First Signs of Spring: Sign up for Summer Camps with Mecklenburg County Park & Rec!

This hasn’t been a typical year, but we are slowly and safely getting back to normal. That includes a rite of summer for a lot of kids: Summer Camp! This summer, Mecklenburg County Park & Recreation is ready to get kids outdoors and playing — safely, with 36 Nature Camps, 14 Recreational Camps, and more than 100 Virtual Camps to round out the schedule. And as always, scholarships from Partners for Parks make the camps a reality for kids who would otherwise not get the opportunity.

“We’ve worked with Mecklenburg County Park & Recreation on scholarships for many summer camp programs over many years,” says Partners for Parks Treasurer Al Brown. “We look forward to getting COVID under control so children, youth, adults, and seniors can get back to some regular programming in our Rec Centers and Nature Centers very soon.”

We agree, Al! We can’t wait to get back to camp! And we’re not the only ones–

“It’s providing a critical service, and allows us to follow our mission of enhancing community wellness for all ages in a very affordable way,” says Liz Morrell, a Management Analyst for MCP&R. And we’re not just talking about fun for the kids — the pro’s who lead the camps can’t wait to get back to doing what they do best, too.

“The staff are really looking forward to getting out in the field, and offering exciting programs for youth after a year with so many virtual offerings,” says Morrell. “It’s what they love to do — they want to get outside and work with the kids.”

The Recreation Camps, based at 12 recreation centers around Mecklenburg County, have a different theme each week — from arts and crafts to dance to sports. Most are open to ages 6-12, though the sports-related camps and Teen Summer Program are slightly different. There are also two therapeutic recreation camps available, for youth and teens with special needs. Recreation Camps are so popular they use a lottery system for applications and fill quickly, but the remaining spaces will be available for registration on March 15.

The Teen Summer Program at the West Charlotte Recreation Center is designed to keep preteens and young teens active and engaged throughout the summer months, with more mature themes. Sports, fitness, art, cooking, and photography join career exploration, college week, and a very intriguing “All About The Benjamins,” for the affordable cost of $75 per week.

On the Nature Camp side, programs invite children of various age groups to explore nature at the county’s 4 Nature Centers, plus Quest and the new Eastway Recreation Center. Choose from morning camps, day camps, evening camps, and even a couple of overnight stays!

The Nocturnal Nature Camp: Cryptozoology Mysteries invites children 10-13 to explore the nocturnal side of Latta Nature Preserve with a deep dive into legends of cryptids like Mothman, Nessie, and Bigfoot, along with an owl prowl, bonfire, a day on the water searching for the Loch Latta Monster, and a sleepover. Registration for Nature Camps also starts March 15. Check them out here:  https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/mecklenburgparks/activity/search?onlineSiteId=0&activity_select_param=2&activity_category_ids=50&activity_keyword=nature&viewMode=list

Only one camp at a time will take place at each Nature Center or Recreation Center camp facility, with only camp and staff allowed inside the camp areas to limit contact. COVID protocols will be in place, like daily health screenings, social distancing, and separate rooms for each group.

For kids “camping at home,” more than 100 virtual programs allow kids of all ages (including adults and seniors!) to enjoy learning new things or get moving from the comfort of their living room or den. A monthly calendar lets you access live links to what’s coming up each day! Or you can choose from this list: https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/mecklenburgparks/activity/search?onlineSiteId=0&activity_select_param=2&activity_keyword=virtual&viewMode=list

To explore camp options online, check them out at https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/mecklenburgparks/activity/search?onlineSiteId=0&activity_select_param=2&activity_category_ids=50&site_ids=39&site_ids=35&site_ids=19&site_ids=10&site_ids=7&site_ids=6&site_ids=3&site_ids=56&site_ids=12&site_ids=9&site_ids=8&site_ids=61&site_ids=15&site_ids=16&site_ids=18&site_ids=14&site_ids=20&site_ids=17&site_ids=40&site_ids=21&site_ids=22&site_ids=25&site_ids=26&site_ids=27&site_ids=50&site_ids=24&site_ids=28&viewMode=list

Here’s to happy campers Breathing Life into Our Community once again!