They’re baaaack! Summer camps that is — the saving grace of all moms who hear that age old complaint, “Moooom, I’m bored!” as soon as summer break starts! Don’t worry, mamas, we’ve got you covered no matter what your kiddos’ interests are with our Ultimate Summer Camp Guide. Your kiddos will stay active and happy, and so will you.
We’ve given the Mom Star ⭐️ to some of our super favorite camps!
ART ADVENTURES ⭐️
Ages: 7-11
Where: Lynn Meadows Discovery Center, Gulfport
www.lmdc.org/summer-camps
In this morning half-day camp, kids will discover the artist within! Campers will learn about the world around them through fun, hands-on art activities.
CLAY CAMP
Ages: 12-19
Where: MGCCC, Perkinston Campus
www.mgccc.edu/summer-camps-2021
Campers will create art with clay, exploring various techniques, including hand building and the potter’s wheel. This is a half-day camp that meets in the afternoons.
ELEMENTS OF STE(A)M
Ages: 8-12
Where: Walter Anderson Museum of Art, Ocean Springs
www.walterandersonmuseum.org/art-camps
Campers combine STEM with Art! Participants will bring their own devices (iPad/Android tablet) and use technology to take their art to the next level.
HEARTS OF ART
Ages 5-8
Where: Walter Anderson Museum of Art, Ocean Springs
www.walterandersonmuseum.org/art-camps
Designed for children age 6-12 with mild to moderate autism spectrum disorder, learning or developmental disabilities who typically benefit from inclusion classes at school. This three day camp introduces students to various forms of art mediums, dance and music. Camp leaders are certified teachers and behavior and speech therapists.
PRINTMAKING REALIZATIONS
Ages: 8-12
Where: Walter Anderson Museum of Art, Ocean Springs
www.walterandersonmuseum.org/art-camps
For both beginners and returning campers, this camp will focus on printmaking projects with accomplished artists as instructors.
ADVANCED ART TECHNIQUES
Grades: Middle and High School Students
Where: Walter Anderson Museum of Art, Ocean Springs
www.walterandersonmuseum.org/art-camps
Serious art students meet in the mornings to work on a variety of advanced art techniques.
WHAT WOULD WALTER DO?
Ages: 8-12
Where: Walter Anderson Museum of Art, Ocean Springs
www.walterandersonmuseum.org/art-camps
This is the perfect camp for beginning artists! Students will draw, paint, create and learn basic techniques.
CREATIVE COMPLEX – BUILDING THE FUTURE ⭐️
Ages: 8-12
Where: Walter Anderson Museum of Art, Ocean Springs
www.walterandersonmuseum.org/art-camps
This is such a unique camp that appeals to a wide variety of interests! With inspiration from Walter Anderson’s work, campers will help design the new spaces for the Creative Complex. In this afternoon half-day camp, “Students will interact with architects and landscape architects, create models and conceptual drawings, and learn about how the built environment and the natural landscape interact.”
SAFARI ART CAMP
Ages: 5-10
Where: Create-a-Craft, Ocean Springs
www.create-a-craft.business.site
If you have a kiddo who loves art and animals, this may be the perfect camp for them! Campers will explore wild animals, learn about the use of color in nature, and then apply all that info to fun, hands-on art projects.
MUD DAUBERS: SUMMER ART CAMP
Ages: 6-14
Where: Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art, Biloxi
www.georgeohr.org/mud-daubers-summer-camp
This well-established and well-loved Coast camp is not just about pottery! In addition to hand-building and wheel throwing, campers will make masks, learn puppetry and sound sculptures, create wearable pieces, and participate in light performances.
ART EXPLORATION SUMMER CAMP
Ages: 6-11
Where: FACE @Twelve Oaks, Ocean Springs
www.thefriendsoface.org/summer-camp
This is a great camp for beginning artists! Students spend the week drawing, painting, printmaking, and collage making in this class.
