The Guide to Kid Friendly Northwest Arkansas

Help Me Brainstorm Summer Camp Options!

January 2, 2009 | 4 Comments

If you're new here, sign up for your free daily email about all things kid related in Northwest Arkansas. Click here to subscribe to Life+Kids by Email. Thanks for visiting!

I am working on the Life+Kids Summer Camp Guide and would love your input on summer camp/childcare options.  There are so many “under the radar” ones –  I would love to include them all.  Here are the ones I have so far — obviously, in no particular order. 

Add your own to the comments or email me at terri@lifepluskids.com.  Thank you!!!

1. Ramay Jr. High (girls basketball)
2. Fayetteville Bulldog (tennis)
3. Devil’s Den
4. Vacation Bible Schools
5. Camp Invention
6. Walton Arts Center
7. Lady Bulldog (basketball)
8. Little Mountain Bindery
9. NWACCC
10. Stonebridge golf clinic
11. Central United Methodist Church (Camp Central)
12. Camp Getaway
13. New School
14. Montessori summer program
15. Boys & Girls Club
16. Rogers Activity Center
17. Kidswrite
18. AAO Camp of Champs
19. Dave O’Brien Soccer Camp
20. UofA Continuing Ed summer reading program
21. Arkansas Audobon Society’s ecology camp
22. Eureka Springs School of the Arts
23. New Life Ranch
24. City of Fayetteville camps
25. Razorback camps (football, basketball, soccer, music, etc.)
26. Ozark Natural Science Center
27. Trike Theater
28. Camp Ozark
29. Brookhill
30. Camp Tanako
31. Camp Subiaco
32. All Star Soccer School (Siloam)
33. Mad Science

Fayetteville High School Volleyball Camp (3rd grade and up)

July 10, 2008 | Leave a Comment

The Fayetteville High School Volleyball Camp will be held July 14-17.

Session One is for Grades 3-7 (9:00-11:00 AM/$40.00) and Session Two is for Grades 8-9 (1:00-4:00/$50.00).

The first half of camp will focus on developing and improving fundamental skills of the game, and following sessions will incoporate a camp tournament and competitions. All campers will recieve a Bulldog Volleyball T-shirt. For more information contact Jessica Phelan @ jphelan@fayar.net or 479-841-8343.

Here’s a link to a pdf with more information about the FHS Volleyball Camp.

Bentonville High School Wrestling Camp

June 25, 2008 | Leave a Comment

Bentonville High School is hosting a two day wrestling camp July 17-18, 2008 for  K-12th graders (K-6th graders in the morning, 7-12th graders in the afternoon).

For more information, click on this link to go to the Northwest Arkansas Times article about the camp.

Passport to Art at the Community Imagination Studio

June 24, 2008 | Leave a Comment

Explore art from around the world during the Community Imagination Studio’s Summer Passport to Art program.  No need to pack a suitcase for this vacation, everyone is invited to travel along1

From Australia to France, you will be making art from a different country each Saturday from 10am - 4pm, June 14th - August 23rd.  Participants will receive their very own passport to keep track of their travels, and they will end the journeys with an International Art Show at The Studio. 

This week’s theme is Egypt! Come and make Egyptian themed dioramas, Egyptian styled jewelry, and hieroglyphic paintings! The painting studio will also be open. Please stop in for as long as you’d like between 10 am and 4 pm.

The Passport to Art program is $5 per participant, free to the parents of participating children.

The Community Imagination Studio is located at 818 N. Sang Ave. in Fayetteville.  For more information, contact Alison Carter at 442-8585, alison@communityimaginationstudio.org, or visit www.communityimaginationstudio.org.

More Info on the Art of Motion Summer Camps

June 5, 2008 | Leave a Comment

Remember the cute cowgirl, princess razorback and mermaid camps I posted about yesterday?  I forgot to include the cost — the camps are $45 each.  If you sign up for more than one camp, the additional ones are $40 each.

For more information, click on this Art of Motion Dance Studio  link or call 444-7779.

Does Your Little Girl Love Princesses, Cowgirls or Mermaids?

June 5, 2008 | 1 Comment

If so, check out the Art of Motion Dance Studio’s mini dance camps for 3-7 year olds.  The camps run from 10am-noon for two days and include refreshments, crafts and souvenier photo.  $45 per camp.  If you sign up for two or more camps, the additional camps are $40 each.  Here are the themes:

• Fairy Princess (June 24-26)
• Ride ‘em Cowgirl (July 8 & 10)
• Mermaid Adventure (July 22 & 24)
• Razorback Cheerleader (August 5 & 7)

For more information, go to the Art of Motion webpage or call 444-7779.

We are proud to have The Art of Motion as a sponsor of Life+Kids!

The Slacker Parent’s Guide to Northwest Arkansas Summer Camps

May 29, 2008 | 1 Comment

Are you a procrastinator like I am?  If so, here’s a cheat sheet for summer camps offered in Northwest Arkansas.  Please add others in the comments or by email to me at terri@lifepluskids.com.

For more information about a particular camp, click on the name of the camp.  For those of you who receive these posts by email — if you do not see any links, click on the title of this post and you will go to the Life+Kids website where the links should work.

