Summer Day Camp in Little Rock, Arkansas

Camps that Focus on the Arts

For kids who prefer not to experience the great outdoors this summer, thus reducing the need for sunblock, bug spray, or the dreaded hat that makes my face look fat; there are alternatives. In Little Rock and the surrounding area, these camps include courses that encompass more than two dozen arts and humanities mediums. A list of the largest and most popular have been combined here, enabling parents to see at a glance what's out there.

Probably the largest, is the Summer Arts Camp, hosted each year by The University of Arkansas at Little Rock. The 2007 offerings include the standard Voice, Keyboard, Guitar, and Violin Classes; as well as courses in Creative Writing, Storytelling, Photography, Drama, Art, and Musical Theate & Dance.

What sets UALR's camp apart from the rest are those that appear to be exclusive to their program. Children ages 5-15 can learn International Cooking skills; conversational Chinese and culture or the art of Chinese Brush Painting.

More courses can be found on their website http://www.ualr.edu/csa/summrcamp.htm which also includes an online registration form.

Fees are $150 for each session, although there is a $5 discount if you register and pay the entire tuition more than 30 days prior to the camp. They also extend a 10% multi-child discount. In addition, the cooking and photography classes both have a $10 supply fee. Camp dates are June 19-23 and Aug 7-11.

The Wildwood Opera Camp will take campers through the entire process of preparing an opera for the stage. From designing the sets and the costumes, to learning and performing the music; this year it's Gilbert and Sullivan's "HMS Pinnafore"; they learn it all from seasoned professionals.

Auditions are required, and there are some full and partial scholarships to help offset the $500 fee. Dates are July 24-August 4; and camp runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wildwood is open to both boys and girls ages 10-18. For auditions, call Mary Smith at 501-821-7275, ext 242. The gardens are home to the Arkansas Opera Company, and information can be found at http://www.wildwoodpark.org/