When school is out, that’s the perfect time to try something fun and new! Here are a handful of summer camps to explore for 2024. For more ideas, contact local schools, daycares, YMCAs, parks and recreation departments, nearby colleges, art and science programs. Listings are current as of publication.

AGDISCOVERY AT DEL STATE

Anyone currently finishing grade 8-11 can apply for a one-of-a-kind summer internship to live and study at Delaware State University this summer. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers AgDiscovery, a free summer outreach program to help teenagers explore careers in agricultural sciences. Students live on a college campus July 7-20 and learn from university professors and ag experts about protecting plant and animal health while exploring careers in agribusiness. Students can expect unique learning challenges to learn about various careers in agriculture: animal scientists, biotechnologists, veterinarians, wildlife biologists, administrative professionals and more. Gain hands-on experience through labs, workshops, and field trips; participate in character- and team-building activities; and join in many other fun and educational events. It’s a unique chance to view the many career paths in agriculture. This year, 20 colleges and universities are participating in AgDiscovery. Apply online at www.aphis.usda.gov/agdiscovery by April 5. Learn more at (301) 851-4199.

BRANDYWINE VALLEY SPCA CRITTER CAMP

Are you crazy about animals? Do you love teaching them new tricks? Consider joining the BVSPCA Critter Camp Program. It’s geared for youth ages 7-12 looking to give back to animals in need, while learning to be the best companion they can be. At day camp, young animal lovers will: Learn animal care  skills (pet CPR, grooming, behavioral training); hear from guest speakers in the animal world; meet many of the BVSPCA’s adoptable pets; engage in creative and educational activities; participate in team-building workshops; and practice their reading skills by reading to furry companions. Camp sessions run weekly June 24 to Aug. 9, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with aftercare available. The weekly cost covers all activities, arts & crafts materials and camp T-shirt. Dates vary at Brandywine Valley SPCA locations in Dover, Georgetown, New Castle and West Chester, Pa. Details at bvspca.org/get-involved or by calling individual locations.

DELAWARE AEROSPACE ACADEMY

The Delaware Aerospace Education Foundation (DASEF) hosts a variety of full-day and overnight academies to provide hands-on training and experiences in aerospace-related activities and fields. Throughout the week, youth entering grades 2 to 10 are continually challenged to think, design, solve, build and work cooperatively. All academies are designed to integrate the study of STEM through earth and space themes. Lessons focus on learning through problem solving. Students learn in small groups, emphasizing the teamwork necessary in the real world. Camps are held at the DASEF site in Smyrna and at the University of Delaware. Details at dasef.org/aerospace/application.htm or (302) 659-5003.

DELAWARE HOSPICE: CAMP NEW HOPE

Camp New Hope is a four-day summer day camp for children and teens ages 6-17 who are coping with the loss of a loved one. Besides offering traditional camp activities such as crafts, water games, and sports, Camp New Hope gives children the chance to work through their grief and loss with their peers. Through fundraising, organizers aim to provide Camp New Hope free of charge.

Through a variety of fun camp activities and bereavement exercises, campers have opportunities to interact with other children who have experienced loss. Group projects, individual support, education, and free time allow children to process emotions and ask questions.

Serving the entire state of Delaware and southern Pennsylvania. A special memorial service at the end of camp celebrates and honors the life of each child’s loved one. Details at www.delawarehospice.org/programs/camp-new-hope.

DELAWARE NATURE SOCIETY SUMMER CAMP

Let your child explore, discover and experience the outdoors this summer at Delaware Nature Society’s fun and educational Summer Camp. Programs are at Abbott’s Mill Nature Center in Milford, Ashland Nature Center in Hockessin, Coverdale Farm Preserve in Greenville, and the DuPont Environmental Education Center in Wilmington. Age-appropriate skills include stream & pond exploration, live animals, visual & culinary arts, camping, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, survival skills, fishing, archery, arts & crafts, gardening and farm discovery.

Camp sessions and day programs are scheduled for June 10 to Aug 30. Various programs are offered for all ages: ages 3 to 4 (Grown-Up-&-Me Summer Fun sessions); ages 4 to 5 (half-day Summer Fun sessions); ages 5 to 6 (outdoor fun and exploration); ages 7 to 8 (animal interaction and care); ages 9 to 11 (outdoor adventures); ages 12 to 15 (outdoor and travel adventures); and older ages (leadership or internship roles).

Details at www.delawarenaturesociety.org/activities/education/program-calendar/summer-camp.

CAMP BARNES

This recreational overnight summer camp is operated by the Delaware State Police in Frankford, Del. Thanks to public support, the camp is free to children ages 10-13 who are Delaware residents. The mission is to help campers develop initiative and leadership skills, plus increase their self-confidence and feelings of accomplishment. Activities throughout the week include the following: swimming in an Olympic-size pool, kayaking in Miller Creek, archery, basketball, soccer, lacrosse, arts and crafts, nature walk, fishing/crabbing, ropes course, cooking class and more. A Delaware State Trooper will be on duty at all times when the camp is in session. Camp Barnes is NOT a boot camp or intended for youth with behavior or disciplinary problems. Details at (302) 752-3834 or campbarnes.net.

• Boys Week 1: June 24 - 28
• Girls Week 1: July 1 - 5
• Boys Week 2: July 8 - 12
• Girls Week 2: July 15 - 19
• Boys Week 3: July 22 - 26
• Girls Week 3: July 29 - Aug. 2

CAMP FAIRLEE FOR ALL AGES & ABILITIES

Easterseals Camp Fairlee, near Chestertown, Md., is one of the only camps in the region that provides a typical residential camp experience for children and adults with disabilities.
Camp Fairlee provides a safe and accessible camp experience for guests to have fun, make friends and meet new challenges acquire new skills, under the guidance of trained and qualified staff. While campers enjoy their time at Camp Fairlee, their families are able to take a break from caregiving.