Drama Camps

• Walton Arts Center Drama Camps (ages 4-6th grade)
• TheatreSquared Drama Academy (3rd-6th grade (Bella Vista) 7th-12th (Fayetteville))
• Arts Live Drama Camps (ages 5 and up) (pdf drama camp info)
• Zing! (Acting) at the Fayetteville Boys and Girls Club (grades 2nd-7th)
• City of Fayetteville Be Active! Camp (drama) (ages 5-12)

History Camps

• History Camp at the Shiloh Museum (ages 6-12)

Art Camps

• Art and Clay at the NWACCC (ages 5 and up)
• Art Explosions at the Community Imagination Studio (ages 10 and up)
• Little Mountain Book Bindery (ages 5 and up)
• Zing! (Arts and Crafts)at the Fayetteville Boys and Girls Club (1st-7th grades)

 Outdoor Camps

• Devils Den Discovery Camp (ages 8-11)
• City of Fayetteville Outdoor Adventure Camps
• Ozark Natural Science Center (overnight)

Science Camps

• Camp Invention (1st-6th graders)

Writing Camps

• Kidswrite at the University of Arkansas (4th-12th grades)
• Zing! (Creative Reading and Writing)at the Fayetteville Boys and Girls Club (1st-7th grades)

Dance Camps

• Walton Arts Center Dance Camps (ages 7 and up)

Soccer Camps

• Dave O’Brien Soccer Camp (ages 4-11)
• Lady Razorback Soccer Camp (ages 4 and up)
• Zing! (Soccer)at the Fayetteville Boys and Girls Club (1st-7th grades)
• City of Fayetteville Be Active! Camp (soccer) (ages 5-12)

Basketball Camps

• Razorback Basketball Camp (k and up)
• Ramay Girls Basketball Camp (3rd-8th grades)
• Lady Bulldog Basketball Camp (1st-9th grades)
• Zing! (Basketball) at the Fayetteville Boys and Girls Club (1st-7th grades)

Tennis Camps

• Adidas Tennis Camp (ages 9 and up)
• Fayetteville Bulldog Tennis Camp (ages 7-16)
• City of Fayetteville Be Active! camp (tennis) (ages 5-12)

Baseball/Softball Camps

• Razorback Baseball Camp (ages 7 and up)
• Zing! (Baseball/Softball) at the Fayetteville Boys and Girls Club (1st-7th grades)

Golf Camps

• Stonebridge Junior Golf Clinic
• Zing! (Hook a Kid on Golf)at the Fayetteville Boys and Girls Club (ages 8-13)

Gymnastics Camps

• Razorback Gymnastics Camps
• Zing! (gymnastics)at the Fayetteville Boys and Girls Club (1st-7th grades)

General Activity Camps

• Zing! at the Fayetteville Boys and Girls Club (grades 1st and up)
• Rogers Activity Center Camps (k-7th grades)
• AAO Camp of Champs (ages 7-13)
• City of Fayetteville Be Active! Camps (k-12 year olds)

And, don’t forget the information on summer camp options for the two income family.

TheatreSquared’s Summer Drama Academy

May 29, 2008 | Leave a Comment

If you are not familiar with TheatreSquared, you should be.  It is the only resident professional theater company in Northwest Arkansas. 

TheatreSquared’s 2008 summer Drama Academy is an excellent program for children who are in the 3rd through the 12th grade.  Students will explore every aspect of the company’s upcoming summer production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. 

The Academy will  be held at Riordan Hall in Bella Vista for 3rd-12th graders and at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Fayetteville for 7th-12th graders.  You can find more information and register online by following this link.

For more information, call 479.445.6663.

History Camp at the Shiloh Museum of Ozark History

May 24, 2008 | Leave a Comment

The Shiloh Museum of Ozark Historyin Springdale is hosting a history camp for 6-12 year olds June 23-17, 2008.  The camp runs from 10am-5pm but childcare is available from 7-10am and 5-5pm for an additional $5 per hour.  The cost of the camp is $75.

Here’s the schedule:

• Monday — Technology Day
• Tuesday — Civil War Day
• Wednesday — Ozark Arts Day
• Thursday — Natural History Day
• Friday — Ozark Chores Day

For more information, click on this link to go to the Camp webpage.  Or, to register call 479-750-8165.

Celebrate Summer at the Rogers Activity Center

May 23, 2008 | Leave a Comment

The Rogers Activity Center is hosting a summer celebration on Tuesday June 3rd, 2008 from 4 – 8 p.m. This event promises an afternoon of free family fun!

You can try your skills on a huge inflatable obstacle course, climb the rock wall, make a wax hand mold or just sit back and enjoy the music with your friends. Door prizes will be awarded throughout the event and area groups will provide activities for children, as well as health and safety information.  Free food and drinks, too! 

• What:  Summer Celebration at the Rogers Activity Center
• When:  Tuesday, June 3rd from 4-8pm
• Where: Rogers Activity Center, 315 West Olive St. in Rogers, Arkansas
• Cost:  Free
• More Information:  479-631-0336

Drop-in Camps While You Spa or Shop in Eureka Springs

May 21, 2008 | Leave a Comment

Main Stage Creative Community Center has announced their summer 2008 schedule, which includes “camp style” programs designed exclusively for children of tourists.

The new Drop-In Art classes last either two or four hours and are for ages 7-12. This 10-week Art Camp has been re-designed to include theater/performance elements and is set up to allow children to attend for a day or a week with no pre-registration, instead of enrolling for the entire session.

The Drop-In classes are scheduled for June 9 to August 15 Monday - Friday. Parents may drop their children off for two-hour or five-hour sessions without advance registration. The Drop-In classes will be offered at Main Stage from 10 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Drop-In classes cost $30 for 5 hours (plus $4 lunch, optional), or $15 for 2 hours. For more details, contact Vicki Rose at Main Stage, 479-253-8060 or go online at www.mainstagecenter.com.

