First of all, I am thrilled there are so many options for our little ones to have a chance to experience some amazing things this summer.

Secondly, all parents seem to be just as thrilled as spots are filling up fast! There are a few popular camps that may already be full.

This list of Spokane summer camps and activities for 2024, should streamline your search in finding a wonderful opportunity for your kids this summer. So, take a minute to sift through the information, find the camp that's right for your kiddos, and then, by all means, get them registered!

• Spokane City Parks and Recreation
  
• Salvation Army Kids Camps
• YMCA
  
• Academic Camps
  
• Day/Overnight Camps
  
• Dance Camps
  
• Theater Camps
  
• Sports Camps
• Spokane Public Library
• Summer Activities

Camp Gifford Discovery Camp (ages 7-12)

The Salvation Army Camp Gifford provides an exciting, educational, and spiritual outdoor camp experience for children. At Camp Gifford, they have games, arts and crafts, archery, swimming, boating, singing, and learning more about God in a fun and uplifting environment.

Sessions:June 26-30: Discovery Camp 1July 3-7: Discovery Camp 2July 24-28: Discovery Camp 3July 31- August 4: Discovery Camp 4


Dates: July 22 - 26 / July 29 - Aug 2

Times: Monday at 12 pm to Friday at 9 am

Address: 3846 North Deer Lake Road, Loon Lake, WA 99148

Cost: $450, Scholarships available on a sliding scale


Bus transportation is available from Spokane.
CONTACTEmail: campgifford@usw.salvationarmy.org

Phone: (509) 329-2759

Web: www.campgifford.com

Wilderness Camp @ Camp Cougar (ages 13-17)

The Salvation Army Teen Adventure Camp offers hiking, high rope courses, outdoor survival skills, swimming, and more. Campers explore nature and grow their relationship with Christ while developing friendships with other teens from around the Pacific Northwest.



Sessions:

• Wilderness 1- June 24-28
• Wilderness 2- July 1-5
• Wilderness 3 - July 8- 12
• Wilderness 4- July 15- 19
  
  
  Dates: June 24 – July 19
  
  Times: Monday at 12 pm to Friday at 9 amAddress: 3846 North Deer Lake Road, Loon Lake, WA 99148
  
  Cost: $480, Scholarships available on a sliding scale
  
  Bus transportation is available from Spokane.
  
  CONTACT Email: campgifford@usw.salvationarmy.org
  
  Phone: (509) 329-2759

Web: www.campgifford.com

The Salvation Army Sailing Camp has three sessions lasting two weeks each. Campers learn the fundamentals of sailing from certified U.S. Sailing instructors. Students learn courage, teamwork, and leadership. By the end of the two-week camp, they’ll be able to race sailboats. This camp is offered to teens, ages 13-17. Camp is Monday – Friday with campers returning home for the weekend.

Sessions:

• Session 1: TBD
• Session 2: TBD

Times: Monday at 12 pm to Friday at 9 am

Address: 3846 North Deer Lake Road, Loon Lake, WA 99148
Cost: $960, Scholarships available on a sliding scale
Bus transportation is available from Spokane.

CONTACT:

Email: campgifford@usw.salvationarmy.org
Phone: (509) 329-2759

Web: www.campgifford.com

Parks and Rec have options galore when it comes to activities and day camps for your little ones this summer in 2024. Sewing, pickleball, climbing, kayaking, swimming, survival, sculpting, treasure hunting and so much more. This year there are over 200 different camps! Consequently, the guide is intense, but don't get overwhelmed. Let me break it down for you.

Summer Camps Guide

The brochure is broken into types of camps: day camps, outdoors, adventure, aquatics, sports, and overnight camps. From there each camp is listed in date order by age group. So whether you choose to register your 4-year-old SuperHero to learn to make secret messages in order to save the day from the villains, or reserve a spot for your adventurous tween to paddleboard, raft, climb, and all things exciting you are going to find the perfect camp for your child this summer.

A few of Spokane City Parks and Recreation's most popular camps are highlighted below.

Summer Day Camps @ Merkel

A great variety of summer camps where kids can explore a variety of activities, discover new interests, make friends, and feel confident to try something new. Activities include traditional camp games, arts and crafts, sports, sciences, BMX, skate park activities, plus a variety of outdoor adventures.

2024 Merkel Kids Summer Day Camp Options:

• Super Heroes Assemble!
• Surviving the Zombie Apocalypse!
• Mad Science at Merkel!
• Final Summer Bash!

