Pierce County Parks Youth Summer Programs

Day Camps & Workshops

Workshops
(Science)
Summer Sports Clinics (pdf)

View our current Activity Guide or have one sent to you.

Day Camps

Jack Johnson Day Camps

For ages 6-12
June 23-August 15 (8 weekly sessions)
9 AM - 4 PM, Monday-Friday
Spanaway Park

Jack Johnson Camp is back to our popular and newly remodeled Spanaway Park location with a new look, new field trips, theme weeks, activities, events and much more!

Each week includes two off-site field trips*: one trip is swimming at a local pool and the other varies each week based on the week's theme. A variety of activities are planned such as art, music, games, special events, sports, guest speakers, visiting the Bookmobile, and more. Weekly sessions begin June 23.

An opportunity for a camper to come as early as 7:00 am or stay as late as 5:30 pm after normal camp day is completed. You may sign up for early drop off/late pick up for an additional fee.

Registration starts in early May.
Fee includes a camp T-shirt. Advanced registration is encouraged.
Limit of 75 campers per session.
Print camp flyer/registration form. First time enrollment requires a completed and signed registration form.

Fun For All Day Camps - August

Foar ages 6-14
4 Weekly sessions at 4 different locations

Dates Time Location Fee

Aug. 4-8 10 am-3 pm Heritage Rereation Center, Puyallup $60

Aug. 4-8 10 am -3 pm* Gig Harbor Park, Gig Harbor $60*

Aug. 11-15 9 am - 3 pm Meridian Habitat Park, Puyallup $72

Aug. 11-15 9 am - 3 pm* Frontier Park, Graham $72*

*Please note that the hours and fees have changed from what was advertised in the activity guide. Please call for more information 253-798-4176.

Designed for ages 6-14 of all abilities, these one-week camps focus on having fun and building friendships. We teach that everyone has talents and strengths to contribute to a fun camp experience.

A variety of activities are planned each week which may include group games, nature activities, hiking, creative arts, social activities, fitness, outdoor living skills, farm animal care, and more. Bring a sack lunch and beverage daily.

You may sign up for more than one of the camps. Registration is limited to the first 40 participants.
Transportation is the responsbility of the parents or care givers. The camp is staffed with school teachers and college students.
Fun For All Camp 2008 Flyer/Registration form (pdf file)

For additional information or to receive a camp registration form for any of the above camps, please indicate the type of camp desired along with your name, address on our Comments Form or call Pierce County Parks at (253)798-4177.

Special Needs Camp

Lots of Fun Day Camp

For Ages 6-21
6 weeks

Dates Time Location Fee

June 24-July 31, 2008 9:00 am - 2:00 pm Zeiger Elementary School in Puyallup $175

For children and young adults with disabilities. This is a 6 week summer camp, weekdays from June through July or August. The camp activities will include swimming, field trips, cooperative games, special visitors, creative arts, sports activities, singing, and social activities.

The program is staffed with school teachers and college students under the supervision of a Special Education Teacher. The activities change daily and are designed to promote sharing, cooperation, friendship, sportsmanship and fun.

A full time assistant (age 16 or older) must be provided for campers NOT toilet trained, ambulatory, or who pose a safety threat to self or others.

Transportation is the responsibility of the parents/care givers. for assistance through Pierce Transit, call 253-983-3315.

Space is limited to the first 90 campers. Registration begins the first week of May on a first come first serve basis.

Camp flyer and registration form (pdf).

For registration information on Special Needs or to receive a camp registration form for any of the above camps, please indicate the type of camp desired along with your name, address on our Comments Form or call Pierce County Parks at (253)798-4176.

