Another school year has ended, and for students, that means freedom. For parents, however, it means finding creative ways to entertain the kids while the daily grind keeps on turning. You don’t have to send them to a camp halfway across the state. There’s something for every child right here in North Dallas.
For the artsy kid
J’s Art Studio
This neighborhood hideout offers four types of camps for ages 5 and up, led by working artists. J’s Art Studio is at 17630 Davenport, Suite 102. Call 972.931.1933 or visit jsartstudio.com.
Kids Camp: For ages 5-12, one-week camps run 9 a.m.-noon or 1-4 p.m. Monday-Friday through June, July and the first part of August. You can sign up for mornings, afternoons or both. Each camp features a playful theme such as “Wild America” or “Bejeweled Russia” that children use to paint, draw and sculpt. The cost is $190.
Media Camp: For ages 9-12, one-week camps run 9-11 a.m. Monday-Friday in June and July, helping children explore new mediums such as printmaking, mixed media and jewelry. The cost is $175.
Portfolio Camp: For teens, these intimate portfolio-building camps run 2-4 p.m. Monday-Friday through June, July and the first week of August. Each camp specializes in a specific medium. The cost is $175.
Needle Art Camp: Children ages 9 and up can learn to sew, stitch or crochet during one-week sessions in mornings or afternoons. The cost is $175.
Campers experiment with clay during a workshop at the Craft Guild of Dallas studio in Addison. Photo by Can Türkyilmaz
The Craft Guild of Dallas
The Addison-based nonprofit offers weeklong activities for all ages June through July. Each camp is $165 and takes place at the studio, 5100 Belt Line, Suite 400. Call 972.490.0303 to register and visit craftguildofdallas.com for a full list of camps.
Young Artists: Four different camps for ages 5-7 delve into fun crafts, exploring the world of paper, textiles, paint and clay with themes like pets and underwater landscapes.
Kids: Ages 8-12 have a choice of seven camps from glass art to Japanese origami.
Teens: More advanced techniques for pottery, glass, paper and oil painting can be discovered in these camps for ages 13 and older.
For the science geek
Club Scientific Dallas
Have a child who’s always asking how things work? Club Scientific Dallas offers at least 12 summer day camps for ages 4-13 with hands-on projects that meet or exceed National Science Education Standards. Various camps run simultaneously June 18-22 and June 25-29 at Fellowship Bible Church, 7815 Arapaho. The cost is $250 per week. These are just a few of the camps offered. Visit dallas.clubscientific.com for a full list and to register.
Camp Jurassic: This is Geology 101 for 4-5-year-olds who will explore fossils, gems, minerals and dinosaur habitats that once existed.
Camp Little Robot Inventor: Campers ages 6-8 create electric circuits and even build a small, battery-powered car. A more advanced version is offered for ages 9-13.
Camp Video Game Maker: Kids age 7-8 design easy, playable video games. A more advanced class for 9-13-year-olds explores shooter-style and platform games.
Camp CSI: Children ages 9-13 find out what it really means to be a crime scene investigator, performing blood analysis, fingerprinting and analyzing DNA.
Robots 4-U
These summer camps happen all over the Metroplex for students 7-17, teaching students the basics of Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (S.T.E.M.) in a fun environment.
Robotics Day Camp: For one week, students receive hands-on instruction in building and designing their own robots using loaned kits and computers. Camps run 9 a.m.-3 p.m. June 11-15 and July 23-27 at Hyatt Summerfield Suites, 4900 Edwin Lewis Dr. in Addison. The cost is $299.95. To register, call 972.782.2503 or visit robots-4-u.com/addison.
For the thespian
Children gather for rehearsal for “Once Upon a Mattress” during a camp at Repertory Company Theatere. Photo by Can Türkyilmaz
Repertory Company Theatre
RCT offers highly rated summer camps for all ages at the Promenade Theater, 650 N. Coit, Suite 2320. Each focuses on a different production that students will perform for the public. Call 972.690.5029 or visit rcttheatre.com.
The Drowsy Chaperone: The quirky, musical comedy about 1920s jazz culture runs for three weeks June 5-24 for ages 11-17. The cost is $185.
Little Shop of Horrors: Children ages 12-18 sing and dance to the story of the man-eating plant named Seymour July 9-28. The cost is $525.
Annie: For ages 5-7 and 8-12, the children’s musical about the iconic redheaded orphan runs for two sessions July 16-22 and July 23-29.
Each costs $185.
Kidstock: These two-week camps offer variety for little ones ages 5-7. “Pinkalicious” runs June 5-15 and costs $260. “Me & My American Girl” runs June 18-29 and costs $260. “Mad Hatter’s Tea Party” is July 5-13 and costs $235. “Old McDonald’s Farm” is July 30-Aug 5 and costs $260.
Texas Family Theater
TFT features a Summer Musical Camp at the University of Texas at Dallas with various k-12 programs, including two fully staged productions. All camps are held in UTD’s theater building. The cost is $110-$425. For directions, a full list of camps and to register, visit texasfamilytheater.weebly.com.
Willy Wonka: In just two weeks, children in grades 2-6 will rehearse and perform the kids edition of the popular chocolate factory story in this elementary session 1-4 p.m. July 16-27.
