Updated: Little Rock Family's Ultimate Summer Camps Guide
Welcome to our 2021 Ultimate Camp Guide!
As with all pandemic-era lists, this one comes with a few caveats.
Camps are still working to fine-tune plans to provide a safe and fun summer for your campers as of publication. So stay tuned! We will continue to reach out to camps and programs to provide the latest information on littlerockfamily.com. Make sure to check back here for the latest updates. Happy summer planning, Little Rock families!
A Helpful Note: Camps with TBD details are still deciding whether to hold camp this summer. TBA camps have planned to go ahead with camp, but are still making final decisions. Camp directors, please reach out to our editor at apeters@abpg.com with any updates.
*Denotes advertiser
ARTS
DANCE
Arkansas Academy of Dance Camps & Intensives
10301 N. Rodney Parham Road, Little Rock
501-786-0784
Dates: Summer Intensive: June 7-19;
Summer Sessions: July 6-30; Camp II (Studio): Aug. 3-6
Ages: TBA Cost: TBA
Students will explore various dance styles and work with costumes and props, all while building confidence, developing creativity and finding structure in their movement.
Ballet Arkansas Summer Programs
education@balletarkansas.org
STORY TIME DANCE CAMP
Dates: June 7-11 | 9-11 a.m.
Location: 520 Main St., Little Rock
Ages: 4-6
Cost: $150 | $100 deposit required at registration, funds will go toward tuition
This dance program includes dance classes and storytelling, and will be centered around the most beloved fairy tales, fables, and classical ballets. Dancers will also explore jazz, improvisation, and much more. The week will culminate with a showcase for families and friends.
JUNIOR INTENSIVE
Dates: June 14-18 | 9-noon
Location: 520 Main St., Little Rock
Ages: 7-9
Cost: $225 | $100 deposit required at registration, funds will go toward tuition
This fun-filled week of dance training and indoor/outdoor activities will be taught by the professional dancers and staff of Ballet Arkansas. Students will spend the week making new friends, perfecting their technique, and learning choreography in a variety of disciplines! The week will culminate with a showcase for families and friends.
SUMMER INTENSIVE BOOT CAMPS
Location: UA - Little Rock Center for Performing Arts, 5900 University Drive, Little Rock
Ages: 10-21
Multiple levels with small class sizes give students the personalized attention and encouragement they need to advance their abilities. Both camps offer optional virtual evening workshops for dancers.
Registration Note: A minimum of 3-5 years of dance training is recommended to excel in this program. Registration and placement details coming soon. Contact Catherine Fothergill at education@balletarkansas.org with any questions.
Summer Intensive Boot Camp (One Week)
Dates: June 12-16 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Cost: $350 | $100 deposit required at registration, funds will go toward tuition
Classes and workshops, taught by the Artistic Staff and professional dancers of Ballet Arkansas, will be offered in ballet, pointe/men's, variations, conditioning and contemporary. This camp is the perfect preparation for the two week Summer Intensive or is an excellent stand alone program.
Summer Intensive (Two Week)
Dates: July 19-31 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Friday; 10 a.m.-noon Saturday
Cost: $750 | $100 deposit required at registration, funds will go toward tuition
For the two week Summer Intensive, classes and workshops are offered in ballet, pointe/men's, variations, conditioning, contemporary, pilates/yoga, choreography & improvisation, repertory, nutrition, stage makeup, acting, dance history and production. The intensive will culminate with a showcase on July 31 for families and friends.
COLLEGE DANCE INTENSIVE
Date: Aug. 7 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Location: 520 Main St., Little Rock
Ages: College students
Cost: $40
Take a series of master classes from the Artistic Staff of Ballet Arkansas, designed to address the needs of the dance/theatre focused college student.
DESIGN
Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design Virtual Design Education Experience
Virtual
Dates: TBD
Rising Grades: 9-12
Cost: TBD
The Fay Jones School plans to offer a virtual design education experience of online videos and sessions with design professors to provide guidance and feedback for students. The school has partnered with Arkansas PBS Learn to present educational videos and activities on their online learning platform.
FINE ARTS
The Painted Pig Camp PIG
5611 Kavanaugh Blvd., Little Rock
501-280-0553
Dates: Weekly camps from June-August
Rising Grades: 1-8
Cost: $35-$45/session
Artists explore different mediums like clay, glass fusion and tie-dye to make cool, high-quality projects. Class sizes may be cut in half with lots of space for campers. Temperature checks may also be administered.
