Summer Sizzle: Houston Hottest Summer Camps

Fun as it may be, sleeping ’til noon and turning into a raisin at the pool isn’t the most productive way to spend the summer. With the end of the school year quickly approaching, it’s prime time to plan a fun-filled summer for the kiddos. Whether you’re raising a dazzling dancing queen or a future pro-skateboarder, there is a camp that’s perfect for your pride and joy. “The Summer Book 2009” offers an extensive list of camps, classes, and workshops for all ages and interest. Here’s some that caught our eye:

Alliance Fencing Academy Fencing Camp
(713) 301-7934, www.alliance-fencing-academy.com
With the US Fencing Team bringing home a record number of medals from the Beijing Olympics, fencing is the new “it” sport for budding athletes. Bring your young Zorro or Zorrita here to learn one of the world’s oldest and most distinguished sports.

Armand Bayou Nature Center Summer EcoCamps
(281) 474-2552, www.abnc.rog
Tired of your little darling coming home with grass stains and worms in his pocket? Nurture your nature lover with a week of fishing, swimming, and canoe rides. This educational camp teaches kids about the environment, using the Armand Bayou Nature Center as a living laboratory.

Art Mix Creative Learning Center “Art Journey All Around the World”
(713) 552-9028, www.artmixlearning.com
Encourage your Andy Warhol to channel their creativity while learning about art forms from around the world. At Art Mix Creative Learning Center, your little Picasso will delve into multi-media art projects including, jewelry making, sculpting, and drawing. The center also offers private classes and individual lessons for special needs children.

Camp For All
(713) 686-1242, www.campforall.com
For children and teens with chronic illnesses, excursions outside the hospital are rare. Camp For All works with a variety of non-profits to give these kids an unforgettable experience camping in East Texas. With a medical team on staff 24/7, campers enjoy rock climbing, swimming, team sports, and character development in a safe, high-energy environment.

ComedySportz Summer Imporv Camp
(713) 868-1444, www.comedysportzhouston.com
If your son or daughter has earned a rep for being the class clown, their comedic antics are welcome here. Local comedians will teach your up-and-coming funny one how to build scenes, invent characters and warm-up to an audience. Save money on cable and get laughs for free, courtesy of your little comedian.

Contemporary School of Etiquette Courtesy Camp
(866) 838-3995, www.manneresplus.com
Send your baby girl off into the world perfectly prim and proper. Experts on etiquette will engage your daughter in all things polite, including basic manners and a four-course dining tutorial.

Crossing Borders Group Language Immersion Camps
(281) 465-0899, www.crossingbordersgroup.com

Give your children a competitive edge in the global marketplace and encourage them to take up another language (or two!). Crossing Borders fosters fluency in Spanish, English, and French. Native speakers teach languages through fun activities including cooking and theatre.

Houston Grand Opera Opera Camp (713) 546-0230, www.houstongrandopera.org
This intensive singing program helps students develop the vocal chops needed to take center stage. Students can choose from “Opera Experience,” “The Art of Opera,” or “Create an Opera.”

Houston Yacht Club Youth Sailing Summer Camp
(281) 471-1255, www.houstonyachtclub.com
Pack your son or daughter an extra bottle of sunscreen and watch them set sail at this thrill-seeking camp. The professional coaching staff at the Houston Yacht Club provides on and off the water sailing instruction for children eager to maneuver their way through the open sea. They also offer an overnight camp for older campers.

Kid Yoga
Peace is Within Me!
(713) 691-8282,www.yoga-houston.org
Running amuck on the playground and playing dress-up can be exhausting. Let your little one find peace, balance, and strength through a series of breathing practices and active poses. Namaste!

Kuumba House Dance Theatre Summer Session
(713) 524-1079, www.kuumbahouse.org
This dance education camp allows students to channel their creativity through jazz, ballet, and African dance. Celebrating their 25th Anniversary, Kuumba House offers instruction from skilled dancers who regularly perform throughout the country and abroad.

Percussion Center Rock ‘n Roll Band Camp
(713) 468-9100, www.percussiononline.com
If your kids were born to rock, this is the spot. Campers are split up into groups and rock out for a week with their newfound band mates. The camp culminates with a Friday afternoon concert.

*For a complete listing of Houston-area summer camps, including dates, ages, and fees, visit www.thesummerbook.com for a list of “The Summer Book 2009” retailers.