PAINTING FOR KIDS SUMMER CAMP
Ages: 6-11
Where: FACE @Twelve Oaks, Ocean Springs
www.thefriendsoface.org/summer-camp
In this camp, future Picassos will learn about the lives of famous artists and art movements, and create works inspired by their art. Note: Age 6 is welcome, but light writing is involved
FABLAB ⭐️
Ages: 5+
Where: Various Sites + Virtual
www.fablabjacksoncounty.org
The FabLab offers camps in Moss Point, Vancleave, and Pass Christian + virtual camps! The Jr. Camps (ages 5-9) are half day camps while the camps for ages 10+ are full day. The best part is that all of their virtual camps are free, the Moss Point camps are free to Moss Point School District students, and Pass Christian School District students can attend one FabLab camp for free as well. FabLab camp topics include coding, robotics, tools of STEM, physics of STEM, and PVC STEM.
SUMMER ENRICHMENT CAMP ⭐️
Ages: 4-18
Where: Biloxi, Gulfport, Pass Christian, D’Iberville, Bay St. Louis
www.bgcgulfcoast.org
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Gulf Coast offers an 8-week Summer Enrichment Camp for children ages 4-18 from 6 AM – 7 PM at 6 locations on the Gulf Coast (Bay St. Louis, Pass Christian, Gulfport, D’Iberville, Biloxi).
This year’s Summer Camp will allow youth to explore and solve real-life problems in the MakerSpace STEAM Studio, participate in organized sports leagues, produce and record music in the on-site music studio, and gain knowledge through the Summer Brain Gain summer learning loss curriculum. For $50 per week, children have access to these life-changing programs, are fed breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snack, and create life-long friendships.
ASTRO CAMP
Grades: (going into) 2nd-6th
Where: Pearlington, MS + Virtual
www.visitinfinity.com/astrocamp
The Infinity Science Center offers both in-person camps in Pearlington and virtual camps. These camps are designed to inspire kids to learn more about space exploration and pathways to STEM careers with fun, hands-on activities.
BASIC ROBOTICS & TECHNOLOGY CAMP
Ages: 10-15
Where: MGCCC, Jackson County and Harrison County Campuses
www.mgccc.edu/summer-camps-2021
An interactive camp where students build robots, stomp rockets, and other fun projects! Students work in teams to design and build a VEX robot using the latest technology then compete on the final day using the robots they create.
BUGS & MORE!
Ages: 4-6
Where: Lynn Meadows Discovery Center
www.lmdc.org/summer-camps
Do your kiddos bring your creepy-crawly presents all the time? Check out this bug camp! Over the week children will participate in many activities, make crafts, and snacks all while exploring the world of BUGS! Real or fake, kids will have fun learning a lot about BUGS!
SLIME SCIENCE
Ages: 7-11
Where: Lynn Meadows Discovery Center, Gulfport
www.lmdc.org/summer-camps
If your kids want to make slime all the time like mine, but you hate the mess in your house— let them slime to their hearts’ content at this fun camp! Young scientists will discover what makes slime and why it’s so fun to play with! There will be 5 days of science projects galore using materials you can find at home.
ART IN NATURE SUMMER CAMP
Ages: 6-11
Where: FACE @Twelve Oaks, Ocean Springs
www.thefriendsoface.org/summer-camp
Got an outdoors and art lover in your house? This art in nature camp could be a great option for them. They will gather objects from nature trails to use as drawing and painting tools, create eco prints using natural pigments from leaves and fruits, make handmade paper, hike the nature trails, and keep a (provided) sketchbook inspired by the world around us.
ART OF PLAY SUMMER CAMP
Ages: 6-11
Where: FACE @Twelve Oaks, Ocean Springs
www.thefriendsoface.org/summer-camp
This camp is the ultimate example of learning through play! Kids will complete art projects, play art games, team up with classmates to sketch prototypes on inventions and pitch them to the class, and have a blast playing team trivia and other fun games.
