Staff Reports
HANCOCK COUNTY — There’s no doubt about it: Summer 2020 wasn’t so great.
But if all goes well, this summer will be a celebration of getting back to a more laid-back, care-free lifestyle.
The trend toward resuming activities is reflected in the number of summer camps and other activities that are opening back up to give children — and their parents — a renewed sense of freedom over summer break.
Here is a list of opportunities taking place throughout Hancock County. If you know of other summer camps in the area that are not listed here, you can email information to the Daily Reporter at [email protected].
BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF HANCOCK COUNTY
Summer Camp
After delaying and decreasing last year’s summer camp due to COVID, the Boys & Girls Clubs is back in action this year, providing a day camp that includes activities like swimming, arts, sports and hiking. The camp also incorporates weekly themes and special field trips.
The summer camp will serve kids ages 5-18 and offers a Junior Staff program for youth entering grades 9-12.
The camp will operate 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. weekdays, in one-week sessions running from June 7 through July 23.
Drop-off is from 7:30 to 8:45 a.m., and pickup is from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. each day at the club, 715 E. Lincoln St. in Greenfield. Club facilities are handicap-accessible.
The cost for camp is $75 for each one-week session.
To register, visit bgchc.com/summer2021. For more information, contact Robb Reed at 317-462-2404 or [email protected].
GREENFIELD PARKS & RECREATION
Kids Kamp
The Greenfield parks department’s Kids Kamp also went on hiatus last year but is back on track this summer. The summer camp is open to children ages 6-12 and runs Monday through Friday, May 31 through July 28.
The camp features art, games, field trips and educational opportunities each day from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The registration fee is $170 for Greenfield residents and $180 for non-residents, which includes a $40 registration fee; a $45 field-trip fee; and the first week’s payment. Subsequent weeks costs $85 for residents and $95 for non-residents.
To register, visit parks.greenfieldin.org. Email [email protected] or call 317-477-4340 for more information.
Art Studio Camp
Greenfield Parks & Recreation is offering an Art Studio Camp under the direction of art instructor Rachel Holmes, starting June 14.
There will be four themed camps, running four days each, for children ages 6 to 12.
The camp for 6- to 8-year-olds will meet from 9 -11 a.m. and costs $90 per week. The camp for 9- to 12-year-olds will meet from noon to 3 p.m. and costs $110 per week. Multi-child discounts are available.
Camp themes include: Nature & Art (June 14-17); Games & Toys (June 21-24); Castles, Kings & Queens (July 12-15); and Living the Dream (July 19-21).
To register, visit parks.greenfieldin.org. Email [email protected] or call 317-477-4340 for more information.
NAMELESS CREEK YOUTH CAMP
Plug Into Nature
The Plug Into Nature Camp returns this year, providing outdoor opportunities for children to grow closer to nature. Students will participate in various outdoor activities including hiking, nature journaling and searching for tracks and signs.
Campers will also be taught by local experts about wild edibles, campfire safety, animal habitats and caring for the environment by leaving no trace.
PIN Camp runs from July 12-16. Registration is open through May 31.
To register, contact camp director Brittany Bennett at [email protected] or visit namelesscreekyouthcamp.com
HANCOCK COUNTY CHILDREN’S CHOIR
Summer Camp
Hancock County Children’s Choir is now taking registrations for its one-day summer camp and auditions, to be held June 7 at Brandywine Community Church, 1551 E. New Road in Greenfield.
The camp runs from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for students in grades 7 through 12, and from 12:30 to 5 p.m. for students in kindergarten through sixth grade.
Visit hancockcountychildrenschoir.org to register or for more information.
CAMP INVENTION
Summer Enrichment Program
Camp Invention, a nationally recognized summer enrichment program, is now taking registrations for the week-long science exploration camp.
This year’s hybrid program features both offline activities and optional online sessions, enabling hands-on exploration through the Innovator’s Toolkit delivered directly to each participant.
The program “brings home imagination and creative problem solving” with four themed activities, step-by-step guides and an Innovator Workshop. Local certified instructors take the campers through each day’s activities, with children choosing to attend the four daily online collaborative sessions or move at their own pace.
Visit invent.org/programs/camp-invention to find a nearby camp and learn more about the program.
PEEWINKLE’S PUPPETS
Summer Camp
Peewinkle’s Puppets will play host to a summer puppet camp for kids ages 5-12.
Session 1 will take place July 20-24 at The Irving Theatre, 5505 E. Washington Street in Irvington.
Session 2 will take place July 27-31 at Westside Garden Plaza, at 8616 W. 10th St. in Indianapolis.
Each camp begins with a show by Peewinkles and ends with a show put on by campers for their families, at 3 p.m. the last day of camp.
The camp is divided by age groups: Mini-Monsters (age 6 to 8) and Junior Monsters (age 9 and up).
Those ages 5-8 will have attend the “Bug Puppets Galore” camp, where they’ll make a ‘buggy’ hand puppet, marionette, mouth puppet and black light puppet. They will also make stage props for the final show.
Those ages 9 and up will celebrate the theme, “Insects Here, There and Everywhere,” and will make a marionette, a shadow puppet and a black light creation. They will also make stage props for the final show.
Campers should bring sack lunch, snacks and drinks. Tuition is $225.
Each session is limited to 12 campers. Reserve a spot by making a $50 deposit by June 7.
For more information, visit peewinklespuppets.org or email Debbi at [email protected].
