Each summer, millions of kids attend a camp of some sort, but for many parents the process of selecting the right camp can be a daunting experience. So what's the best way to choose a summer camp to fit your child? Peg Smith, the chief executive officer of the American Camp Association, shared her tips for choosing the right camp. Smith says there is a lot more to be gained from the camp experience for children than just time away from home. "It's essential to the education of the whole child because they are learning life skills. This oftentimes is their first real opportunity to learn life skills such as independence, social skills, sportsmanship, leadership and self confidence."

So where should parents begin searching for a camp here in The Woodlands? The search begins and ends here! Here at Woodlands Events, we pride ourselves on our ability to help you plan your day. In that spirit, we give you the full list of The Woodlands Summer Camps to help you plan your summer as well! Whether it's hiking or biking, swimming or song and dance. Maybe your kids are looking for ways to brush up on some skills - or just cut loose and have fun. This is our biggest year yet for summer camps, and there's something for everyone. Take a look:

• Woodlands Township Summer Camps
• Houston Rockets Summer Camps
• YMCA Summer Camps

The following summer camps and activities are sponsored by The Woodlands Township Parks & Recreation Department. Fees can be paid online at their registration page. For more information, call Parks and Recreation at 281-210-3900. Unless noted otherwise, all Township summer camps are held at the Recreation Center, which is adjacent to Bear Branch Park.

The Sunny Dayz Camp - Anthology of Ologys will be held at The Woodlands Township Recreation Center. Kids ages 6 to 12 can be part of this year’s all new and exciting day camp program! Each week will focus on a new and fun theme, plus games, swimming, theme-related activities and crafts and more! Campers will be separated into two age groups.
Ages: Explorers: 6 - 8 (must have completed kindergarten); Adventurers: 9 - 12.

June 7 - 11 Sportology Play volleyball, basketball, tennis, softball, kickball, soccer, you name it. June 14 - 18 Biology Complete exciting experiments, ecosystem exploration, a mad scientist and much more. June 21 - 25 Meteorology Make volcanoes and tornadoes, simulate earthquakes and tornadoes and play awesome games. June 28 - July 2 Comic Book-ology Play superhero games, make a superhero costume and dress up as a new character each day!

Pre-Camp is from 7:30 - 8:30 AM, Camp runs 8:30 to 3:30 and Post Camp is from 3:30 - 5:30 PM. Fees: Weekly: $140 Pre-Camp: $20/wk Post-Camp: $35/wk Three days: $100/wk Daily: $40 Discounts: $200 - all 10 weeks, $100 - 6-9 weeks, $50 - 3-5 weeks, $15/wk sibling discount. Spots will not be saved without payment. Daily drop-ins welcome as space permits. Keep in mind that camp is all day, so pack a lunch and/or snacks!

Crossing Borders’ English (ESL) Summer Camp - A Day Camp designed for kids ages 5 - 12 who speak English as their second language. Classes use the immersion method to ensure students develop the best possible language skills. Classes are composed of vocabulary, grammar, listening and conversation instruction. Students also participate in fun activities and games that give them the opportunity to practice and develop their new language skills. Good for students at all levels of English development. There are two segments per day, divided by age: 8:30 - 11:30 AM for ages 5 - 8 and 12:30 - 3:30 PM for ages 9 - 12. Two sessions will run weekdays this summer, June 21 - July 2 and July 5 - 16 at the Recreation Center. Fees: $430 per session per child; $100 discount for Sunny Dayz Campers.

