SUMMER CAMPS

Downtown Summer Camps

We’ve compiled a list of summer camps offered in or near downtown Dayton for 2023. See each venue’s website or other links for more information or to sign up for a camp.

Black Box Improv Kidprov

https://www.daytonblackboximprov.com/kidprov.html

Each student will play their hearts out learning the power of listening, character building, and something in the improv world known as “yes, and,” all while making new friendships along the way. Not to mention, they’ll be looking stylish in their Black Box Improv Summer Camp T-Shirt.

To close out the week of learning, we will be throwing a Summer Camp Showcase where friends and family can come experience all the fun of a live show performed by the students themselves!

Ages 13-17, July 17-July 21

Camp: Monday-Friday 9am-3pm
Student Showcase: July 22
Cost: $350 (includes t-shirt)

Ages 9-12, July 24-July 28

Camp: Monday-Friday 9am-3 pm
Student Showcase: July 29th
Cost: $350 (includes t-shirt)

Boonshoft Museum of Discovery

Age 5 and 6

8:30am-11:30am

Little Astronauts:

Rockets and planets and stars, oh my! We will explore our sky and learn what it takes to be an astronaut with planetarium voyages, hands-on activities, and rocket launches. Traverse the solar system and beyond as a little astronaut. Prepare for blast off!

Little Zookeeper (Wild Kratts)

Time to put your creature suits on, Kratts Kids! Earn your creature disks as we will travel through different habitats around the globe and explore the animals that live there. But watch out! We may have to save a few animals on our adventures! During this camp we will learn about animals from the Discovery Zoo and so much more!

Little Scientist (STEAM Camp):

Do you have a budding scientist at home who wants to do science every day? Or loves learning about all the sciences? This is the camp for them! Campers explore a variety of scientific topics through hands-on exploration activities and experimentation in our unique museum setting.

Age 7-9

8:30am-3:30pm

Junior Space Explorer:

Explore our solar system and beyond with telescopes, rocketry, and more! Campers will learn about the night sky in our planetarium, and investigate tech and training that has taken people to the moon. Experiment with wayfinding and make take-home tools to explore space from your own backyard!

Junior Zookeeper:

Do you have a young camper interested in a career in animal care? Introduce them to the basics of the profession as they learn about the different animals found in the Boonshoft’s Discovery Zoo. Campers will learn more about natural habitats, special animal characteristics, and how the Discovery Zoo team cares for well over 100 different animals every day.

Junior Scientist:

Age 10 – 13

8:30am-3:30pm

Space Explorers:

Experience the challenges and triumphs of exploring space! Campers will explore the solar system and beyond in our planetarium, experiment with rocketry, and learn how to find deep-sky objects from their own backyards. Each camper will create astronomical observation tools to bring home at the end of the week!

Zoo Keepers:

Are you dreaming of a future career as a Zoo Keeper? This camp includes special opportunities like behind-the-scenes opportunities and behavioral observations. Campers will also learn about general biology, nutrition, medicine, behavioral training, and exhibit design.

S.T.E.A.M Camp:

Do you have a budding scientist at home who just can’t get enough, and can’t wait to grow up and do science every day? Or loves learning about all the sciences? This is the camp for them! Campers explore a variety of sciences through hands-on exploration and experimentation. Campers will also be able to partake in behind-the-scenes experiences and have more in-depth learning opportunities around the museum

Carillon Historical Park

Settler Survival Camp

The Miami Valley comes to life from an early settler’s perspective during this exciting camp. Learn about historic woodworking, early travel methods, hearth cooking, textiles, gardening, and so much more!

Venue: Carillon Historical Park

Age: 8 y/o – 12 y/o

Capacity: 22

Prices: $160.00 through $175.00

Dates: 7/10/2023 through 7/24/2023

https://shop.daytonhistory.org/SelectEvent.aspx?eventid=1000034

Dayton Art Institute

KIDS CAMP:

1st-3rd Grade

Camp information posted spring 2023

Campers entering grades 1, 2 and 3 in the fall

Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Young artists learn about their weekly theme through story time, explore related artwork in the museum galleries, learn new and exciting things about art-making processes, and create masterpieces of their own during a week of camp. Campers create 2D and 3D art with paint, clay, sculpture and much more.

