Whether your child is into sports, nature, art or culture, summer time in Kansas City is the perfect time to explore special interests. Summer camps throughout the city offer a variety of opportunities for kids to find their voice, dabble in the arts, seek adventure or engage in active play with new friends.
Barstow – Summer at Barstow
11511 State Line Rd.
Kansas City, MO
816.277.0445
Camp Barnabas
2060 E Sunshine St.
Springfield, MO 65804
417.476.2565
Camp Encourage
4025 Central St.
Kansas City, MO 64111
816.830.7171
Camp Invention
Energize your kid’s creativity and confidence with our new Camp Invention® program, Recharge! When this nationally acclaimed program comes to Kansas City this summer, campers in grades K-6 will collaborate with friends in hands-on, open-ended STEM challenges. They’ll take apart a microphone to explore its inner workings, build and test a device to launch rubber ducks, and design morphine vehicles for the Super Road Rally! Each activity is designed to inspire curiosity, spark imaginations and give your young innovator the best summer ever. Visit invent.org/save to secure your spot.
Ages: Entering grades K-6
Gender: Co-ed
Dates/Hours: Multiple sessions available all summer both in-person and at-home
Cost: Programs start at $235
Deadline: Register by 3/31 to save $40. Use promo code INVENT40!
Camp Shakespeare
Help your child connect with an artistic community of other kids this summer. Heart of America Shakespeare Festival’s signature summer camps provide a place for your child to collaborate, create, learn language and presentation skills, build confidence, and HAVE FUN!
Ages: For all students, age 5 – 18.
Gender: Coed
Dates/Hours: Please see kcshakes.org/camp-shakespeare for a full list of dates, locations, and details of camps. Details may change based on Municipal and/or CDC recommendations.
Cost: Camps range from $150.00 -$400.00 depending on length and program.
Deadline: Registration is open up to and including the start of each session.
Camp WIN by the Kansas City Sports Commission
Locations throughout the greater Kansas City metro area
816.474.4652
Challenger Sports British Soccer Camp
Locations throughout the greater Kansas City metro area
913.599.4774
Christian Youth Theater
Locations throughout the greater Kansas City metro area
913.681.3318
Church of the Resurrection
Get ready for The Great Adventure July 18-23 with Vacation Bible Camp at the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection. Vacation Bible Camp is a fun week filled with Bible stories, games, music, crafts, service projects and an end of camp surprise celebration. Final plans are contingent upon COVID-19 restrictions this summer, but Church of the Resurrection currently plans to offer Vacation Bible Camp at each of their five locations in the greater Kansas City area – Leawood, Downtown Kansas City, Blue Springs, Overland Park and Olathe. There will also be an option for online virtual Vacation Bible Camp experience. Parents are always welcome to join the fun as volunteers for The Great Adventure, as children learn important lessons from the Bible about trusting God, persevering, and serving others.
Ages: For all children, preschool-grade 5.
Gender: Coed
Dates/Hours: July 18-23
Cost: Check the website: cor.org/VBC2021
Deadline: Registration will open in April at cor.org/VBC2021
City of Leawood
The City of Leawood Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Department is offering a variety of camps for all ages and interests! Join us this summer for creative and engaging art camps, including our popular “Art Party” and “Little Artists” camps located in the Community Center on the lower level of City Hall. Have a sports superstar in the making? Be sure to sign them up for our “Super Sports” and “Challenger Soccer” camps. For children ages 9-11 who aren’t afraid of heights, sign them up for our awesome “Challenge Adventure Camp” which takes place on our giant climbing walls and ropes course at Ironwoods Park. Don’t forget the outdoorsy kids with our curiosity inspiring nature camps including our “Half Day Nature Camp”. This year we will also be launching our “Rocket Kids Camp” where kids ages 8-12 will learn how to build their very own rocket!
Increased staff, and social distancing will be used so everyone can enjoy the fun safely! Reservations are open, visit https://www.leawood.org/parks-and-recreation/ or call 913-663-1954 to register today.
