PLEASE NOTE: Additional information has been added concerning COVID-19 changes.
The East Valley has such a diversity of summer camp options for kids we found it hard to narrow down our recommendations to a list of 27 camps. We think it’s an important list, as parents and teachers continually seek activities that spark students’ imaginations and prepare them for the modern workforce.
We’ve grouped the list below according to categories of academics, art, dance, music, sports and theatre.
Additionally, Queen Creek School District offer summer camps, visit https://www.qcusd.org/community_education to find the latest news on camps.
Academics:
iD Tech: Code, Game, Create
Learn code, game design and website creation. Just eight students per instructor. Day and overnight camps and teen academies for ages 6-18.
Arizona State University, campuses nationwide
888-709-TECH (8324), Email: info@iDTech.com
Camp Invention
Led by local educators, the weeklong Camp Invention STEM summer program immerses elementary school children in hands-on activities.
Numerous locations in Mesa
This summer’s program has been reinvented to include both at-home and in-person options. Format will vary by location.
800-968-4332
Reptile Encounters Camp
The Phoenix Herpetological Society offers Reptile Encounters Camp, Vet Camp, Croc Camp, Turtle Camp, etc. They say the best way to learn about the animals is from the animals themselves, with safety of utmost importance.
North Scottsdale
Camp is open and observing COVID-19 guidelines.
Email: Crystie@PhoenixHerp.com, 480-513-4377 ext. 3.
Mesa Community Education Summer Camps
Mesa Public Schools tuition-based classes include science, math, English, social studies, physical education, Spanish and driver’s education for high school students. It is a great way to get a jump on required courses or explore a new elective area.
For the health and safety of your children and our staff, Mesa Public Schools will not be offering summer Xplore in June.
480- 472-7250
Mad Science Summer Camps
Innovative, hands-on children’s science programs in NE Phoenix that foster a love for science, technology, engineering and math.
Now offering interactive Virtual Lab programs. The programs provide a private video meeting room, a list of easy-to-find materials to follow along, and all fun, educational STEM content delivered in a new format.
Phoenix
480-222-2233
Email: FunInfo@MadSciPhx.com
ASU School of Engineering Summer Camp and other programs
Arizona State University offers a multitude of summer programs in art, business, computer science, engineering, science and more.
Costs, deadlines to register and inquiry email addresses are at the link.Summer programs will be adjusting their offerings for the upcoming Summer 2020 camp season. Please visit link to receive frequent updates and other helpful information on ASU summer programs.
Heat Sync Labs in Mesa
Opportunities for Young Makers and STEM enthusiasts are available in this local hackerspace. Register to get notifications on classes you are interested in. See Calendar for cancellations. Young Makers workshop on Fridays will be held virtually at https://meet.jit.si/HSLYoungMakers.
Downtown Mesa
Coda Kid
CodaKid helps jumpstart your child’s career by helping them master computer coding languages while having fun at the same time. A ton of innovative online classes to choose from.
Scottsdale
480-405-2734, hello@codakid.com
Art:
Carrie Curran Art Studios
The studios will continue to hold all public watercolor classes virtually through June 30. Virtual Summer Art Camp will run all summer long, May 26-Aug. 6. In-Studio Summer Art Camp will start with Session 2 on June 1, but with reduced class capacity. Private parties are available virtually for small-large groups and in the Studio for small groups on select days. We will provide notification here on our website and through our social media channels.
Camps offer kids an opportunity for intensive study using a variety of mediums. Classes are designed to develop skill in watercolor, drawing, mixed media, sculpture and acrylic painting.
8300 N. Hayden, Suite A100, Scottsdale
480-478-8121
Art Buzz Kids Camp
Designed to spark a child’s creativity and imagination in a fun, interactive setting.
Email Mesa address for specifics.
2920 N Power Rd., Mesa
480-447-5446
Email: Mesa@WineAndDesign.com
Mesa Arts Center Summer Camps
The City of Mesa has extended the temporary closure of the Mesa Arts Center until further notice. Get updates here: https://www.mesaartscenter.com/index.php/visit/getting-hereCampers will enjoy drama, dance, music, puppetry, and art classes taught by trained artists/educators. A ratio of one instructor to 10 campers will be maintained during all activities.
Mesa Arts Center, One East Main St., Mesa
480-644-6520
Email: ArtStudioClass@MesaArtsCenter.com
As You Wish Pottery Summer Class
Kids paint their way through a kaleidoscope of color with creative tools like bubbles, Q tips, and more! They brush, flick, splatter, sponge, and paint pottery while capturing the rainbow with expert step by step instruction. Many virtual art classes are being offered on their Facebook, @asyouwishpotterymesagrand.