YOUTH CAMP:

4th-6th Grade

Camp information posted spring 2023

Campers entering grades 4, 5 and 6 in the fall

Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Intermediate artists learn art-making skills pertaining to their camp theme from local artists and art educators. They visit museum galleries to gain inspiration and create incredible works of art in fully stocked artist studios, all while having tons of fun with other young artists.

TEEN CAMP:

https://www.daytonlive.org/events/summer-camp-untold-stories/

Get on the stage! In SUMMER CAMP: UNTOLD STORIES we are going to use our voice, body, and creativity to collaborate and tell stories that are uniquely us! If you are new to theatre or just want to explore, SUMMER CAMP: UNTOLD STORIES is a fun place for you. In this week-long camp the creative space is transformed into an environment where anything is possible, and everyone is welcome. Build a stronger sense of self and have fun while you’re doing it! The week culminates in a recorded Informance.

Venue: PNC Arts Annex

Age: 2nd – 6th

Capacity: 15

Prices: $99 (ACE Eligible)

Dates: 7/3/2023 through 7/7/2023 (1pm- 4pm; no camp on 7/4)

TBD the Musical

https://www.daytonlive.org/events/summer-camp-tbd-the-musical/

Its time for you to be heard! Teens collaborate to create a performance around themes and ideas that are important to them. In SUMMER CAMP: TBD THE MUSICAL, we will spend a week working with teaching artists who will help to guide teens through a process that will lead to self-discovery, a chance for self-expression, social emotional exploration, and the opportunity to share a story that is uniquely them through art forms like storytelling, acting, movement, poetry, and music. This camp culminates in an Informance for family and friends on the final day

Venue: PNC Arts Annex

Age: 6th-12th

Capacity: 15

Prices: $249 (Scholarship available/ACE Eligible)

Dates: 7/10/2023 through 7/14/2023 (9am-3:30pm)

Musical Production Finding NEMO JR

https://www.daytonlive.org/events/summer-camp-musical-production/

Join us this summer as we present Disney and Pixar’s Finding Nemo JR.! In this 2-week all day intensive we’ll create a full-scale production to be performed in the PNC Arts Annex. It’s a great opportunity to experience being in a theatre production in a safe and encouraging environment! You’ll dance, sing, act, and make memories to last a lifetime. We will perform the show for enthusiastic audiences in the PNC Arts Annex Theatre! Previous theatre experience is not necessary to participate.

Venue: PNC Arts Annex

Age: 3rd-12th

Capacity: 35

Prices: $499 (ACE Eligible)

Dates: 7/24/2023 through 8/5/2023 (M-F; 9am-3:30pm)

The International Peace Museum

Summer Peace Camp 2023

Ages 6-12

June 26-30, 2023
9am-12pm

$95 (scholarships available)

K12 Gallery & TEJAS

K12 Gallery & TEJAS offers an exciting variety of summer art camps and classes! K12 offers full-day camps for all ages. Summer Sessions run from

June 5-August 4. Keep in mind some classes fill up early, so register soon!

Summer Art Camp Sessions:

Week 1: June 5-9 Week 2: June 12-16 Week 3: June 19-23 Week 4: June 26-June 30

Week 5: July 3-7 (No Class) Week 6: July 10-14 Week 7: July 17-21 Week 8: July 24-28

Week 9: July 31-Aug 4

Weekly Summer Camp Schedule:

Monday through Friday:

8:30-9:30 Before Care

9:30-12:00 Morning Studio Class

12:00-12:30 Lunch Break

12:30-3:00 Afternoon Studio Class

3:00-4:30 After Care

General Camp Info: Students are encouraged to align with the camp/class of their rising grade. Parents are required to complete a registration and emergency medical form. Parents will receive a student pick up card with further information about drop off/pick up the first day of their child’s camp. Students should wear clothes that can get messy. Full day campers should bring an insulated sack lunch, beverages, and snacks every day. Each week, camps will culminate in a Friday Art Party, where students will share the artwork they have created throughout the week. Friends and family are invited to enjoy the artwork and a food truck from 2:00-3:30pm.

