The perfect summer camps for kids

By Jackie Valley

Sunday, April 26, 2015 | 2 a.m.

It’s 105 degrees outside. You don’t have a pool. Your kids are battling over whose turn it is to play video games, and your blood pressure is rising.

School is out of session, but your job pays no heed. You need someone to watch your kids while you work.

With summertime just around the corner, it’s time for parents to figure out how to keep their children occupied and supervised during school break.

Fortunately, Southern Nevada boasts a plethora of day camps that can ease restlessness and provide a safety net for children whose parents work. Many aim to educate as well as entertain. With names like “Grossology,” “Jump, Jump Trampoline” and “Avengers University,” there’s an option for every budding scientist, athlete or performer.

Registration for many of the camps already has begun. Here’s a sampling of what’s available.

City of Las Vegas Summer Camps

Summer camps run by the city of Las Vegas for children ages 6 to 15 feature field trips, sports, games, arts and crafts, movies, educational activities and healthy snacks. Camps are divided by age, 6 to 11 and 12 to 15.

Cimarron Rose Community Center, 5591 N. Cimarron Road, June 8-Aug. 21. $100 per child per week. Camp is 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays.

Doolittle Community Center, 1950 N. J St., June 8-Aug. 21. $75 per child per week. Camp is 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays.

East Las Vegas Community Center, 250 N. Eastern Ave., June 8-Aug. 21. $100 per child per week. Camp is 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays.

Stupak Community Center, 251 W. Boston Ave., June 8-Aug. 14. $75 per child per week. Camp is 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays.

Las Vegas also offers several specialty camps at two locations:

At Mirabelli Community Center

6200 Hargrove Ave. $150 per child per week. Camp is 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekday

For ages 6 to 11

Totally Tumbling (June 8-12): Learn how to tumble.

Heisman Football (June 8-12): Learn the fundamentals of football.

Master Chef Mirabelli (June 15-19): Spend the week cooking.

Blacktop Games and More (June 15-19): Play 4-square, kickball and more.

Spirit Week Cheer (June 22-26): Practice cheering, jumps and stunts.

Causing Racket (June 22-26): Learn how to play racket sports.

Anything Goes (June 29-July 2): An assortment of fun activities.

Game Show (June 29-July 2): Participate in camp versions of popular game shows.

Shoot for the Stars Gymnastics (July 6-10): Learn new gymnastics tricks.

CSI Science (July 6-10): Think like an investigator.

Mirabelli High School (July 13-17): Leadership, sports, spirit and science activities.

Basketball All Star (July 13-17): Learn the fundamentals of basketball.

Project Runway (July 20-24): Immerse yourself in fashion.

Amazing Race (July 20-24): Compete in fun challenges.

Jump, Jump Trampoline (July 27-31): Bounce your energy out.

Sport-A-Day (July 27-31): Learn a new sport each day.

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall (Aug. 3-7): Help plan and put on the annual Penny Carnival.

Soccer (Aug. 3-7): Learn the fundamentals of soccer.

Dance Party (Aug. 10-14): Participate in a talent show.

Comedy and More (Aug. 10-14): Practice a performance for a talent show.

For ages 12 to 15

Back in Time (June 8-12): Participate in old-time activities.

Pinterest Play Around (June 15-19): Pinterest-inspired activities.

Cutthroat Kitchen (June 22-26): Take part in a cooking challenge.

#Camp (June 29-July 2): An assortment of activities.

May the Force Be with You (July 6-10): Put your “Star Wars” knowledge to the test.

Avengers University (July 13-17): Join in superhero-themed fun and games.

Tribute Training (July 20-24): A camp version of the “Hunger Games.”

Freshman Survival (July 27-31): Start talking about college and careers.

Once Upon a Time Carnival (Aug. 3-7): Help plan and present the annual Penny Carnival.

Pitch Perfect 2 (Aug. 10-14): Participate in a talent show.

Find out more online or call 702-229-6359.

At Veterans Memorial Leisure Services Center

01 N. Pavilion Center Drive. Includes arts and crafts, games, sports, field trips and swimming. $150 per child per week. Camps are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, but children can be dropped off at 8 a.m. and remain at camp until 6 p.m.

