Summer is fast approaching, and if you’re not sure what you’ll do for the roughly two-and-a-half months the kids will be home, we’ve got you covered! Summer camps are a great opportunity to keep your kids busy while allowing them to have a fun and memorable summer full of adventure and discovery. Not sure what camp to send your child to? We’ve pulled together a list of summer camps in Kansas and Nebraska ranging in price, age and activity. There’s sure to be something for everyone!
Bethel College Summer Camps: North Newton, KS
Is your kid less interested in adventure based outdoor camps and more ready for a niche interest camp? Bethel College offers summer camp sessions for students in kindergarten through twelfth grade in design, science, business and art. Some, like the Business Honor Scholars Camp, are limited to high school students and are competitive for entry. Others such as Uncle Carl’s Camps at the Kauffman Museum are open to all ages. Costs range from free, for accepted Business Honor Scholars, to $125.
Highlights include keynote speakers, portfolio-ready projects and professional instructors.
Bright Lights Summer Learning Adventures: Lincoln, NE
If you’re looking for more of a summer school vibe (but in a fun way!) this camp is designed for children in kindergarten through eighth grade and provides hands-on student learning opportunities during summer sessions. Both half-day and full-day camps are available and sessions range from $135 to $270. “Before Care” and “Lunch Care” programs are also available for additional fees and need-based scholarships are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Highlights include field trips, group activities and classes that cover a broad range of curriculum.
Camp Hiawatha: Wichita, KS
Offering both day and overnight camps, this camp is for children entering first through ninth grade. Each week-long, day camp session has it’s own theme, ranging from “Splish Splash” to “Mystery in Sherwood Forest” to “Spy Academy” and many more. It costs $130 per session. Overnight camps are for preteen and junior high students only and cost $209.
Highlights include team building challenges, camp fires, and skill-building games.
Camp Sonshine/Solaris: Roca and Firth, NE
Camp Sonshine offers a variety of day camps while Camp Solaris offers overnight camps for kids in third through twelfth grade. If you’re looking for something for the younger ones, the “Little Sibs Camps” are perfect. Children as young as three can join in the fun (even if they don’t have an older sibling). Another favorite is their “9th Inning Baseball Camp” which is available to kids in third through eighth grade. Costs range from $30 to $435 and are based on a tiered pricing scale. Additional scholarships are also available.
Highlights include a pancake breakfast, bonfires, day trips and a family cookout.
Camp Wildwood: La Cygne, KS
Camp Wildwood offers one-week overnight sessions at their outdoor education center for boys and girls ages 8 to 13. They also offer a “Mini Camp” that’s open to kids ages 7 through 12 who have never been to camp before and a “Leadership Camp” for teens ages 14 through 17. Prices range from $325 to $550 and financial assistance is available.
Highlights include swimming, ropes courses and other sports including fishing, archery, canoeing and survival hikes.
Camp Wood YMCA: Elmdale, KS
Camp Wood has a little bit of everything. Looking for a “Mini Camp” for kiddos ages 5 through 8? What about an all-teen camp or a just-for-girls/just-for-boys camp? They’ve got it all, plus camps that focus on cooking, construction, horses, drama, paintball, skateboarding, forensics and media. Choose from day or overnight options ranging from $155 to $850. Financial assistance and monthly payment plans are both available.
Highlights include horseback riding, a “paddle and climb” white water rafting trip in Colorado, and other adventures in your camper’s chosen session.
White Memorial Camp: Council Grove, KS
The Camp White Experience hosts a variety of camps ranging from three to six days in length for those in kindergarten through twelfth grade. Prices range from $160 to $567, although there are discounts for teams available. Various sessions include a Cross Country Camp, Young Adventurers’ Camp and a Family Camp where the whole crew is welcome.
Highlights include zip-lining, rock wall climbing, family games, tubing, s’mores and crafts such as tie-dying.
Is your child a member of 4-H?
If your child is a member of 4-H, here are a couple of additional camp options that are ideal for challenging them, helping them make friends and going on exciting adventures.
Nebraska 4-H Summer Camps: Gretna and Halsey, NE
4-H provides day and overnight camps for campers ages 6 through 18. With a variety of sessions aimed at adventure and learning in the outdoors, there’s something for everyone including a “Boldly Bound” course, a zoo overnight course and many more. Prices range from $125 to $470.
Highlights include day trips such as mini golf, zoo overnights, zip-lining, tubing and a shooting range.
Rock Springs 4-H Camp: Junction City, KS
Famous for their delicious cinnamon rolls and home-cooked meals, Rock Springs has both family camp and 4-H camp opportunities available. With various accommodations and tons of activities including outdoor swimming, horseback riding and rock wall climbing, there’s always something fun to do. Prices range from $65 – $275.
Highlights include canoeing, horseback riding, fishing, archery, rock wall climbing and mountain bikes.
No matter your budget, your schedule or your child’s interest, summer camp is a great way for them to make friends, gain confidence and make memories that will last a lifetime.