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Camp Guide 2009
A list of the best Mississippi summer camps


Ballet Mississippi offers a two-week summer workshop for children of all ages 3 and older from July 6-17. Classes in creative movement and pre-ballet are offered for children ages 3-6, and ages 7 and up study classical ballet. Other dance forms include jazz, tap, modern and pointe and variations for advanced students. For more information, contact Ballet Mississippi at 601-960-1560 or by email at keary@balletms.com.

Bennett’s Waterski and Wakeboard Camp. If you love being on the water and are looking for something fun and exciting to do this summer, Bennett’s Waterski and Wakeboard Camp is the place for you and your family. Bennett’s offers instruction for all water sports activities. Our instructors are skilled to teach all levels of waterskiing and wakeboarding from learning to advance. Please check out our website at www.skibennetts.com.

Blue Ribbon Riding Academy. Beginner camp dates are June 1-5, 8-12, and 15-19. Three-day beginners barrel camp is June 22-24 for children 10-15 years old. Each camp will begin at 8:30am and end at 2pm. Arrangements can be made for an early drop off as well as a late pick up for an additional fee. The cost of one week of camp is $300 due on the first day of camp. A non-refundable deposit of $50 is required. Campers should bring their lunches. Boots with at least a one-inch heel are required. Each camp will have no more than 10 campers. Activities include: horse safety, lessons on grooming, learning to tack up a horse and beginner riding skills. Other information will be mailed to interested persons upon request. Call 601-842-0564 or visit www.blueribbonriding.com.

Camp WILD
The Mississippi Museum of Natural Science is accepting applications for its summer day camps beginning March 2, 2009 from the general public (February 2 for Museum Members) for children entering kindergarten through seventh grade. Campers enjoy a variety of activities, including field studies held in LeFleur's Bluff State Park . The hands-on approach to activities encourages students to learn more about their natural surroundings. Space is limited, so please apply early. For more information call 601-354-7303 or e-mail: nicole.smith@mmns.state.ms.us

Central Hills. The primary purpose of Central Hills is to provide a Christian camping experience for boys and girls ages 5 to 18. The facility is used almost exclusively for summer camp programs from late May to early August. There are some opportunities for other camps and conferences during that time, but reservations must be made early. Mid-August through mid-May Central Hills is available for camps, conferences, and retreats. We can accommodate any age group and are favored by churches, schools, student organizations, college ministries, and ministerial organizations. We have 3 air-conditioned lodges, tent camping, horseback riding, archery, rifles, canoeing, 16 acre lake, miniature golf, Jr. Olympic pool, gymnasium, and home cooked meals. Call 662-289-9730.

Hope Hollow Ministries is a non-profit organization with the specific purpose of developing and enhancing a ministry with a focus on children and adults with disabilities and their families. The goal of Hope Hollow Ministries is to provide inclusive and integrated programs through day and weekend retreats for children and young adults with disabilities which focus on self-determination, education, recreation, art, music, socialization, living and community skills. Hope Hollow Ministries is located at 910 Catlett Road in Canton. For more information contact Rebecca Phelps at 601-506-6293 or e-mail rebeccakphelps@comcast.net or visit our web site at www.hopehollowms.org.

Huntington Learning Center. The summer is the perfect time to give your child an academic edge this fall. For 30 years Huntington Learning Centers have helped thousands of children across the country succeed in the classroom. We help students who are struggling, along with offering enrichment and specialized preparation for the PSAT, ACT and the SAT. It all starts with a diagnostic evaluation. Mention this ad to get $50 off the cost of the evaluation. Hwy. 51 Ridgeland. Call 1-800-CAN-LEARN.

KidzArt Summer Camps. Put down that game controller and have some real FUN! This is a 5-day version of our unique, drawing program with creative art projects. Thrills, wonder, and amazement are just around the corner! Your child will delight in the works of art that they create. Everyday we do drawings, work with different mediums (watercolor, chalk, markers, etc), and make cool art projects. All supplies and snacks are included. For locations & schedules call your city Parks & Rec. Dept or visit www.KidzArtMS.com or info@kidzartms.com or call 601-607-6019. If You Can Dream, You Can Draw!