For ages 6 to 11

Soccer (June 8-12): Learn the fundamentals of soccer.

All About Paint (June 8-12): Create art with different paints and instruments.

Re-Use It (June 8-12): Learn about recycling through games, crafts and more.

Volleyball (June 15-19): Learn the fundamentals of volleyball.

Singing in the Shower - Motown Medley (June 15-19): Learn, practice and perform music.

Under the Rainbow (June 15-19): Discover the world of color through science and art.

Tennis (June 22-26): Learn the fundamentals of tennis.

Acting Up (June 22-26): Learn about drama, perform in a play or be part of a behind-the-scenes crew.

Castles and Catapults (June 22-26): All things Renaissance.

Soccer (June 29-July 2): Learn the fundamentals of soccer.

Head Over Heels (June 29-July 2): Learn gymnastics basics such as somersaults, cartwheels and splits.

Mission Impossible (June 29-July 2): Be a detective, complete missions, identify spies and create special tools.

Football (July 6-10): Learn the fundamentals of football.

So You Think You Can Dance (July 6-10): Learn and perform a series of dance routines.

World of Animals (July 6-10): Learn about animals, their habitats and their diets.

Basketball (July 13-17): Learn the fundamentals of basketball.

Bring It On (July 13-17): Learn how to fire up a crowd and cheer for your favorite team.

Architects in Plastic (July 13-17): Design and build Lego creations.

Tennis (July 20-24): Learn the fundamentals of tennis.

Singing in the Shower - Rainbow Fish Musical (July 20-24): Learn, practice and perform music.

Lost at Sea (July 20-24): Investigate what lives under the waves.

Football (July 27-31): Learn the fundamentals of football.

Wear Your Art (July 27-31): Make jewelry, bags, shirts, headbands and more.

All Around the World (July 27-31): Learn about other countries and cultures.

Mini Olympics (Aug. 3-7): Compete in Olympic events.

Singing in the Shower - Broadway Medley (Aug. 3-7): Learn, practice and perform music.

Star Wars (Aug. 3-7): Delve into a faraway galaxy with space-themed activities.

Basketball (Aug. 10-14): Learn the fundamentals of basketball.

Step Up (Aug. 10-14): Learn and perform a series of dance routines.

Mix It Up (Aug. 10-14): Make your favorite recipes.

Find out more online or call 702-229-1100.

City of Henderson summer camps

Summer Kids Zone

Henderson’s largest summer camp for children in kindergarten through fifth grade, with arts and crafts, sports, swimming, games, field trips, music, drama and fitness. June 8-Aug. 21. $99 per child per week. Camp is 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays at the following locations:

Black Mountain Recreation Center

599 Greenway Road

Silver Springs Recreation Center

1951 Silver Springs Parkway

Whitney Ranch Recreation Center

1575 Galleria Drive

Henderson Multigenerational Center

250 S. Green Valley Parkway

Greenspun Junior High School

140 N. Valle Verde Drive

Teen Kamp

This camp, for ages 12 to 15, features weekly themes such as sports and arts, and includes field trips. June 8-Aug. 7. $110 per child per week. Camp is 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Greenspun Junior High School, 140 N. Valle Verde Drive.

Teens-N-Training

This junior-leader program, for ages 14 and 15, gives teens volunteer experience helping with Summer Kids Zone campers. Teens must apply and be accepted into the program. June 8-Aug. 21. $110 per summer. Hours and locations vary.

Summer Fun

This drop-in program is free, but parents must enroll children in advance. Activities include arts and crafts and sports. Breakfast and lunch are provided. June 8-Aug. 21. Free. Camp is 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. weekdays at the following locations:

Glen C. Taylor Elementary School

2655 Siena Heights Drive

C.T. Sewell Elementary School

700 E. Lake Mead Drive

Gordon McCaw Elementary School

330 Tin St.

Find out more online and click "Online Services".

City of North Las Vegas Safekey Summer Program

North Las Vegas’ day camp program, for children in kindergarten through fifth grade, features weekly field trips and swimming, themed days, special events, fitness activities and nutrition programming. June 8-Aug. 21. $18 per child per day, plus a $25 registration fee. Camp is 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays at Silver Mesa Recreation Center, 4025 Allen Lane.