Performing Arts Camps

Drama Camps:

Introduction to Drama & Theatre

Ages 6-10
10 days (Monday-Friday) plus performance
Register by July 1

Dates Time Location Fee

July 14-25, 2008 10 AM - 12 Noon Meridian Habitat Park $142

Learn basic stage movement, theatre games, masks, puppetry, mime and acting techniques as they prepare for a final stage production in a fairy tale called 'A Dragon's Tale.' A fire-breathing dragon is stalking the kingdom and burning the Queen's roses to a crisp. Who will be brave enough and smart enough to slay the dragon and save the kingdom from destruction? Will it be the royal guards, the royal tailor, the royal cook, the tooth fairy, the Royal Wizard or the beautiful Princess Penelope? Find out in this delightful updated fairy tale loaded with fun and interesting characters

Limited to 15 participants. Final performance on Friday evening, July 25. $5 fee for costume clean/repair paid to instructor on first day of class.

Intermediate-Advanced Drama

Ages 10-15
10 days (Monday-Friday) plus performance
Register by July 1

Dates Time Location Fee

July 14-25, 2008 12:30-3:30 pm Meridian Habitat Park $172

This class is designed for participants interested in theatre or who have had stage experience. Students will improve their acting skills through theatre games, improvisation, mime/stage movement and character development in preparation for a final performance of 'The Magic of Marla.' Marla, the magician, and her zany friends have lost their way in the woods. Marla's magic wand is broken and the Queen wants Marla to prove she's a magician by filling her ballroom with ten thousand Easter eggs.

The audience will hurt from laughter watching these wild and crazy character go through their paces until Marla finally believes in herself as a true magician.

Limited to 15 participants. Final performance Friday evening July 25. $5 cleaning and repair of costume fee paid to the instructor on the first day of class.

DANCE CAMPS

A Chance to Dance Beginner Summer Camp:

Ages 6-10
5 days, Monday-Friday

Dates Time Location Fee

August 4-8, 2008 9:00-11:00 am The Dance Studio at Elk Plain Elementary $52

This week long camp will include an introduction to ballet, jazz, modern/creative dance, and hip-hop. This is a great way for beginners to sample some different styles and develop their technique! Students will have fun learning routines and even experimenting with their own choreography.

Students must wear dance or comfortable clothing, such as leotard, tank top, dance pants, sweat pants, etc. Bare feet, socks or dance shoes are acceptable. And, be sure to bring a water bottle.

A Chance to Dance Intermediate Summer Camp:

Ages 9-16
5 days, Monday-Friday

Dates Time Location Fee

August 4-8, 2008 11:30-2:30 am The Dance Studio at Elk Plain Elementary $65

This intermediate camp is a great opportunity for dances with some experience. Campers will have instruction in hip=hop, jazz, ballet and modern/creative dance - learning techniques and combinations.

Please wear dance or comfortable clothing, such as leotard, tank top, dance pants, sweat pants, etc. Bare feet, socks or dance shoes are acceptable. And, be sure to bring a water bottle.

Guitar Camps

Introduction to Guitar 1 Camp

For ages 7-10
5 days, Monday-Friday

Dates Time Location Fee

August 18-22, 2008 10 AM - 12 Noon Frontier Park $45

This week long camp will provide instruction in basic music theory and an introduction to playing the guitar. Learn rhythms, the music alphabet. Creativity will be encouraged by writing your own songs. We will cover basic chords for songs we can sing together as well as note reading and other guitar techniques.

Please provide your own guitar (no electric), pencils, snacks and water. The last day will include an open session where parents are invited to hear the campers play in an informal setting.

Introduction to Guitar 2 Camp

For ages 11-15
5 days, Monday-Friday
Additional fee - $5 book paid to instructor

Dates Time Location Fee

July 14-25, 2008 10:30 AM - 12 Noon Frontier Park $60

Whether a beginner or wanting to build on musical skills already acquired at school this camp is for you. Learn chords and strumming techniques, note reading and finger picking.

Campers will also be encouraged to write their own music. Please provide your own guitar (no electric), pencils, snacks and water. The last day will include an open session where parents are invited to hear the campers play in an informal setting.