MUSIC
Henderson State University Band Camps
1100 Henderson St., Arkadelphia
870-230-5233
JUNIOR I CAMP
Dates: June 22-26
Ages: Students with one year of school band experience
Cost: On-campus students: $325; Off-campus students: $195
The Junior I Camp is for students who have played in a school band for one year.
JUNIOR II CAMP
Dates: June 22-26
Grades: 7-8
Cost: On-campus students: $325; Off-campus students: $195
The Junior II Camp is for students who have had their second and third year of school band experience.
SENIOR HIGH CAMP
Dates: June 13-19
Grades: 9-12
Cost: On-campus students: $350; Off-campus students: $210
The Senior High Camp is for students who have participated in grades 9-12 of school band experience.
Missouri Military Academy Summer Jazz Academy
204 N. Grand St., Mexico, Mo.
888-564-6662
Dates: June 20-25
Ages: 12-18
Cost: $600
This rigorous course for musicians and singers will broaden their understanding of jazz. Students will perform in both small and large ensembles, and the week culminates in a concert for the wider community.
University of Arkansas at Little Rock Faulkner Chamber Music Festival
2801 S. University Ave., Little Rock
615-775-6744
Dates: July 22-Aug. 1
Ages: 11-18
Cost: $450
Through the study and performance of chamber music, this camp provides an immersive environment for students. Kids must be able to play a musical instrument already, but the camp accepts students at different levels of ability. Kids bring bagged lunches most days.
PERFORMING ARTS
Graceland Performing Arts Camp
3600 Elvis Presley Blvd., Memphis
camp@graceland.com
Dates: July 13-18
Ages: 6-17
Cost: TBA
An immersive theater, arts and music experience where campers will learn acting, music and dance techniques alongside new friends from around the world. Parents will experience Elvis Presley's Graceland and great Memphis attractions.
Wildwood Academy of Music & the Arts
20919 Denny Road, Little Rock
501-821-7275
Dates: TBA
Ages: 6-17
Cost: TBA
Wildwood will be hosting its sessions in a modified capacity to accommodate for COVID-19 safety precautions. There will be sessions with limited registration in the following areas: advanced strings, piano, dance (beginners and intermediate/advanced), beginner musicians and visual arts. A vocal session could be added later.
ENRICHMENT
COLLEGE PREP
Carla Kenyon College Boot Camp
8400 Ranch Blvd., Little Rock
817-269-7730
Dates: June 28-July 1; July 19-22
Grade: Rising seniors
Cost: $349/session
Students will complete college applications (including edited essays), write and polish resumes, talk with college reps, have interviews with feedback and more. Scholarship essays are crafted and edited too. Each student’s work is customized for colleges to which they are applying. Additional aptitude testing and essay help is available after the camp sessions.
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Ozark Mission Project
P.O. Box 26525, Little Rock
501-664-3232
Dates: June 6-11; 20-25; July 11-16
Ages: 12-17
Cost: $275/session
Campers serve in Family Groups to complete home repair and improvement jobs for neighbors in nearby communities. Evenings are a time of spiritual growth through programming, worship and fellowship.
CONFIDENCE AND LEADERSHIP
Missouri Military Academy Confidence Camp
204 N. Grant St., Mexico, Mo.
888-564-6662
Dates: June 27-July 3; July 5-11; 12-18
Ages: Boys 8-11
Cost: $1,010/session
Confidence Camp pushes boys out of their comfort zone to help them develop confidence and self-respect and take pride in what they can accomplish.
Missouri Military Academy Leadership Camp
204 N. Grant St., Mexico, Mo.
888-564-6662
Dates: July 5-18
Ages: Boys 12-17
Cost: $2,090
Boys face challenges that help build their confidence and learn the role and responsibilities of a leader.
DAY CAMPS
The Anthony School Summer Adventures
7700 Ohio St., Little Rock
501-225-6629 | anthonyschool.org
Dates: June 1-Aug. 6
Grades: Pre-K4 & up
Cost: Varies; See website for more details and to register.
Day campers will enjoy water play, science experiments, arts and crafts, fitness and physical activity, game-based learning, computer coding and more! Students can enroll in day camp, specialty camps or both.
ANIMAL ENRICHMENT
Little Rock Zoo Virtual Zoofari Summer Camp
Virtual | 501-661-7229
Dates: June 7-Aug. 20 | 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Ages: 5-10
Cost: Members: $59/week; Non-members: $75/week
Each weeklong camp session will include three days of virtual instruction and two days of hands-on, screen-free fun.