DISCOVERY SUMMER CAMP ⭐️
Grades: K-5th
Where: Pascagoula River Audubon Center, Moss Point
www.pascagoula.audubon.org/discovery-camps-2021
Focused on the Pascagoula River and bayou ecosystems, this camp allows students to explore nature and even take a boat tour during the week! Camp ends with a mini art exhibition of nature-inspired pieces completed throughout the week.
F.A.N.S SUMMER SPORTS CAMP ⭐️
Ages: 6-14
Where: Pass Road Elementary School, Gulfport
www.fanscamp.com
One of the awesome things about FANS Camp is that it is an extended summer day camp—campers can participate one week or the entire summer, which is great if you need summer child care. With fitness training for all sports, martial arts, dodgeball tournaments, soccer, basketball and weekly field trips to the trampoline park, your kids will come home happy and tired!
DISC GOLF CAMP
Ages: 11-14
Where: MGCCC, Jackson County Campus
www.mgccc.edu/summer-camps-2021
A fun and interactive camp for anyone interested in learning how to play Disc Golf! This is for beginner to intermediate level players, those who have never played and those who are still learning and want plenty of practice time and coaching from seasoned players. Campers will spend the morning outdoors learning and practicing skills and playing competitively as well on the MGCCC Disc Golf course.
MINI HITS ACADEMY VOLLEYBALL CAMP
Ages: 7-12 (girls only)
Where: MGCCC, Jackson County and Harrison County Campuses
www.mgccc.edu/summer-camps-2021
Did you know that volleyball is one of the fastest growing competitive sports for girls? Mini Hits Academy Volleyball Camp is a developmental program that caters to the progression of young female athletes in volleyball. Mini Hits Academy brings the competitive nature of the game down to a developmental level to ensure safety, growth, and an ownership of all skills.
eSPORTS & VIDEO GAME CAMP
Ages: 14-18
Where: MGCCC, Jackson County Campus
www.mgccc.edu/summer-camps-2021
Gamers of all kinds are invited to join us for all things gaming! This camp is not just for competition, though; we’ll explore video game history and immerse ourselves in all types of gaming from the past, present, and future. We’ll also venture outdoors at our beautiful Estuarine Center to test video game knowledge and skills with an Augmented Reality outdoor scavenger hunt!
JUNIOR SUMMER TENNIS CAMP
Ages: 12-18
Where: MGCCC, Perkinston Campus
www.mgccc.edu/summer-camps-2021
Campers will spend 3 hours each morning on technical work, drilling, fun games, and competing like a Gulf Coast Bulldog!
SECRET GARDEN
Ages: 4-6
Where: Lynn Meadows Discovery Center, Gulfport
www.lmdc.org/summer-camps
Collect pebbles, twigs, mosses and feathers from outdoors to create miniature environments for gnomes, elves and sprites. This week will be a magical adventure for any camper with an imagination!
HELLO SUMMER, HELLO YOGA! SUMMER CAMP
Ages: 6-11
Where: FACE @ Twelve Oaks, Ocean Springs
www.thefriendsoface.org/summer-camp
Could your kiddo use a mindset shift? Yoga is such a great lifelong skill, and now your kids can learn it this summer! “Campers will enjoy youth centered yoga, fun fitness, inspired arts, crafts and so much more. Discover how it all combines to build a strong body, focused mind and strong flexible outlook.”
CAMP STANISLAUS ⭐️
Ages: 8-15 (boys and girls)
Where: St. Stanislaus, Bay St. Louis
www.campstanislaus.com
Camp Stanislaus is an institution on the Coast! With day camp and resident camp options, there is something to fit every family’s needs. A typical day includes character building, group activities like water sports, archery, arts, and competitions. Specialty camps like Father and Son Camp and Marine Biology Camp are also offered.
