2023 Kids’ Summer Camps In Gig Harbor And Beyond
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It might seem way too early to be thinking about summer plans already when spring hasn’t even arrived. But ready or not, summer camps do fill up quickly, so you have to act fast! Read on for all that is offered in Gig Harbor and the surrounding area, and with options from sports and robotics to art, music, and everything in-between, there’s sure to be something to excite kiddos of any age with any interest.
Art & Music Camps
Apprentice Academy - Gig Harbor, WA
Ages: Various
Dates: TBD
An art school founded by local sculptor Mardie Rees, they usually offer several camps in drawing and sculpting each summer. Check back for more information on dates, age groups, and registration.
Open Arts Studio - Tacoma, WA
Ages: 5½ - 14
Dates: June - August
These art camps give kids the opportunity to learn pottery, drawing, beading, cooking, and more. Different classes will be offered weekly, with morning and afternoon sessions available.
Peacock Paisley Art Studio - Gig Harbor, WA
Ages: Various
Dates: TBD
Learn to paint, crochet, embroider, work with clay, and more. There are usually a lot of summer camps to choose from, so check back later for specifics.
Evergreen Music Festival - Various Locations
Ages:
Session 1: entering grades 2 - 8 (depends on instrument and voice)
Session 2: entering grade 9 - age 21
Dates:
Session 1: July 17 - 21, 2023
Session 2: July 30 - August 5, 2023
The Tacoma Youth Symphony Association is hosting two sessions this summer: Session 1 is for younger students and will consist of daily rehearsals, music theory classes, and demonstrations, while Session 2 is an overnight camp for older students and offers daily orchestra rehearsals, music theory, chamber music, and lectures. Both sessions will conclude with a final concert.
Hammond Ashley Bass Workshop - Tacoma, WA
Ages: Various
Dates: July 5 - 8, 2023
Learn from renowned double bassist Jeff Bradetich and teachers throughout the state in this workshop for all ages and levels of experience. Classes will cover technique, chamber music, faculty recitals, masterclasses, and more. There will also be instruction for school music teachers wanting to improve their knowledge of the bass.
Live It OutLoud - Tacoma, WA
Ages: 12 - 18
Dates: June - August
Sponsored by Ted Brown Music, this 8-week camp pairs non-professional musicians with each other to form a band that will then be coached by professional mentors. Go here for more information and to sign up.
Symphonic Jazz Workshop - Tacoma, WA
Ages: entering grade 8 - age 21
Dates: July 25 - 27, 2023
Students will learn about blending jazz and symphonic styles in this workshop with guest performances, a final performance, and more.
Kitsap Forest Theater - Bremerton, WA
Ages: entering kindergarten - grade 8
Dates: July & August
Kids entering kindergarten through fourth grade can participate in the Citizen Scientist and Forest Treasure adventure camps in July, which will offer fun including drama, art, hiking, and exploring the great outdoors. For students entering grades five through eight there will be a Theater Camp in August, where campers will get a chance to create a theater production and perform it at the end of camp.
Robotics & STEM Camps
Bricks 4 Kidz - Various Locations
Ages: 4 - 14
Dates: TBD
Kids can spend the summer with hands-on activities building everything from motorized models, mosaics, robots, and more! Opening enrollment dates for each location are listed at the bottom of this page, so check there for more specifics.
Camp Tech Revolution - Seattle, WA
Ages: 6 - 16
Dates: June - August
Taking place at the University of Washington, a variety of camps are available for coding, computer skills, robotics, and so much more. Go here to learn more and sign up.
Snapology - Various Locations
Ages: Various
Dates: TBD
Summer fun with robotics and more. Check their page of Workshops & Summer Camps for their upcoming offerings (summer camps may not all be listed yet).
Sport Camps
Beard Swim Co. - Gig Harbor, WA
Ages: Kids & Teens
Dates: TBD
Swim camps are only offered to current or previous members and sell out fast! Be sure to sign up for the newsletter at the bottom of this page so you can be notified when information becomes available.
Canterwood - Gig Harbor, WA
Ages: Various
Dates: TBD
Get in the game! Members are invited to take part in junior programs for golf, tennis, and swimming. Contact the club for more information.
GHYC Junior Sail - Gig Harbor, WA
Ages: 6 - 18
Dates: June - August
Their Summer Sail Camp offers both half-day and full-day camps and teaches the basics as well as builds on previous experience. If you’re not sure what group is best for your sailor, take a look at their page detailing each of their programs.
Redline Athletics - Gig Harbor, WA
Ages: Various
Dates: June - August
Redline has two summer camps available: one is a multi-sport option that focuses on a different character theme each week (ages 7 - 12), and the other option is a camp specific to basketball, soccer, or football (various ages). Information is not out yet on the sport-specific camps, but registration is active for the multi-sport camp (click on “Events” at the top of their website).