Ages: 3 -14
Gender: All
Dates/Hours: Varies, for more info please visit https://www.leawood.org/parks-and-recreation/
Cost: Varies, for more info please visit https://www.leawood.org/parks-and-recreation/
Deadline: Varies, for more info please visit https://www.leawood.org/parks-and-recreation/
Code Ninjas
Various locations throughout the city
913.444.9448
Ernie Miller Park & Nature Center
909 North Highway 7
Olathe, KS
913.764.7799
Genesis Health Clubs
Genesis Olathe Ridgeview
17800 W 106th St.
Olathe, KS
913.888.0505
Heartland Fencing Academy
10727 El Monte
Overland Park, KS
913.636.769
Jewish Community Center – J Camp
5801 W 115th St.
Overland Park, KS
913.327.8000
Johnson County Parks and Recreation
7900 Renner Blvd.
Shawnee, KS
913.831.3359
Kanakuk
1353 Lake Shore Drive
Branson, MO 65616
417.266.3000
Kansas City Missouri Parks & Recreation
Get ready for a summer full of fun at KC Parks Summer Enrichment Camps! Our ten-week day camps are a great chance for kids ages 6-13 to stay socially, mentally, and physically active. Campers will enjoy educational enrichment opportunities, crafts, games and safe socialization. The health and safety of staff and campers is our utmost priority so Kansas City, Missouri Parks and Recreation follows CDC guidelines for all our programs. Summer camp is $80 per week with lunch and snacks provided. Camps are conveniently located at five KC Parks Community Centers throughout the city including Hillcrest, Kansas City North, Southeast, Tony Aguirre, Westport Roanoke Community Center. Receive a 20% discount if fees are paid in full by May 1, 2021. Scholarships are available. Visit kcparks.org for details and registration.
June 7 – August 13, 2021
Monday – Friday
7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Ages: 6 – 13
Fee: Day Camp: $80/week*
*20% discount if paid in full by May 1. Financial assistance available.
Location: Hillcrest, Kansas City North, Southeast, Tony Aguirre, Westport Roanoke
Kansas City Young Audiences
SING, DANCE, ACT, MAKE and PLAY – this summer at KCYA! Kansas City Young Audiences summer camps feature dance, music, theatre, and the visual arts rolled up into week-long full and half–day camps for kids ages 4 to 13! From the popular Musical Theatre and Improv camps to the lively Main Street Beats and Let’s Dance camps our programs are designed to help children discover and develop their own creative talents while building life skills like collaboration, communication, and self-confidence! Scholarships are available for families with financial need. Multi-camp and multi-child discounts too! See all available offerings at KCYA.org.
Ages: For all children, ages 4-13.
Gender: Coed
Dates/Hours: New camps begin each week. Please see https://kcya.org/?page=csa_view_classes for a full list of camps, dates and times.
Cost: Camps range from $150 – $260, scholarships and multi-camp/multi-child discounts are available
Deadline: Space is limited in each camp, enroll early to ensure your child’s spot!
KC Watersports
KC Watersports Kansas City’s premier water sports camp! Spend a day of fun in the sun while enjoying some time on the water. Our professional staff guide campers through a day of learning and progression for any ability level. Whether you are new to the sport or an advanced rider our day camps will fit your needs. Full details online www.kcwatersports.com.
Ages: 7 & up
Gender: Everyone is welcome
Dates/Hours: Monday – Friday (June 1 – Aug 13) 9 am – 3 pm
Cost: $59/day or 5 Day Pass $300
Deadline: There is no deadline as long as we have spots available. You can book up to 24 hours in advance.
Lakeside Nature Center
4701 East Gregory Blvd.
Kansas City, MO
816.513.8960
Lynn O’Brien Cheer & Dance Camp
Locations in Overland Park and Olathe
913.424.2919
Mad Science of Greater KC
11368 Strang Line Rd.
Lenexa, KS
913.888.8877
Missouri Military Academy
Build confidence, learn to lead, and have fun! Missouri Military Academy campers develop resilience, social skills, teamwork and personal accountability as they encounter experiences such as paintball, rappelling and obstacle courses. Residential camps are held on MMA’s 288 acres of woods, fields, rocks, creeks and ponds. “He really had a great time! … I already see the results. I was very pleased how these two weeks transformed my son [for] the better.” — Mom of a MMA camper.