GIFTED AND TALENTED
Harding University Honors Symposium
915 E. Market Ave., Searcy
501-279-5272
Dates: July 2-16; 9-23; 16-30
Rising grade: 12
Cost: $795/session
Students learn about the world and how each of us fits as Christians through daily engagement with Harding professors and mentoring with Harding’s student counselors. Visit the website for more information and to apply.
University of Arkansas at Little Rock Virtual Summer Laureate University for Youth (SLUFY)
Virtual | 501-569-3410
Grades K-2: June 14-18
Grades 3-6: June 21-25
Cost: $275; $25 application fee
SLUFY is going global with a virtual classroom experience. The camp is designed specifically for gifted and talented students by experts in virtual learning and gifted education. Scholarships are available.
HISTORY
Old State House Museum Summer Fun Youth Enrichment Program
300 W. Markham St., Little Rock
501-324-8641
Dates: Call for information.
Grades: K-12
Cost: Call for information.
This fun-filled weeklong workshop provides hands-on activities and educational lessons for enthusiastic youth.
LIFE SKILLS
Thompson Driving New Driver Education Summer Camp
9108 N. Rodney Parham Road, Suite 210, Little Rock
501-225-4028
Ages: 13 & up
Cost: $237/course
This course provides the new driver with 30 hours of instruction, reading and lively discussion covering the laws that regulate driving in Arkansas.
STEM
Harding University Pharmacy Day Camp
915 E. Market Ave., Searcy
501-279-5528
Dates: TBA
Rising Grades: 11-12
Cost: TBA
Students explore the pharmacy profession through classes, hands-on learning experiences and other activities. Activities include field trips, pharmaceutical laboratory experiences, games and recreational activities, shadowing, introduction to pharmacy curriculum and discussion of current topics in pharmacy.
Mid-America Science Museum Summer Camps
500 Mid America Blvd., Hot Springs
501-767-3461
Dates: Weekly camps from June 28-Aug. 6
Ages: 6-12
Cost: $225/session
Mid-America's weeklong camps feature options like Magic for Muggles, robots, Minecraft, coding and more for children who are inspired by science.
Museum of Discovery Summer Camps
500 President Clinton Ave., Suite 150, Little Rock
501-396-7050
Dates: Weekly camps from June 7-Aug. 6
Ages: 6-13
Cost: $300/session
Discovery Camps are a week full of fun and learning that includes topics your kids are passionate about: Pokemon-ology, LEGOville Engineer, Unicorn Biology, CSI: Discovery, Minecraft: Epic Mode and more.
University of Arkansas at Little Rock Cyber Security Summer Camp
2801 S. University Ave., Little Rock (or Virtual)
501-916-5215
Dates: July 12-16; 19-23
Rising Grades: 7-12
Cost: Free-$50/session
Get the inside scoop about one of today's hottest career fields. Cyber experts and teachers cover topics including ransomware, mobile forensics, network hacks and IoT attacks. No prior background needed.
University of Arkansas at Little Rock Engineering Scholars Program
2801 S. University Ave., Little Rock
501-916-5215
Dates: June 13-19
Grades: 8-11
Cost: Free
The program strives to increase the number of students entering engineering in Arkansas through exposure to hands-on projects, plant trips and interaction with industry engineers.
University of Arkansas at Little Rock Kinco Construction Management Camp
2801 S. University Ave., Little Rock
501-916-5215
Dates: July 11-16
Grades: 8-10
Cost: Free
Students are introduced to careers in construction management through site visits and interaction with industry professionals.
University of Arkansas at Little Rock Windstream Girls CODE
2801 S. University Ave., Little Rock
501-916-5215
Dates: July 18-23
Rising Grades: 8-9
Cost: Free
The camp motivates girls to enter the fields of computer science, information science or web design. In addition, attendees will learn how to overcome and remove potential obstacles in a male-dominated field.
UAMS College of Pharmacy Virtual Summer Camp
Virtual | wfhicks@uams.edu
Dates: June 7-9 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; Registration closes on May 3
Grades: 9-12
Cost: Free
This unique camp incorporates active participation in a broad scope of learning experiences including training in pharmacy practice skills, lectures by local Arkansas pharmacist practitioners, labs conducted by UAMS College of Pharmacy faculty and interactive activities with current College of Pharmacy students.
TRADITIONAL CAMPS
DAY CAMPS
Arkansas Outdoor School Summer Day Camps
1 Four-H Way, Little Rock
501-821-6884
Dates: Weekly camps from June-August
Ages: 7-15
Cost: Varies
Kids in this learn-by-doing program will get connected with nature in a dynamic, fun atmosphere with more than 220 acres of fields, forests, creeks and a lake.
