Taking an Educational Approach to Summer Camps

It's not even February and I'm already thinking of how we'll fill the long weeks of summer! Everyone knows that if you want in on the coveted summer camp spots you have to start planning well in advance.

In our area there are a few basic places people often send their kids to camp, but they're usually over-priced and reserving a spot usually includes staying up until 12:01am to snatch it -- neither of which are my thing. There are so many great spots to find summer camps for your kids, you just have to think outside the box!

I've been doing a little research and here are a few places you can look for camps and ideas with an educational approach to fun!

1. STEM Camps - STEM camps, like the ones offered at Snapology in the summer, promote creative play, teamwork and social skills through activities geared toward Science, Technology, Engineering and Snapology are engaged a variety of theme-focused activities while learning engineering and math principles. Snapology’s goal is to put purpose to their building through blueprinting and idea sharing. Their themed programs use LEGO® bricks, K’Nex  and other interactive building toys to engage children and spark their creativity.

2. Children's Museums - Museums aren't the first place you think of when you think educational summer camps, since they're mostly indoors, but they often have some really fun and creatively-themed camps available for school aged children. If you have a membership to the museum you pay be able to get priority registration or even a discount -- don't be afraid to ask!

3. Outdoor Adventure Camps & Classes - We've signed Owen up for a couple outdoor adventure camps over the years. For example he learned to ride his bike at his Lear to Bike camp two years ago and we both enjoyed the hiking class we took together and all of the fun outdoor areas we were able discover.

4. Zoo Camps - Our local zoos offer an amazing and educational approach to summer camps every summer with their day camp adventures! Animal loving campers delve deeper into the science behind wildlife conservation and hands-on experiences.

So what summer camps are you signing up for this year? I'd love to hear all about them in the comments below!