Annie Jr.: The Broadway Academy allows children in grades 5-12 to audition for lead roles and ensembles during a camp 1-5 p.m. June 18-29.
WaterTower Theatre
This not-for-profit professional theater based in Addison hosts award-winning educational and outreach programs at its facility, 15650 Addison Circle. Visit watertowertheatre.org or call 972.450.6230.
Summer Performing Arts Conservatory: The two-week program for ages 6-18 introduces children to acting, singing and dancing in a noncompetitive environment. At the end, students will perform Roald Dahl’s “Willy Wonka Kids.” The camp runs 9 a.m.-5 p.m. June 18-29, and the deadline to register is June 15. The cost is $500.
For the little ninjas
Dallas Martial Arts
One of the most revered martial arts academies in the city, this neighborhood studio (18484 Preston, Suite 201) extends its teachings into a summer camp with that extra fun factor. To register, call 972.964.5425 or visit dallaskarateacademy.com.
All-day Camps: For ages 5-12, DMA offers 11 weeks of all-day camp 9 a.m.-4 p.m. June 4-Aug 24. Children learn age-appropriate martial arts, including karate, tae kwon do, jujitsu and self-defense. They also learn character building, coming out with a greater respect for elders. Early drop-off is available at 7:30 a.m. as well as late pick-up until 6 p.m. The cost is $285 per week. You can sign up for as few or as many weeks as you like.
For those who learn differently
The Shelton School
This k-12 neighborhood school enrolls students with learning differences such as autism, attention deficit disorder and dyslexia. The summer classes are open to the public — not just current students — and they take place on campus, 15720 Hillcrest. Most classes meet for one hour June 25-July 19. The cost is $265 before May 1 and $300 after May 1. There are also athletic camps, the Summer Scholars program and intensive keyboarding. For a complete brochure, call 972.774.1772 or visit shelton.org.
Animal Antics: Grades 1-4 will interact with all types of critters up close, including a bearded dragon, a parrot and a hedgehog.
STRIPES Yoga: It stands for Systematic Training in Relaxation, Inner Peace for Every Student. This class teaches yoga to grades 1-4, helping them have better physical health, self-esteem and productivity.
Digital Photography: Students in grades 5-8 will learn the basics of shooting and editing. Cameras are provided, but you must bring your own USB memory drive.
For the fashionista
The Handiwork Studio
Parish Episcopal School is home to a fashion studio that teaches young people how to sew, knit, embroider, quilt and crochet at one of Parish’s two campuses: 4101 Sigma and 14115 Hillcrest. Two camps are scheduled for June 11-29. Register online at thehandworkstudio.com/location/dallas-parish-episcopal.
Handiwork Day Camp: For ages 5-12, this beginner session focuses on fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination and patience while creating fun crafts to take home. The cost is $160-$399.
Machine Sewing and Fashion Camp: Older kids ages 10-16 learn to read patterns, match colors and take measurements. They design their own fashions, quilts, stuffed animals and home accessories. The cost is $469.
For the science geek
Club Scientific Dallas
Have a child who’s always asking how things work? Club Scientific Dallas offers at least 12 summer day camps for ages 4-13 with hands-on projects that meet or exceed National Science Education Standards. Various camps run simultaneously June 18-22 and June 25-29 at Fellowship Bible Church, 7815 Arapaho. The cost is $250 per week. These are just a few of the camps offered. Visit dallas.clubscientific.com for a full list and to register.
Camp Jurassic: This is Geology 101 for 4-5-year-olds who will explore fossils, gems, minerals and dinosaur habitats that once existed.
Camp Little Robot Inventor: Campers ages 6-8 create electric circuits and even build a small, battery-powered car. A more advanced version is offered for ages 9-13.
Camp Video Game Maker: Kids age 7-8 design easy, playable video games. A more advanced class for 9-13-year-olds explores shooter-style and platform games.
Camp CSI: Children ages 9-13 find out what it really means to be a crime scene investigator, performing blood analysis, fingerprinting and analyzing DNA.
In addition to those that specialize in certain subjects, several venues in Far North Dallas offer summer camps in just about every area of interest. Just grab the brochures and take your pick.
Richardson ISD
The school district sponsors several summer camps. Find the guide and register at risd.org.
Greenhill School
(4141 Spring Valley) has summer camps for pre-kindergarten through 12th-grade. Programs cover academic enrichment, early childhood, fine arts and sports. Athletics include baseball, basketball, lacrosse, football, biking, Iron Man challenge, karate, cheerleading, tennis, volleyball and water sports. Costs vary. Call 972.628.5400 or visit greenhill.org/summer.
Trinity Christian Academy
(17001 Addison) offers everything from theater to French class to sports to LEGO building, covering all ages. New this year is Survivor U: Wall Street to Main Street, led by three Far North Dallas moms July 16-19. The camp is for grades 10-12, teaching students about the financial market, how to manage money, do their taxes and prepare for the real world. Registration for all TCA camps is online at
trinitychristian.org/summer.
Richardson Family YMCA
(821 Custer) provides a more traditional camp experience via Camp Sa-Que-Sippi, where children spend at least 80 percent of their time outdoors. It’s broken into sections that feature different themes such as animals, movies, dance and Olympics. The YMCA also offers swim camps. Visit richardsonfamilyymca.org for more details.