Camp Solgohachia in the City
100 City Park Drive, Morrilton
501-354-3959
Dates: July 22-25
Completed Grades: 2-7
Cost: Free
Camp Solgohachia packs up everything and heads to the Morrilton City Park for a free week of camp.
Ferncliff Camp
1720 Ferncliff Road, Little Rock
501-821-3063
Dates: Weekly camps from June 1-Aug. 13
Grades: Pre-K-8
Cost: Varies
Due to COVID-19, Ferncliff is currently offering day camp programs only. Weeklong programs for small groups of campers include swimming, archery, boating, arts and crafts, fishing, hiking, Bible study, nature exploration and more. Overnight programs might be added.
Lake Nixon Summer Day Camp
18500 Cooper Orbit Road, Little Rock
501-744-8878
Dates: TBA
Completed Grades: K-8
Cost: TBA; $10/ transportation from three locations in central Little Rock
Lake Nixon gives kids a chance to unplug and get outside. Campers go swimming, fishing and boating in a 37-acre lake. They also participate in engaging group games, crafts and activities to help them develop teamwork skills. Campers receive snacks daily and weekly lunch plans are available for purchase.
OVERNIGHT CAMPS
Brookhill Ranch Christian Summer Camp
431 Brooks Lane, Hot Springs
501-623-5983
Dates: May 31-June 5; June 7-12; 14-19; 21-26; June 28-July 3; July 5-10; 13-23
Completed Grades: 2-9
Cost: $700/one week; $1,500/two weeks
Brookhill Ranch is more than a summer camp. It is a place where the best childhood memories are made, where lifelong friendships begin, where laughter echoes through the hills and where fun is a way of life.
Camp Ozark
155 Camp Ozark Drive, Mount Ida
870-867-4131
Dates: Weekly camps from May 30-Aug. 7
Ages: 7-17
Cost: $1,895/one week; $3,495/two weeks; $5,390 three weeks
At this Christian camp nestled in the Ouachita National Forest, campers engage in more than 150 activities, including horseback riding, crafts, tennis, fishing, a ropes course and more. There are one-week, two-week and three-week sessions.
Camp Solgohachia Base Camps
4 Ozark Mountain Road, Solgohachia
501-354-3959
Dates: June-July
Completed Grades: 9-12
Cost: $275/session
Base Camp goes deeper into themes introduced in the Camp Solgohachia program, where campers worship together and explore what it means to live as a disciple of Jesus.
Camp Solgohachia Overnight Camps
4 Ozark Mountain Road, Solgohachia
501-354-3959
Dates: June-July;
Rising Grades: 3-8
Cost: $500/session
This Christian camp offers worship along with an active week full of traditional camping activities.
Camp Tahkodah
5095 Camp Tahkodah Road, Floral
870-251-1289 | 501-279-4226
Tentative Dates: Weekly camps from June 6-30
Ages: 8-18
Cost: $280/one week; $470/two weeks
Camp Tahkodah is about faith, fun and friendship. Kids attend daily outdoor Bible classes and camp activities before ending their day with inspirational devotionals under the stars.
High Point Camp
548 Brookhill Ranch Road, Hot Springs
501-624-1952
Dates: July 12-17
Ages: 15-19
Cost: $250
High Point is centered on training and disciplining the next generation of godly leaders. For summer 2021, there will be only one weeklong camp. Register online and make sure your child can attend the entire session without interruption.
Victory Ranch Summer Camp
4330 Mecklinberg Drive, Bolivar, Tenn.
731-659-2880
Dates: Weekly camps from June 1-July 24
Grades: K-7
Cost: Beginner Camp: $950; $1,350
Victory Ranch is a non-denominational Christian camp that immerses kids in outdoor adventures, a ropes course, zip lines and much more.
SCOUT CAMPS
Girl Scouts Camp NOARK
250 Madison 8580, Huntsville
800-632-6894 | girlscoutsdiamonds.org
Dates: Weekly camps from June 13-July 23
Grades: 1-12
Cost: Varies
Girl Scouts - Diamonds is planning and implementing the most up-to-date, scientifically-backed health and safety protocols for the 2021 residential camp season. Your daughter will experience traditional camp activities and special interest fun, learn outdoors skills, gain confidence, be independent and make new friends — all in a safe environment.
Girl Scouts Counselor in Training 1 and 2
250 Madison 8580, Huntsville
800-632-6894 | girlscoutsdiamonds.org
Dates: June 13-July 23
Rising Grades: 11-12
Cost: Varies
Girls will work as a team to discover individual abilities as leaders, analyze campers and their needs and experience camp life. Counselors in training will have opportunities to lead activities, shadow counselors and create new camp programs.
