Summer Camp Options in Atlanta

It seems every parent struggles with the conundrum of what to do with his/her child during the long summer months. Children not yet old enough to work often find that the freedom of summer can be as boring as it is terrific. In Atlanta, unless you've got a boatload of time to spend on keeping your child occupied and refreshed this summer, you might want to consider some wholesome activities to get your "little one" involved in.

LITTLE SCIENTISTS

Children interested in science (or anything technical) will get a big kick out of the Summer Science Day Camps taking place. For a handsome price of $225 per week, elementary school age kids will be able to get hands-on experience with natural sciences. These camps are designed to help children learn about the environments around them. They even have the opportunity to participate in a number of different experiments.

Children attending these camps will need to bring their own lunch and drink, and wear comfortable summer clothing. Some of the activities might get them dirty. So it's also a good idea to provide a "work" shirt or coverall for that purpose.

THE GARDENS

Atlanta's Botanical Garden also offers adult and children's classes covering a number of horticultural topics. Some classes do not require registration, as they are considered "drop-in" courses. The 2007 Environmental Summer Day Camp provides a week's worth of activities including nature exploration, and even arts and crafts.

LITTLE WRITERS

If you've got a 9 or 10 year old with an active imagination, then you'll want to consider the Center for Southern Literature at the Margaret Mitchell House and its "Writing For Fun" camps which focus on stream-of-consciousness writing, poetry, and other activities to engage children during the summer. There are other writing programs which cater to older children, in addition to workshops for adults. Members of the center only pay $150 for the camp. Non-members pay $175.

LITTLE ARTISTS