VOL. 47 | NO. 9 | Friday, February 24, 2023
2023 Middle Tennessee summer camp guide
Camp provides children and young adults the chance to experience something totally different from their daily lives – maybe an opportunity to connect with nature, ride horses or learn to sail – as well as the opportunity to participate in team-based activities and develop relationships. Prices are as varied as the options for Nashvillians, so follow the links below for registration information and program details.
Camps for learning
Adventure Science Center
Providing a wide range of science enrichment programs for youth in grades K-6, programs combine science, technology, engineering and math in ways that encourage children to actively discover and examine concepts for themselves and inspire a lifelong passion for learning, problem-solving and teamwork. This summer’s options include STEM Specialty Camps catering to kids who are interested in Legos, inventing, fashion and robotics. Information
Battle Ground Academy
There are more than 40 options this summer for full- and half-day camps for every interest at BGA, from basketball and football to coding and cheerleading, with the options for students to attend one week at a time or all summer. The school works to create a welcoming environment at the camps that aims to make all campers welcome, not just current BGA students. Information
Belmont University
Elementary, middle and high school students get a collegiate experience with camps geared toward athletics, music, art and academics. This summer’s options include options from bugs and butterflies to architecture and design. Information
Duke University
Duke’s Summer Session offers current high school sophomores and juniors the opportunity to earn college credit with courses from across the arts and sciences. Participants must be 16 years old by July 3 to be eligible. Information
Engineering for Kids
At two locations in Middle Tennessee – Harding Academy and Williamson County Recreational Centers – children can choose from dozens of engineering-themed camps. Campers in K-3rd grade may discover new skills in Jr. Coding 101 or Robotics, while 3rd-8th graders can get messy in Wreck-It Week or Robo Battles. Information
Goodpasture Christian School
Campers can participate in a range of camps, from soccer and volleyball and other sports in addition to weather, science and other academically focused camps that are on campus all summer long. Information
Historic Travellers Rest Plantation
Travellers Rest camps offer opportunities for children ages 7-15 to enjoy hands-on activities at Nashville’s oldest historic house. Upcoming themes include Tennessee Tales and Legends and stitching history. Information
Math in Motion
Rising third-fifth and sixth-eighth graders encounter math through games, explorations and hands-on activities in these weeklong half-day camps. Math in Motion’s goal is building campers’ self-esteem and allowing them to see that math is more than numbers and is about creative solutions to real life experiences. Information
Mr. Bond’s Science Guys
The Science Guys’ summer camps aim to prove that science is fun, cool and easy. Campers ages 5-12 can get creative and explore different themes like Kitchen Chemistry, Engineering Earth and The Science of Art at various locations across the city, including the Mt. Juliet and Williamson County Parks and Recreation centers. Information
St. Cecilia Academy
Camp St. Cecilia is designed to give girls ages 4-17 the opportunity to have summer fun while remaining immersed in learning. Options range from creative stitching, mixed media art and American Girl dolls to lacrosse, musical theater and public speaking. Information
Tennessee Flight Training
Campers ages 13-18 can find out what it really takes to learn to fly in Pilot Camp. Students will learn the disciplines of aviation through science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) while meeting like-minded aviation enthusiasts their own age. Information
Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory
Middle school students interested in astronomy and space science can explore the worlds of science, math, engineering and technology at The Dyer Observers Space Science Camp. Camp will include a tour of the United States Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama. Information
Vanderbilt Programs for Talented Youth
Established in 2000, PTY offers a diverse and challenging summer academic program for talented children in grades K-12. Virtual and asynchronous courses are available for rising 11th and 12th graders. Information
Camps for the performer
Ann Carroll School of Dance
Camps at this dance studio offer a wide variety of classes for all levels of experience – from beginner to advanced. Campers ages 2-18 can explore tap, hip-hop, musical theater, tumbling, acting, dance and vocal performance. Information
Cheekwood Estate and Gardens