How Come? - Why is the sky blue? Where do rainbows come from? Why does the wind blow? This one week camp, held June 28 - July 2 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at 8203 Millennium Forest Drive, Building II will guide children through learning the answers to these questions and more as they experiment, create, engage, draw, color, discuss and share in the joy of their creative discovery. Ages: Incoming kindergartners to third graders. Fee: $200 per child

Woodlands Adventure Camp

The Woodlands Adventure Program is a unique day camp with experiential learning sessions in kayaking, indoor climbing, mountain biking, fishing, adventure racing and wilderness skills. This program will challenge your child’s abilities and boundaries while exploring new activities. The various activities take place in a demanding environment, participants must be able to function physically, cognitively and behaviorally in a manner that supports everyone’s safety. Swimming skills are required due to the number of water-related activities. Most equipment is provided with the exception of mountain bikes. Woodlands Adventure Camp is for kids ages 11 and older. Meet each morning June 21 - 25 at 9:00 AM at the Bear Branch Recreation Center before departing; returning at 4:00 PM each afternoon. Fee: $300 per camper

A great camp for kids ages 6 - 13, regardless of level of fitness. Campers participate in weight management and physical conditioning, simple calisthenics, stretching, a “Walk to Run” program, swimming, strength training and modules that cover basic anatomy and simple physiology related to health, fitness and nutrition. Youth Wellness Camp is instructed by Krista S. Malizia, NASM-CPT, PES. Camp is held Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, and pre- and post-camp options are available from 7:30 - 9:00 AM and from 1:00 - 5:30 PM. Youth Wellness Camp will be held each week from June 7 - August 13. Fee: $160 for the week per camper, plus $20 for the week for pre-camp and $55 for the week for post-camp.

Acting and Drama Camp - Budding thespians ages 7 - 13 will be part of a mini-play taught in five days (July 26 - 30) with a production at the end. Children will experience voice projection, public speaking, memorization, self-confidence, character study, discipline and fun! Class instructor is 30-year professional Caroline Batson. Camp is held from 1:00 - 2:30 PM at 8203 Millennium Forest Drive, Building II. Please send child with bottled water. Fee: $225 per camper.

Caroline Batson will also be instructing the Razzmatazz Jazz Theatre for children ages 6 - 13 on August 16 - 20 at the Bear Branch Recreation Center. Musical theatre is a fun way to teach voice projection, coordination, technique, confidence and memorization. Class with have an emphasis on jazz dance. Please send child with bottled water. Fee: $225 per camper.

Calling all future Project Runway contestants! Future fashionistas from incoming kindergartners to third graders will join age-specific design committees to develop and ignite each student’s unique creative fair! Participants will design and create their own fashion accessories. Each accessory will go from the idea phase to the sketch phase and from the design phase to the creation phase. Parents can attend an end-of-week fashion show, produced by the students and guided by the instructor, highlighting these creative designs. Fee: $200 per camper.

This all-in-one camp for kids entering kindergarten through third graders combines everything young girls love! Each day the creative theme, optional dress-up, arts and crafts projects, and music and dance routines will change. Half-day sessions will be held in the afternoons, from 1:30 - 5:30 PM, June 21 - 25. Monday - Superstar for a Day, Tuesday - Mermaids & Butterflies, Wednesday - Dancing Princesses, Thursday - Amazing American Girls and Friday - Fabulous Fashionistas. Fee: $160 per child. Girl Power will be held at 8203 Millennium Forest Drive, Building II.

Go Wild! - This flexible camp offers either full-day or half-day sessions, to be held at 8203 Millennium Forest Drive, Building II. Kids can let their imagination go wild on an awesome adventure to investigate extreme plants and amazing animals. Join Gizabelle to build a nature kit complete with microscope, bug cage and telescope. Meet live animals face-to-face! Full-day campers will take part in the Animal Olympics and make glowing fireflies, sticky octopus arms and more. Go Wild August 9 - 13! Ages: Kindergarten graduates to entering sixth graders. Fee: $275 per child for full day, $200 per child for the half day.

The perfect setting to introduce children to dance! Each camper will be treated to a sparkly makeover, manicure and pedicure. Camps include dancing, arts & crafts, stories, movies, manners and etiquette. Each camp includes a tea party with cookie/cupcake decorating and “tea.” Parents provide a sack lunch and costume. Each weekly theme includes a two-day session held between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM each day. Different themes are geared toward different ages, ranging from 3 - 7. Campers must be potty-trained. Dance camp will be held at 8203 Millennium Forest Drive, Building II Fee: $75 per week for Resident campers, $85 per week for Non-residents; siblings get 10 percent off total price for camps.