Art & Cooking Camps

Art for Kids Camp

For ages 5-13
$125 (4 days)
3 great locations

Dates Day Time Location

Ages 5-8 July 7-10 Mon-Thur 9 am-12 noon Lakewood

July 21-24 Mon-Thur 9 am-12 noon Meridian

Aug. 11-14 Mon-Thur 9 am-12 noon Sprinker

Dates Day Time Location

Ages 9-13 July 7-10 Mon-Thur 1:00-4:00 pm Lakewood

July 21-24 Mon-Thur 1:00-4:00 pm Meridian

Aug. 11-14 Mon-Thur 1:00-4:00 pm Sprinker

This multi-media art program is oriented and designed to enhance a child's enjoyment of art and creative expression. Youths are provided with an opportunity to explore their creativity through a variety of materials.

Drawing and painting will be explored with all supplies included. The media includes pen and ink, charcoal, acrylic, and soft and oil pastels. Campers should bring a snack and beverage each day to class.

Cooking Camp

For ages 11-15
5 days, Monday-Friday

Dates Time Location Fee

July 7-11, 2008
August 4-8, 2008 1:00-4:00 pm Meridian Habitat Park $103

During these week long sessions, campers will learn the basics of cooking along with simple recipes, safety, cleanliness, nutrition, table settings and table manners. Campers will create a main dish, side dish and dessert. On the last day of each session, parents are invited to taste the desserts served by their child.

The two sessions are not identical. If you take the July session, you'll be sure to learn something new in August. The instructor is a long time cooking professional, restaurant owner and current pastry and soup cook.

Sports Camps

Colleen Hacker's Success Soccer Camp - FULL

This camp is staffed by members of the three-time NAIA National Champion PLU Women's Soccer Team, high school coaches, and players from PLU Men's Soccer teams, in cooperation with Pierce County Parks. Players will be divided into age groups/skills and taught soccer skills/tactics through game related drills and actual game exeriences.

Dates Time Location Fee

June 23-27, 2008 9:00 am - 2:00 pm Gonyea Playfield - 13422 10th Ave. S., Parkland $160

For ages 6-17
Registration begins March 3, 2008.
Registration deadline is June 6, 2007 (if space is still available, the camp fills quickly).
All soccer clinic participants will receive a t-shirt, soccer ball, camp certificate and a full week of fun!

Print Success Soccer Camp registration form/waiver and mail to:

Pierce County Parks & Recreation
9112 Lakewood Drive SW
Lakewood, WA 98499

For more information, Pierce County Parks 253-798-4753.

Challenger British Soccer Camps

Each camp includes individual footwork exercises, parks and small group practices, small sided games, coached scrimmages, and a daily tournament. With each camp, campers will receive a Challenger soccer ball and t-shirt.

For ages 3-18
Register:
- Online at www.challengersports.com at least 45 days before camp and receive a free jersey.
- Mail form to Pierce County Parks & Recreation, 9112 Lakewood Drive SW, Lakewood, WA 98499.

Choose from four weeks and four locations:

Dates Location

July 7-11 Sprinker Recreation Center in Tacoma

July 21-25 Gonyea Playfield in Tacoma

Aug. 11-15 Heritage Recreation Center in Puyallup

Aug. 18-22 Frontier Park in Graham

Five camps:

Camp Ages Time Fee

First Kicks 3-4 10:45-11:45 am $62

Mini Soccer 4-5 9:00-10:30 am $77

Half Day 6-18 9:00 am-12 noon $101

Hald Day 6-18 1:00-4:00 pm $101

Full Day 7-18 9:00 am-4:00 pm $145

Campioni Soccer Experience

The Campioni SoccerExperience is a culmination of international soccer knowledge, built from the styles and training methods of Europe and abroad. Expert coaches will instruct players as they achieve ball mastery, game awareness, gain confidence and make greater impacts on the field.
Choose either a two or four day camp. Fee includes camp t-shirt.