Summer Academy provides personal attention and small class sizes to help students find success with enrichment courses or to make up credit. Confidence Camp develops a sense of pride in self and accomplishments for younger boys, and Leadership Camp builds confidence and teaches leadership skills to teens while developing personal independence and team building. New this year – All Sports Camp (practice up to four different sports each day) and Summer Jazz Academy for young musicians!
Ages: 8-17
Gender: Male
Dates/Hours: June 20-July 18 (dates for camps vary)
Cost: Varies (see website) https://www.missourimilitaryacademy.org/summer
Deadline: Application deadline is 10 days prior to the start of the selected camp. Room availability is limited, however, and campers are admitted on a first-come-first-served basis. Apply early for the best chance of admission. For more information, contact the MMA admissions office at 573-581-1776 or email admissions@missourimilitaryacademy.com.
Missouri Military Academy Summer Jazz Academy
On June 20-25, 2021, young jazz enthusiasts across the nation will meet to enhance their musicals skills at the all-new Missouri Military Academy (MMA) Summer Jazz Academy. Summer Jazz Academy is a rigorous, one-week course that focuses on broadening middle and high school students’ understanding of jazz and helping them grow as an im
A performance-based music experience, students who attend MMA’s Summer Jazz Academy will work from scored music and chord charts and perform in both small and large ensembles. The week culminates to a concert for the wider community at the end of the week.
“Summer Jazz Academy is ideally suited for those who want to enhance their improvisational skills and build confidence through jazz music,” said Rob McGrath, Summer Jazz Academy director.
Summer Jazz Academy students will learn from McGrath, an experienced jazz saxophonist and music instructor at Missouri Military Academy. McGrath has a bachelor’s degree in jazz music from Middlesex University, London, and was formerly a member of Her Majesty’s Royal Marine Band, a professional musician and certified teacher in the U.K. He is currently a member of the Columbia Jazz Orchestra.
McGrath is joined in instruction by Isaac Foley, a Berklee College of Music alum and member of the Columbia Jazz Orchestra, and Connor Kespohl, a Mizzou student and member of the Columbia Jazz Orchestra.
Students will be hosted at MMA’S 288-acre campus in Mexico, Missouri. The 132-year old boarding school has a state-of-the-art academic building, air-conditioned dorms, a large ensemble room and ten state-of-the-art soundproof practice rooms.
MMA’s Summer Jazz Academy is a co-ed summer camp for musicians ages 12-18. The costs to attend is $350, or $600 for a residential experience. Applicants are encouraged to familiarize themselves with music notation prior to their arrival at Summer Jazz Academy. For more information, contact McGrath at 573-581-1776 x431 or at rob.mcgrath@missourimilitaryacademy.com.
Missouri Military Academy is an all-male, college-preparatory military boarding school with a diverse domestic and international student population. The Academy’s rigorous program empowers young men to reach their potential as future college graduates, citizens of character, and leaders in their communities. MMA’s 360˚ Education fosters academic excellence, a healthy lifestyle and physical development, leadership and life skills, positive character development, and personal motivation.
Paint, Glaze & Fire – Camp ARTrageous
12683 Metcalf Ave.
Overland Park, KS
913.661.2529
StageworX
12501 West 137th St.
Overland Park, KS 816.536.2840
YMCA Camp Wood
1101 Camp Wood Rd.
Elmdale, KS
620.273.8641
Youthfront
Bring on the fun! Youthfront Camp is excited to welcome campers and families this summer. Overnight and Day Camp sessions are available for students entering grades 1-12. Camps feature splash parks, theme nights, zip-lines and more. At Youthfront, kids can grow in their relationship with God and make friendships that last a lifetime! Family Day Passes will also be available for a limited time. Learn more and register at youthfront.com/summercamp.
Ages: Students entering grades 1-12
Gender: Coed
Dates/Hours: Overnight and Day Camp sessions, June 1 – August 5
Cost: Prices vary based on session duration and type. See the Youthfront website for more details.
Deadline: None