WHEN: 1-week sessions beginning june 24th

TIME: 9 am – 4 pm

WHO: Ages 7-11

HOW MUCH: $249 weekly

WHERE: Dwight Merkel Sports Complex 5701 N Assembly Spokane WA

REGISTER @ SpokaneRec.org

QUESTIONS? Call 509.625.6625 or email aeva@spokanecity.org

Funshine Day Camp

A fun-filled camp for those with developmental and/or physical disabilities. Each day, campers will have the opportunity to interact and socialize with their peers through crafts, music, science experiments, books, board games, swimming, group activities and so much more.

WHEN: 1-week sessions beginning June 26th

TIME: 9am – 2:30pm

WHO: Ages 6-21 (Two weeks of 18+)

HOW MUCH: $249 weekly (Limited scholarship funds available)

WHERE: Shadle Park 2111 W. Wellesley Ave

REGISTER @ SpokaneRec.org or call 509.755.2489

QUESTIONS? Call 509.625.6245 or email abusch@spokanecity.org

2024 Funsine Camps schedule:

• 6/26 - 6/30: Adult Week / Games
• July 1 -3: Teen Day Camp
• july 8 - 12: Jurassic Park
• July 4 - 19: Super Science
• july 15 -19 Under the Sea
• 8/7 - 8/11: Lights, Camera, Action
• 7/24 - 7/28: Adult Week / Art

Keep in mind these are only a couple of the over 200 options offered by Parks and Recreation. Be sure to read the complete 2024 summer camp guide to pick out the perfect option or options for your little one this summer.

Another great resource is to head over to the YMCA. The Y has everything for young kids to enjoy. Tell me you didn’t just sing that last sentence! It’s nearly impossible not to have that tune stuck in your head right now, am I right? Looking for swimming lessons, martial art classes, sports clinics, or even a run through a ninja warrior course? The Spokane YMCA has loads of programs set up for your children and families this summer. Visit the YMCA summer camp website for a complete list of all their offerings. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Camp Reed

Mini-camp for campers entering grades 1- 2, a three-day and two-night opportunity to experience camp under the watchful eye of counselors and junior counselors. Or the traditional full week camp for those entering grades 3-9. Groups will get to swim, boat, and participate in traditional camp activities.

WHEN: Week beginning June 18th

TIME: Overnight Camp

WHO: 1st - 9th graders

HOW MUCH: $260 - $550

WHERE: YMCA Camp Reed 1126 N Monroe

REGISTER @ https://ymcainw.org/camp-reed/...

QUESTIONS? Email campreed@ymcainw.org or call 509-777-9622



Here is the Spokane YMCA website to search and register for all of the YMCA’s summer programs. You can search by location, age, or keyword to find almost any type of kids program this summer.

Camp Invention

Fuel the imagination of your future world-changer with an innovative and FUN hands-on STEM experience. Give your young innovator an unforgettable adventure! All-new, hands-on activities will launch their imagination and get their confidence soaring as they explore STEM fun from the oceans to outer space.

WHEN: June 24th- June 26th

TIME: 9am - 3:30pm

WHO: Students entering grades K - 6

HOW MUCH: $245

WHERE: Moran Prairie Elementary School 4224 East 57th Avenue Spokane, WA 99223

REGISTER @ Camp Invention Spokane Registrationor call 800.968.4332

QUESTIONS? Email campinvention@invent.org

The Science Factory

Have you ever held strawberry DNA in your hand? Exploded an egg with hydrogen gas? Dug for dinosaur fossils? Join this camp's first-ever debut in Spokane Valley for crazy experiments, fun art projects, and awesome games. Since this year's camp is only one week long, each day will cover a new topic, including Expert Engineering (Mon), Shapes and Patterns (Tue), Space Exploration (Wed), and Crazy Chemistry (Thu). The week will conclude on Friday with a fun-filled day of trivia, hands-on science activities, and games. Highlights of the week will include a rocket launch, color-changing chemistry, and awesome science demos.

WHEN: Monday-Friday August 5 -9th

TIME: 9am - 3pm

WHO: The target age range is 6 - 13 based on the selected program
HOW MUCH: $275

WHERE: Eastpoint Church 15303 E Sprague Ave, Spokane Valley, WA 99037

REGISTER @ Science Factory Registration

QUESTIONS? Call (509) 850-9185 or email sciencefactorycamp@gmail.com

Musical Theater Intensive Day Camp

Hesperus Arts International MT Training program is a comprehensive musical theater training camp designed for those who love musical theater. Improve your dance, singing, and acting abilities.