Location: Heritage Recreation Center
Register through Pierce County Parks at 253-798-4177

Age Date Day Time Fee

7-9 May 5-21 Mon/Wed 5:30-6:30 pm $115

7-9 June 2-18 Mon/Wed 5:30-6:30 pm $115

10-14 May 5-21 Mon/Wed 6:30-8:30 pm $185

10-14 June 2-18 Mon/Wed 6:30-8:30 pm $185

6-11 July 14-17 Mon-Thr 9:30-11:00 am $115

12-15 July 14-17 Mon-Thr 1:00-3:00 pm $135

For more information on Campioni Soccer please contact: Paolo Mottola with South Hill Revolution at 253-318-8318 or www.shscsoccer.com.

Summer Tennis Camps

Rock Climbing Camps

Kids Rock Camp - Spends five days at Edgworks Climbing indoor rock gym focusing on fun! Activities include bouldering,tope-rope climbing, fundamental technique instruction and games! No experience necessary!

For: Ages 6-10
Fee: $179/participant - includes equipment and camp t-shirt!
Location: Edgeworks Climbing, 6102 North 9th St. Suite 200, Tacoma
www.edgeworks-climbing.com

Date Day Time

July 14-18 Mon-Fri 9 am-12 noon

July 28-Aug. 1 Mon-Fri 9 am-12 noon

Aug. 11-15 Mon-Fri 9 am-12 noon

Basic Climbing Camp - Spend the first three days at Edgworks Climbing indoor rock gym learning the basics of climbing, belaying and mix in plenty of games and activities, then venture outside for two days of climbing on a real rock. No experience necessary!

For: Ages 9-17
Fee: $249/participant - includes equipment, camp t-shirt, and transportation to Spire Rock and Exit 38.

Date Day Time Location

July 21-25 Mon-Wed 10 am-1 pm Edgeworks

Thur 9 am-1:30 pm Spire Rock

Fri 8 am-5 pm Exit 38

Aug. 4-8 Mon-Wed 10 am-1 pm Edgeworks

Thur 9 am-1:30 pm Spire Rock

Fri 8 am-5 pm Exit 38

Aug.18-22 Mon-Wed 10 am-1 pm Edgeworks

Thur 9 am-1:30 pm Spire Rock

Fri 8 am-5 pm Exit 38

Locations:
Edgeworks Climbing, 6102 North 9th St. Suite 200, Tacoma
Spire Rock at Sprinker Recreation Center
Exit 38 climbing area off I-90 in North Bend

Workshops

Sciensational Workshops

These hands-on enrichment programs are a great opportunity for children to learn about science in a fun and fascinating environment. All workshops are taught by science teachers from Sciensational Workshops For Kids, Inc.

Advanced Robotics

For ages 7-12
5 days, Monday-Friday
Pre-register by July 1, 2008 - Pierce County Parks Administration office 253-798-4177.

Dates Time Location Fee

July 14-18, 2008 9:00 am-12 Noon Lakewood Community Center $125

Build and take home your own robot. You will also get to build a wide assortment of other robots. Build a Robot Dinosaur, Galacatisaurus, Mars Cruiser, Aquabot Space Copter, Desert Rover, The Five Foot Tall Commander Robot with 5 motors, Robo Dog, and 6 foot long Crocosaurus Alligator - watch it move as you control it.

Build as many as you can in the time that we have. Use our materials: motors, wires, controllers, and wheels ? and your imagination to build your robots. Use our hand held computer to program the robots in the various program modes. Get ready for Sumo Battles, Battle Box and Sciensational Workshops? Build-a-Thon. Bring a snack and beverage.

Make and Take it Home

For ages 6-11
5 days, Monday-Friday
Pre-register by July 10. 2008- Pierce County Parks Administration office 253-798-4177.