There will be a 15 minute break in the morning and afternoon.

PLEASE NOTE: All artwork created in our camps must be taken home at the end of the week. If artwork is not taken home by the end of the week for any given camp, the artwork will become property of K12 Gallery & TEJAS.

K12 Gallery & TEJAS is not responsible for damage to personal items. All personal belongings, including electronic devices, should be put away during class.

Disclaimer: Classes are subject to consolidation based on enrollment. Classes may differ from description due to availability of materials.

Summer Camp Pricing:

Full-day week-long camps: $350 ($300 if you register by March 30th)

*Some classes cost extra for materials.

Before & After Care Pricing:

Full Week before care (8:30-9:30am): $75

Full Week after care (3:00-4:30): $150

Full Week both before and after care: $200

Classes are capped at 10-20 students per class. It is recommended that you register via our website or by phone several weeks prior to the class start date. Once the classes are full, we will remove the ability to register for them on our website. Cancellations: Prior to 14 days before camp, registration fee will be refunded less a $50 processing fee. Less than 14 days before camp, registration is non-refundable.

Interested in applying for a scholarship? Thanks to the Virginia Kettering Foundation, K12 offers scholarships for students based on merit and financial need.

Adult Summer Classes: From painting and drawing to glass blowing and mosaics, our summer adult art classes offer students age 13+up the opportunity to learn a new media or develop new techniques with a media already enjoyed. Classes run on Fridays 9:30am-12:00pm or 12:30pm-3:00pm for one week.

All students will need to have an Emergency Medical Form SAC 2023 completed or the first day of class.

Any questions about summer programming can be addressed to Steve Yates steve@k12tejasgallery.org or by calling 937-461-5149.

For information about scholarship opportunities, click here.

k-5th: https://k12tejasgallery.org/product-category/kids-classes/https-k12tejasgallery-org-product-category-teen-classes-3rd-5th-grade-art-camps/

6th-8th: https://k12tejasgallery.org/product-category/teen-classes/6th-8th-grade-art-camps/

9-12th: https://k12tejasgallery.org/product-category/teen-classes/9th-12th-grade-art-camps/

adult: https://k12tejasgallery.org/product-category/adult-classes/adult-summer-art-classes/

Kroc Center

Camp Kroc is a ministry of the Dayton Kroc Center. At the heart of the Camp Kroc philosophy is our focus on building authentic relationships with caring adults and other children, but most importantly, with Jesus. We call it a child-centered program; the campers call it the best summer ever!

New this Year! Ages 5–12 (Must be 5 by January 1, 2023.)

Week 1: June 5–9 | OUT OF THIS WORLD

Week 2: June 12–16 | AMAZING RACE

Week 3*: June 20–23 | JR CHEF

* There will be no camp on Monday, June 19, in observance of the Juneteenth holiday.

Week 4: June 26–29 | MAKE IT MESSY

No Camp: July 3–7

Week 5: July 10–14 | IMAGINATION

Week 6: July 17–21 | GOING GREEN

Week 7: July 24–28 | FEAR FACTOR

Summer Camp Hours: Monday–Friday 8 AM–4 PM

Post-camp: 4 PM–5:30 PM | $30 per week per child

(Discounts and scholarships do not apply to Post-camp.)

Holiday Notice:

Week 3 is shortened in observance of the Juneteenth holiday. Prices for this week will reflect this.