Sessions range from 6 to 12 days during June 23 to Sept. 1. Activities include arts & crafts, music, sports, games, swimming, hiking, canoeing, hayrides, campfires and more, led by a staff of trained professionals and college students. Camps generally have a 3:1 ratio of campers to staff, but 1:1 opportunities are available.

An April 12-14 Spring Break Weekend will also be offered this spring.

This is a program of Easterseals Delaware & Maryland's Eastern Shore. Details at www.campfairlee.com or (410) 778-0566. Scholarships and funding assistance are available.

CAMP ODYSSEY

At Camp Odyssey, the mission is to provide the highest quality experiences, in an extraordinary environment, that make memories and a difference in children’s lives. Activities will stimulate the mind, body and spirit for children of all ages. Camps at Wicomico Day School (rising K to 8) are offered weekly from July 1 to 26 for science, art, outdoor adventures, swimming trips and more. Camps at Green Hill Country Club (rising pre-K to 8) are offered June 24 to Aug. 16 for adventure camp (focusing on outdoor experiences) or day camp (with sports, crafts, swimming and more). Details at campodyssey.org and (410) 883-7934­

HORSEPLAY Adaptive Summer Camp

Based along the Wicomico Forest in Parsonsburg, Md., the 4STEPS Therapeutic Riding Program is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that provides a range of outdoor equine experiences and trail rides for participants. Since 2002, 4STEPS has been providing exceptional equine assisted activities for children and adults with disabilities. 

In summer, they offer a range of programs that cater to the needs of their students. Programs are flexible and can be tailored to suit individual requirements. Details at https://4stepstrp.org.

MAR-VA SUMMER THEATER ACADEMY

Youth can enjoy live theatre in Pocomoke City, Md., with a series of summer camps for ages 8 to 16, usually including the Introductory Week, Advanced Week and Musical Week. Details at www.marvatheater.com/theater-academy and (410) 957-4230.

REHOBOTH SUMMER CHILDREN’S THEATRE

The Rehoboth Summer Children’s Theatre continues their popular film and theatre camps. Movie makers and theatre artists up to age 8 or 9 to 14 are invited to join in these weeklong sessions of enrichment, education and just plain fun. Participants in Film Camp (weekly in July) create their own original films, learning skills and collaboration. Participants in Theatre Camp (weekly in August) enjoy theatre games and improvisations to learn acting and communication skills. The camps run Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Camps are conducted in the Fellowship Hall of the Lutheran Church of Our Savior, Rehoboth Beach, Del. Details at rehobothchildrenstheatre.org and (302) 227-6766.

WICOMICO DAY SCHOOL SUMMER CAMP

Wicomico Day School in Salisbury, Md., offers Summer Camp 2024 with fun and engaging activities, outdoor water activities and local field trips. Campers will participate in STEAM activities promoting creative problem solving and collaboration while having fun. K5 Summer Camp is for students who have completed kindergarten to 5th grade. Details at wicomicodayschool.com/wds-summer-camp.

DELAWARE STATE PARKS

The state park system offers public programs year-round, including these weekly day camp programs, each unique to the various parks. For information about registration, call the individual parks or visit https://destateparks.com/SummerCamps.

Cape Henlopen State Park - Hear Me Nature

June 10 - June 14, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Ages 5 to 6. Get in touch with nature as we seek to hear, see, feel, smell and experience how plants and animals spend summer in the park.

Lums Pond State Park - Fish, Fish, Fish Session 1

June 17 - June 18, 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Ages 7 to 8. Learn which fish live in the pond, how to cast, and of course, go fishing! We will also explore the park and play lots of games in this 2-day minicamp. Includes water activities such as boating; campers must be able to swim.

Lums Pond State Park - Fish, Fish, Fish Session 2

June 20 - June 21, 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Ages 9 to 10. Learn which fish live in the pond, how to cast, and of course, go fishing! We will also explore the park and play lots of games in this 2-day minicamp. Includes water activities such as boating; campers must be able to swim.

Trap Pond State Park - Art in the Park

June 17 - June 21, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Ages 11 to 14. Do you love drawing, painting, and creating art in different mediums? Enjoy the freedom to explore different techniques and styles. Through nature you will be able to connect the outside world to canvas. Campers must be able to swim.

Trap Pond State Park - Fishing Frenzy Week 1

June 24 - June 28, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Ages 7 to 10. Become an experienced angler. Learn the various bait types, fish species and knots needed to become excellent at fishing as we fish from the bank, docks and pontoon boat. A fishing tournament will be held at the end of the week to show off new skills. Campers must be able to swim.

Trap Pond State Park - Fishing Frenzy Week 2

July 15 - July 19, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Ages 9 to 12. Become an experienced angler. Learn the various bait types, fish species and knots needed to become excellent at fishing as we fish from the bank, docks and pontoon boat. A fishing tournament will be held at the end of the week to show off new skills. This is the same camp as Fishing Frenzy Week 1 but an older age group. Campers must be able to swim.

Trap Pond State Park - Advanced Fishing

July 22 - July 26, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Ages 11 to 14. This camp is for more experienced anglers, teaching alternate techniques including fly fishing. We will also hand-make our own lures, rigs and other fishing equipment. Campers must be able to swim.

Trap Pond State Park - Kayak Club

July 29 - August 2, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Ages 11 to 14. Learn how to kayak like a professional. Learn the different paddle techniques, and see nature from the water. Learn how to create a safe environment wherever you go on the water. Campers must be able to swim.

Killens Pond State Park - Nature Tots

August 5 - August 9, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Ages 4 to 5. Explore nature by using your senses. Make new discoveries about nature through games and stories.