Planning summertime activities for kids can be stressful. To help you, here is a list of area summer programs offering educational, recreational and artistic opportunities.

Ralph Wilson camp
WHAT: Summer day camp for ages 5-14. Activities will include playing pool, air hockey, pop-a-shot, foosball, ping-pong, video games and board games. Campers will also enjoy singing karaoke, exercising in the gym, watching movies, skating and making crafts. The camp facility is equipped with a library and snack bar. Field trips, classes and programs will be available at an additional fee.
WHEN: June 8-Aug. 21; 7 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
WHERE: Ralph Wilson Youth Clubs of Temple, 310 S. General Bruce Drive
COST: $250 for entire summer
TO REGISTER: Call 254-773-9001 Ext. 101.

Train camp
WHAT: Train camp for ages 7-12. Children will be able to tour the Railroad & Heritage Museum, learn about telegraphy, ride handcars and do crafts.
WHEN: June 16-19; 9 a.m.-noon
WHERE: Railroad & Heritage Museum, 315 W. Ave. B, Temple
COST: $80 per child.
NOTE: At the conclusion of the camp on June 19, campers will experience passenger train travel via Amtrak between Temple and McGregor. Return transportation will be by bus.
TO REGISTER: Call 298-5165 or visit www.rrhm.org.

Overnight camp
WHAT: Overnight camp for children ages 8-16. Activities will include camping, fishing, archery and swimming.
WHEN: July 13-17
WHERE: H.S. Estelle 4-H & Youth Camp in Huntsville
COST: $100
NOTE: Transportation to and from the Huntsville camp will be provided by Bell County Extension at a $60 fee or can be at the responsibility of the parents.
TO REGISTER: Contact Sheryl Austin at 933-5305 or slcrawford@ag.tamu.edu. Deadline is June 30.

History
WHAT: Bell County Museum summer camp for children 8-10
activities: Children will learn about Bell County history, archeology, pioneers, Native Americans and the Chisholm Trail. They’ll also learn how to make their own prints with help from the traveling exhibit, “The Inspired Line: Prints by Rembrandt & Durer.”
WHEN: July 14-17; 9:30 a.m. to noon
WHERE: Bell County Museum, 201 N. Main, Belton
COST : $30 per child
To register: Call 254-933-5243 or e-mail kristen.reichert@co.bell.tx.us. Deadline is July 10.

Girl Scouts
WHAT: Camp Kachina summer camps for girls 6 to 18. Activities include horseback riding, sailing and traditional camp activities.
WHEN: June 14-July 28. Sessions vary from two to five nights in length.
WHERE: Camp Kachina on Lake Belton
COST: Starts at $150 per person.
NOTE: Non Girl Scouts are welcome to attend, but they will become Girl Scouts upon registration for insurance purposes. To register, visit www.gsctx.org. For details, contact Cheryl Lowe at 512-490-2328 or CherylL@gsctx.org.

The Temple branch of Salvation Army is offering several Christian-themed summer camps at Camp Hoblitzelle in Midlothian. Activities will include horseback riding, canoeing, a ropes course, fishing, archery, golfing, crafts and swimming. Families will be able to apply for financial assistance if needed. Details about the Midlothian campsite are available at www.hoblitzelle.com. To register, call 778-7710 or 774-9996. The Temple branch will also have a summer camp in town.

WHAT: Girl Power. This camp is a week-long sleepover camp for girls only, ages 7-12.
WHEN : June 22-27
COST : $170

WHAT: Adventure Corps. This camp is a week-long sleepover camp for boys only, ages 7-12.
WHEN : June 22-27
COST : $170

WHAT : Junior Soldier camp for ages 7-12. This camp is a week-long sleepover camp for boys and girls. Programs will teach children about being a Jr. Soldier in the Salvation Army, and Bible lessons will be incorporated.
WHEN : June 29-July 24
COST : $170

WHAT : Salvation Army faith-based day camp. Activities will include recreation, field trips and Bible studies.
WHEN : June 8-Aug. 21; 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday
WHERE : Temple branch of the Salvation Army, 120 S. 21st St.
COST : $50 per week or $10 per day. Payment is due monthly or at the beginning of each week. To pay for the entire summer, the cost is $450. Food is provided. TO REGISTER: Call Caroline Jimenez at 774-9996. Deadline is May 29.