Levitt Pavilion Dayton

Signature Levitt Summer Camp Program is for all teens, ages 14 – 19 years old in the Dayton area who want to learn, perform, and work in the fields of music and /or creative arts. This one-week experience will give every camper the freedom to select their own summer camp activities track. We embrace your love for performance arts and as an innovative response to the pandemic Signature Educational Solutions and Home of Urban Creative Arts teamed up with Levitt Pavilion Dayton to lift the voices, and strengthen the individual and collective skill-set of aspiring youth in our community.

Due to the success of last year’s camp, we are able to provide FULL SCHOLARSHIP funding for each selected participant. We are encouraging everyone to get your application in as soon as possible, spaces are limited. We are accepting 25 students for the 2023 program, above that we will create a waitlist.

July 10-15

Showcase on July 15 opening for Levitt Concert

Mike’s Bike Park

Mike’s Summer Bike Camps

June 20-22
July 18-20
August 8-10

Our Summer Bike Camps are open to anyone ages 8-14 and are a great way to learn new skills and improve on the skills you have! We will be working on everything to help you increase your skills on a bicycle!

Here are the details:
– Open to ages 8 through 14
– Learn skills, make friends, and have fun!
– Camp runs from 9am-4pm each day
– Lunch provided
– Campers also get a free T-shirt, Discounts at Mikes Bike Park, and a FREE Pass to ride during the month of September!

Mike’s Summer Scooter Camps

June 14-16
July 12-14
August 2-4

Our Summer Scooter Camps are open to anyone ages 8-14 and are a great way to learn new skills and improve on the skills you have! These camps are led by Professional Scooter Rider, Chase Rost!

NCCJ Greater Dayton

Police and Youth Together (PAYT) is a free week-long day camp for students ages 10 to 13. PAYT is offered in collaboration with local area law enforcement agencies from across the Miami Valley. PAYT builds bridges between police and youth as well as their families, teaching respect and encouraging an appreciation of diversity. During PAYT, youth learn valuable leadership skills, such as how to accept differences, and to disagree respectfully. In addition to fostering a collaborative learning environment, PAYT also promotes relationship development between officers and youth through outdoor games, art projects, and crafts.

JULY 24 – 28, 2023 (DAYTON FOP)

https://nccjgreaterdayton.org/payt/

Sinclair Community College

2023 Theme: STEM Solutions to Natural Disasters

Established in 1994 to enable females in grades 10-12 to explore the different areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics that are represented in the Science, Mathematics and Engineering division.

The Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (WiSTEM) Institute is an amazing opportunity to learn about STEM fields. WiSTEM is open to girls who are entering grades 10, 11, and 12. Each day you will participate in “hands-on” lab sessions in which you will build, experiment, and discover more about each of these exciting fields.

June 12-16, 2023

https://www.sinclair.edu/academics/divisions/sme/k-12-outreach/wistem/

Dayton youth lab- registration not yet open/ details not yet up, check again in spring 2023

TheatreLab Dayton

YouthLab Dayton Summer Camp

This summer, we’re offering three different programs, each taught by a passionate team of professional performers, technicians, choreographers, and directors.

Discovery Camp
Ages 6-10
July 10-14
9a-3p

This week-long program will allow our youngest theatre lovers the freedom and safety to play with other children who share that same passion. Over the course of the camp, TheatreLab’s teaching artists and counselors will introduce core concepts of musical theatre and teach the kids fun, exciting exercises that will help them put these concepts into practice and foster their creativity. By the end of the week, the group will have learned a musical number that they can perform for their families. Each day will be structured loosely allowing the teaching artists/counselors to cater to each student’s learning needs; this will also allow the students time to socialize and build community.

Explorers Camp
Ages 8-12
July 17-21
9a-3p

Another week-long camp, the focus of this program will be teaching the basics of stagecraft to younger kids with interests in theatre that are beyond just the performance side of things. Every day, the teaching artists will teach the kids about set design, costume design, sound design, and lighting. The counselors will then provide the materials that will allow the kids to explore these design elements in a hands-on way; between lighting/soundboards, a full costume closet, wooden flats, and paints, every kid will be able to put their passion into practice.

