Educational & Creative Summer Programs
As summer nears, many parents are once again considering how to keep their children鈥檚 minds and bodies active during the long school break. As screen time grows, we encourage parents to find creative ways for children to spend time outdoors, socializing, and learning during the summer months. If you haven鈥檛 made plans for your children yet, rest assured there are still plenty of educational, creative, and adventurous summer options for children of all ages. The programs below all have open applications and availability as of this writing.
Known as one of the most prestigious programs for children interested in performing or fine arts, Interlochen offers camps in theatre arts, music, creative writing, visual arts, and dance. Located in northwest Michigan and open to students in grades 3鈥�12, children will spend time each day practicing their instrument or chosen art form, plus generous time outdoors on Lake Michigan swimming, hiking, canoeing and sailing. It is known for its excellent balance between professional arts coaching and enjoyable leisure and social time for campers. Notable Interlochen alumni include musicians Norah Jones, Josh Groban, and聽Chappell Roan, as well as Academy Award-winning actress聽Da’Vine Joy Randolph, and聽Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Mary Oliver.
Run by Columbia University in Vermont, Columbia Climate School is a two-week program for students in grade 9-12 interested in issues affecting climate, policy, sustainability, Earth, and society. Daily activities include lectures and team-building exercises, time outdoors including plant walks and berry picking, and traditional camp activities, like s鈥檓ores, campfires, kickball, and soccer. The school emphasizes action and planning; students will walk away feeling empowered to make meaningful change in the world.
The New York Times Summer Academy is open to high school students (grades 10-12) interested in journalism and media. Led by seasoned journalists, editors, and media professionals in New York, the academy allows students to investigate, ask questions, and learn about journalism in a college-like dorm setting. Students can choose classes from a range of topics, including photojournalism, arts and culture writing, political reporting, sports journalism, visual storytelling, and editing. The school offers access to top reporters and writers so students can learn from the best in their field. The academy also helps coordinate cultural outings in and around New York City during students鈥� downtime. Local day students are welcome too.
International students can get a taste of Oxford University during this residential summer program for students aged 13鈥�18. The rigorous program includes morning classes in topics such as English and global leadership followed by professional coaching in the afternoons in a range of fields including tennis and photography. Outside of the classroom, students will explore the Oxford campus and surrounding areas. Students stay in individual single rooms on campus, which allows for a glimpse into dorm life while still maintaining privacy and safety.
For West Coast families looking for a fun outdoor experience for children, we love Aloha Beach Camp. Led by certified lifeguards, the Malibu camp has programs for children ages 3 through 15 in swimming, surfing, boogie boarding, and ocean safety. Many children return year after year for 10+ years, and it is known for being exceptionally good with children experiencing learning differences, ADHD, and autism; contact the camp to find out if it is a good fit for your child.
For those looking for a traditional and well-structured day camp on the East Coast, we love Camp Ramaquois in聽Pomona, NY. For campers ages 3 through 10th grade, the camp offers聽programs highlighting swimming, STEM, and outdoor sports, all in a beautiful lakeside environment.
Newsweek鈥檚 list of聽 is a great resource to search by star rating, location, overnight vs. day camp, coed or separated.
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