The Academie Musique at Temple College will have music camps this summer at the Mary Alice Marshall Performing Arts Center, 2600 S. First St. in Temple. Prices range from $100-150 for Academie members and $125-$175 for non-members. For details and to register, contact Lois Reiter at 298-8566 or lois.reiter@templejc.edu.

WHAT: Orchestra Camp with a focus on note reading, music theory, fiddling and chamber music.
WHEN: June 8-12; 9 a.m.-noon or 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
NOTE: The end-of-camp concert is set for 3 p.m. June 12.

WHAT: Arts Camp with a theme of “Art & Music Through Movement.” Program is for students in grades 1-5.
WHEN: June 8-12, July 13-17 and July 27-31; 9 a.m. to noon
NOTE: End-of-camp concerts are set for noon June 12, July 17 and July 31.

WHAT: Piano camp with a focus on jazz, music theory and performance techniques for grades 1-3.
WHEN: July 13-17; 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
NOTE : The end-of-camp concert is set for noon July 17.

WHAT: All-State Choir & “Great Scenes from Great Operas” camp for grades 8th through 1st year college.
WHEN: July 27-31; 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., 9 a.m.-noon or 1-4:30 p.m.
NOTE: Participation is by audition only. Audition schedule is 10 a.m. to noon June 13 and June 27.
SHOW: Performance is set for 4 p.m. July 31.

WHAT: “Beauty and the Beast” musical theatre camp at the Cultural Activities Center, 3011 N. Third St. in Temple. For ages 13-18.
WHEN: Aug. 10-25; 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday
NOTE: Participation is by audition only. Audition schedule is 10 a.m. to noon June 27 and 6:30-8:30 p.m. June 30 and July 2.
SHOW: Performances are set for 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Aug. 15 at the CAC.

Lisa’s Dance Connection will offer a variety of dance camps this summer at 2808 Cottonwood Lane in Temple. Prices vary from $90 to $170. An early registration discount of $20 will apply if paid in full by deadline. For details and to register, call 778-4344 or e-mail lisa@lisasdance.com.

WHAT: Ballerina Princess Camp for ages 4-7.
WHEN: 9:30-11:30 a.m or 1:30–3:30 p.m. June 8-11; 1:30-3:30 p.m. Aug. 3-6

WHAT: Pop Diva dance camp for ages 6-10.
WHEN: June 8-11; 1:30-3:30 p.m.

WHAT: Hip-Hop Camp for ages 6-10.
WHEN: July 6-9; 9:30-11:30 a.m.

WHAT: Primp, Pose and PJs Camp for ages 4-8. Attendees should wear pajamas. Activities will include manicures.
WHEN: July 6-9; 9:30-11 a.m.

WHAT: Kindermusik Camp for newborns to 5-year-olds. Program will help children develop language and social skills while enjoying music. Moms should be prepared to stay.
WHEN: July 13-16; 9:30-10:15 a.m. for newborns to 18 months, 10:15-11 a.m. for 18 months-3 years; and 11-11:45 a.m. for 3-5 years

WHAT:Fairy Fantasy Camp for ages 4-7.
WHEN: July 20-23; 9:30-11 a.m.

WHAT: Beach Blast Camp for ages 7-10. Activities will include arts and crafts.
WHEN: July 20-23; 9:30-11:30 a.m.

WHAT: Competition Camp for experienced dance students.
WHEN: July 27-30; 9-11:30 a.m.
NOTE: Participants will be divided according to age and ability.

WHAT: Hip-Hop Hoedown for ages 6-10. Program will focus on country music and line dancing.
WHEN: Aug. 3-6; 1:30-3:30 p.m.

The Camp Fire USA Tejas Council will offer several sessions of day camp this summer at Camp Mitchell on FM 436 east of Belton. Boys and girls who have completed grades K-5 are eligible. The cost of each session is $75-$80 for Camp Fire members and $80-$85 for non-members. All camps will run 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. To sign up, call 773-6614.