Skyhawks Sports Camps - Various Locations
Ages: 2 & up
Dates: Various
Offering a range of sports camps for soccer, volleyball, tennis, golf, lacrosse, basketball, multi-sport camps, STEM options, and more. You can search by location, sport, age, and month (not all sports are available for all ages and locations).
Other Camps
Annie Wright Schools - Tacoma, WA
Ages: entering grades 1 - 6
Dates: TBD
Open to students at any school, Annie Wright offers half-day and full-day arts and athletic camp options. Registration will be opening in mid-March.
Camp Gallagher - Lakebay, WA
Ages: grades 7 - 12
Dates: June - August
Spend the day doing crafts, playing games, and having fun on the water before gathering around the campfire at night. Read more about their Classic Camp or take a look at the other programs they also offer.
Charles Wright Academy - Tacoma, WA
Ages: entering grades 1 - 8
Dates: Various
Sign in to see all that will be offered this summer at CWA. There will be options from STEM and engineering to sports, hiking, and more.
Fort Nisqually Living History Museum - Tacoma, WA
Ages: 6 - 14
Dates: July & August
With a variety of summer camps, kids can explore games, music, crafts, and more from the fort’s history.
Gig Harbor Academy - Gig Harbor, WA
Ages: entering preschool - grade 6
Dates: TBD
Check back this spring when their list of summer camps will be coming out.
GGHF Curious By Nature School - Gig Harbor, WA
Ages: Various
Dates: TBD
Kids can have fun while exploring the outdoors, playing games, learning about STEAM topics, and more. Stay tuned for their preview of upcoming summer programs.
Harbor Montessori School - Gig Harbor, WA
Ages: 3 - entering grade 6
Dates: June - August
This summer program combines regular Montessori classroom time with summer fun, with a different theme each week. Registration begins in April, starting with current students and alumni before being opened to the public.
Miracle Ranch - Port Orchard, WA
Have some wild west fun at CRISTA Camp’s Miracle Ranch. With a religious emphasis, it’s a great place to meet new people as well as be refreshed and encouraged. They have lots of different camps to choose from!
Ages: all
Dates: May 26 - 28, 2023
Ages: entering grades 4 - 12 (some camps are for girls only)
Dates: June - August
Ages: entering kindergarten - grade 7
Dates: June - August
Operation Xtreme (for children of military and Gold Star families)
Operation Xtreme
Ages: entering grades 4 - 8
Dates: July 2 - 7, 2023
Teen Camp:
Ages: entering grades 7 - 12
Dates: June 16 - 18, 2023
Junior Camp:
Ages: entering grades 4 - 6
Dates: July 30 - August 4, 2023
Middle School Camp:
Ages: entering grades 7 - 8
Dates: July 25 - 29, 2023
Teen Weekend:
Ages: entering grades 9 - 12
Dates: June 16 - 18, 2023
PenMet Parks - Various Locations
Ages: Various
Dates: TBD
PenMet Parks will be holding their Summer Camp Fair on Saturday, March 4, 2023, from 10am to 2pm at Sehmel Homestead Park. Stop by to learn all about the summer camps that will be offered in 2023.
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium - Tacoma, WA
Ages: preschool - 11th grade graduates
Dates: June - August
The zoo and aquarium offers camps for kids of all ages! Registration for zoo members begins on March 15th, general registration opens on March 22nd, and for qualifying scholarships, applications are due by March 1st. Have questions? Check out their FAQ page.
YMCA - Various Locations
Ages: 3 - 18
Dates: TBD
Although this year’s information isn’t out yet, local YMCAs offer a variety of summer camps, including half-day and full-day camps as well as summer camps at your local school. They also have a long list of specialty camp options (select “Camp” in the left-hand menu).
Have a teen interested in becoming a summer camp counselor? Consider the Summer Counselor in Training Program for 13- to 18-year-olds.
YMCA Camp Seymour - Gig Harbor & Port Orchard, WA
Family Camp (Gig Harbor)
Ages: all
Dates: May & September
Enjoy time as a family with activities including a zip line, boating, and archery.
Day Camp at Lake Helena (Port Orchard)
Ages: entering grades 1 - 8
Dates: June - August
Have fun with activities like boating, archery, crafts, music, and more. Transportation is available from pickup locations in Tacoma, Gig Harbor, and Port Orchard.
Overnight Camp (Gig Harbor)
Ages: entering grades 3 - 12
Dates: July & August
Recreation for lower grades include sports, crafts, and outdoor adventures, while activities for higher grades focus more on team building, leadership, and personal growth.
*To view slots available for any YMCA camps, click on the “Register” button and then select “Camp” in the left-hand list of categories. For each program listed there will be a drop-down menu which will show dates and number of slots available.
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