There’s Something For Every Kid At These 19 Arkansas Summer Camps
Summer is undoubtedly a wonderful time of year, and it’s most delightful for kids. Going to camp is an experience for every kid and a great opportunity to make new friends, memories, and weird little crafts to take home and show off. Summer camp is also a great chance for today’s youth to learn not just social skills but also physical skills (rope climbing is a distinct summer memory). These camps across the Natural State are a great option for the upcoming season.
High Point aims to train the next generation of leaders. Along with enjoying games and activities, campers will have time for personal meditation and quiet time along with opportunities for spiritual worship and small group interaction.
Camp Aldersgate’s summer medical camps provide a traditional residential camp experience for children challenged by medical conditions or disabilities. The season consists of five “MedCamp” sessions dedicated to children with specific conditions or disabilities, as well as two “Kota Camp” sessions that provide an inclusive camping environment for children with and without disabilities.
Students who have had from one to three years of school band experience are eligible for this summer program. 2015 marks the 50th anniversary of Henderson State University’s band camps.
This camp offers two programs. Counselor in Training 1 is a continuation of leadership development and outdoor skills. During their time at camp, CIT1s will shadow staff, lead activities, and visit two to three other camps. Counselor in Training 2 is a culmination for girls to apply their leadership development and outdoor skills to the world of resident camp.
This Christian camp offers worship along with an active week full of traditional camping activities including kayaking, crafts, hiking, archery, zip-lines and more. The camp takes place at the Ozark Conference Center.
This Christian summer camp is designed for kids to experience a little bit of country life. Campers stay active with traditional activities like crafts, fishing, horseback riding and archery. But there’s also a newspaper staff, cheerleading and water activities.
The Boys Junior Academy will feature local club and high school instructors. Current and former UCA players will help the staff coaches all week long. The Boys Senior Academy will feature a more intense and physically demanding week of instruction for the player looking to be evaluated and trained like a college soccer player.
Players work directly with the University of Arkansas coaching staff and lower division coaches to improve their overall football skills specific to each player’s position. There will be 7-on-7 games for the skill players and weight training and instruction for the lineman. Shoulder pads and helmet are required.
Families can camp together during this last blast of summer. There are activities for every age including Sonshine Camp for children ages newborn to 5 years old. Each family stays in private lodging; space is limited to 20 families.
Boys enjoy a fun-filled week of go-carts, archery, boating, fishing, overnight camp-outs, swimming and more. The fee includes all meals and snacks and a camp T-shirt.
Choose from about 20 themed overnight camps where kids can have fun and grow their faith. Activities include hiking, swimming, canoeing, fishing, large group games, crafts, large group worship, small group Bible study, games, campfires and special events.
Owned and operated by Harding University, and located in the Ozark Mountains, Camp Tahkodah is about faith, fun and friendship. Campers enjoy daily outdoor Bible classes, horseback riding, swimming, softball, basketball, ping pong, tennis, hayrides, archery, volleyball, crafts, canoeing, fishing, picnics, hikes, Bible bees, talent nights, and other memorable experiences.
Honors Symposium is an experience where students grow spiritually and academically. This is accomplished by daily engagement with Harding professors and mentoring with some of Harding’s student counselors. Three hours of university credit are awarded to all who successfully complete the Symposium. This credit is transferable to the college or university of the participant’s choice.
Dozens of overnight themed camps from three days to two weeks are hosted by the Girl Scouts Diamonds of Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas and are open to all girls (an extra fee applies to those not enrolled in the scouts). Campers will sing songs, build campfires, make s’mores, canoe, horseback ride, rock climb, develop leadership skills and more.
Students enrolled in this program will study the power of media, examine cultural narratives, and help tell important stories as they learn more about their own story. Students will read, write, photograph, edit, record, document, interview and publish. Three hours of university credit are awarded to all who successfully complete the program. This credit is transferable to the college or university of the participant’s choice.
Ozark Mission Project is a nonprofit mission of the Arkansas Area United Methodist Church. The organization brings church youth groups to campsites around Arkansas where they engage with the surrounding communities and serve neighbors who need minor construction and yard work.
This camp focuses on both individual and team skill development for competitive players. Campers will receive skill instruction in all defensive position groups. Offensive skills taught include hitting, slapping, bunting, and base running. Campers will be also be divided into competitive teams and participate in games and/or scrimmages.
The Arkansas 4-H Center hosts a variety of overnight camps year round. Activities are varied for a well-rounded experience, and ages and cost are dependent on the specific camp. Visit the website for a complete list of camps and activities.
Originally called "Ozark Boys Camp," this popular camp in the Ouachita National Forest opened its gates in 1949. Since 1985, it has grown from 18 cabins to 80 and from serving 375 campers to over 5,000 each summer. Campers here enjoy waterslides, rock climbing, and positive social interaction amongst their age group.
School is almost out and it’s time to find something for the kids to do, so if you’re in the Natural State you should check out some options for an opportunity for your child to gain some skills during the summer!