WHEN: Monday-Thursday sessions beginning July 8th

TIME: 9am -12pm or 9am - 5pm (depending on camp session)

WHO: Ages 6-19

HOW MUCH: $149-$349

WHERE: River City Church 708 West Nora Ave Spokane WA 99205

REGISTER @ https://www.nbccamps.com/theatre-arts/camps/spokane-theatre-arts

QUESTIONS? 1-800-406-3926

Spokane’s Children's Theatre

Spokane Children's Theatre provides multiple camps throughout the year for various ages of students to learn the art of theatre and hone their talents! Camper's days are filled with acting, singing, and dancing. They will also be learning theatre etiquette, stage direction, how to audition, improv, and so much more!

WHEN: 4 -day sessions beginning June 17th

TIME: 9 am - 3 pm (Showcase for 15-20 minutes at the end of the last day)

WHO: Ages 6 - 15

HOW MUCH: Varies based on program

WHERE: 2727 N Madelia St. #5 Spokane WA 99207

REGISTER @ https://spokanechildrenstheatr...

QUESTIONS? Call 509.328.4886 or email office@spokanechildrenstheatre.org

Dance Children’s Camp

Great for boys and girls, includes age-appropriate dance, storytelling, craft, and yoga. Dance Intensives. Dance intensives provide an opportunity to improve technique and try new art forms before beginning full-time classes.

WHEN: Children’s Camps beginning week of May 28th

TIME: Varies

WHO: Ages 3-6

HOW MUCH: Varies based on program

WHEN: May 28, 30, June 4, 6 (Tuesdays & Thursdays) / June 24-27 / July 22-25 / August 19-22

WHERE: Sandra's Studio of Dance 304 W. 7th Avenue Spokane WA

REGISTER @ https://www.sandraolgardsstudi...

QUESTIONS? Call 509.838.7464 or email spokanestudioofdance@gmail.com

Kids Dance & Cheer Camps

The Dance Center of Spokane has several dance camps in various dance forms: jazz, ballet, and hip hop. There are also a couple of guest coaches for focused dance classes.

WHEN: 4-day sessions beginning June 20th

TIME: Dance and Cheer times vary

WHO: Ages 3-12

HOW MUCH: $125-$155

WHERE: Dance Center of Spokane 1407 E. 57th Spokane WA 99223

REGISTER @ www.dancecenterofspokane.com

QUESTIONS? Call (509) 448-2464 or email director@dancecenterofspokane.com

Dance Center of Spokane also has sessions for older dancers. Check the Dance Center website for a complete list of all their summer camp sessions.

Camp Fire Camp Dart-Lo Day Camp

A friendly, inclusive, and diverse community of campers and staff who share a love of the great outdoors. Campers enjoy progression-based learning in activities such as nature, hiking, fishing, crafts, and more.

WHEN: 1-week sessions beginning June 17th

TIME: 8:50am - 4:15pm

WHO: Ages 3 - 18

HOW MUCH: $260

WHERE: 14000 N Dartford Road, Spokane, WA

REGISTER @ 2024 Dart-Lo Registration Website

QUESTIONS? Call 509.747.6191

Camp Fire Camp Sweyolakan Overnight Camp

Camp Fire Camp Sweyolakan on Lake Coeur d'Alene helps youth build strong character, values, and life skills. Geared for campers 1st - 12th grade, with several options for week-long overnight camp. Campers are placed in small groups by age at the beginning of the week and a counselor stays with that group for the entire week. Groups share a cabin, plan their days, and participate in fun activities together. First-time camper? Shorter sessions for those just wanting to get their feet wet in a 2-night experience. Not ready to stay overnight? Camp Sweyolakan offers three 5-day Day Camp Sessions. Check out their website for all the details of each option.

WHEN: 1-week sessions beginning June 24th

TIME: Overnight Camp

WHO: Students in grades 1 -12

HOW MUCH: $260 - $500

WHERE: Lake Coeur d'Alene, ID

REGISTER @ https://campfireinc.org/camp-sweyolakan/

QUESTIONS? Call 509.747.6191

RecTennis Summer Tennis Camp

Summer tennis camp to help kids learn basic tennis skills in a non-competitive atmosphere. Each session is filled with high-energy games and fun camp activities. Keeps kids laughing and active. Each 1.5-hour session focuses on learning tennis skills. The 4 and 8-hour sessions also include fun camp games + activities. 8-hour camps include swimming in the afternoon. Choose the way you want to play!