Additional Bible School Options

May 19, 2008 | Leave a Comment

I have added 3 new Bible Schools to my post on local Bible Schools this summer.  Here are the new ones:

• Power Labat the First United Presbyterian in Fayetteville, June 23 - June 27, 9am to noon for elementary and pre-K.  You can register online by clicking here.  
• Rainforest Adventureat First Presbyterian Church of Bentonville, July 14-18, 2008
  9 am to 12:15 pm.  Open to 4 years old through those who have completed 6th grade.  Click here to register.  
• Adventure Week at The Church at Pinnacle Hills in Rogers, for kids who have completed Grades K-5.  This year the theme is “Dirty Jobs – Bible Edition.”  The program will be July 7-11, 2008 from 6:15-8:30 p.m. with Friday night being a family night including Kidz Blitz Live.  The cost is $10 per child/$25 max per family. 

Let me know via email (terri@lifepluskids.com) or in the comments about any others.

Ramay Girl’s Basketball Camp

May 19, 2008 | 1 Comment

The Ramay Junior High School Girl’s Basketball Camp is for girls in the 3rd through 8th grades.  From the camp director:

This camp will emphasize fundamentals of basketball, including defensive principles, dribbling, passing, shooting, rebounding, and offensive moves.  Campers will also get the opportunity to compete in numerous events, such as 3-on-3, 1-on-1, hot shot shooting contest, free-throw contest, obstacle course, and more.  Similar to Coach DeGier’s philosophy, participants can expect to be given knowledge of life skills and the importance of applying themselves to be the “BEST” in all areas of their lives.   Members of the 2008 Ramay Girl’s Basketball Team and the Ramay coaching staff will teach all aspects of the game of basketball.  Come prepared to learn and have fun!

The camp will be held July 14-16, 2008 from 9am-12:30pm.  The cost is $50. Click here to download the Application Form.

Fayetteville Bulldog Summer Tennis Camps

May 19, 2008 | 1 Comment

The Fayetteville Bulldog summer tennis camps are for beginner through intermediate players ages 7-16.  Players are grouped by ability. 

The camp’s objective is to inspire young players to learn and enjoy tennis, the game for a lifetime, possibly with an eye on playing on their school team.  Players are encouraged to attend as many of the 4-day camps as possible.  The camps include:

• Small group and private instruction
• Drills and Match Play
• Court strategy sessions
• Conditioning exercises
• Lots of fun activities

Camp 1 — June 9-12 Mon-Thurs (rain day is Friday) 8:00-10:00 a.m.
Camp 2 — June 16-19 Mon-Thurs (rain day is Friday) 8:00-10:00 a.m.
Camp 3 — June 23-26 Mon-Thurs (rain day is Friday) 8:00-10:00 a.m.

1 camp is $30; any 2 camps is $55, or any 3 camps $80.

Click on this link to download the Tennis Camp Form.

Discovery Day Camp at Devil’s Den

May 18, 2008 | Leave a Comment

I was just complaining that most all the summer camps seem to be packed into June.  Then, I received this flyer from Rebekah at Devil’s Den:

Want to make unforgettable memories this summer? Join Interpreter Rebekah for a week of hiking, exploring, arts and crafts, games, outdoor skills, and nature knowledge at Devil’s Den State Park!

The camp (recommended for children ages 8-11) runs from Monday July 14 through Friday July 18, 2008 from 9am-3pm. 

The cost is $75.oo for all five days.  Price includes nature discovery pack, daily snacks, craft supplies, and boat and pool fees.  Reservations are required. Space is limited to TEN participants.

Click on this link to download the Flyer for Devil’s Den Discovery Day Camp. 

For more information or to register your child contact Rebekah Spurlock at rebekah.spurlock@arkansas.gov  or at 479-761-3325.

Vacation Bible Schools in Northwest Arkansas

May 15, 2008 | Leave a Comment

Vacation Bible School was a standard for my summers growing up.  It is a great (and inexpensive) way to add some variety to your child’s summer activities.  Most churches do not require that you be a member to attend.  So, it is a great way for children new to the area to make friends before school starts.

My kids will be attending the joint program held by the Episcopal churches in Northwest Arkansas.  That Bible School is scheduled for  June 9-13, 2008 at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Springdale.  It runs from 9:00 am to Noon for grades K- 5th (fall ‘08).  You can register online by clicking here.

Other options suggested by Life+Kids Readers:

• Power Labat the First United Presbyterian in Fayetteville, June 23 - June 27, 9 to noon for elementary and pre-K. You can register online by clicking here.
• Power Lab at the Peace Lutheran Church in Rogers, June 28-July 1 (morning and evening sessions.  You can register online by clicking here.
• Power Labat the First United Methodist Church in Springdale, June 9-13 - 3 Years Old - 3rd Grade.  4th & 5th Grade participate in a Day Camp.  You can register online by clicking here. 
• Rainforest Adventureat First Presbyterian Church of Bentonville, July 14-18, 2008
  9 am to 12:15 pm. Open to 4 years old to completed 6th grade. Click here to register.
• Adventure Week at The Church at Pinnacle Hills in Rogers, for kids who have completed Grades K-5. This year the theme is “Dirty Jobs – Bible Edition.” It will be July 7-11, 2008 from 6:15-8:30 p.m. with Friday night being a family night including Kidz Blitz Live. The cost is $10 per child/$25 max per family.

Note:  As you might suspect, Power Lab is a national VBS program used by many churches.