Kindergartners on up to kids entering the sixth grate can help Gizmo solve an Egyptian mystery and unearth two long-forgotten treasures by deciphering hieroglyphics, investigating the secret of the sands, predicting the rising of the stars to unearth a mummy and taking home a share of the gold in this half-day camp. Campers can take advantage of the full-day option and also build a take-home rock collection as they help Gizabelle solve the riddle of the Sphinx and reveal a crystal treasure. The sands of time will flow from July 19 till the 23rd. Mystery of the Pharaoh's Treasure Day Camp will be held at 8203 Millennium Forest Drive, Building II Half-day session is from 9:00 till noon and full day continues on until 3:30 PM. Fee: $275 full day, $200 half day, per camper.

Lego Mania and Lego Logo will be held June 14 - 18 at 8203 Millennium Forest Drive, Building II Lego Mania for kids ages 5 - 7 is an innovative program for Lego® buffs providing opportunities for imagination and hands-on learning under the guidance of a certified educator. More than 15 new games, projects, and activities not found in stores will be planned and manipulated. Lego Mania sessions are from 11:30 AM until 1:30 PM, in between Lego Logo sessions.

Lego Logo is designed for older kids, ages 8 - 12. Lego Logo brings young technicians into the creative high tech engineering environment of the computer age. The special Lego® Logo kits, not found in stores and equipped with computer hook-ups, provide opportunities for hands-on construction of computer-programmed projects along with technical programs. Lego Logo sessions are held twice daily, from 9:00 - 11:00 AM and 2:00 - 4:00 PM. Fees for either program are $120 per camper.

At Gizmo's Robot Factory, choose from either half-day or full-day sessions of this popular day camp, reconstructing one of Gizmo’s greatest inventions, the Buggy-Bot! Campers will build a giant motorized walking K’nex robot insect. Campers will investigate what makes a robot tick as they take a robot’s-eye view in 3-D, listen with electronic ears, and prepare to compete in the Robo-Olympics. All-day campers will also build a surprise robot model with five technologies and more! Ages: Kindergarten graduates to incoming sixth graders. Gizmo's Robot Factory will be constructed at 8203 Millennium Forest Drive, Building II July 26 - 30, 9:00 AM until Noon, or until 3:30 PM for full-day campers. Fee: $275 for full day, $200 for half day, per camper.

Gizmo's Space and Rocketry Day Camp will be held August 2 - 6 from 9:00 AM until Noon, or until 3:30 PM for full-day sessions. Campers from Kindergarten graduates to incoming sixth graders can help Gizmo build his brand new hydro-rocket. By using the power of air pressure and water, launch your own rocket more than 100 feet into the air! Bring a bottle from home. Full-day campers will also build a motorized K’nex Lunar Rover and more! Fee: $275 for full day, $200 for half day, per camper.

Little iKids Camp, for ages 3 to 7, and Big iKids Camp, for ages 7 to 12, allows adventurers to explore technology through creative activities, educational enrichment and recreation time. Small camp size with excellent camper-to-staff ratios! Bring a snack and drink each day. Little iKids is from 9:00 AM until Noon, and Big iKids is from 1:00 PM until 4:00 PM each day. Programs will be as follows:

• June 21 - 24
  For the Little iKids: Become a PC Vet to learn about the newest pet, “Puter.” Children learn basic computer and keyboarding skills while discovering about animal life and pet care, technology-based activities and creative pet play. Campers are welcome to bring their favorite stuffed animal.
  For the Big iKids: Learn the tricks of digital media in photography and movie creation. Children will discover digital concepts in animation, green screen technology and photo transformation. Introduced to Stop Motion, Photoshop and Movie Maker to create exciting multimedia projects.
• July 12 - 15
  For the Little iKids: All aboard the Music Tech Express! Discover musical genres and instruments at each “train stop!” Children are introduced to notes, rhythm, beat and musical terms through their train travel adventures. Includes geography, train-themed activities, instrumental crafts and music tech exploration.
  For the Big iKids: Experience a musical dream by creating a rock band! Children explore the fundamentals of band formation, song composition and musical creativity. Includes sound components, music theory and performance skills. Campers can use our instruments or bring their own.
• July 26 - 29
  For the Little iKids: Go on a grand adventure to the land of fairy tale dreams and mystical creatures exploring Lego® Robotics! Children document their adventure by creating their very own digital storybook constructing robot characters, adding music and narrating with their own voice. Includes fairy tale riddles, scavenger hunts and storybook adventures.
  For the Big iKids: Travel through time and space on a fascinating journey to a mysterious land filled with animal encounters and mythical beings! Experiment with Lego® Robotics by building dinosaurs, creatures, humanoids and time machines. Explore scientific discoveries, teamwork, problem-solving and basic computer programming.
• August 2 - 5
  For the Little iKids: Travel on an all-American road trip and explore some of America’s favorite things, such as vehicles, sports and space! Children will build simple machines, learn basic robotics and participate in geography and map-related activities. Includes Lego®-themed projects, technology discovery and creative play.
  For the Big iKids: Explore high-tech treasure hunting using various technologies. Children will apply map and geography concepts in search of hidden treasure. Children learn the fundamentals of computer and GPS technologies with challenging activities using geography, problem-solving and teamwork skills.

All iKids camps held at The Bear Branch Recreation Center. Fee: $160 per week, per camper.

Participants can choose between three programs: Cheerleading, Flag Football or Soccer. Held at Shadowbend Park, i9 Sports Camps will be held Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM during these six weeks: June 14-18, June 21-25, July 12-16, July 19-23, August 9-13 and August 16-20.

Cheerleading Camp - The camp offers a comprehensive overview of cheerleading. Participants will learn stretching, cheers, jumps, motions and routines.
Flag Football Camp - Camp includes complete overview of fag football and covers passing, catching, de-fagging and offensive and defensive positioning.
Soccer Camp - Participants receive a complete overview of soccer; engage in fast-paced drills, skill-building exercises, offensive and defensive positioning and scrimmages. Instruction is ideal for beginner and intermediate levels, ages 4 - 14. Fee: $130 Resident, $140 Non-resident, per week, per camper.

The U.K. International Soccer camps are divided into three age groups; Fun in the Sun (ages 4-6), Skills 'n Thrills (ages 7-10) and Compete with Your Feet (ages 11-16). These camps are aimed at both the recreational and developmental player. Each age-group curriculum focuses on fun, skill development, safety, learning and enjoyment. International coaches are trained in games and skills for all ages. UKISC will be held June 7-11, 9:00 AM - Noon at the Alden Bridge Sports Fields.

Fee: $115 Resident, $125 Non-resident, per camper. At the completion of the week-long camp, goalies and strikers are offered a chance to have individual training. On Saturday, June 12 from 9:00 AM until Noon, goalies and strikers of all ages (4 - 16) can attend the U.K. International Goalie and Striker Clinic. Fee: $25 per camper, Resident and Non-resident. Alden Bridge Sports Park is located at 4751 West College Park Drive (SH 242), not adjacent to Alden Bridge Park.

The Texas Soccer Academy Camp is the longest running soccer camp for kids ages 5 - 18 in Texas! Campers will learn soccer techniques from international staff from countries such as Brazil, England, Cameroon, Jamaica and the United States. The Texas Soccer Academy Camp will be held July 12 - 16 in two sessions each day at the Alden Bridge Sports Park, located at 4751 West College Park Drive (SH 242). The Skills session will be held from 9:00 AM - Noon, then the Tactics/Goalie session from 5:30 - 8:30 PM. Fee: $149 morning or evening, $249 both sessions, per camper.