Campers aged 5-14 can explore Cheekwood’s 55-acre botanical gardens, learn about ecosystems around the estate, create textile and ceramic masterpieces and more. Both half- and full-day weeklong camps run from the first week in June until the end of July. Information
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Budding songwriters ages 11-18 can hone their craft and learn from professionals at Songwriting Camp. This five-day camp includes one-on-one mentoring sessions, instrument instruction, performance coaching, recording experiences and workshops led by special guests. A showcase on the final day presents a culminating public performance featuring the songs created during the week. Information
Currey Ingram Academy
One of seven unique camp options this summer, the ADHD Summer Treatment program, a six-week summer program for children 8-12, is designed like a day camp with academic time, outdoor play and social skills work. Camp Beech Creek is a day camp that pairs a morning elective with more traditional camp activities in the afternoon such as creek exploration and arts and crafts. Other offerings focus on sports, reading and writing. Information
Elite Dance, Music and Art
The Nolensville-based performing arts studio has not updated its summer 2023 camp schedule as of mid-February, but past dance camps have included instruction on hip-hop, jazz, tap, ballet and more. An art option includes the exploration of different styles. Information
Expression City Arts and Fitness
Make your kid’s summer a showstopper with musical theater or circus camp options. Circus skills covered in camp include aerial silks, lyra, trapeze, hooping and juggling at the Brentwood performing arts studio. Information
Flour Power Kids Cooking Studio
Young chefs ages 5-12 can learn to create their own snacks and lunch while developing lifelong skills using math, science, reading and chemistry. Information
Hendersonville Performing Arts Company
This year’s summer enrichment program will include camps for elementary, junior-high and high school students, as well as a special alumni show. Specific show and audition information will be released soon, but rumor is that Peter Pan and Winnie the Pooh may be making an appearance. Information
Monthaven Arts and Cultural Center
The MACC offers eight weeks of various summer art programs (including caricatures, digital drawing, and jewelry and sticker creation) for kids aged 5 and older. MACC members and campers who attend multiple sessions are eligible for discounted rates. Information
Rock Zone School of Music
Located in Mt. Juliet, Camp Rock Zone offers activities around music, Minecraft, acting, cooking and STEM. Children aged 4-11 are invited to spend one week or the whole summer to perform, play, and create. Information
School of Nashville Ballet
Young artists from 4-8 can attend half-day camps about animal adventures, fairy-tale fun or ballet legends. In addition, the school offers a variety of summer programs for children of all ages, including drop-in classes and junior intensives. Information
Southern Girls Rock Camp
This summer day camp for girls and gender-nonconforming youth ages 10-17 gives campers an opportunity to form their own band and collaborate on a song. Supported by Youth Empowerment through Arts and Humanities, this camp works to provide a safe space where all kids can rock. Information
Camps for the athlete
Aregis Taekwondo Center
The summer camp program at Aregis Taekwondo Center ties together all facets of their facility in one. While maintaining Taekwondo classes each day, this program invites children from all age ranges to join in a fun and creative environment. It offers daily field trips to different events in the North Nashville/Goodlettsville area, including the park, skating, bowling, movies, biking/hiking and more. The camp keeps kids active and engaged and limits screen time. Information
The Climb Gyms
Children ages 6-12 will get instruction from expert climbing staff along with team-building activities, games and objectives that encourage them to make friendships, gain confidence and participate in a challenging physical activity. Available at all locations. Information
LPG Sports Academy
Children can participate in a variety of sport-focused camps, including baseball, soccer, basketball, flag football and hockey. Locations in Franklin and Brentwood. Information
Mountain Bike Camp
Offered by Leadership Academy, Mountain Bike Camp is open to campers at all levels of experience, from beginner to advanced. Qualified instructors teach bike maintenance and setup, a variety of riding techniques and lead trail rides to help campers learn a lifetime sport and improve their skills and confidence. Information
Nashville Predators
