Affordable Summer Opportunities
Spring is the perfect time to help families start planning for summer! There are many affordable options for summer camps and activities so that kids can stay busy, enjoy new experiences, build skills, interact with peers, and stave off that “summer slide” (Source 1, Source 2).
Here are five programs you might consider passing along to caregivers who are interesting in finding summer opportunities for their children:
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis runs affordable, high-quality day camps for kids (ages 6 to 18) at locations throughout the region. These camps offer creative programming, sports, STEM activities, music production, and more. Breakfast and lunch are provided. See the website for information and registration!
For the first time ever, St. Louis County Library is offering six free, weeklong “explorer camps” for kids. Free shuttle service is available to take kids from library branches on Natural Bridge and Weber Road to the Clark Family Branch for camp. Please note: applications close on March 23rd. Caregivers can apply here.
The UMSL BRIDGE programs for middle- and high-school students offer free academic enrichment and career exploration classes and workshops. Programming is offered mid-June through mid-July from 7:45 am to noon. Applications will be accepted through mid-May. More information can be found here.
YMCA Camp Lakewood is a traditional overnight camp located in Potosi, Missouri. Three to five-night sessions are available for kids ages 6 to 16. Financial assistance is available for those who qualify. See the Gateway Region YMCA website for more information. Caregivers can apply for financial assistance for Camp Lakewood (and all YMCA camps and programming) here.
Camp Sherwood Forest is an overnight camp that serves 1st grade to 9th grade children from low-income families in Missouri and Illinois. Programming provides a balance of traditional camp adventures and educational enrichment. Sherwood Forest is located on nearly 500 acres of secluded forest land about 100 miles south of St. Louis. For more information, check out the Sherwood Forest website.