Dates Time Location Fee

July 21-25, 2008 9:00 am-12 Noon Lakewood Community Center $125

You will make and take home a wide assortment of toys designed to teach science concepts in a hands-on way. Grow and take home a crystal tree. Make an energy bead bracelet and watch those amazing beads turn from white to a rainbow of colors before your eyes. Understand the amazing energy of ultra-violet as you conduct many energy bead experiments. Make a lava lamp. Build a working electric motor. Make your own sharpie shirt and learn some cool chemistry (student supplies a 100% cotton t-shirt). Make your own bubbling blobs and explore the properties of a density tube. Make silly putty, glowing goo, green flubber and other cool projects. We will even make ice cream in our own Sciensational way! Bring a snack and beverage.

Science & Adventure Camps

Mad Science Camps

In the Garden

For ages 3-5
Three great locations:

Dates Day Time Location Fee

June 30-July 3 Mon-Thur 9 am-12 noon Frontier Park in Graham $100

July 14-18 Mon-Fri 9 am-12 noon Lakewood Community Center $125

August 11-15 Mon-Fri 9 am-12 noon Meridian Habitat Park $125

This preschool camp offers an exciting introduction to basic environmental science. Each session is devoted to different aspects of the garden and how living things grow and interact with the environment.

Children will make hands-on experiments, play themed games, enjoy a snack and story, and create a mural of their discoveries. Session topics include soil and seeds, flowers, fruits, veggies and more!

NASA: Journey into Outer Space

For ages 5-12
4 days, Monday-Thursday

Dates Time Location Fee

June 30-July 3, 2008 1:00-4:00 PM Frontier Park in Graham $100

From our Earth's atmosphere to the outer reaches of the solar system, this hands-on camp sends children on a quest for exploration! Comets, planets, stars and more are all waiting to be discovered. Learn about the four forces of flight, the challenges of space travel, and even participate in a rocket launch! Topics include astronaut in training, solar launch, and space race.

Down to Earth Camp

For ages 3-5
5 days, Monday-Friday

Dates Time Location Fee

August 4-8 , 2008 9 AM - 12 Noon Lakewood Community Center $125

Campers will learn how important the environment is to us and the creatures we share it with. We'll take a closer look at recycling and animal habitats with topics such as sea scene, wings 'n thing, dirt works, creature feature, and ready, set, grow.

Secret Agent Lab - Discover Detection

For ages 5-12
5 days, Monday-Thur

Dates Time Location Fee

August 11-15, 2008 1:00-4:00 PM Meridian Habitat Park $125

Step into the shoes of a detective and uncover the science involved in evidence gathering and analysis. Using the powers of observation, our young forensic scientists will have all they need to get started on their detective adventure. Campers use the gear in their kit to find, collect, and analyze evidence. Topics include funky forensics, science of security, and sleuths on the scene.

Mountains to Sound Eco-Adventure Camp

For ages 11-15
5 days, Monday-Friday

Dates Time Location Fee

July 14-18, 2008
(pre-register by 7/1) 9:00 AM-4:00 PM Meridian Habitat Park $165

July 28-Aug. 1, 2008
(pre-register by 7/14) 9:00 AM-4:00 PM Meridian Habitat Park $165

Get ready for an amazing week of eco-adventures in and around some of Pierce County's wild places and open spaces. Each day of camp features exploring life in different settings: Mt. Rainier one day, visit the Foothills Trail and kayaking on Puget Sound on other days.

The objective of the Eco-Adventures Camp is to foster within each camper, the appreciation, knowledge, values and skills necessary to inspire sound decisions that are in balance with the human and natural environments. Events throughout the week will consist of indoor and outdoor hands-on activities, hiking, cooperative games, nature projects, scientific experimentation, journaling, storytelling, art projects, and special tours - all with an environmental awareness focus.

This program is for campers who want to be active! The two-one week programs will include different activities - try one, try both. A few weeks before the start of the program campers will receive a camp outline/schedule, participant information form, permission slip/form and a list of what campers need to bring each day.

This camp is organized and supervised by Pierce County Environmental Educators from Public Works and Utilities and adult staff from Pierce County Parks and Recreation.

Pierce County Parks & Recreation
9112 Lakewood Dr. SW, Lakewood, WA 98499