softball, swimming and more. Swim lessons are mandatory.

Chincapin is a day camp for girls ages 8-12. The program is similar to the boys, plus they receive one riding lesson per day, four days a week, and one ground lesson per week. The girls learn about barn management, horse care, and safety.

Summer Ruffing It

Summer Ruffing It features a living roof garden, a climbing wall, natural daylight in classrooms and a green-school environment. Landscape at Ruffing Montessori School in Cleveland Heights includes charming, fenced, outdoor areas.

A Summer to Grown On for ages 3 to 6 offers nature walks, games, art and storytelling. Montessori and non-Montessori programs will be offered.

CAS I: Creative Arts and Sciences for grades 1 to 6 offers art, athletics, drama, dance, media, music and science and skills. Students create personalized schedules.

CAS II: Up a Notch for grades 7 to 9 focuses on the environment. Working with experts to document and create change in local green practices, students will work on and off site and kayak, too.

AHA! (After-Hours Activities) optionally extends the camp day with a small selection of specialized classes. A 5-to-1 student/staff ratio permits small, focused groups. Before and after care is 7:30-9 a.m. and 1-6 p.m.

Contact us at www.ruffingmontessori.net/sri, yeasumm@ruffingmontessori.net or 216-932-7866.

Scribes & Scribblers

Day, coed, grades 1-6

Camp registration Feb. 25

Camps June 9-Aug.15

Scribes & Scribblers Child Development Center offers a creative, well-rounded summer camp program for children ages 6-14 years. There is something for everyone with a range of activities including daily swimming, American Red Cross swim lessons, sports clinics, martial arts, field trips, fun weekly themes, skits and awards, and special on-site events. Each week is a new and exciting theme, such as “Western Week” or “Olympic Week,” with special activities, props, menus and events.

Scribes & Scribblers also offers a summer camp for toddlers through pre-K that includes daily swimming and swim lessons, sports clinics and weekly themes that match the school-age camp, with age-appropriate activities.

Registration begins March 5, with limited enrollment. Call 440-884-kids(5437).

Shipwreck Camp

Looking for a unique day camp experience this summer for ages 12-15? Join us for a virtual adventure to find a shipwreck in Lake Erie. Inspired by the research and exploration of Dr. Robert Ballard, father of the JASON Project, the Immersion Presents Program, and finder of the wreckage of the Titanic, this camp will engage campers in field science and exploration from 9:30 a.m.-3:30p.m. (times may vary, depending on event planned) July 28-Aug. 8.

In collaboration with Cleveland Lakefront State Park (ODNR), the Cuyahoga County Public Library and Case Western UniversityÌs Center for Science and Mathematics Education, campers will conduct field research, have an introduction to SCUBA and snorkeling, build and operate an ROV, develop navigational skills on land and water, and develop a plan and find a wreck.

Summer Wind Stables

At Summer Wind Stables, Tack and Gift Shoppe in Chesterland, our goal is to foster a life-long love of horses and to teach respect and proper care of our equine friends in a safe setting. Students will learn every aspect of horseback riding and caring for the horse.

Camp runs Monday through Friday all summer. Our campers are divided into two or three ability groups. They ride two times each day for at least an hour each time. We have an educational hands-on ground lesson and lunch. Students also may swim in an in-ground, heated pool.

Our camp instructors are our full-time, year-round riding instructors who have been with us for many years. Parents are invited to our special activities on Fridays to see their rider’s accomplishments each week. Our regular students, boarders and campers receive a discount regularly in our tack shoppe.

University School
Summer Programs

Entering its 83rd year, the six-week day-camp program is for boys entering grades K-6 that teaches skills and fosters sportsmanship. Sports clinics provide concentrated skill development for boys: All-American Sports Camp and basketball clinic for grades 5-8; baseball, football, lacrosse, speed and wrestling clinics for grades 5-9; and a soccer clinic for grades K-10.

