This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

Patch Picks: Local Summer Camps

Westlake Patch takes a look at five local summer camps that will keep your kids busy all season long.

This national day camp holds sessions in major cities all over the United States, including Cleveland.  With overnight camps for kids 12 to 17 years old and day camps for children 7 and up, kids can sing, dance, strum and drum their way to a rockin’ summer.

Camp Jam’s multiple curriculum rock 'n roll program, which was put together by several platinum-selling rock artists, teaches kids about music techniques and stage presence, grooming each participant into a bona-fide rock star. Each camper will have the opportunity to perform on a real stage in front of a real audience. Some camps even include a recording session.

Find out what's happening in Westlakewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The camp accommodates wannabe musicians and accomplished players alike, so kids of all talent levels can join in the fun. For more information on Camp Jam, call 1-800-513-0930.

2) Head Start Basketball

Find out what's happening in Westlakewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

What better way to get the kids to expend some of that seemingly endless energy this summer than with a basketball day camp in Strongsville? At the Head Start Basketball Camp, kids in grades one through six can burn off those extra ice cream calories at up to four week-long sessions: June 20-24, June 27-July 1, July 11-15 and July 18-22.

Camps are held at from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. each day. (The July 11-15 session is open to grades five and six only). Boys and girls are welcome to take part in basic basketball technique instruction, fun contests and the residual self-esteem boost that learning a new sport brings. The coaches at the Head Start Basketball Camp are enthusiastic, friendly and encouraging, leaving children excited and eager to build their dunking and dribbling skills. A ceremony ends each session, where parents are invited to watch on as their campers win awards for their hard work. Each camper gets a Head Start Basketball Camp t-shirt.

3. Medical Camp

The medical summer camps at The Cleveland Museum of Natural History are fun but educational summertime events for children in grades 3-10. Camps are all day (most run from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) and last a week apiece.

Kids will learn first aid, nutrition, biology, chemistry and even veterinary science (in the vet camp).  From germs to embryos, kids will learn the ins and outs of medical science in a fun, safe environment. The camps are perfect for kids who are interested in the medical field or who are just interested in science altogether.

Camps take place during June, July and August. Visit the CMNH website for more information. In addition to medical camps, the Museum of Natural History also offers other camps, such as a naturalist camp, fishing camp, rocket and space camp and scientist camp.

4. Playhouse Square Performing Arts Camp

Teens who love to act, sing or dance will be in their glory at the Playhouse Square Performing Arts Camp in Cleveland. The camp offers kids ages 14-19 years old the opportunity interact with Broadway performers and learn the tricks of the trade.

This year’s camp will be centered on the Broadway hit “Jersey Boys.” Campers will have the opportunity to interact with cast members from the play and see what goes on behind the scenes as the actors get ready to perform.  All campers will be able to attend the show and will leave the camp with a professional head shot and portfolio to help them secure future work. Need-based scholarships are available for would-be campers. Download Playhouse Square's scholarship PDF for more information.

5. Holly Hill Horse Camp

is an equestrian dream come true. Boys and girls age 6 and up will enjoy a week of daily horseback riding, stable maintenance, horse bathing, equine care and even arts and crafts for memories that will surely last a lifetime.

Three week-long sessions are available: June 13-17, July 18-22, and August 15-19. Each daily camping session meets from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The camp, which is located on Krebs Road, is so much fun that kids will have no idea that it’s educational, too. Interested parties can download the registration forms here.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from Westlake