Scouts BSA Summer Camp at Camp Rockefeller
408 Scout Drive, Damascus
501-664-4780
Dates: Weekly camps from June 6-July 3
Ages: 11-17
Cost: $300/session
New Scouts receive special instruction through the First Year Camper Program. All Scouts have 40+ merit badges to choose from in a variety of fields including ecology and conservation, aquatics, handicraft, outdoor skills, first aid and shooting sports. Older Scouts participate in programs including special ops, C.O.P.E., extreme aquatics, mountain biking, mountain man and BSA lifeguard.
SPECIAL NEEDS
Little Rock Parks & Recreation Therapeutic Recreation Summer Day Camp
501-570-1131
Dates: TBA
Ages: 8-18
Cost: TBA
This therapeutic-based program emphasizes fun recreational activities for people with special needs to promote the development of motor and social skills. Participants must be independent with personal care or provide an aide.
Camp Aldersgate
2000 Aldersgate Road, Little Rock
501-225-1444
Dates: TBA
Ages: 6-18
Cost: Varies
Camp Aldersgate serves children with medical, physical and developmental needs. CA will provide virtual and in-person camp sessions this summer.
SPORTS
FOOTBALL
Harding University Football Team Camp
915 E. Market Ave., Searcy
Dates: June 16-17
Ages: Contact for details.
Cost: Overnight students, $100; Commuter students, $20
Coaches can bring their teams to improve their game.
GENERAL
Missouri Military Academy All Sports Camp
204 N. Grant St., Mexico, Mo.
888-564-6662
Dates: July 5-9
Ages: Boys 8-14
Cost: $600
Boys will enjoy playing a variety of sports in a no-pressure, non-competitive setting. Sports covered include tennis, golf, soccer, wrestling, basketball and swimming.
GOLF
The Country Club of Arkansas Golf Camp
3 Country Club Circle, Maumelle
501-425-1067 | 501-851-0095
Dates: June 7-10; June 28-July 1; July 6-9 | 8-10 a.m.
Ages: 7-14
Cost: $115/camp
Kids and teens can learn the fundamentals of golfing during these three camps with PGA pro Ann Baker and Afton Balling Brock.
First Tee Youth Summer Golf Camp
1 First Tee Way, Little Rock
a.pfeiffer@thefirstteear.org
Middle school: June 8-11; 15-18; 22-25; June 29-July 2; July 13-16
High school: July 20-23; 27-30; Aug. 3-6
Ages: 7-17
Cost: Non-members, $140; Members, $90.
The camps are open to beginners, intermediate and advanced players. Scholarships are available upon request. Please contact program director Austin Pfeiffer with any questions.
GYMNASTICS
Jax Gym Huff 'n Puff Summer Day Camp
613 N. 1st St., Jacksonville
501-985-1818
Dates: June 3-Aug. 13
Ages: 5-12
Cost: $125/week; $100 per three days/week
The Summer Day Camp activities include gymnastics, dance, trampoline, indoor/outdoor play, swimming pool weekly outings, games, field trips and arts and crafts.
River City Gymnastics Sports and Educational Summer Camp
5310 S. Shackleford Road, Little Rock
501-407-8000
Tentative Dates: June 7-Aug. 13
Ages: 5-12
Cost: Please call for pricing information.
River City’s camp is packed full of exciting activities that keep your child’s health and fitness in mind. Activities over the 10 weeks include weekly field trips, arts and crafts, physical fitness, games and much more.
HORSEBACK RIDING
Missouri Military Academy Equestrian Camp
204 N. Grant St., Mexico, Mo.
888-564-6662
Dates: June 28-July 1; July 5-8
Ages: 8-14
Cost: $265/session
Campers get three hours of instruction each morning. They will learn different Western horsemanship techniques along with horse management skills.
LACROSSE
Xcelerate Nike Lacrosse Day Camp
TBA, Memphis
800-645-3226
Dates: June 21-24 | 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Rising Grades: 1-10
Cost: $395
This camp covers five divisions, focuses on complete skills and gives players the chance to improve their skills. Location to be announced at a later date.
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
Kanakuk KampOut! Conway Christian School
500 E. German Lane, Conway
417-266-3000
Dates: June 28-July 2
Ages: 5-12
Cost: $275
KampOut! brings the fun of Kanakuk to your hometown. Staffers lead this high-energy day camp through guided sports, activity times, Bible study, worship and small group time for children.