*Safekey’s Fun Zone program takes place immediately after day camp, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays at Silver Mesa. An annual Fun Zone Pass costs $36.

Register at any North Las Vegas recreation center or online.

Boys & Girls Clubs

Ultimate Summer Day Camps from the Boys & Girls Clubs will be offered across the valley. Snacks, and in some cases lunch, will be provided. Programming includes weekly themes, game tournaments, arts and crafts projects, water days, family nights and more.

Camp at Harris Elementary School costs $10 a week.

Programs at Boyd, Desert Pines, Downtown, Engelstad, Gulbis and Montandon clubhouses cost $15 a week.

Find out more online.

Weeklong sessions for kindergartners through eighth-graders include themes such as “Road Trip Across America,” “I Heart Science” and “Animal Kingdom.” June 15-Aug. 14. $1,700 per child for nine weeks or $210 per child per week. Camp is 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays.

Find out more online.

YMCA of Southern Nevada Day Camps

For children 5 to 15, the YMCA’s day camp features pool time and activities based on weekly themes such as “Disney,” “Backyard Bonanza,” “Tropical Adventure” and “Minute to Win It!” June 8-Aug. 21.

Discovery (age 5): $140 for members, $160 for nonmembers

Adventure (ages 6 to 11): $130 for members, $150 for nonmembers

Teen Leaders (ages 12 to 15): $130 for members, $150 for nonmembers

Camp is 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays at the following locations:

Heinrich Y

4141 Meadows Lane, Las Vegas

Durango Hills Y

3521 N. Durango Drive, Las Vegas

Centennial Hills Y

6601 N. Buffalo Drive, Las Vegas

SkyView Y

3050 E. Centennial Parkway, North Las Vegas

*The YMCA also offers specialty camps such as “Pottery Palooza,” “PawPatrol” and “Magicopolis” for an additional cost. Children are pulled from traditional camp for a few hours Monday through Thursday to participate in specialty camps.

Find out more online.

Discovery Children’s Museum Summer Camp

Summer camp at the Discovery Children’s Museum, for ages 6 to 12, focuses on art and science. There are morning and afternoon sessions, but children can attend both for a full-day experience. $180 per half-day session.

For ages 6 to 11

A, B, C Science and Poems (July 6-10): Uses each letter of the alphabet to explore a science topic introduced by a poem, with interactive activities and demonstrations in chemistry, biology and physics. 8 a.m.-noon.

Amazing Animals (July 6-10): Children will use such clues as scales, feathers and furs to investigate similarities and differences in animal families. 1-5 p.m.

Exploring Creativity and Art I (July 13-17): Learn about composition, texture and color. 8 a.m.-noon.

A Trip Around the World - A Cultural Adventure (July 13-17): Travel across the world with your imagination to learn about different cultures and do arts and crafts. 1- 5 p.m.

Kids Chemistry Concoctions (July 20-24): Learn how chemistry fits into our everyday lives. Do experiments. 8 a.m.- noon.

Spectacular Sculptures I (July 20-24): Explore the world of 3-D art by learning sculptural techniques. 1-5 p.m.

Physics Fun (July 27-31): Explore physics and participate in interactive activities. 8 a.m.-noon.

Colorful Investigations - When Art and Science Meet I (July 27-31): Discover connections between art and science with investigations and hands-on activities. 1-5 p.m.

For ages 10 to 12

Rockin’ Rockets (July 6-10): Build and launch rockets. 8 a.m.-noon.

Science Detectives (July 6-10): A twist on the Scholastic series “The 39 Clues.” Campers will solve mysteries using science. 1-5 p.m.

Grossology (July 13-17): Learn why gas, phlegm, scat and scabs are important to the functioning of our bodies. 8 a.m.-noon.

Exploring Creativity and Art II (July 13-17): Create fun projects while learning foundation techniques, composition, texture and color. 1 p.m.-5 p.m.

Spectacular Sculptures II (July 20-24): Learn about sculpture through three-dimensional artwork projects. 8 a.m.-noon.

