Patch Picks: Five Camps to Explore This Summer

It may not feel like it now, but summer will be here in the blink of an eye. This week, Patch offers a selection of camps in the area to make the season of sunshine an adventure for your child.

• Rite-Hite Family YMCA (formerly Schroeder) at 9250 N. Green Bay Rd. in Brown Deer offers specialty day camps from June 13 through August 26 for children ages 4 years and up. With a focus on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the Y offers a wide variety of programs to serve many interests, from drama to bowling to the outdoors. Call 414-276-9622 or visit the Website for more information.

• Oceans of Fun at the Milwaukee County Zoo on 10001 W. Bluemound Rd. offers a one-of-a-kind day camp for your little animal lover with its Underwater Adventure program, which runs from June 20 through August 26.  For children ages 7 to 12, each five-day session offers a fun and informative experience, learning about marine mammal care, training and conservation at the zoo’s sea lion pool. For more information, call 414-453-5527 or check out Oceans of Fun online.

• The Jewish Community Center offers a diverse range of summer programs, from arts and crafts to sports, for children ages 2 years through the 12th grade. Day camps are held at the Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center on 6255 N. Santa Monica Blvd. in Whitefish Bay and at Beth El Ner Tamid Synagogue on 2909 W. Mequon in Mequon, plus the Albert & Ann Deshur JCC Rainbow Day Camp in Fredonia. Call 414-967-8200 or visit the JCC Website for program offerings.

• For the young extreme sports lover, check out 4 Seasons Summer Skate Camp at 200 N. 25th St in Milwaukee. A full package includes five days of skate camp from 11am-2pm Monday through Friday, lunch, daily open skate, skate camp T-shirt and 10% off at the pro shop throughout the week. Single day rates are available as well and include lunch and open skate. Call 414-933-7275 or visit http://www.4seasonssk8park.com for details.

• YMCA Camp Minikani offers overnight, equestrian and day camps on Amy Belle Lake in Hubertus, just 30 minutes from downtown Milwaukee. Overnight programs are offered for ages 8 to 15 years, with a competitive Leadership Development Program for those between 15 and 17 years who have completed the camp’s Explorer Program. Day camps are offered for younger campers ages 4 to 12 years, while the equestrian program offers both day and resident camps. To learn more about the camp or about attending an open house, call 262-251-9080 or Minikani’s Website.