Summer camp opportunities abound

By Sandy James
Review Staff Writer

Published: June 19, 2008

The big 4-H Camp at Front Royal is underway this week, with 270 campers from Orange and Madison.
But don’t despair if you missed out on this one. There are still plenty of opportunities for local children to participate in fun and educational summer camps.
At The Arts Center in Orange, 129 E. Main St., registration is open for Summer Arts Camp, for ages 3-17. “There are upcoming projects including drawing, knitting, clay, cowboys, fairies and so much more,” said Lisa Hooten of the Arts Center.
You name it… papier-mâché, music, international games, weaving, fairies, knitting, wearable art, artist journal, drawing and more! Call 540-672-7311 for more information on complete schedule, supervised lunch break, sibling discounts and for a registration form. Spaces limited, call soon.
Montpelier has several opportunities for summer fun and education.
Natural History Camp “Mud Camp” will take place June 23-27 (Mon.-Fri.).
Join other rising 3rd-4th graders at Montpelier’s Mud Camp! Explore some of the 2,650 acres of creeks, fields, and woods. Be prepared to get dirty and have fun! 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Tuition: $90.
Natural History Day Camp “Mud Camp” is held June 30-July 4 (Mon.-Fri.).
Join other rising 5th-6th graders at Montpelier’s Mud Camp! 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Tuition: $90.
Summer Fun happens July 9, 16, 23, 30 and Aug. 6 (Wed.).
Hey kids! Spend your Wednesday mornings playing colonial games like Capture the Flag, Montpelier Mystery, Playing Possum, Worms, and Bees! Ages 4-6 and 7-12. Wednesday: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (noon). Tuition: $8.00/day. Advance registration required.
For more information on Montpelier camps and to make reservations please call (540) 672-2728 ext. 401.

Orange County 4-H Stockman’s Camp will be held at Graves Mountain Lodge June 30-July 2. The cost is $195.00. There are only a few openings left.
Orange County 4-H will be hosting the annual “Summer Reins” 4-H Special Riding Camp. This is a therapeutic horseback event that will take place July 14-18 at Elmwood farm, just outside the Town of Orange. Children with special needs will spend three hours each day (9 a.m. - 12 noon) riding horses, completing arts and crafts projects and participating in recreational events.
Volunteers (both children and adults) are needed for this very special event. You do not have to know anything about horses - just have a love for kids and a desire to help others.
“This is a very small camp, but it is one of the most rewarding experiences you will ever have,” said Ashley Elgin, Orange County 4-H program coordinator.
“If you would like to volunteer, or know of some else who may, please call the Extension office at 672-1361, so we can send you an application,” Elgin said.
The deadline for Summer Reins applications is Thursday, July 3.
Orange County Fair 4-H Day is a new opportunity for local children and will be held Thursday, July 24 and Friday, July 25 at the Orange County Fairgrounds at Montpelier.
“Any child, age five to 10, as of Sept. 30, 2008, can participate in a day of animal tours, milking demos, scavenger hunts, equipment safety, take-home crafts, and of course…classic 4-H camp songs!” said Ashley Elgin,
Group leaders will take participants on tours through the fair each day, to explore the exhibits and activities.
“This will enable children who don’t usually get to see agricultural operations a chance to see farm machinery and animals,” said Elgin.
Children will only be able to participate on one day, so they have to choose Thursday, July 24th or Friday, July 25th.
The camp fee is $5 per child and includes all expenses with the exception of souvenirs. The fee covers fair admission and camp materials.
Please register by Monday, June 23 to reserve space at camp.
Orange Cooperative Extension and 4-H are also offering Cloverbud Day Camp: Ages 5-8, July 28-Aug. 1 at the Northern Piedmont Agriculture Research & Extension Center.  It will be a “Taste of 4-H” theme.  Each day they will focus on a different curriculum area, such as: natural resources, animals, nutrition, and other areas.
For more information on 4-H camps call Elgin at 672-1361.

Orange County Parks and Rec/Orange Stingers Football Camp 2 will be held July 21-25 from 6-8 p.m. at Prospect Heights Middle School Field. Registration will be held on the field, cost is $40. Camp 2 covers advanced fundamentals of tackle football, offense, defense and position techniques.
For more information on Parks and Rec activities call Shirley Irving at 672-5435.