Does your church have a Bible School scheduled this summer?  If so, email me the details (terri@lifepluskids.com) or click on the title of this post to add your recommendations to the comments.

Camp Invention: The Summer Program of the National Inventors Hall of Fame

May 15, 2008 | Leave a Comment

Camp Invention is the summer program of the National Inventors Hall of Fame Foundation for kids entering the 1st through 6th grades.  The camp will be held at Turnbow Elementary in Springdale June 9-13, 2008 from 8:30am-3pm. 

The cost is $205 if you register before May 31 ($225 thereafter).  Register with a friend and each receives $20 off.  Register 3 or more siblings, and each receives $40 off.

This year’s program is called the Encounter program and features the following topics:

• Sea Worthy
• Fair Games
• The Lost Treasure
• I Can Invent:  Fantasy Inventions & Complicated Machines
• Recess Remix

The camp promises to foster creativity, teamwork, and science literacy through hands-on fun.

For more information, visit www.campinvention.org or call 800-968-4332. 

Summer Camps at the Walton Arts Center

May 11, 2008 | 1 Comment

The Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville is offering several drama and dance camps this summer for ages 4 and up.  I love the fact that the drama camps are focused on performances from the Walton Arts Center’s 2008-2009 season, such as Diego’s Friends and the Magic Treehouse.  Here’s the line up:

• Camp Diego’s Friends: Rainforest Explorers (ages 4 through 2nd grade)
• Camp Jason and the Argonauts (grades 5th-6th)
• Camp Stellaluna, Very Hungry Caterpillar, the Gruffalo and Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters (ages 4 through 2nd grade)
• Camp Magic Treehouse:  The Musical (grades 3rd and 4th)
• Chance to Dance Ballet Intensive (ages 10 and up)
• Chance to Dance Mini Intensive (ages 7-9)

Click here to go to the Walton Arts Center summer camps page.  Register by phone by calling 443-5600.  No online registration.

Lady Bulldog Basketball Camp

May 8, 2008 | Leave a Comment

The Springdale Lady Bulldog Basketball Camp will be held June 2-5, 2008 from 8-11am in the Springdale High School’s main gym. 

This camp is for girls entering the 1st through the 9th grades.  The cost is $30 if you preregister, and $40 at the door.  All campers will receive a t-shirt. 

Applications may be picked up at the Springdale Athletic Department at the old Layman’s building on Emma Street, at the front office of Springdale High School, or by contacting Scotty Person at sperson@sdale.org or calling 957-8271.

Mini Dance Camps at the Art of Motion Studio

April 30, 2008 | Leave a Comment

The Art of Motion dance studio in Fayetteville is offering four themed mini dance camps for 3-7 year olds:

• Fairy Princess                 June 24 & 26
• Ride Em Cowgirl              July 8 & 10
• Mermaid Adventure          July 22 & 24
• Razorback Cheerleader     Aug 5 & 7

The camps will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on both days.  Refreshments will be provided along with a craft project and a souvenir photo.

For more information, click here to go to the Art of Motion website.

Day Camps at the Little Mountain Book Bindery in Fayetteville

April 28, 2008 | 1 Comment

The Little Mountain Book Bindery in Fayetteville has posted its Summer Camp schedule.  They are offering half and full day programs for ages 5 and up.  You can see the entire kids camp schedule by clicking here. 

Offerings include

• da Vinci Camp (math/science enrichment through art)
• bookbinding
• dying, dipping, folding and ripping
• printmaking/self portraits
• my family history
• shan shui
• asian bindings

Summer Art and Clay Classes at the NWACCC in Fayetteville

April 28, 2008 | 1 Comment

The Northwest Arkansas Community Creative Center is offering many creative art and clay classes for kids this summer.  The NWACC is located in the Nadine Baum Studios of the Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville.  Here’s the schedule:

I.  ART CLASSES FOR KIDS

Recycled Sculptures
Ages 10-14, $75, June 9-13, M-F, 9:30-12
Instructor: Alice McKee
Recycling can be an art! In this class we begin with found materials then recreate and combine them into works of art. You’ll be proud of your artistic resourcefulness.

Beautiful music machines
Ages 6-9, $75, June 9-13, M-F, 1:30-4
Instructor: Alice McKee
Take used-a-bit materials & create artwork that makes beautiful music.

Stories in a Quilt
Ages 5-8, $75, June 9-13, M-F,  9:30-12:00
Instructor: Julie Feinstein
Learn about quilts and the way they reflect different cultures. We’ll talk about the meanings of patterns, colors and images. Students will design a small patchwork quilt that represents themselves and their families.

Stories in a Quilt
The Story Quilts of Harriet Powers
Ages 9-12, $75, June 9-13, 1:30-4, M-F
Instructor: Julie Feinstein
Students will read and discuss Charlie & the Chocolate Factory and collaborate on a story quilt based on their interpretation of the story.

Mask Making
Ages 6-9, $75, June 16-20, 9:30-12, M-F
Ages 9-12, $75, June 16-20, 1:30-4, M-F
Instructor: Alice McKee
Alien or animal? Hang it or wear it? Students love inventing creatures and interpreting facial expressions. Creating a mask will make a dramatic difference for participants.

Crazy For Art
Ages 6-9, $75, June 16-20, 9:30-12, M-F
Instructor: Susan Hutchcroft
Students will smear,  draw with sticks, tear cloth, paint around things, get messy, learn and have fun painting, collaging, printing and drawing.

 Painting Up A Storm
Ages 9-12, $75, June 16-20, 1:30-4, M-F
Instructor: Joy Caffrey
Students will paint landscapes or still-lifes depending on the weather. They’ll learn to make observations over and around things and think about what they draw.