GIRL SCOUT LIFE SUMMER CAMP
Ages: Information not provided
Where: Camp Wahi and Camp Iti Kana, Brandon, MS
www.gsgms.org/summer-camp
Whether your girl is a first-time camper or a veteran seeking new adventures, she will find fun, friendship and memories to last a lifetime at Girl Scout summer camp. Girl Scouts of Greater Mississippi offers a wide variety of camp options for all girls, (and only girls) including themed specialty activities as well as traditional crafts, songs and campfires.
TWIN LAKES
Ages: 6-12
Where: Florence, MS
www.twinlakescamp.org
Campers get the full Twin Lakes experience: enjoying the great outdoors, exciting activities during the day, creative programs and events at night, kid-friendly meals and snacks, and lots of time to get to hang out with our great summer staff. Their activities look so fun and engaging!
SEA & SAIL ADVENTURE CAMP ⭐️
Ages: 6-12
Where: Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum, Biloxi
www.maritimemuseum.org/sea-n-sail-adventure-camp
One of our favorites, this camp fills up quickly! The history and heritage of the Mississippi Gulf Coast extends back to the arrival of the French over 300 years ago. The Sea-n-Sail Adventure Camp is a day camp that is designed to bring about a greater awareness of our original history and maritime heritage through a variety of fun and educational activities. All Sea-n-Sail Adventure Campers will take two sailing trips aboard one of the Museum’s famous replicas of the Biloxi Schooner.
DOLPHIN & STINGRAY ADVENTURE CAMP
Ages: 6-14
Where: Institute for Marine Mammal Studies, Gulfport
www.oceanadventures.us/ocean-adventures-summer-camps
If your child loves animals and the water, then check out this immersive week-long day camp where your child can step into the rubber boots of a marine scientist and experience the world of dolphins, sea lions, rays, sharks, and other animals who live at IMMS and Ocean Adventures.
CAMP AQUA: BAYOU BOUND
Ages: 7-12
Where: Mississippi Aquarium, Gulfport
www.msaquarium.org/event/summer-camp
Bayou Bound summer camp takes campers through the habitats of our region. Campers will explore rivers, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Mississippi Sound both in and out of the classroom. They will also explore the Aquarium’s various habitats, species, jobs, and facilities. The goal of Camp Aqua: Bayou Bound is for campers to cultivate a deeper understanding of the waters that make up the Mississippi Sound and begin to take action to conserve this local environment for future generations.
PERKETTE PRINCESS SUMMER DANCE CAMP
Ages: 4-9
Where: MGCCC, Perkinston Campus
www.mgccc.edu/summer-camps-2021
This princess themed dance camp is a wonderful choice for your little dancers and the week ends with a performance.
SUPERHERO ACRO + JAZZ CAMP ⭐️
Ages 5-7
Where: Rock U2 School of Performing Arts, Ocean Springs
www.rocku2oceansprings.com
Dance, gym and acrobatics, and jazz—what’s not to love about this camp? Find your inner superhero in this small group camp. With just 6 campers, your dancer will get lots of individual instruction!
FIND YOUR SPARK CONTEMPORARY + CHOREOGRAPHY CAMP
Ages: 8+
Where: Rock U2 School of Performing Arts, Ocean Springs
www.rocku2oceansprings.com
This 2-in-1 camp is inspired by the recent Disney movie, Soul! Learn more about the Contemporary dance genre and choreo, too. Perfect for little Tik-Tokkers!
DISNEY’S THE LITTLE MERMAID JR. MUSICAL CAMP ⭐️
Ages: 6-18
Where: Lynn Meadows Discovery Center/WINGS
www.lmdc.org/summer-camps
A fun-filled musical theatre camp open to experienced actors as well as first-time performers.. Journey “under the sea” with Ariel and her aquatic friends in Disney’s The Little Mermaid JR. The camp will culminate with the production to be performed for summer camp groups and special evening performances for friends, family and the general public on Friday, June 18, Sat. June 19, and Sun. June 21.