The annual camp gets children on the ice and is an opportunity for boys and girls to learn more about the game of hockey, log quality ice time and receive instruction from qualified and professional staff alongside the Preds Youth Hockey Development team, players, prospects, alumni and/or coaches. Participants are grouped by ability to enhance their learning environment. Information
Nashville Sail Camp
Offered by Leadership Academy, Nashville Sail Camp is a learn-to-sail camp for kids at all levels of experience. Qualified instructors will teach boating safety, points of sail, boat parts, rigging and basic maneuvering. The camp offers a basic level of sailing, focusing on the fundamentals while having a great time on the water. Other skills taught include problem-solving and creative thinking. Information
Nashville Sailing Foundation
Hosted by the Harbor Island Yacht Club, Summer Sail Camp is for children 7-17 and is structured to include introductory sailing, racing and advanced knowledge of small-boat handling and skills in a safe, fun environment. Instructors are required to complete a U.S. Sailing counselor training course. No sailing experience necessary. Information
Nashville Youth Soccer Association
A division of the Heartland Soccer Club, this recreational league is for players ages 5-17 with skill levels that range from novice to experienced. There are no tryouts, and children are accepted regardless of whether they’ve played soccer before. Information
Scott Hamilton Skating Academy
Located at Ford Ice Center, the skating academy offers young skaters a variety of specialty skills sports camps and classes, as well as freestyle ice options, throughout the summer. Information
Camps for the equestrian
Creekside Riding Stables
Horse lovers will appreciate the focus on safety, proper technique, grooming, care and tacking, while campers engage in everything from trail riding, lessons, reading a horse’s personality and creek walks. Information
Gait Keeper Farm
Campers will spend their day along 88 acres in the bend of the Harpeth River, riding and learning about horses and ponies. Each camper will ride as much as twice daily. Other activities include learning about daily care, the anatomy of the horse, breeds, colors, demonstrations from professionals, horsemanship and more. The camp goal is to educate while having fun with horses and friends. Information
Harris Riding Academy
Children with little or no experience can learn to ride in a clean, safe environment. Founded in 2015 in Murfreesboro, the academy promotes the American Saddlebred and Hackney pony. HRA is proud to introduce riders to the breed in the summer camp program to help transition into lessons. Information
Tracy Equestrian
Formerly Peachtree Farms, Tracy Equestrian in Franklin offers summer camps designed to improve all aspects of horsemanship for riders of every age and skill level. Campers can expect a week of exciting and educational lessons, and a fun-filled day of riding and barn management. Information
Camps for children who wants to do it all
A New Leaf School
This camp aims to empower campers to develop more meaningful relationships and connections with other campers, as well as experience a growing sense of belonging and autonomy within the context of our guided farm and lab activities. Give them the gift of time to develop competencies, self-expression, and confidence while building on experiences and developing projects. Campers 13 to 16 years of age will have options to join groups in all activities, and may also elect to take on more of a leading role in various projects on the farm with the animals and gardens as Junior Farm Apprentices or JFAs for short. Information
Barefoot Republic Camp and Retreat Center
Camp at Barefoot focuses on Christ-centered relationships between individuals from diverse racial, cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds through an equally diverse platform of artistic, athletic and team-building programs. Day and overnight options are available, as well as family camp options. Information
Carol’s Homestead
Join Dr. Carol Batey-Prunty and her husband John for an educational, hands-on experience of nature, cooking and more. With these four-hour classes, campers will learn about resources ranging from home gardens, greenhouses and woodland supplies. Information
Deer Run Camps and Retreats
Deer Run is a nonprofit Christian ministry providing day, adventure and overnight summer camps, family camp, year-round retreat and meeting facilities and team building through the high and low ropes course experiences. Family events help parents and children connect on a deeper level, unplug from their electronics and create lifelong memories. Information
The Ensworth School
Each summer, Ensworth hosts a wide range of camps, trips, and courses to provide opportunities for campers and students of all ages to continue learning, experiencing, exploring, and enjoying life in the summer months. Information
Ezell-Harding Christian School
EHCS offers weekly day camp, academic and sport options for students of all ages, from volleyball and cheer to basketball, art, soccer and STEM. Information