1649 S Stapley #101, Mesa
480-539-8400
Dance:
Dance Studio 111 Summer Camp
The studio emphasizes three things: dancing, educating, and building lasting relationships. They hold a reputation for transforming talented individuals into amazing dancers and teach students confidence in themselves both on and off the dance floor.
Contact the studio for specific summer camp information.
4910 E. Chandler Blvd. #111, Phoenix
480-706-6040
DanceStudio111@DanceStudio111.com
Music:
Youth Symphony Summer Camps
The camp educates young instrumental musicians through the twelfth grade in the art of symphonic performance to develop character, discipline, leadership, cultural awareness, and a strong commitment to excellence, thus enabling Metropolitan Youth Symphony to contribute to the Valley of the Sun’s rich cultural heritage and create a higher level of appreciation for the performing arts.
Members are receiving updates via email, contact phone or website below for COVID-19 updates.
223 N. Morris, Mesa
480-456-9501, office@AZMYS.org
Specialty:
Boys and Girls Club of East Valley
The Boys and Girls Club offers programs of fun, safe and affordable activities at 11 different East Valley locations. Each Boys & Girls Clubs of the East Valley has their own unique programs, field trips and activities designed and conducted by a professionally trained staff.
The Gilbert and Mesa branches are now open. Visit this link for the latest updates.
2602 West Baseline Road Suite #25, Mesa
480-844-0963, Email: Grantwoods@Clubzona.org
AZMNH Summer Camps
Dino Discovery Camp runs July 20-24. Designed for children 6- 10 years old to explore the science of paleontology, the history of the earth, dinosaurs and other remarkable creatures who lived here then too! Each day includes specialty tours, experiments, fossils, games and crafts.
The Arizona Museum of Natural History is closed until further notice, to be reviewed by Mesa City Council on a monthly basis.
53 N. Macdonald, Mesa, AZ 85201
480-644-2230
Email: AZMNH.Info@MesaAZ.gov
Sports:
Precision Mixed Martial Arts Camps
Parents say kids leave this camp more confident, focused, and happy than when they enrolled. Offers Kickboxing, Krav Maga, Jiu Jitsu and more.
Latest updates on COVID-19 specifics can be obtained by contacting Precision Martial Arts. 1908 E McKellips Rd, Mesa
480-833-5537, Email: Info@MesaSummerCamp.com
Mesa City Parks and Rec Summer Camps
Fun activities, games, crafts, special events and more. Recreation center camps or convenient school-based camps. Offers specialty camps that cater to your budding athlete, nature-lover or curious engineer!
Numerous locations in Mesa, including Eagles Community Center, Jefferson Recreation Center, Webster Recreation Center and Red Mountain Center.
Phase Two of COVID-19 reopening is June 29. Open for limited programming at City Recreation Centers (summer camps). Limited special interest programs will be held at a ratio of 9:1.
parksrecinfo@mesaaz.gov
Phone:(480) 644-7529
Arizona Sunrays Gymnastics Summer Camps
World-Class Gymnastics Instruction, “Ninja Zone”, Dance, Yoga, Sports and more.They take pride in each day being action packed and full of activities to keep SUPERCAMP moving.
Offering Virtual Classes and On-Demand Library
3110 E Thunderbird Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85032
602-992-5790
Email: Kim@ArizonaSunrays.com
Kidz That Rip Summer Camps
Offers a unique playground designed to take kids’ skateboarding and gymnastics to the next level. Has a variety of classes, teams, open play and skatepark activities, plus preschool experiences.
KTR is reopening on June 1 with a limited number of passes each day for safety. Buy passes online.
1927 N. Gilbert Rd., Mesa
480-844-9600
Email: Info@KidzThatRip.com
Theatre:
East Valley Children’s Theatre Summer Camp
East Valley Children’s Theatre provides a safe environment for children to gain self-esteem, explore creative outlets and grow and mature into community-minded young adults.
During the month of June, they offer virtual camps, classes, one-on-one coaching and the exciting Virtual Radio Play. The staff is working very hard to give all kids a great experience through this new platform. Visit their website to stay on top of any new information concerning the re-opening of the studio for in-person programs.
Mesa Arts Center, E. Main St., Mesa
480-756-3828, Email: Info@EVCT.org
Jesterz Improv Youth Summer Camps
Kids learn new improv lessons that apply to both the stage and life, including staying positive, listening, eye contact, communication skills, and empathy. Additionally, kids participate in arts and crafts, writing, and musical exercises.
During this time where many people are avoiding large crowds, they offer improv classes online, including Kid’s Improv, 8-11 on Tuesdays, 2-3 p.m. and Teens 12-16 on Thursdays, 2-3 p.m.
1061 N. Dobson Rd. #114, Mesa, AZ 85201
480-423-0120
Interested in more tips for East Valley living or new home options, resort-style pools, parks, trails and more in Mesa’s newest Master-planned community? Sign up at http://cadenceaz.com/contact/.
