Summer Camps

Even though I'm my kids aren't ready for summer camps and we have full-time day care with an Au Pair, I'm starting to collect ideas for what I can do with my kids in the summers while I'm working.

Summer Adventures Day Camp

• (Note for me: As of 2009, the price for 2 kids is just slightly more than what we pay for an Au Pair for the first 3 weeks and about the same for weeks after that.)
• Can sign up for individual weeks
• Takes kids ages 5 - 16
• Kids go on field trips every day: activities include things like bowling, movies, going to the zoo, scavenger hunts

Redmond Parks & Rec

• I just received the Redmond Parks & Rec guide for Spring/Summer 2009.
• They have a "Boredom Busters" program that features a different focus each week. They also have a bunch of other camps listed including ones at Farrel-McWhirter and themed based camps.

Boredom Busters description from the Guide (pg 6):

• Keep your kids happy, entertained and physically active this summer! With a convenient location in downtown Redmond, this program is a great option for working and nonworking parents and all school-aged children. Camp hours are from 9am - 4pm, with the option of FREE before care at 7:30am and FREE after care until 6pm. You must REGISTER for Before and After care - see schedule below. Each week will offer age appropriate
  activities based on weekly themes, one field trip and one visit to Idylwood Beach Park for swimming. Dress for the weather. Bring two snacks and lunch each day.
• Fee: $188/week for Redmond residents in 2009

YMCA Summer Activities

Sambica (Christian camp and there are daily bible studies)

• Does summer camps and before & after school care
• More expensive than Summer Adventures Day Camp
• On Lake Sammamish, so lots of water activities - very active camp
• Even though a Christian camp, parents don't see the bible studies as overbearing.
• Lots of recommendations for this one!

Camp River Ranch

• Girl Scouts, Carnation area. Girls only!

Camp Orkila (overnight camp)

• YMCA, Orcas Island.
• Girls and boys, amazing location, lots of special activities like ropes course, sea kayaking, etc.
• YMCA is a Christian organization, but it is not a bible camp.
• Overnight camp, so nearly twice as much $$$ as day camps

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List of tons of camps in Puget Sound (from parentmap.com)

Others that were recommended, but I haven't looked up yet:

• Boys & Girls Clubs camps
• Girl Scout camps (I'm assuming there are Boy Scout camps as well)
• Community Cetners
• ProClub
• SkyHawks - sports
• Sports Camps (e.g. Arena Sports soccer)
• Science Camps (e.g. MadScience.org)
• Woodland Park Zoo - Zoo camp
• Pacific Science Center - Science camp
• Martial Arts Schools