Forecast for Cleveland: A Hot Summer w/Cool Camps!

There are still a few piles of snow here and there, but with April now showing on the calendar, the summer season is (testing the power of positive thinking!) on the horizon. Wondering what to do with the kids this summer? Cleveland has plenty of answers!

One of the best things about being a parent is seeing the world through your child’s eyes, seeing that “spark” and sharing in their wonder as they discover the world. Sculpture? Theatre Improv? Painting? Jazz? Dance? Puppets? Playwriting? Contemporary Art? Bookmaking? Check. Read on for more about three of Cleveland’s very hot camps for Cleveland’s cool kids.

Arts Collinwood: What began as weekend craft exhibits in unfinished storefronts, Arts Collinwood has exploded programming to include a diverse summer camp program running four weeks (beginning 6/16) for ages 5 – 12. Offering small group instruction (maximum enrollment is 40 children per each week of camp with two teachers, aids and student counselors to lend a hand) and the opportunity to work with professional arts, this summer camp immerses children in a variety of art forms. Each of the four weeks, children explore two different art mediums: Sculpture & Theatre Improv, Painting & Stagecraft, Printing/Bookmaking and Creative Writing, and Puppets & Playwriting. Camp runs for 3 hours each day (9AM-12PM) and is held in Arts Collinwood’s new community Art Center (15605 Waterloo Rd.). Nominal camp fees make the program accessible to all and sibling discounts, scholarship aid and payment plans are available. 216/692-9500.

Fine Arts Association Dance Camp: Got a mover and shaker? If your child is movin’ and groovin’ and regardless if they’ve been enrolled in formal dance programs before, the Fine Arts Association’s new dance camp may just be what you are looking for. Created for grades 3-8, students will explore four different dance styles, learn new routines and work with area professional dancers, including those from Verb Ballets and Dance Theater Collective. Camp meets two mornings per week (Tuesdays and Thursdays) from 9:30am-12:30pm. Tuition is $195 for the 6-week program (begins 6/24). Scholarships are available. 440/951-7500 x118.

The Roberto Ocasio 2008 Latin Jazz Music Camp: If music is your child’s (grades 7-12) “thing”, the Latin Jazz Music Camp at Baldwin-Wallace Music Conservatory (Berea) should be the destination. Named in celebration of the late, great, Cleveland-born & bred Roberto Ocasio, this camp (offered 7/8-7/11) brings together great artists (including Bobby Sanabria) and immerses music, percussion and vocal students in 3 ½ days of musical experiences. Pack your kid’s bag (this is an overnight camp) and get them ready for a whole lot of learning (group instruction, sectionals, improv & jazz sessions & individual consultations) and fun. Discounted tuition provided if registered before June 6. Tuition assistance is available. 440/572-2048.

Still looking for the right summer option for your kiddo? Stay tuned to Cool Cleveland in the weeks to come, as we continue to profile some incredible summer activity options for kids of all ages!

From Cool Cleveland contributor Jeannie Fleming-Gifford fleminggiffordATyahoo.com
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