The Fury Baseball Academy clinic offers a variety of instruction to improve skills while being taught the proper mechanics and fundamentals of the game. Instructors are selected from the coaching staff of the Fury Baseball Academy. Each class is a four-day session that does not meet on Tuesdays. Class is geared to campers ages 6 - 15. Choose from one of three Monday/Wednesday/Thursday/Friday Sessions; June 14 - 18, July 19 - 23 or August 9 - 13, 10:00 AM - Noon, at the Alden Bridge Sports Fields. Fee: $125 Resident, $135 Non-resident, per camper, per week.

Building Brains Lego® II for kids ages 6 - 12 will be held June 7 - 11 from 2:00 - 5:00 PM. Campers will learn to build simple machines using gears, levers and pulleys and then motorize these machines using Lego® and K’nex® educational kits. This camp builds math and science skills. Class also includes challenges to compete against one another to build the best design. Fee: $225 per camper.

Building Brains Lego® I for kids ages 3 - 5 will be held August 16 - 20 from 2:00 - 5:00 PM. Campers will build simple machines that really work using gears, levers and pulleys. Class themes include “Pirates That Can Build Anything”, the “Very Hungry Caterpillar” and “It’s a Bug’s Life.” Fee: $225 per camper.

Building Brains Lego® I and II will be held at 8203 Millennium Forest Drive, Building II.

Kids ages 5 - 12 can sign up for Beginner Youth Tennis Camp, and the first 10 to register each week get a free T-shirt! (One shirt per participant.) Kids ages 8 - 16 can sign up for Intermediate Youth Tennis Camp. Camps will be held simultaneously at the Bear Branch Tennis Courts from 9:00 AM - Noon each day. Snacks, crafts and instruction will be provided, campers will need to provide the tennis racket, water bottle and swim suit. Participants are separated according to age. Join in for great instruction, fun games and a cool down in the pool.

Camps will be held during the following weeks: June 7 - 10, June 14 - 17, June 21 - 24, June 28 - July 1, July 12 - 15, July 19 - 22, August 2 - 5, August 9 - 12 and August 16 - 19. Fee: $95 per week for Residents, $105 per week for Non-residents, per camper.

The above summer camps and activities are sponsored by The Woodlands Township Parks & Recreation Department. Fees can be paid online at their registration page. For more information, call Parks and Recreation at 281-210-3900. Unless noted otherwise, all Township summer camps are held at the Woodlands Township Recreation Center, which is adjacent to Bear Branch Park. *back to top*

This summer, the Houston Rockets and the National Basketball Academy are proud to offer week long camps designed to improve the skill level of youth basketball players ages 6-16. There are two camp sessions, the first will take place June 21 - 25 from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm at Legends Sports Complex, located at 602 Pruitt Road in Spring (77380). The second session will be held June 28 - July 2 at The Woodlands United Methodist Church, 2200 Lake Woodlands Drive in The Woodlands.

Rockets Summer Camp participants receive a free Rockets 2010-11 Game Ticket, Rockets Camp T-shirt, Rockets Headband, Rockets Basketball, and a Rockets Jersey Bag. Fee: $245 per week, per camper, with a $10 discount per sibling. To register log onto www.thebasketballacademy.com.

The YMCA builds strong kids, strong families and strong communities. 2010 will be the inaugural year for the newest Montgomery County YMCA, the Creekside YMCA. To help usher in this new location, The Woodlands' YMCA's will have summer camp activities available at all three locations. YMCA summer camp, sleep-away camp, overnight camp - whatever you call it, the YMCA has been doing it for more than 130 years! Most YMCA summer camps are co-ed, but some are just for boys or just for girls. YMCA camping programs vary by location. Ages often range from 7 to 17, with lengths of stay from as short as 3 days, to a week, two weeks, or four weeks. We suggest you visit the Web site links listed here, or phone those you may be interested in for specific details.