ANNIE KIDS MUSICAL THEATER CAMP
Ages: 5-12
Where: Lynn Meadows Discovery Center/WINGS
www.lmdc.org/summer-camps
A fun-filled musical theatre camp opened to experienced actors and well as first-time performers. The camp will culminate with the production to be performed for summer camp groups and special evening performances for friends, family and the general public on Friday, July 9 Sat. July 10, and Sun. July 11.
ITTY BITTY THEATER
Ages: 4-6
Where: Lynn Meadows Discovery Center
www.lmdc.org/summer-camps
The youngest campers will delight in this magical week that will explore music, art, dance and theatrical activities. Campers will learn basic elements of theatre while having lots of fun!
YOUNGINS’ PUPPETS SUMMER CAMP
Ages: 4-6
Where: FACE @ Twelve Oaks
www.thefriendsoface.org/summer-camp
This mini-camp is the perfect length for your littlest campers. Lots of projects to keep their brain and creativity bustling will hold their attention. The main project will be a marionette made from cereal boxes and paper mache. They will also be doing molded self-portraits with toilet paper rolls, alongside tie dying and other small projects
WILLY WONKA KIDS THEATRE SUMMER CAMP
Ages: 7-14
Where: Singing River Academy, Gautier
www.thefriendsoface.org/summer-camp
Perfect for kids who love the spotlight AND those who prefer to work behind the scenes, campers will spend the week learning the ins and outs of live, stage performance with professional lighting and sound. The camp “embraces a nurturing and supportive approach where all campers have an active role in the show.”
FUN FLUTES
Ages: 5-10
Where: Riches Music Studio, Ocean Springs
www.osrichesmusicstudio.com
Perfect for children of all ages and levels to have fun and learn together! Music will be simplified for beginning students, and children with more experience will have level-appropriate music. Games, group activities, and mini-recitals will keep children engaged and learning all week long!
PLAYFUL PIANOS ⭐️
Ages: 6-11
Where: Riches Music Studio (Ocean Springs)
www.osrichesmusicstudio.com
Playful Pianos is perfect for the music lover in your house! This is a great intro camp where students can learn music and have fun in a low-pressure environment.
SUMMER MUSIC CAMP
Ages: 5-12
Where: Rock U School of Performing Arts, Ocean Springs
www.rocku2oceansprings.com
Your rock stars will explore their love of music, learn new Instruments and sing, play in a band, and perform in an end-of-week music video to share with family & friends.
MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST YMCA ⭐️
Ages: Information not provided
Where: Ocean Springs, Vancleave, East Hancock
www.msgc/summer-day-camp-programs
This 9 week day camp is perfect for families who need summer child care. From arts and crafts, to swimming, to fitness, there is something fun for all. Bonus: There are three different sites, so you can choose a location that meets your needs!
CULINARY CAMP ⭐️
Ages: 9-13
Where: MGCCC, Harrison County Campus
www.mgccc.edu/summer-camps-2021
One of MGCCC’s most popular camp, this interactive cooking camp encompasses both savory and sweet cooking. Everything is made from scratch in state of the art kitchens. Students will learn techniques for proper cooking & baking skills from award winning chefs. They will also focus on safety while cooking in the kitchen for children. Each child is put into groups of two and will get to eat all that they create.
KIDS AROUND THE WORLD COOK!
Ages: 7-11
Where: Lynn Meadows Discovery Center
www.lmdc.org/summer-camps
What do kids in other countries eat? Learn how to make scrumptious delicacies from cultures across the globe. This camp takes you on a taste-bud-tingling tour to lands far and near with easy-to-make recipes. (This camp may include nuts, milk products, and gluten!)
Note: MGCCC, Lynn Meadows, Rock U2, and Walter Anderson, and FACE have many summer camp options, so make sure to check out their websites for camps that may not be included in the guide.