WHAT: Session 1, Crazy Cooking Concoctions. Campers will experiment with recipes and foods in the kitchen.
WHEN: June 8-12

WHAT: Session 2, Lights, Camera, Action! Campers will learn how to act through improvisations, skits and game show-style fun.
WHEN: June 15-19

WHAT: Session 3, T.E.A.M. Survivor. Campers will work together to complete scavenger hunts, build shelters and cook over a camp fire.
WHEN: June 22-26
NOTE: An overnight campout is planned for June 25. Parents will be welcome to join for a small fee.

WHAT: Session 4, Holidaze. Campers will learn about the origins of several holidays as they decorate for Christmas, Easter and birthday parties.
WHEN: June 29-July 3

WHAT: Session 5, Outrageous Outdoors & Animal Antics. Campers will explore nature and complete a few animal activities.
WHEN: July 6-10

WHAT: Session 6, Gamesapalooza. Campers will enjoy a variety of games and activities that focus on developing sportsmanship and being part of a team.
WHEN: July 13-17

WHAT: Session 7, ART-rageous Camp Creations. This is not just a paint and paper thing. Campers will have a blast creating their own works of art using a variety of methods and materials.
WHEN: July 20-24

WHAT: Session 8, Funtastical Finale. This last week will be a squishy, splashy, fun-filled bonanza. Campers should come with swimwear and T-shirts.
WHEN: July 27-31

The Cultural Activities Center will offer a variety of camps this summer at 3011 N. Third St. in Temple. For details and to register, call 773-9926.

WHAT: Junior Arts camp for ages 5-6. Children will enjoy painting, clay work, three-dimensional art, theater, set and costume design, and music.
WHEN: June 8-12; 8:45 a.m. to noon.
COST: $110
NOTE: $165 for childcare and activities until 5:30 p.m. Ten child minimum for childcare.

WHAT: Arts camp. Children will enjoy painting, clay work, three-dimensional art, theater, set and costume design, and music.
WHEN: June 15-19 and June 22-26; 8:45 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
COST: $120 for one session or $230 for both sessions
NOTE: $199 for one session or $370 for both sessions includes childcare and activities until 5:30 p.m. Ten child minimum for childcare.

WHAT: Magic Camp with the Great Bandini for ages 6-12. Children learn about illusions and how to perform a few tricks of their own.
WHEN: July 6-17; 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
COST: $130 for one week or $230 for two weeks.

WHAT: Kids Rule the Kitchen with Dave Herman, chef from the Range at Barton House. Children 10 and above will learn how to prepare gourmet and comfort foods. Program will include demonstrations and hands-on experience.
WHEN: July 6-10 or July 13-17; 9:30-11:45 a.m.
COST: $125 either week.

WHAT: A Missoula Children’s Theatre presentation of “The Princess and the Pea.” Program is for children entering grades 1-12.
WHEN: Aug. 3-8; 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
NOTE: Participation is by audition only. Audition schedule is 9:30 a.m. to noon Aug. 3. Participants are asked to stay for the entire audition schedule, as rehearsals will start after casting decisions are made.
SHOW: Performance is set for 3 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Aug. 8. Admission will be $5 for children 12 and younger and $10 for adults.

WHAT: Summer Sun Catchers Workshop with Jill Mooney and Sandy Mancillas. Program is for ages 7-12.
WHEN: June 16, 18, 23 and 25; 3-4:30 p.m.
COST: $25 per workshop.

WHAT: Trip to Peru for ages 7-10. Children will learn Peruvian cultural arts, crafts and cooking. Instructor will be Susana Nicolau.
WHEN: July 6-10 or July 13-17; 9 a.m.-noon
COST: $100 either week

WHAT: Basic Drawing & Anime for ages 6-11. With an emphasis on the styles of Anime and Manga. This program teaches the fundamentals of drawing. Instructor will be Joy Schumacher.
WHEN: July 6-10 or July 13-17; 10-11:30 a.m.
COST: $45 for one week or $80 for both weeks

WHAT: Pre-K Art Camp for ages 4-5 with instructor Betsi Chamlee. Program will focus on painting and pastels.
WHEN: June 29-July 2; Choice of three time slots: 9-10:30 a.m., 10:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. or 2:45-4:15 p.m.
COST: $110 for the week

WHAT: Clay Classes with Larry Matthews
WHEN: June 30-Aug. 18. Clay for ages 6-8 will be 9-10:30 a.m. or 10:30 a.m. to noon; clay for ages 9-12 will be from 1:30-3 p.m.
COST: $75
NOTE: Classes will not be held July 14 or July 21.

