Summer is almost here! Schools will be out in a matter of weeks, and it’ll be time to brave the constant heat again. Who’s excited?
For kids, those months off provide some much-needed rest from eight-hour days, uniforms, and class changes. But that relief can quickly turn into boredom without something to occupy their time. Luckily, there are many summer enrichment options for parents to take advantage of. Capital B Gary created a list of some in the city and surrounding areas.
YWCA
- What: Children ages 5-14 can take part in activities such as gardening, arts and crafts, swimming lessons, and more at this camp. Breakfast, lunch, and a snack are provided.
- When: June 3 to July 26; 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Where: 150 W. 15th Ave., Gary
- Cost: $105 weekly or $25 daily
- Note: For registration details, contact the organization at (219) 881-9922
Boys and Girls Club
- What: Each week at this camp for kids ages 5-18 will feature a new theme and a corresponding field trip.
- When: June 3 to Aug. 7; 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Where: 2700 W 19th Ave., Gary
- Cost: A one-time membership fee of $50 and a weekly fee of $100 (Gary residents get a $6 daily discount)
- Note: For registration details, contact the club at (219) 885-5501
Indiana University Northwest
- What: This “Kids College” program is open to any student entering or currently in middle school, and will allow them to explore various disciplines from performing arts to medicine. These disciplines will be centered around the topic of water quality in Gary. Breakfast and lunch provided.
- When: June 10 to June 21; 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Where: 3400 Broadway, Gary
- Cost: Free
- Note: For registration details, visit the website here or contact the program directors at (219) 980-7299. Spots are limited.
Brown Family Ranch
- What: Animal lovers ages 5-17 will enjoy this camp, where they’ll learn horse and livestock care practices, play outdoor games, and become familiar with the Black-owned ranch’s history.
- When: June 10 to July 12; Tuesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Where: 2246 Mississippi St., Gary
- Cost: $100 per child
- Note: For registration details, contact the ranch at (219) 313-9503 or (219) 716-4845
Learning Labs
- What: Students entering grades 1-9 can attend this inaugural program from the Urban League of Northwest Indiana focused on academic achievement. STEM activities, workshops, and math and reading instruction from teachers will be offered. Breakfast and lunch provided.
- When: June 10 to July 12; 8:30 a.m.to 3:30 p.m.
- Where: 18 sites in Gary, 2 in Merrillville, 1 in East Chicago, and 1 in Hobart
- Cost: Free
- Note: For registration details, contact Enroll Indy at (317) 426-3234, or the sites directly (list here). Deadline to register is May 13.
City Life Center
- What: At this camp, students entering grades kindergarten-12 will engage in activities spanning areas such as marine biology, culinary arts, and e-gaming. The weeks will conclude with a field trip every Friday. Breakfast and lunch provided.
- When: June 10 to July 26; 8 a.m.to 3 p.m.
- Where: 225 W. Fifth Ave., Gary
- Cost: $200
- Note: For registration details, contact the center at (219) 880-4851
Discovery Zone Family Child Care
- What: This licensed home-based childcare center’s summer camp for kids ages 5-12 will include field trips and learning activities.
- When: June 3 to Aug. 16; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Where: 51st Avenue, Gary
- Cost: $150 weekly
- Note: For registration details, contact the care center at (219) 885-9662. Spots are limited.
Purdue University Northwest
- What: With over 20 camps to choose from, there’s something for all ages and interests, whether that’s robotics, creative writing, nursing, cybersecurity, or public speaking. Lunch provided during some camps.
- When: Various dates throughout June and July
- Where: 2200 169th St., Hammond
- Cost: Varies; Free-$250, depending on camp
- Note: For registration details, visit the website here.
Calumet College of St. Joseph
- What: There are two camps left for kids to participate in: the mindfulness and sports camp for students in grades 3-5, and the math jump start camp for students in grades 9-12. At the mindfulness and sports camp, kids will get to learn skills for several sports and practice meditation and yoga. Meanwhile, the math jump start camp aims to strengthen high schoolers’ comprehension of math concepts through individual projects.
- When: June and August
- Where: 2400 New York Ave., Whiting
- Cost: Free
- Note: For registration details, visit the website here. Spots are limited.
Youth Jobs
- What: Back for another year, Gary’s Summer Youth Employment Program allows residents ages 14-22 to gain paid work experience in either private or government sectors. Wages range from $10-15 an hour.
- When: June 10-Aug. 2
- Where: Sites throughout Gary
- Note: For registration details, contact the Gary Youth Services Bureau at (219) 886-7099. Application deadline is May 24.
Know of any other summer camps or programs? Contact Maddy Franklin at madison.franklin@capitalbnews.org.