WHEN: 1-week sessions beginning Apr 9th
TIME: Times vary

WHO: Ages 5-14

HOW MUCH: $45/1.5 hours, $115/4 hours, $175/8 hours

WHERE: Roosevelt Elementary School

REGISTER @ https://rectennis.com/events/t...

QUESTIONS? Email nathan.vandell@pnw.usta.com

Spokane Gymnastics

Week-long day camps taught by knowledgeable, engaged, and encouraging coaches with fast-paced rotations focusing on the development of strength, balance, agility, coordination, and flexibility. Previous experience is not required as campers are grouped according to age and skill level. All camps include structured gymnastics lessons plus games, challenges, crafts, and themed activities.

WHEN: 1-week sessions beginning July 8th

TIME: Morning 8am – 1130am Afternoon 12:30pm – 4:00pm or Full Day 8am – 4:00pm

WHO: Ages vary

HOW MUCH: $229 -$319 (varies based on program)

WHERE: Spokane Gymnastics 2515 N Locust Road Spokane Valley WA

REGISTER in person or call 509.315.5433

QUESTIONS? Call 509.315.5433 or email servicedesk@spokanegymnastics.com

The Spokane Public Library has events all summer long. Including the return of their summer reading program and magazines for kids and teens with book recommendations, science experiments, activities, and much more that can be picked up at any Spokane Public Library location. Check out their website as it is periodically updated to include more details and events.

Summer Reading Program

Starts June 1 and will run through September 15. The online experience is spl.northwestreads.org, but more information can be found at https://www.spokanelibrary.org/kidsteens_summerreading/. Anyone 18 and under can win a prize book when they read 15 hours throughout the summer.

Hikes

Looking for a family-friendly hike complete with spectacular water views? What about crossing over the Spokane river by way of a gigantic, and it bears mentioning a very sturdy, wooden bridge? Need plenty of little stops along the way? Yes! Then look no further, Bowl and Pitcher Loop Trail in Riverside State Park is the hike for your crew. Offering a fairly level 2-mile well-groomed loop trail, it is a great option for all ages and skill levels. There are quite a few stairs so pack a child carrier and skip the stroller option for the littlest ones on this adventure. Grab a water bottle, a couple of snacks, or even a coffee, and get going! Bowl and Pitcher Loop Trail is located North West of downtown Spokane in Riverside State Park. I used the All Trails directions on my Google maps to find my way. The directions led me directly to the trailhead, easy peasy lemon squeezy.

Spokane Indians

How about a summertime classic! Take in a baseball game with the kids. Here is the schedule for the 2024 Spokane Indians season:

By the way, kids sitting in your lap don’t need a ticket. Get to the game early and let the little ones warm up in the batting cages over in the expansive kids’ section. This year Sunday's catch on the field after the game is back (Yay!!) so bring your mitts! Be sure to check out all the planned events as there are many fun-themed nights like Princess, Bark in the Park, and Marvel Superhero!

Green Bluff Trot + Pit Spit

A 6.4K (4 miles) run through Green Bluff’s orchard country complete with a cherry spitting competition. Walker/strollers welcome. Even the little ones can have fun in the free Tot Trot. A short trot for kids 5 and under. Vendors offer dinner, dessert, live music, a variety of food, cherry pies, and other delicious goodies.

WHEN: Thursday, July 21st

TIME:

• 5:00 pm Registration Opens – Food & Vendors
• 5:30 pm Cherry Pit Spit
• 7:00 pm Cherry Pickers Trot 6.4K (4 Mile) Race

REGISTER @ https://runsignup.com/Race/WA/Colbert/CherryPickersTrot

QUESTIONS? gbgrange300@gmail.com

Not a runner? Me either! The last time I ran, and I use the term ran here very loosely, I couldn’t walk the next day. Like at all. Green Bluff still has something for you. Visit in June to pick strawberries, July for cherries, and August for peaches.

As you can see Spokane is full of summer camps and activities for kiddos of all ages this summer. Hoping this resource was a starting point to guide you and save you some time with concise information. Looking forward to seeing you and your little ones at one of these fabulous events or camps around town this summer.