Lynn Meadows Discovery Center. The Lynn Meadows Discovery Center expands a child’s world by encouraging shared learning experiences to enrich the minds and hearts of children and adults through interactive and entertaining exhibitions and programs.
Through activities designed to simulate the real world of South Mississippi, children have the opportunity to learn about the past and the present. Call 228-897-6039, or visit www.lmdc.org.


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Twin Lakes



Maley Swim School offers year-round swim lessons and private birthday parties. We have 3 sessions of once-a-week lessons: winter/spring, summer, and fall. We also have 2-week lessons during the summer. Group or private lessons are available. We teach all ages from babies 6 months through adults 60+, beginners through advanced strokes in a fun atmosphere where the sun shines every day and the water is always warm. We have special rates for day care and home school groups. We want learning to swim to be one of your child’s fondest memories. Call today and discover why we have been chosen Parents & Kids Family Favorite for both lessons and birthday parties since 2001! Call 601-898-SWIM (7946), or visit www.maleyswimschool.com.

Martial Arts Academy. Summer Camp’s for ages 5-12. “We are different from YMCA and other camps you see around.” The teaching principles and philosophies are solely based on Tae Kwon-Do in this program. Activities include: (In addition to learning Tae Kwon-Do), arts and crafts, sports/recreational, movies, and field trips. This program aims to enhance self-esteem, character development, leadership training, self-defense, academic achievement and respect. Camp will follow the Wake County School schedule. Uniform shirt will be provided at registration. Call 601-898-5555 for more information.

Millsaps College Summer Enrichment for 2009 is bursting with fun, imagination, and the stuff of genius! Explore the worlds of art, natural science, film animation, theater, and digital photography; start your own business; play the guitar; learn the basics of cheerleading; or hone skills in math or writing. There’s an adventure for everyone! Call 601-974-1130 or visit www.millsaps.edu/conted.

Mississippi Metropolitan Dance Academy Summer Dance Program for students ages 3-10 will be held July 6-10 at their state of the art facilities in Madison. No previous training necessary. In addition to daily dance class, students learn about a famous ballet and explore their own creativity through exercises in dramatic expression. Students also learn about dance history, music, anatomy, and nutrition. Cost for 3-7 year olds is $125. Summer Dance Intensive for students age 8 and up with previous training will be held June 8-19. Renowned guest faculty nurtures and encourages students to grow and excel in the art of dance. Classes include ballet, Pointe, jazz, variations, modern, and Pilates. Cost is $400 for two weeks and $225 for one week. For more information 601-853-4508 or www.msmetroballet.com.

Mississippi State University’s Bagley College of Engineering K-12 Outreach Program offers summer camps that engage students with interests in math, science and computers in hands-on engineering projects. Camps are available for students from 4th - 12th grade. For more information about the many upcoming summer camps the BCoE has to offer, visit us online at www.bagley.msstate.edu/outreach.

Mississippi Museum of Art: Kaleidoscope Summer Art Camp. Children experience creative learning in a museum setting. Six one-week sessions take place June 8–26 and July 13–31. Mini Masters: Art Kits for students 5 years old - 2 Grade, Art Adventures for 3-5 Grade and Studio I & II for 6-8 Grade. New options this year include all day camps, after-camp care and performing arts components. MMA Members receive a 10% discount and may register before the general public. Please visit our website for information on registration dates. A schedule of classes and printable forms is at www.msmuseumart.org/kaleidoscope.html. Email ltakemori@msmuseumart.org for more information.

Providence Hill Farm offers horsemanship camps during school holidays and over the summer. Children will learn horse care and grooming, tacking up, horse bathing, tack cleaning, horse games, arena riding and trail riding. Limit of 12 campers per session. For more information please call Tammy Hilton at 601-925-0557 or 601-214-1913. Please visit our website for additional information about our equestrian program at www.providencehillfarm.com.

