Writer Grace Hill

[dropcap]S[/dropcap]ummertime. It’s the time of year when the sun proudly displays its glorious, but searing rays. Yet, the season brings more than just a change in the temperature. It ushers in a spirit of merriment and freedom among children. It is a time when they no longer feel the pressures associated with school.

However, as children rejoice at the sound of the last bell of the school year, parents often deal with a different type of emotion, dread – not necessarily because their children will spend more time at home, but because a certain phrase by children gets stuck on repeat: “I’m bored.” For parents, finding a way to respond positively after the 100th time of hearing those words can seem like a challenge. That’s whona understands that struggle. That’s why we’ve created a list of summer camps these located in Anthem and its surrounding area. These camps provide learning and social interactions that children need throughout the summer. And of course, they provide countless hours of fun – the element that children care most about. Other camps outside of the area exist too, such as Camp North Star, perfect if you’re visiting family in other states during the summer but don’t want to deprive your kid of the camp experience.

Summertime. It can be a time when parents no longer need to dread the coming months, and when “I’m bored” is now a phrase of the past.

Anthem Community Council Community Center
Offers themed activities that inspire children to have fun while learning. This safe and caring environment provides arts and crafts, games, rock wall climbing, computers, movies, the Adventure Playground, swimming, field trips and much more.

Summer Camp 2017
Children 5–12 years
May 30–Aug. 4, Monday through Friday
7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

41130 N. Freedom Way, Anthem
623-879-3011
onlineatanthem.com/camps

Creative Castle Preschool and Kindergarten
Brings fun summer learning through individualized instruction and a developmental approach. Creative Castle offers a summer program that includes sessions Dinosaur Discover, Camping Adventures, Bug Hunt and more; and Kindergarten Readiness, an intensive program focusing on reading readiness and math skills.

Summer Program
Children 2 ½–6 years, potty-trained
June 5–July 28, Monday through Friday
9 a.m. to noon (Lunch Bunch & extended hours available)

Kindergarten Readiness
Children entering kindergarten through first Grade
June 6–July 27, Tuesday through Thursday
9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (extended care available)

4130 W. Opportunity Way, Anthem
602-740-9561
creativecastlepreschool.com/summer-program

Desert Foothills Theater
Provides children with an opportunity to perform and learn theater skills. The one- and two-week camps include productions of “The Amazing Adventures of Super Stan,” “Annie,” “Wicked” and “High School Musical.” The camp concludes with a performance for family and friends.

Creative Kids Summer Camp
Children 5–7 years
June 5–16, Monday through Friday
9 a.m. to noon

Full-Day Musical Theatre Camp
Children 8–14 years
June 19–30, Monday through Friday
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Musical Revue Camps
Children 8–14 years
July 10–28, Monday through Friday
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Various Locations
480-488-1981
dftheater.org/summercamp

Diamond Dance Works
Allows dancers of all ages and levels to learn techniques and develop skills of ballet, tap, acrobatics, hip hop, contemporary, musical theater and more. Dance training in the summer camps and intensives provided by knowledgeable instructors in a positive atmosphere.

Summer Dance Camps and Intensives
Children 3 years and older
June 5–July 21, Monday through Friday
various times

34406 N. 27th Dr., Ste. 190, Phoenix
623-582-9858
diamonddanceworks.com

Future Stars International Enterprises
Provides youth a safe and rewarding environment where they experience high-level basketball and volleyball training. Basketball camp features fundamental skills, shooting work and defensive/offensive breakdowns. Volleyball camp features fundamental skills, transition play, defense and footwork.

Summer Co-Ed Basketball Camp
(Anthem Location)
Children 5–16 years
June 12–30, Monday through Friday
9 a.m. to noon

Summer Co-Ed Volleyball Camp
(Anthem Location)
Children 8–16 years
July 10–14, Monday through Friday
1 to 4 p.m.

Anthem Prep
39808 N. Gavilan Peak Pkwy., Anthem
623-326-4267
futurestarsusa.com

Musical Theatre of Anthem
Offers youth summer productions and workshops taught by award-winning directors, vocal directors and choreographers. The summer session features three productions, “Dear Edwina Jr.,” “Madagascar Jr.” and “School of Rock,” and teaches performing skills like vocal technique, dance and showmanship.

Summer Productions
Children 8–18 years (varies per show)
June 5–Aug. 5, Monday through Friday
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Summer Performing Arts Institute
Children 6–18 years
June 26–30, Monday through Friday
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

MTA Minis Summer Session
Children 3–5 years
July 24–28, Monday through Friday
2-3:30 p.m.

42323 N. Vision Way, Bldg. #2, Anthem
602-743-9892
musicaltheatreofanthem.org

North Valley Christian Academy
Gives preschoolers an opportunity to participate in a summer learning adventure guided by nurturing and experienced staff members. Children will learn Bible stories that complement themes like the jungle, space, reptiles, bugs, the sun, camping, the beach and more.

Summer Preschool
Children 2–6 years
May 30–July 28, Monday through Friday
various times

42101 N. 41st Dr., Ste 101, Phoenix
623-551-3454
northvalleyca.org

St. Rose Philippine Duchesne
St. Rose Philippine Duchesne presents their 2017 vacation Bible school, “Cool Kingdom Party.” Highlights of this fun-filled week include song and dance, arts and crafts and food. The week closes with mass and a pizza party.

Vacation Bible School
Children entering kindergarten through fifth Grade
June 12–16
9 a.m. to noon

Caurus Academy
41900 N. 42nd Ave., Anthem
623-465-9740
stroseparishaz.org

Starlight Community Theater
Starlight Community Theater invites young actors from across the Valley to participate in their 2017 Camp Rising Star. Two musicals and one dramatic play make up this summer session, with the play teaching safe stage fighting. Each session concludes with two performing shows.

Disney’s Peter Pan Jr.
Children 7–17 years
June 5–17, Monday through Friday
8 a.m. to noon

Cry Havoc! AKA Shakespearean Swordplay
Children 13–17 years
June 19–24
8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Disney’s The Jungle Book KIDS
Children 7–17 years
July 17–29, Monday through Friday
8 a.m. to noon

1611 W. Whispering Wind Dr., Phoenix
623-252-6815
starlightcommunitytheater.com

Summit Church
Gives elementary students a creative opportunity in science and theater. Lego Robotics Camp teaches the principles of math, science and engineering and shows how science supports faith. Theater Camp provides acting, music and choreography training in a fun, interactive format.

Lego Robotics & Theater Camps
Children entering third to sixth grade
July 24–28
9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Anthem Elementary School
41020 N. Freedom Way, Anthem
623-522-8582
summitchurchaz.com/summercamps