Self Portrait
Ages 9-14, $75, July 14-18, 1:30-4, M-F
Instructor: Joy Caffrey
Students create unique works of art that express who they are through the techniques of drawing, painting and collage. Kis will use a variety of fun art-making materials and techniques, exploring and incorporating their reflection through the art-making process.

Drawing What Matters
Ages 8-14, $75, Aug. 4-8, 1:30-4:00, M-F
Instructor: Joy Caffrey
Learn basic drawing skills. Develop confidence and accuracy in drawing. Art making will include discussion and practice of simple observation exercises helping students draw more precisely. Students will create a self portrait montage from objects of their own such as shoes, MP3 players, jewelry, etc.

Printed Art Books
Ages 8-12, $75, July 7-11, 1:30-4, M-F
Instructor: Susan Hutchcroft
Learn about and practice various print processes such as repeatable images, monoprints, rubbings and color enhancements.  Students’ creations will be incorporated into a one-of-a-kind art book.

II.  KIDS CLAY CLASSES
Instructors: Susan Hutchcroft, Trent Tally, Jennifer Pease & Melody DeVere

Let’s fly in the garden
Ages 6-9, $75, June 9-13, 9:30-12, M-F
Ages 9-12, $75, June 23-27, 9:30-12, M-F
Ages 6-9, $75, July 7-11, 1:30-4, M-F
Ages 9-12, $ 75, July 21-25, 9:30-12, M-F
Ages  6-9, $75, Aug 4-8, M-F, 1:30-4
The studio will be abuzz with students creating colorful clay butterflies, wasps & bugs to decorate their gardens and homes. Everyone will get to take a whirl on the wheel.

 Garden Treasures
Ages 9-12, $75, June 16-20, 9:30-12, M-F
Ages 6-9, $75, June 16-20, 1:30-4, M-F
Ages 6-9, $75, July 14-18, 9:30-12, M-F
Ages 9-12, $75, July 14-18, 1:30-4, M-F
Ages 8-10, $75, Aug 4-8, 9:30-12, M-F
Let imaginations soar this summer. Brighten up your garden with a unique bird bath, garden fairies and gnomes. Everyone will get to take a whirl on the wheel.

Treasure Chest Boxes
Ages 6-9, $75, June 23-27, 1:30-4, M-F
Ages 9-12, $75, July 21-25, 1:30-4, M-F
Ages 6-9, $75, July 28-Aug 1, 9:30-12
Ahoy Mates! Make a new treasure chest and fill it with precious treasures. Everyone will get to take a spin on the wheel.

Youth Wheel
Ages 10-16, $75, June 9-13, M-F, 1:30-4
Ages 10-16, $75, July 7-11, M-F, 9:30-12
This class is for beginners and those who have a little experience. Students will learn basic techniques in throwing and design.
Students must be at least 54” tall.

Advanced Youth Wheel
Ages 10-16, $75, July 28-Aug 1, M-F, 1:30-4
This class is for students who are ready to work on pieces with lids, handles and feet.

To register for classes or for more information, please contact the NWACCC:
telephone:  479-927-2491
e-mail:  whereartstakeform@nwaccc.org
website:  www.nwaccc.org

Stonebridge Junior Golf Clinic in Fayetteville

April 24, 2008 | Leave a Comment

The Stonebridge Junior Golf Clinics are scheduled for June 11-13 and June 24-26, 2008.  Click here for the registration form.  The clinics run from 8:30-11:30am and cost $215 ($200 if paid by June 1).  The clinic includes:

• Jr. Golf T-shirt & Cap
• 9 Hrs. Instruction & Practice
• PGA First Swing Curriculum
• Dave Pelz Short Game Strategies & Techniques
• Golf Terms and Etiquette
• Practice Techniques in Driving, Pitching,
   Chipping and Putting

Summer Camp Options for the Two Income Family

April 14, 2008 | 1 Comment

Most summer day camps are half day programs geared toward families with a stay at home mom (or dad) or some type of supplemental childcare.  What if you both work and need childcare until 5:30 or so?  You will be glad to know that there are several options for full time summer care:

• Camp Central at the Central United Methodist Church in Fayetteville.  Central runs a highly respected daycare program that includes a summer program for K-6th graders (M-F 7:15am-5:30pm)
• Camp Get Away has been held at Happy Hollow Elementary in Fayetteville in the past, but this year will be at the Ridge View Baptist Church.  This camp is unique in that it is taught by certified educators.  I have heard good things about this program.  Click here for an application with more information.  June 19 through August 1, 2008 for K-6th graders (M-F 7:30am-5:30pm)
• The New School in Fayetteville offers full day summer camps for K-7th graders.  The New School has an excellent reputation both for its school program and summer camp.
• The Montessori School in Fayetteville opens up its summer program to non-students to the extent space is available.  I am rather biased toward Montessori, as my children have attended that school (and its summer program) for the past several years.  Call for more information (479)442-2904.
• The Fayetteville Boys & Girls Club offers lots of summer options, including an extension of its SKC afterschool program which will be held at the Owl Creek School, Vandergriff Elementary, and Prairie Grove School gyms for K-6th graders (M-F 7:30am-5:30pm).

These programs are all Fayetteville based.  If you are aware of options in other Northwest Arkansas cities (or ones I have missed in Fayetteville), add them in the comments or email me directly at terri@lifepluskids.com.