WHAT: Clay Classes with Larry Matthews
WHEN: July 1-Aug. 19. Clay for ages 13-18 will be 1:30-3 p.m.
COST: $75
NOTE: Classes will not be held July 15 or July 22.

WHAT: Animals of the World: Youth Art with Susan Stauss. For children ages 7-11, this program will let participants create animal images in clay, paint and pastels.
WHEN: 1-4 p.m. July 6-10, July 27-31 or Aug. 3-7
COST: $120 each week

The Belton Christian Youth Center will offer a variety of summer camps at 505 E. Ave. C in Belton. Unless indicated otherwise, camps are for children ages 6 to 14. The BCYC is a non-profit group that seeks to enhance the potential of all youth through recreation and education. For details and to register, call 939-5759 or visit www.beltonyouth.com. BCYC also offers several sports-related camps, contact them for information.

WHAT: Arts and crafts
WHEN: June 29-July 2; 2-4 p.m.
COST: $40

WHAT: Times Tables the Fun Way for students who have completed grades 3-6. Basic math lessons will be taught through pictures, stories, songs, touch methods and other techniques. The instructor is a certified math teacher.
WHEN: July 13-24; 2 p.m. Monday through Friday
COST: $50

WHAT: Drama camp for students about to enter the fourth grade and older. Campers will study and perform several types of drama, including comedy, melodrama, farce and pantomime. Participants should be prepared to practice at home and provide prop materials if needed.
WHEN: July 13-17; 3-4:30 p.m.
COST: $45
NOTE: End-of-camp skit performance is set for 5 p.m. July 17. Parents are encouraged to attend.

WHAT: Logic & Games That Make You Think. Campers will engage with peers while exercising strategy techniques and reasoning skills.
WHEN: July 20-24; 3-4:30 p.m.
COST: $45

WHAT: Dance Camp
WHEN: July 27-31; 2-4 p.m.
COST: $40

WHAT: Gymnastics Camp
WHEN: Aug. 10-14; 2-4 p.m.
COST: $40

WHAT: BCYC regular day camp with various activities from sports and games to crafts and fellowship.
WHEN: June 8-Aug. 21; 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Friday
COST: $325 for entire summer
NOTE: Three field trip packages are available under this option ranging in price from $50 to $85.

The Wilson Park Recreation Center is offering a variety of summer camps and activities at 2205 Curtis B. Elliott Drive in Temple. For details, call Peanut Henderson at 298-5416. Wilson Park also has sports-related camps. Contact them for details.

WHAT: Camp Heatwave for ages 5-14. Activities will include team-building, outdoor adventure games, archery, fishing, canoeing, camping, relays and hiking.
WHEN: June 5-Aug. 21; 7 a.m.-6 p.m.
COST: $50 week or $500 for entire summer

WHAT: Camp Horizon at Tarver Elementary School for ages 5-13. Activities will include theatre, art, science and reading.
WHEN: June 5-Aug. 21; 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
COST: $50 per week or $500 for entire summer

WHAT: Camp Quest at Bonham Middle School for ages 5-13. Activities will include theatre, art, science and reading.
WHEN: June 5-Aug. 21, 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
COST: $50 per week or $500 for entire summer

Extreme Kids camp
Extreme Cheer & Tumble will offer several Extreme Kids camps this summer at 12015 FM 2305 in Belton. For details, call 780-0087.

WHAT: Gymnastics camp for children ages 4-6.
WHEN: June 15-18 or July 27-30; 9 a.m. to noon
COST: $85; Register 30 days in advance for $10 discount

WHAT: Cheer & Dance camp for children ages 4-6.
WHEN: July 13-16; 9 a.m. to noon
COST: $85; Register 30 days in advance for $10 discount

WHAT: Weekly camps with gymnastics, cheering, dance and karate for boys and girls ages 6-13.
WHEN: Monday through Friday June 8-Aug. 31
COST: $95 per week for full-days or $55 per week for half-days
NOTE: Half-day sessions are available from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. or 1 p.m.-6 p.m., and full days are 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

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