Space Science Adventure and the more-advanced Space Science Week transform participants in grades 4-8 into astronauts when they take part in a space shuttle mission aboard University School’s state-of-the-art shuttle simulator.

Comp-Unique, a computer and technology camp for grades 5-8, includes filmmaking, robotics, Adobe Flash, and aviation and computer simulation. Tennis instruction is offered for grades 4-12, and a golf clinic provides skill development for grades 5-12. Academic enrichment classes are offered at the Hunting Valley campus for grades 8-12.

Extended care is available mornings and afternoon at the Shaker Heights campus, and a shuttle bus operates between the two campuses. For more information, call 216-831-1984, ext. 7366.

USA Chess Camp

USA Chess is the largest and premier chess camp organizer for children in the United States with programs in more than 100 schools. Our staff is comprised of the finest children’s chess instructors in North America.

Morning, afternoon and all-day sessions are available, beginners through advanced, for ages 5-16. Tuition includes a T-shirt, a trophy, a chess board and pieces, and more.

Local camps will be June 16-20 at Lake Ridge Academy in North Ridgeville, July 7-11 at Birchwood School in Cleveland and Aug. 4-8 at Notre Dame College in South Euclid.

For more information, call 888-65CHESS. Register at www.chesscamp.com.

WildeCamp at the Wilds

Swamp romps, quiet night hikes and close encounters with wildlife from around the world? Welcome to WildeCamp at the Wilds, one of the largest conservation centers in the world that offers an immersive experience in conservation education through weeklong summer camps for youth ages 8 to 19.

Led by the Wilds’ professional conservation education staff, program experiences include hands-on, minds-on activities – from exploring native wetland, woodland, and prairie habitats to behind-the-scenes tours learning about the rare and endangered animals at the Wilds. Campers have fun while gaining an appreciation for conservation.

WildeCamps include Kritter Kids (ages 8-9), Creature Corps (ages 10-11), Earth Keepers (ages 12-15), XTreme (ages 13-15) and Working Wild Camp (ages 14-19). Campers stay overnight at the Wilds’ yurt village. Prices range from $300 to $575 per person.

For dates and exact pricing, visit www.thewilds.org or call 740-638-5030, ext. 2286. The Wilds is in Southeast Ohio near the intersection of I-77 and I-70.

Young Chefs Academy

Come learn the basics of cooking while actually getting to participate in the preparation of “real” recipes that you will get to taste at the end of each class.

Unique sessions are designed to familiarize children ages 4 and older with diverse foods while they experience what it feels like to create and taste scrumptious recipes themselves.

During class, chefs will learn the basics in kitchen safety, proper food handling, food preparation, cooking and baking techniques, presentation, table setting and manners.

Classes are also offered for children 7 and under. Call 440-572-2855 for information.

YMCA Camp Y-Noah

Looking for a fun activity for your child this summer? Camp Y-Noah, in its 78th year as Northeast Ohio’s premier camping experience for children ages 6-17 may have just what you’re looking for. Programs from horseback riding, canoeing, archery, crafts and campfires to whitewater rafting, rock climbing, kayaking and more are included at the camp in southern Summit County.

Camp Y-Noah’s unique features include indoor and outdoor riding facilities, the Alpine Tower, the New Frontiers High Ropes course, a 22-acre lake and 300 acres of trails. Counselors come from around the world and receive seven days of intensive training, including certification in CPR and First Aid.

Cost is $370 for six days for YMCA members and $410 for non-members.

YMCA of Greater Cleveland

Camp during the summer months at the YMCA of Greater Cleveland provides children a unique opportunity to expand their knowledge and individuality through our curriculum designed to develop skills in teamwork, social competence, character development, fitness, outdoor education, the arts, literacy and service learning.

Our programs offer weekly themes and activities that promote learning, growing, creating and exploring.†Swimming activities, regular field-trip excursions from the center and nutritious morning and afternoon snacks are included.

Program hours are convenient for working parents, and county voucher subsidies are accepted.†All programs are licensed through the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.