Seize the Day!
Ages 10-17
July 24-Aug 4
9a-3p

This two-week camp essentially functions as a compact version of the rehearsal/performance process. At the start of the first week, the camp counselors will give the kids a series of songs, scenes, and monologues to choose from. From this, they will build the basic structure of their cabaret, allowing each young performer an opportunity to shine. As they rehearse, TheatreLab’s teaching artists will teach them core concepts of theatre performance that they’ll be able to directly apply to their own show. The kids will be encouraged to help each other mould their individual performances into something group oriented and cohesive. Through this, they will foster a sense of strong community and fearless play that will help them be the best actors they can.

Visit theatrelabdayton.org/summer-camp for more information on our summer offerings!

University of Dayton

$155-$180 per week

Ages 6-12

https://udayton.edu/studev/health_wellness/campusrec/reckids-camp/su23_themeflyer-2-1-1-1.pdf

https://udayton.edu/studev/health_wellness/campusrec/reckids-camp/themes.php

UD Summer Music Performance Institute

Brass Performance Institute

June 19-23

The Brass Performance Institute (BPI) is a five-day program presented each summer for middle school and high school students. All activities are held on the historic UD main campus, and instruction is provided by Department of Music faculty, along with other area professionals.

Email spi@udayton.edu for more information.

Jazz Labs Dayton Summer Camp

June 4-9
$385 (with lunch)
$345 (without lunch)
There is limited scholarship money available for attendees. Email jleslie1@udayton.edu for more scholarship information

This week-long summer day camp has provided students with musical essentials and life skills they can use to become the best musicians and the best people they can be. Performances are family friendly and open to the public.

The camp offers everyone who participates practical training on instruments and theoretical training in music. Students are given opportunities to learn teamwork, leadership, self-expression, self-discovery and other skills in an atmosphere of caring and sharing. They gain experience in stage performance of music from traditional jazz to contemporary sounds and are encouraged to write and arrange for their ensembles.

Vocal Performance Institute

June 12-16
$385 (with lunch)

The Vocal Performance Institute (VPI) is a five-day program presented each summer for students in grades 9 through 12. All activities are held on the historic UD main campus and instruction is provided by Department of Music faculty, along with professional guest artists from Dayton-area organizations including the Dayton Opera and the Human Race Theater.

YMCA of Greater Dayton

YMCA Summer Day Camp is for children ages 5-12. (Ages vary by location)

https://www.daytonymca.org/programs/child-care-programs/summer-day-camp

SUMMER CAMPS

Downtown Summer Camps

Black Box Improv Kidprov

https://www.daytonblackboximprov.com/kidprov.html

Boonshoft Museum of Discovery

Carillon Historical Park

Dayton Art Institute

Dayton Live

Broadway Preview

Mini Imaginators! https://www.daytonlive.org/events/summer-camp-mini-imaginators/

Imaginators! https://www.daytonlive.org/events/summer-camp-imaginators/

Pie In The Face Summer Camp https://www.daytonlive.org/events/summer-camp-pie-in-the-face/

Put on a Show https://www.daytonlive.org/events/summer-camp-put-on-a-show/

Untold Stories

TBD the Musical

Musical Production Finding NEMO JR

The International Peace Museum

K12 Gallery & TEJAS

Kroc Center

Levitt Pavilion Dayton

Mike’s Bike Park

NCCJ Greater Dayton

Sinclair Community College

TheatreLab Dayton

University of Dayton

UD Summer Music Performance Institute

YMCA of Greater Dayton

Mini Imaginators!
https://www.daytonlive.org/events/summer-camp-mini-imaginators/

Imaginators!
https://www.daytonlive.org/events/summer-camp-imaginators/

Pie In The Face Summer Camp
https://www.daytonlive.org/events/summer-camp-pie-in-the-face/

Put on a Show
https://www.daytonlive.org/events/summer-camp-put-on-a-show/