Serenity Acres Horseback Riding Camp has programs for children ages 6 and up through the months of June and July. Monday through Friday 8am-2pm. Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced sessions are available. Campers will receive a free camp shirt and bag. Activities include games and crafts; two riding sessions per day and horse care instruction from an experienced, degreed instructor. $375 per week. For more information, call 601-503-4602 or visit www.serenityacres.com.

St. Andrew’s Episcopal School - Summer of Excellence 2009. Summer is a time to be creative, sharpen skills, and explore hidden talents; but mostly it is a time to have fun! Our programs are open to all children and promote excellence in academics, the arts, athletics and recreation. Visit our website for more information at www.gosaints.org or email Cab Green at greenc@gosaints.org.

Twin Lakes Day Camp. Jackson’s favorite summer camp, according to the annual Parents & Kids Family Favorite poll. Ages 5-10. Day Camp 1 is June 15-19, 2009; Day Camp 2 is June 22-26, 2009, Mon-Fri. Located just 20 minutes south of Jackson, near Florence, MS. Charter bus shuttle service each day from Jackson. Christian environment, quality facilities, excellent staff and exciting activities. Bring your child on a golf cart tour and see a sneak preview of the camp. For brochure call 601-845-6858 or visit www.twinlakescamp.org.

URJ Henry S. Jacobs Camp. The URJ Henry S. Jacobs Camp in Utica, MS is a Reform Jewish summer camp serving the Deep South. We offer traditional camp activities including sports, arts, and outdoors, plus a digital media program, all in a Reform Jewish environment. Our beautiful facility is also available for rental to the general public from September to May. Call 601-885-6042; email jacobscamp@urj.org, http://jacobs.urjcamps.org/.

 

OVERNIGHT CAMPS

Camp of the Rising Sun offers campers the opportunity to unplug for an exciting weeklong experience. Located in Central Mississippi off the Natchez Trace, CRS is ACA accredited. We provide a rustic setting, choice of various fun activities, programming from a Christian world-view and superb leadership from a well-trained staff. Don’t miss the chance to be a part of the adventure this summer! Visit www.campoftherisingson.com.

Camp Windhover is a residential camp located near Crystal Springs that keeps the fun quotient high. Seven- to fourteen-year-old boys and girls blob, trampoline, and zip into a spring-fed lake; play drums, guitar, and sports, trail ride on horses and bikes, dance, act, shoot photos and bows, camp out under the stars, cook, and much, much more. Counselors-in-Training 15-17 (must apply) will receive leadership training and work with counselors. One week and two-week sessions run June 14-July 25. Seven-to-eight year-olds may also enjoy mini-camp sessions. See website www.campwindhover.com for Camp 2009 schedule or call 601-892-3282.

Camp Stanislaus. The mission of Camp Stanislaus is to provide campers and counselors a safe and enjoyable recreational and learning experience in the Catholic tradition and under the leadership of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart. Call Mathew Shannon at 228-467-9057 ext 277, www.campstanislaus.com.

Twin Lakes Overnight Camp. After a full day of activities with your cabin, the whole camp comes together for programs like the Pavilion Carnival, the Pool Party, Counselor Hunt and always a few surprises! At night, you can have fun in your cabin or cook s’mores over a fire with your counselor at “Hammock Land” or the Bonfire Site. Overnight camp 1 is June 1-6; overnight camp 2 is June 8-13; overnight camp 3 is June 29-July 4; overnight camp 4 is July 6-11; and overnight camp 5 is July 13-18. Call 601-845-6858 for more details or visit www.twinlakescamp.org/overnightcamp.html.

Camp Wahi, an outdoor property of the Girl Scout Council of Middle MS, offers residential and day camp programs. Activities provided include: swimming, canoeing & kayaking, archery, arts & crafts, pottery and much more. Situated on 156 acres in Brandon, CampWahi features a beautiful lake, challenging trails, olympic size pool, tent units, lodges and an air conditioned dining hall.

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