Summer Day Camps at the Rogers Activity Center

March 31, 2008 | Leave a Comment

From the City of Rogers Website:  Come join us this summer at the Rogers Activity Center for fun and excitement. Campers will go on field trips, play games, and enjoy arts and crafts while making new friends.

• Fee: $75 per week
• Hours: 6:30 a.m. -6:30 p.m.
• Ages: Children entering 1st through 7th grade
• One week sessions run: June 9 through August 8.

Summer Camp Options: KidsWrite

March 31, 2008 | Leave a Comment

The Northwest Arkansas Writing Project, a part of the National Writing Project, is hosting its annual Kidswrite camps on the University of Arkansas campus.  

If your child has an interest in writing, you will not want to miss this camp.  Click here for a registration form.

Kidswrite - June 16-26, 2008; cost $145; (for kids who have completed the 4th through 7th grades).  Students will experience nine days of writing with guest
speakers, walking field trips, daily newsletter publications, focus groups, and a huge performance day at the end of camp. If you enjoy playwriting, short story writing, and poetry, then Kidswrite is for you! 

Kidswrite II — July 14-18, 2008; cost $110; (for kids who have completed the 8th through 12th grades).  Description: Designed for emerging writers in grades 8-12, this five day camp from 9am-3pm will feature published writers, daily quick-writes, and published anthology of student work. Price includes t-shirt, daily snacks, writing journal, and lunch on the last day of camp.

For more information, contact Lynette Terrell at lterrell@sdale.org or 479-443-7637

Kids Camps at the Little Mountain Book Bindery in Fayetteville

March 20, 2008 | Leave a Comment

From The Little Mountain Book Bindery: 

As part of our growing education program we are offering children’s camps at LMBPS for the summer of 2008. Our children’s camps are designed to not only enhance your child’s creative experience, but to compliment the state and national standards required for arts education programs. These courses are designed so that your child could attend either an individual half-day or stay for the whole day and study a complimentary topic or activity. Our spots are limited, so sign up early.  Specific dates will be added soon!

• Dying, Dipping, Folding and Ripping (Paper arts) ages 5-8:  Have fun learning about the properties and possibilities of paper. This camp will explore decorative techniques such as dying, stamping, marbling and paste. Students will learn many ways to use these decorated papers including origami, collage and much more.
• Little Binders at the Bindery (ages 5-8):  Little binders will make books that fold out and pop up, books with secret compartments and books that are easily recreated with materials found at home.
• Printmaking/self-portraits (ages 8-12 and up): Push, pull and press your way through the world of printmaking. This is a great introduction to printmaking that is accessible to all students at any level of artistic prowess. Students who take this class will create a series of self-portraits using a variety of techniques including monotype, relief and rubber stamps. They will be taught how and encouraged to visually depict the multiple layers of the self through fun and careful introspection.
• My Family History (ages 8-12 and up): Each student will explore his/her own family history and write a memoir that will be bound into an interactive book.
• Asian Bindings (ages 9-13):  Together we will explore the history and tradition of Asian bindings. Each student will make several books to take home.
• Shan Shui (ages 9-13):   Shan, the character for mountain, and Shui, the character for water combine to define landscape in Chinese painting. Through a comprehensive study of balance, composition and structured practice, students study the art of Chinese landscape painting. Rigorous practice of the Shan Shui characters helps students master the correct way to hold the brush and how to control the flow of liquid. Students are exposed to many examples of Shan Shui paintings and have the opportunity to enrich their learning through further self guided explorations. While studying the Yin/Yang balance of opposites, students are challenged to create compositions in harmonious balance of positive and negative space. At the end of the week, students will create a beautiful wall hanging scroll. Drop by the shop to see an example
• da Vinci camp: Math/Science Enrichment Through Art (ages 13 and up):  Students in this camp will learn to “Think Like Leonardo” while exploring the mathematical and scientific elements of the natural world through careful observation and reflection. Looking to Renaissance art as inspiration, students will learn how to visually depict observations through a rigorous study of Renaissance drawing techniques.  Students will record ideas and create a bound notebook based on the famed notebooks of Leonardo da Vinci. 
• Bookbinding Basics (ages 13 and up): In this camp we will learn the basic elements of traditional bookbinding. Students will become familiar with traditional materials and tools while learning to measure, cut, and sew. We will learn to make several books ranging from pamphlets and accordions to more complicated bindings such as the single-signature case binding. Each student will take home a minimum of four books when this class is completed. We will discuss various aspects of the history of bookbinding as we go.
• Visual Art Portfolio:  This one-week workshop is designed for high school art students (though anyone is welcome). We will make a custom portfolio and learn the best ways to showcase our work for entrance into art school.

Click here to go to the camp webpage.

Summer Camps at the Fayetteville Boys and Girls Club

March 20, 2008 | 1 Comment

The Boys and Girls Club in Fayetteville has announced its 4^th annual summer Zing! program for kids. This fun half-day summer program allows kids to focus on what interests them – whether it be sports, art, acting, writing, computers, or more. The program takes place during the summer months from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. each weekday and the offerings include:

• Rock Climbing
• Football
• Basketball
• Soccer
• Baseball/Softball
• Volleyball
• Gymnastics
• Cheerleading
• Hook a Kid on Golf
• Arts & Crafts
• Pottery
• Club Tech
• Open Recreation
• Arts Live
• Spanish
• Interactive Video Gaming
• Multi-Swim
• Creative Reading & Writing
• GREAT (Gang Resistance Education and Training). 

** Registration begins April 14^th, 2008 and all classes are offered on a first-come-first-serve basis, so register early. **  Class offerings are tentative and subject to change.