Franklin Road Academy
With camps for grades PK-8, FRA offers ample opportunities for enrichment and fun with sports camp, a full-day option or an academic experience with the goal to deliver a positive and seamless experience for campers and their families. Information
Gordon Jewish Community Center
Camp Davis at the Gordon JCC provides kids aged 5-16 the opportunity to try new things, get dirty and form memories and friendships that last forever. The traditional camp option is filled with sports, art, music, nature and leadership opportunities within a strong camp culture, while the specialty camps offer campers a chance to immerse themselves in their interests even further. Information
Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont
Children can go on a true outdoor adventure and experience summer in the Smoky Mountains, splashing around in a mountain stream, climbing ridges for unbelievable views or choosing from a variety of activities to discover nature through hands-on explorations, day hikes and crafts. Summer Camp in the Smokies offers multiday, overnight experiences for kids aged 4-17 (and for some camps, parents, grandparents, aunts or uncles are invited, too). Information
The Harpeth Hall School
Each summer, Harpeth Hall welcomes more than 700 girls to campus for fun and unforgettable camp experiences and opportunities for budding entrepreneurs and future female CEOs, clothing designers and computer coders, poets and dancers, and princesses and wizards. There are also sports camps at every level. Information
Leadership Academy
Youth day camp options include Camp Warner Park nature camp, GROW Enrichment Camp, Camp Bells Bend Beaman adventure day camp, Camp Twigs and Teen Leadership Adventure for children ages 6-17. Information
Lucky Ladd Farms
The annual farm camp allows campers ages 5-10 to explore the wonder and magic of Lucky Ladd Farms, including working with animals, going on pony rides, gardening, playing games, participating in arts and crafts, archery, water play, wilderness exploration, gardening and more. Information
Middle Tennessee YMCA
Locations all across Middle Tennessee are offering a full slate of summer camp activities from Summer Adventure and Camp Widjiwagan that promote youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. There is also Camp Little Y for younger campers just learning to make new friends. Information
Montgomery Bell Academy
MBA offers a wide variety of camps, classes, and special programs throughout the year. These programs are open to MBA students, as well as the community at large including sports options, academic prep, enrichment camp, driver’s education and summer sports leagues. Information
Nashville Christian School
This summer NCS is offering a wide range of camps for children, including traditional day, specialized sports and academic and fine art-based offerings. Information: www.ncscamps.org
Nashville Zoo
With 10 weeks of programming, children ages 5-18 can participate in camp for all types and interests, including a three-day veterinary camp. And the Zooper Heroes camp is specifically designed for children with special needs. Campers ages 5 to 18 can sign up for day camps full of Zoo favorites and new adventures. All camps incorporate animal trail exploration, interactive games, WILD hands-on activities and up-close animal encounters. Information
St. Bernard Academy
Summer Play Days at St. Bernard help enrich students’ knowledge and further enhance their SBA experience through themes, visitors, art projects, games, water days and additional weekly camps. First-come, first-serve for current SBA families. Information
St. Paul Christian Academy
St. Paul offers camps to children ages 4 and older, with offerings that range from reading and writing to art, ballet and Christian and lyrical dance. Information
Tennessee 4-H Camps
Tennessee 4-H operates four 4-H Centers located throughout the state that offer an extensive summer camping program for young people in grades 4-12, as well as camping programs during the school year to accommodate school groups. Junior 4-H Camp is for youth who have completed grades four through six. This five-day resident camp is available at three 4-H Centers (Columbia, Crossville and Greeneville). Activities may include swimming, shooting sports, group sports and recreation, fishing, nature hikes, leathercraft, woodworking, T-shirt airbrushing, skits, music and more. Information: 4h.tennessee.edu, extension.tennessee.edu
Warner Park Nature Center
One of Leadership Academy’s programs, Camp Warner Park has a mission of connecting children to nature. Children will splash in creeks, meet local wildlife and get an appreciation for the great outdoors. The camp day is unstructured by design so children ages 6-16 will have a better opportunity to interact with each other and the environment. Information