Misstropolis

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Are You Ready for the Summer?!

by Susan Graage

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In our never ending quest to help moms negotiate the challenging 10 weeks known as summer vacation, Misstropolis profiles some interesting options for the most discriminating campers. Don’t despair if you didn’t make it off the camp waiting list or don’t yet have your plans finalized.  Here are four great and unique options to round out any child’s summer:

For the Outdoor Explorer

Worcester’s Ecotarium, which calls itself a center for Environmental Exploration, is one of the hidden gems of central Mass. Part zoo and part science museum, the campus also includes a digital planetarium, nature trails, a treetop trek and a train ride. The Ecotarium’s Loring Summer camp offers three options for campers ages seven to 14: Amazing Animals, Cosmic Camp and Prehistoric Planet, as well as a leadership program for older campers.  Activities take place both at the Ecotarium and at a 320 acre site in Rutland, with each camp offering unique experiences and facilities. 

Animal Adventure campers will work with trainers caring for rescued birds, reptiles, and mammals, as well as New England’s only polar bear. Cosmic Campers will explore the digital planetarium and have a sleepover at the museum. Budding archaeologists at the Prehistoric Camp will get to experience arboreal life in the treetop canopy walkway. We at Misstropolis are Eco Tarium aficionados - their website lists a great line-up of summer events, and we may not be able to resist singing their praises again when their Zula Patrol has opened.

For the Rock Star

For children who have mastered an instrument or harbor dreams of being the next American Idol, Dayjams operates week-long rock camps nationwide for kids ages eight to 15. Dayjams is an offshoot of National Guitar Workshop, a much admired music camp for adults.

At Dayjams, kids choose voice, guitar, bass, keyboard, drums or horns and are grouped according to experience into bands.  Musicians lead them through the process of composing original music, promoting their band, performing and recording it and showcasing their talents in a final concert. Mindwalk Boulevard, a VH1 finalist in the “Your Move with Yes” contest, formed in a Boston Dayjams camp. Boston area locations of Dayjams are in Newton and Medford – currently Medford has more availability for summer 2008.

For the River God(ess)

To explore the natural beauty in our own backyard, Charles River Kayak and Canoe has a nice assortment of week-long camps for grades four through 12.

For grades four through six, half-day and full-day kayak and canoe camps will be offered at Lake Cohichuate in Natick. Older kids might be intrigued by the sea kayaking camps. If a child is not proficient in the skills for the advanced sea kayaking camp, a few private sessions might prepare him or her for this group and its trips along the Massachusetts coastline. Swimming in open water - always wearing their flotation devices, of course - is always a favorite of the campers.

For the Artisan

Finally, if none of these camps strike the right chord with your teen we saved perhaps the most unique opportunity for last. Boston’s Diablo Glass School introduces teens to the art of glass blowing in several week-long camps over the summer. 

Founded in 2001, Diablo offers courses to artists in conjunction with Mass Art as well as classes for hobbyists in a variety of glass techniques. Summer camps are for teens, ages 12 and up. Participants learn techniques such as fusing and slumping to create stained glass and many different objects, including paperweights, drinking glasses and beads.