With summer just around the corner and the COVID-19 Pandemic winding down, many parents might be considering fun ways to keep their children engaged over the summer break without venturing too far away. For those looking to stick around their homestead, there’s a variety of options in summer camps around Calhoun county to help keep kids active and entertained. 

Camp Mac | Camp Mac is located in Talladega National Forest, and is open for all terms of the 2021 summer season. They offer a mini 6 day term for 1st through 4th grades, a junior 11 day term for 2nd through 6th grades, and 3 and 4 week terms for 3rd through 8th grades. This camp offers a truly awesome experience with fun activities ranging such as horseback riding, power boating, archery, dancing, fishing, and much much more. For more information and to register, visit the Camp Mac website. 

Camp Lee | Camp Lee of Anniston is a Christian Retreat for more than just kids and is opening for the Summer 2021 season. They offer 2 night stays during the week, or 4 night weekend stays (including meals) with plenty of fun activities such as canoeing, zip lining, and a climbing wall. To register, visit the Camp Lee website. 

Oxford Civic Center | The Oxford Civic Center offers camps in the spring, summer, and fall breaks for children ages 6-12 years. Registration starts in February of each year. For more information, or to register, stop by or call their office at (256)831-2660.

Oxford Performing Arts Center | Oxford Performing Arts Center is offering a “Spotlight Summer Theater Camp” for 1st through 5th grades. This will be a fun and exciting way to introduce your little one to theater. Campers will be performing an adaptation of Disney’s The Jungle Book. Fees are $75 per child with family discounts available. Registration will open online May 3 on the OPAC website. 

YMCA | The YMCA of Calhoun County has a number of summer day camps for children ranging from 5 years to 12 years of age. There are a variety of options with weekly themes and activities, such as “Splash Week” and “Mad Science”, all ranging from educational to fitness and fun in the sun. Weekly camp fees are $100 or $90 with a Y membership. To register, visit the YMCA of Calhoun County’s website at YMCACalhoun.org.

Champion Sports Academy | Champion Sports Academy is opening this summer with both basketball and volleyball camps and clinics. There are multiple sessions for each camp with prices ranging from $35 – $100. For more information and to register, visit the Champion Sports Academy website.

Jacksonville State University | JSU is offering a number of recreation and art summer camp programs. The recreation camps are offered for youth ages 5-12 years, with multiple sessions throughout the summer offered from 8:30-4pm. These sessions range from $126/week per child for early bird URec members to $165/week per child for non members. The Gamecocks Art Summer Camp Programs (GASP) are for ages 14-18 years old for Film, Acting, Creative Writing, and Visual Art and Design. For more info, visit the JSU website here for the GASP information, and here for the youth recreational camps information. 

Jacksonville PARD | Jacksonville Parks and Recreation Department is also offering a number of summer day camps for youth ages 5*-12 years old. Prices vary by duration, with sessions ranging from two weeks to all summer long (June 1 – August 11). Visit Jacksonville PARD for more information. 

SIFAT | Saints in Faith and Technology is a Christian non-profit organization in Lineville, AL that is opening it’s retreat program to children of all ages this summer. For more information on session packages, visit the SIFAT website.

JC Morgan Art Gallery | JC Morgan Art Gallery in Oxford is offering a free online art camp June 21-25th from 10am-3pm. This will be an online event. For more information, visit the event page on Facebook. 

Anniston Museums and Gardens  Travel Through Time Summer Camp
Monday, June 21 – Wednesday, June 23, 9:45am – 2:00pm
If your child loves history and nature, this is the perfect summer camp for them! We’ll begin our trip through time in the prehistoric land of dinosaurs and then embark on an African safari to explore the massive Baobab tree, its legends and many residents. On Day 2, we’ll travel to the American frontier and World War II Europe to discover what it takes to live the rough and tumble life of a settler and a war time spy. Finally, we will explore how the power of water has changed the earth throughout time and wrap up our travels with Water Wars.

Travel Through Time Summer Camp is for students entering 1st – 6th grade. Camp price is $120 for the public and $100 for members. Price includes daily lunch, passport, and t-shirt. Pre-registration is required by calling 256-237-6766 or online via www.ExploreAMAG.org.

For additional information or questions, please contact AM&G Education Director at 256-237-6766 x 421 or amageducation@anniston.al.gov

In addition, various churches in the area are offering Vacation Bible School for school age children.