NEW adventures and opportunities are found at Camp Creekside! The new, 21-acre day camp site includes a treehouse and teepee village, play field, outdoor chapel and theater, an Alpine Adventure Tower, and a beautiful lodge. From swimming and group games, to craft projects, archery, outdoor education, hiking, science lessons and special events, children will have the chance to build a respect for the outdoors and make new friends along the way. A lifetime of rewarding memories await your child at the Creekside YMCA.

The Camp Creekside Day Camps for children age 5 - 11(must have turned 5 by September 1, 2009) will be held on the following weeks with their respective themes:

• June 7 - 11 Shakin’, Movin’, & Groovin’
• June 14 - 18 Hooray for our Heroes
• June 21 - 25 Adventures in Wonderland
• June 28 - July 2 Up, Up and Away
• July 5 - 9 Deep in the Jungle
• July 12 - 16 Super Soakin’ H2O
• July 19 - 23 Exciting Experiments & Phenomenal Projects
• July 26 - 30 All the World is a Stage
• Aug. 2 - 6 Magic Time Machine
• Aug. 9 - 13 Epic Battles
• Aug. 16 - 20 Where in the World is our Day Camp?

Day Camps for children ages 12 - 15 (a.k.a. "The Show") will be taking place simultaneously at the Shadowbend YMCA. Does your teen have talent? Bring it to the YMCA this summer. The stage is set for you to shine. The YMCA presents “the Show”, a weekly tribute to some of today’s most-popular reality television shows, where YOU’RE the star! Are you amazing on your feet? Look good in a cool pair of shades? Extremely handy at home construction? Whatever your talent, put it to the test. No more sitting on the sidelines. Teen Day Camps will be held on the following weeks with their respective themes:

• June 7 - 11 Survivor
• June 14 - 18 Myth Busters
• June 21 - 25 Wipe Out!
• June 28 - July 2 Extreme Makeover
• July 5 - 9 Sports Center
• July 12 - 16 Man v Wild
• July 19 - 23 Dirty Jobs
• July 26 - 30 Y’s Best Dance Crew
• Aug. 2 - 6 The Amazing Race
• Aug. 9 - 13 Discovery Channel
• Aug. 16 - 20 Heroes

All Day Camp hours are 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, with pre-camp supervision available from 7:00 - 9:00 AM and post-camp supervision available from 4:00 - 6:30 PM. Registration can be completed at the Welcome Center at 6145 Shadowbend Place, The Woodlands, 77381 or online at the YMCA Website. Facility Member Fees: $160 per camper, $200 for non-members. Fees must be paid on or before the Thursday prior to the program, otherwise late fees are $190 per camper for Facility Members and $230 per camper for non-members. Don't want to commit to the entire week? Limited space may be available for daily drop-ins at $70 per camper per day. Fees include a t-shirt, additional t-shirts may be purchased for $10. For more information, call the Day Camp Director or Nathan Pieper, Teen Camp Director at 281 367-9622.

Sleepover camp for ages 8 - 16 at Camp Cullen! Nestled among the tall pines on 530 acres on Lake Livingston, YMCA Camp Cullen gives the experience of a lifetime. Progressive programming for campers of every age gives the opportunity to maximize your camper’s experience through activities such as water sports, horseback riding, climbing on the ropes course, drama and more. Campers also gather as a cabin group each day where they play, learn and bond together while participating in fun activities like campfires and scavenger hunts. There are one and two week sessions available. One week sessions will take place June 13 - 19, June 20 - 26, June 27 - July 3, July 4 - 10, July 25 - 31, August 1 - 7 and August 8 - 14. This year's two week session will take place July 11 - July 23. For YMCA Facility Members, Fee is $449 per camper, per week; $599 for non-members. The two-week session fee is $1,048 for Facility Members, $1,198 for non-members. For more information and registration, visit the YMCA Camp Cullen website or call toll free 866 YMCA-ORG (962-2674). YMCA Camp Cullen is located at 460 Cullen Loop, Trinity, Texas 75862 (Camp Cullen has taken the place of Camp Pine Tree).

8203 Millennium Forest Drive