Jr. Doctor (July 20-24): Learn about the human body through hands-on activities and demonstrations. Compare the human body to animal bodies by completing animal dissections. 1 p.m.-5 p.m.

Colorful Investigations - When Art and Science Meet II (July 27-31): Explore gears and mechanical sculptures, the science of color, spinning objects, images and animation. 8 a.m.-noon.

Phantastic Physics (July 27-31): All about hands-on engineering and design. 1 p.m.-5 p.m.

Find out more online or call 702-382-5437 (KIDS).

Springs Preserve Summer-Fun Camps

Springs Preserve day camps, for ages 6 to 12, take place at the preserve and Nevada State Museum, and include themed weeks, acting, swimming, animal shows, guest speakers, gardening classes and games. $200 per week for Springs Preserve members or $250 with extended care; $225 per week for nonmembers or $275 with extended care. Register by April 30 to save $10 per week. Camp is 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays, with extended care available from 6:30 a.m until 6:30 p.m.

Old West (June 8-12): Travel back in time and ride the Springs Preserve train, tell ghost stories over s’mores, create cowboy bandanas, pan for gold and learn about the customs of native Paiute tribes.

Superheroes and Villains (June 15-19): Get in touch with your alter ego, create comic books and learn the science behind the superheroes and villains of the Mojave Desert.

Dinosaurs (June 22-26): Get the first look at the Springs Preserve dinosaur exhibit, make fossils, participate in a dig and learn more about dinosaurs.

Days! Days! Holidays! (June 29-July 3): Celebrate a different holiday each day. Learn what’s at the end of the rainbow for St. Patrick’s Day, grind mesquite pods for Thanksgiving and watch out for spiders and slime on Halloween.

Animal Safari (July 6-10): Go behind the scenes with the zoology team and learn about creatures that creep, crawl, slither, swim and fly.

Make It and Break It (July 13-17): Build catapults, drop eggs, learn about alternative energy and spend a week crushing things.

Viva Las Vegas (July 20-24): Relive Las Vegas history, from the first train stop to the science of neon lights. Learn the mysteries behind magic shows, the story behind sequins and more.

Under the Sea (July 27-31): Las Vegas used to be buried beneath a prehistoric ocean. Journey below the sea, go on treasure hunts, learn about sharks and build an ocean.

Mojave Survivor (Aug. 3-7): Learn the skills you need to survive in the desert ­— how to hunt down water, the secrets of using desert plants, the benefits of adobe creations and more.

Mojave Music (Aug. 10-14): Make instruments from nature, learn animal calls, create items from recycled CDs and learn about nature’s original percussionists — rattlesnakes and cicadas.

Dinos: The Sequelasaurus Rex (Aug. 17-21): More prehistoric fun with new activities and lessons about dinosaurs.

Find out more online.

ID Tech Camp at UNLV

For children 7 to 17, this camp offers technology programs that teach coding, game design, app development, Web design, film and photography. June 15-July 24. Starts at $849 per child per week.

Find out more online.

Camp Broadway

Theater-loving students can learn to perform live on a stage. Broadway artists help teach campers. Classic Camp, for children ages 10 to 17, features five days of musical theater at the Smith Center for the Performing Arts. June 15-19. $695.

Register online. Enrollment is first-come, first-served.

Camp View Time

A state-licensed program for children ages 4 and 5 that features arts and crafts, interactive games and story time. Parents or guardians must provide each child’s immunization record, copy of birth certificate and copy of health statement. June 8-Aug. 14. $76 per child per week. Camp is 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays at Valley View Recreation Center, 500 Harris St.

Summit Ridge Day Camp

Held on the Henderson International School campus, the camp provides seven weeks of activities for pre-kindergarten through seventh-grade children. Campers, grouped by age, take part daily in swimming or water play and five additional activities that change every day. Three specialty camps also are offered: sports camp, early teen camp and CIT (counselor-in-training) camp. Camp runs 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily. A discount of $20 per sibling is available.

Session A, June 15-July 2: $625

Session B, July 6-July 17: $440

Session C, July 20-July 31: $440

Enroll online.Costs increase after May 1.