Here’s a link to the class description and schedule.

AAO 2008 Camp of Champs

March 8, 2008 | Leave a Comment

Arkansas Athletes Outreach is hosting its 2008 Camp of Champs, a nondenominational sports camp led by AAO staffers and Christian Razorback athletes.  My oldest attended this camp last summer and had loads of fun.  For more information, or to register online, go to the AAO webpage.

• Who:  Boys and Girls ages 7-13
• What:  AAO Camp of Champs
• When:  June 9-12; June 26-19; and June 23-26
• Where:  AAO Complex, Fayetteville (directions on the AAO webpage)
• Cost:  $75 per session before May 16, $85 after

Dave O’Brien Soccer Camp

March 8, 2008 | 1 Comment

I have heard great things about the Dave O’Brien Soccer Camp in Springdale.  The camp is for kids ages 4-11 and is scheduled for July 7-10 from 6-7:30pm.  Go here for more information about the camp and registration.

Summer Reading Skills Programs

March 7, 2008 | Leave a Comment

The University of Arkansas School of Continuing Education and Academic Outreach is hosting several summer reading programs for children in Fayetteville and Bentonville.  The classes are taught by professional instructors from the Institute of Reading Development, and meet once a week for five weeks. 

Classes are offered for ages 4 through adult.  Younger children focus on phonics, comprehension, fluency and the love of reading.  Older children and adults focus on comprehension, reading speed and study skills. 

You can register online, or call the School of Continuing Ed and Academic Outreach at (800)979-9151

Calling All Young Naturalists: The Arkansas Audubon Society’s Halberg Ecology Camp

March 6, 2008 | Leave a Comment

The Arkansas Audubon Society sponsors two week-long Ecology Camps at Camp Clearfork (between Hot Springs and Mount Ida) for 11-12 year olds with an interest in the natural sciences.  The website does a great job of detailing all the activities, so check it out.

• What:  Halberg Ecology Camp
• Who:  11-12 year old boys and girls
• When:  June 15-20 or 22-27, 2008
• How much:  $275

Summer Camp Options: Eureka Springs School of the Arts

March 6, 2008 | Leave a Comment

The Eureka Springs School of the Arts is hosting a Youth Session of art classes for kids ages 7-11 from July 17-19, 2008.  Classes last from 9am-4pm.  Here are the offerings:

• Beginning Drawing and Painting
• Working with Metal Beatin’ Slashin’ and Bendin’
• From Stencil to Screen
• Air Brush Painting

I may get some friends to sign up their kids so we can spend a few days spa-ing and shopping in Eureka Springs.

Summer Camp Options: New Life Ranch

March 6, 2008 | 2 Comments

New Life Ranch is a nondenominational Christian camp located just West of Siloam Springs attended by many Northwest Arkansas kids.  The camp has been in existence for 50 years and hosts 1500 campers over 8 week-long sessions.  Children entering the 3rd grade through 12th grade are eligible to attend. 

The list of activities offered at this camp is impressive:  archery, riflery, disc golf, gym and field sports, skeet shooting, arts & crafts, weight lifting, mountain man, swimming, photography, newspaper, canoeing, tennis, drama, horsemanship, horse vaulting, high ropes, climbing and repelling, and mountain biking.

You can see a daily schedule or register online at the New Life Ranch website.  While you are there, be sure to check out the family camps.  Those look very cool, too.

Fayetteville’s Be Active! Summer Camps

March 6, 2008 | Leave a Comment

The City of Fayetteville is hosting several Be Active! day camps this summer:

The 2008 Sports and Fitness Camps include four week-long sessions focusing on a specific activity each week:

• Soccer — June 16-20
• Tennis — June 23-27
• Drama — July 7-11
• Swim/Fitness — July 14-18

These half day camps (they run from 9am to noon) are for kids ages 5-12 (must have completed kindergarten).  Click here to go to the camp website.

The 2008 Outdoor Adventure camp is sponsored by Lewis and Clark Outfitters and includes activities such as mountain bike riding, a climbing wall, kayaking, fishing, hiking, geocacheing, disc golf, wilderness survival, animal tracking, shelter building, and tree and plant identification.  The camp concludes with an outdoor adventure race.    Click here to go to the Outdoor Adventure Camp website.

The Outdoor Adventure camp runs the same weeks and times as the Sports and Fitness camp.  The brochure does not specify the age range for the Outdoor Adventure camp, so you may want to inquire about that. 

More UofA Summer Camp Options

March 5, 2008 | 2 Comments

Living close to the University of Arkansas has its perks, including top notch Razorback summer sports camps nearby.  A majority of the camps are geared toward older kids involved in competitive programs, but several camps are appropriate for younger kids just learning the sport. (Click on the blue links to go directly to the camp websites)

The Lady Razorbacks hold several camps for younger kids:

• soccer (boys and girls ages 4 and up)
• basketball (Kindergarten and up)
• gymnastics (ages 7 and up)

The Lady Razorback also hosts a golf camp for girls ages 10 and up, a volleyball camp for girls 4th grade and up, and a swimming camp for competitive swimmers ages 9 and up.

The men’s Razorback coaches also host several summer camps:

• Bobby Petrino Razorback Football Camp (5th grade and up)
• John Pelphrey Razorback Basketball Camp (1st grade and up)
• Dave Van Horn Baseball Camp (ages 7 and up)
• Track and Field and Cross Country Camp (no info online yet)
• Robert Cox is hosting an Adidas Tennis Camp for boys and girls ages 9-18.

