by Laura (Pre-3s parent)
Now that spring has sprung, summer is right around the corner! As the parent of a newly minted THREEnager, this is the first year I’ve given serious thought to structured summer activities. After weighing the danger of over-scheduling against the likelihood of my 3 year old and 10 month old driving each other (and ME) crazy all summer, I decided to sign up for a few outdoorsy activities, while leaving most of the summer open. Here are some of the programs we considered:
Wedgwood Drama Studio Summer Preschool Camp
In addition to their popular camps for older children, Wedgewood Drama Studio offers a “PRE school camp adventure with group games, outdoor art, scavenger hunts, dramatic play, songs and more” for children aged 3 and up. This program is conveniently located in View Ridge Park and is led by Drama Studio founder Christi Cruz, who also serves as the Pre-3’s teacher at University-Ravenna Co-op!
https://wedgwooddrama.com/summer-camps/
Washington Park Arboretum/UW Botanic Gardens
The University of Washington offers a Pre-K camp at the Arboretum for 4, 5, and 6 year olds who have not yet started Kindergarten.“Through songs, stories, and exploration, campers will get to experience the limitless opportunity offered by 230 acres of classroom space that grow and change with each passing day. Here at the arboretum, children get to lead their own educational process; fostering creativity, independence, and joy while learning to approach the world a scientist.” The program meets 5 days/week from 9am – 1pm.
https://botanicgardens.uw.edu/education/youth-family/summer-camp/
Woodland Park Cooperative Preschool
“The Woodland Park Summer Co-op offers a series of two-week adventures for an expanded community of students ranging from ages 2-6, all summer long. Class time is spent almost entirely outdoors in our magical play space, with inspired art and building projects, gardening, and group activities.” Classes meet for 2.5 hours/day 3-4 times per week (depending on the session selected), and there are both morning and afternoon slots available over the course of the summer. Per the co-op model, parents work in the classroom one day a week.
http://www.woodlandparksummer.org/ (WPC’s lead teacher, Tom Hobson, blogs at http://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/ )
“Little Farmers” Camp at Kelsey Creek Farm
“Explore life on the farm! Campers (ages 4-6) will meet Kelsey Creek’s resident farm animals and make them treats. Create crafts and play games in this special half-day camp with Jayne Ash. She combines 25 years of early childhood education experience with her knowledge of animals to actively engage children in the joys of farm life.”
http://www.farmerjayne.com/DAY_CAMPS.html
Itty Bitty Camps
“Itty Bitty Camps is a parent and child nature program based out of Seattle’s Discovery Park. Join us for habitat exploration designed for young children aged 1-5 and their families, and other caregivers too.” The summer session is July 7- August 25, and includes a special Friday afternoon session with an extended age range (up to age 8). It’s only $30 per session to add a sibling, making this a great option for families with more than one child!
https://ittybittycamps.com/
“Kinder Camp” at Woodland Park Zoo
“For children ages 3-5 years, the Zoo’s Kinder Camp is an exciting blend of games, activities and chances to see zoo animals while limiting the distance traveled to accommodate little legs. Each day campers will explore the zoo with a different theme focus such as colors, numbers, families and more.” Half Day (ages 3-4) and Full Day (ages 4-5) available.
www.zoo.org
For more summer camp ideas, visit…
https://www.parentmap.com/article/fun-summer-camps-for-seattle-area-kids