Summer Camp Options: Ozark Natural Science Center

March 4, 2008 | 3 Comments

The Ozark Natural Science Center has posted its 2008 summer camp schedule for kids ages 8-18.  These educationally based camps teach kids about the environment through hands on experiential activities. 

The two night Fledgling Naturalist camp would be a great way to introduce your 8-10 year old to the idea of summer camp without committing to a full week away from home.  And the offerings for older children provide a great way for them to immerse in the beautiful Ozark mountains.  Here’s the 2008 schedule (pulled from the ONSC website).

Fledgling Naturalist (Ages 8-9) June 29-July 1, 2008 

Fledgling Naturalist Camp is a great way to introduce young nature enthusiasts to the wonders of the outdoors. Campers will spend 3 days and 2 nights learning about nature on ONSC’s trails, competing in Nature Olympics, and enjoying a cooling afternoon in the pool at Withrow Springs State Park. A campfire and moonlit hike highlight this experience. Cost: $250

Junior Naturalist I (Ages 10-11) July 9-12, 2008

Campers will spend 4 days and 3 nights exploring ONSC’s trails, creating nature art, and learning about biology, geology, and astronomy. Become a herpetologist for the evening and help identify frogs by their calls in a national research effort to monitor North America’s frog populations! Participants will also learn about river ecology while cooling off in the nearby Kings River and get an introduction to caving in Keizor Cave. Cost: $375

Junior Naturalist II (Ages 10-11) July 16-19, 2008 

This 4-day, 3-night camp includes an overnight campout at nearby Pine Creek and an exploration of Pine Creek Cave. Campers will learn terrestrial ecology and geology. Participants will become wildlife biologists for a day by learning about animal tracking techniques and then tracking transmitter-equipped turtles in ONSC’s box turtle research program. Participants will cool off in the Kings River and enjoy campfire experiences and reflections at the end of each day. Cost: $375

Senior Naturalist (Ages 12-14) June 17-21, 2008 

Spend 5 days and 4 nights learning about and exploring the Ozarks natural environment! Students will get more in-depth lessons in biology, ecology, and geology along the trails and streams of rural Madison County. Participants will camp 2 nights along the Kings River and explore the beauty and diversity of the stream while swimming and canoeing. Day hikes to nearby Fishtrap Bluff and a collapsed grotto with a hidden waterfall will provide students with an experience they will never forget. Following a cave ecology and safety lesson, students will venture into Whip-Poor-Will Cave for an intermediate caving experience and investigation of underground fauna and ecosystems. Cost: $475

Ozark Field Expedition (Ages 14-17) June 9-14, 2008 

Hike through the woods, paddle down the river, and crawl under the mountain in a unique 6-day, 5-night camp. ONSC’s Ozark Field Expeditions Camp debuted in 2007 and provided a unique experience for older summer campers to completely immerse themselves in the wonder of the Ozarks. This year’s camp will take participants to new places with new experiences. This camp includes 3 days of backpacking on the Buffalo River Trail, a canoe trip down the Buffalo National River, and an advanced caving trip. Students will develop a deep appreciation for our natural world while experiencing the best the Ozarks has to offer! All safety equipment and most backpacking equipment will be provided. Space is limited and special registration is required; please call (479)789-2754 for more information. Cost: $600

Ozarks Underground (Ages 15-18) June 23-28, 2008 

New for 2008! Join the dark side and explore parts of the Ozarks rarely seen. This intensive 6-day, 5-night event for older participants will be an event to remember! Campers will establish a base camp and make daily ventures into some of the most spectacular underground environments in the Ozarks. Special guest speakers and experienced cavers on ONSC’s staff will provide more in-depth instruction in proper caving techniques, safety, and cave ecology then we’ll head underground to explore. All safety equipment will be provided. Space is very limited and special registration is required; please call (479)789-2754 for more information. Cost: $600

For more information, click here to visit the Ozark Natural Science Center webpage.

LadyBacks Summer Soccer Academy for Ages 4 and Up

February 25, 2008 | Leave a Comment

The Ladybacks soccer team at the University of Arkansas has announced the details of their summer Soccer Academy for boys and girls with sessions in Bentonville and Fayetteville.

• June 9-13, 2008 in Bentonville (1/2 and full day) and Fayetteville (evening)
• July 14-18, 2008 in Fayetteville (1/2 and full day)

Both my boys have attended the camp in the past, and will again this year.  The camp is lots of fun and very organized – and my boys’ soccer skills definitely improved over the course of the week. 

The week-long camps offer half day programs for 4-7 year olds and half and full day options for kids 8-13 years old as well as a college prep academy for older girls.

The early registration deadline is April 12, 2008.  Go here for more information on dates and locations.  Download a copy of the registration form here. 

NOTE:  All sessions usually sell out, and you receive a discount for registering before April 12, so register early!

Are Your Kids Bored Yet? Need to Use up Some Excess Energy?

August 3, 2007 | Leave a Comment

The Morning News’ Local Sports Calendar lists several Northwest Arkansas sports camps for kids that are scheduled for August.  The local sports calendar also lists tryout information for several Northwest Arkansas youth sports teams.

Northwest Arkansas Community College Kids College

July 13, 2007 | Leave a Comment

The NWACC Kids College begins on Monday, July 16, 2007 for 3rd through 5th graders and on Monday, July 23, 2007 for 6th through 9th graders. 

I have no idea if they still have space, but the program looks really cool (go here for the registration packet and description).  According to this article in the Benton County Daily Record, approximate 250 kids are attending this year and will choose from 14 different activities.