The 2019 My MI guide to summer camps is here!
While the warm, sunny days of summer may seem far away, the time for summer-camp registration is already upon us. We’ve created our annual round-up of all the summer camps and programs that take place on Mercer Island.
With so many options to choose from, your child is bound to be a happy camper all summer long!
(Check back on this list throughout the spring as we will be adding more camps as we learn about them.)
City of Mercer Island VOICE / SVP Programs
Location: Mercer Island Youth and Family Services, 2040 84th Avenue SE, or other location depending on project
For 6th – 11th grade students
VOICE (Volunteer Outreach in Communities Everywhere) and SVP (Summer Volunteer Program) provide structured group community service opportunities to Mercer Island middle and high school age youth.
This eight-week summer program partners with over fifty community organizations and nonprofits, and our participants volunteer over 10,000 hours each summer. The SVP Program is for current 6th and 7th grade students, and the VOICE Program is for current 8th – 11th grade students.
SVP participants are expected to commit to at least four projects each summer, and VOICE participants are expected to commit to at least eight. Additionally, VOICE participants will have the option of participating in our Social Justice Film Festival (SJFF) as one of their projects.
*2019 VOICE/SVP Program Registration is open starting at 10 am on March 22nd until 5 pm on April 26th.
VOICE: Current 8th – 11th Graders: Register here
SVP: Current 6th and 7th Graders: Register here
For Frequently Asked Questions about the VOICE/SVP Program, check out their FAQ page >>
Destination Science
Location: Northwest Yeshiva High School, 5017 90th Ave SE
Dates: Listed with each camp
For ages 5 – 11
For over 15 years, Destination Science has been focused on creating lifelong learners by making science fun, exploratory, and interactive. Their 2019 programs offer a chance to celebrate curiosity with NEW camps, NEW experiments, and NEW intentional learning through full-day science camps.
Click the links below to register for each individual camp.
Physics Coaster & Science Magic, June 24 – 28 and July 22 – 26
Explore the fun side of physics while experimenting, designing & building Magneto-Screamer, your very own roller coaster. Next up, engineer games like mini golf, frog bowling, baseball science and more. Amaze your family and friends as you master the science behind disappearing magic tricks, mirrors, lights, chemical reactions and eye-opening experiments all week!
Robot Challengers & Reaction Racers, July 1 – 5
Will your robot have what it takes! Enter the world of volcanic eruptions and accept the challenge to excavate crystal minerals with your motorized Robot Lava Crawler. Engineer and operate a criss-cross Racer on your very own motocross track. Delve into electricity with light-up Lego blocks, technic light spinners, bubble machines, drones and much more.
Extreme Innovators & Science Makers Camp, July 8 – 12
Curious minds want to know and build. Become the next Science Toy Inventor of Tomorrow as you imagine, plan, create, experiment & improve your future toy-vention. Experiment and discover the technology behind controls that operate inventions: touch, sound and motion sensors. Take home a robot puppy that barks, eats, and sits at your command. Explore flippin’ friction racers, magnetic quiz games, 3D water-powered polymers and more. The world needs inventors like you
Rocket Space Science Camp, July 15 – 19
3..2..1.. Lift Off! Your mission: Build the Roaring Rocket and launch it higher & faster than any non-flammable rocket on earth! Uncover principles of flight as you make & take a super glider. Create & build a new planetary Rover designed to investigate endangered animal-like aliens on a distant planet. Time to save our own animal kingdom from extinction!!
Visit the Destination Science website >>
HSB Mercer Island 5-on-5 Draft Camp
Location: Mercer Island Boys & Girls Club, 4120 86th Ave SE
Dates: July 15 – 17, 9 am – 2:30 pm
HSB’s Mercer Island 5-On-5 Draft Camp offers advanced boys and girls (grades 5th-10th) an intense ‘pro-styled’ combine and draft experience. Modeled after the NBA & WNBA’s actual draft process, participants will transition through a series of combine drills, partake in a live player draft, and help their team compete for the camps coveted Championship Cup. Every participant will receive extensive evaluation and instruction on all aspects of the game, including intense one-on-one individualized and team training from our world-class staff with an 8:1 player to coach ratio.
Visit the HSB Camps page to register >>
Kids Co. at Island Park: Summer Day Camps 2019
Location: Northwood Elementary, 4030 86th Ave SE & Lakeridge Elementary, 8215 SE 78th Street
Dates: Weekly camps offered from week of June 25 to week of August 29
The Kids Co. Summer Day Camps are full day programs that keep kids active all summer long. Their fun summer programs offer a variety of experiences so your kid will have a memorable summer. Each week is inventively themed with activities and projects related to the theme.
Week 1: World Travelers (June 25 – 28 … closed Monday, June 24th)
Where in the world do you want to go? Join us as we visit far-away places like South America, Asia, Europe, and more. Each day is a different destination as we take a look at the food, crafts, and games from around the globe.
Week 2: Super Sports (July 1 – 5 … closed Thursday, July 4th)
Get ready to experience a whole host of sports! This week, kids will stay active, learning about sportsmanship and teamwork through a variety of hands-on games.
Week 3: Kids Co. Lab (July 8 – 12)
This week is all about the wonderful world of science! Each day we’ll hypothesize, test, and learn about science through hands-on activities. From chemistry to robots and more, this week is about learning fun and new information about the world around us.
Week 4: Big Adventure Week (July 15 – 19)
Take the road less traveled and find yourself hiking in the deep woods, combing beaches, and exploring new places to go. We’ll draw treasure maps and hear about explorers who traveled to the ends of the earth. Join in the fun game challenges held each day.
Week 5: Creative Campers (July 22 – 26)
This week is all about the arts! Kids can dabble in paint, create with clay, or find any other number of ways to be creative. Music, dance, drama, and photography will give everyone a chance to find new creative ways to play. Our field trips will take us out to experience the arts around town.
Week 6: Nature Unleashed (July 29 – August 1 ... closed Friday, August 2nd)
The ground under our feet has powerful things to tell us. This is the week to experience nature unleashed. Discover earthquakes, tsunamis, monster storms and more through fun activities, science experiments, and field trips.
Week 7: Inventor’s Workshop (August 5 – 9)
Join us for a chance to build and create every day! This week, each child will have a chance to stretch their STEM skills and learn how Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math can be put to use in exciting ways. We’ll use Legos, wood, cardboard, and other building materials to start us down the road to great inventions. Field trips will add to the already great week.
Week 8: Farm to Table (August 12 – 16)
All about good eats! Kids have the chance to put on their chef hats and create easy, healthy meals. Each day, we’ll create a new menu or visit a cool place like our local farms, markets, restaurants, or bakeries.
Week 9: Sights of the Sound (August 19 – 23)
The Puget Sound will be our playground this week. From beaches to nature hikes and Native American history to the history of flight, we have so much to learn from places right here in the Pacific Northwest! We’ll explore nearby neighborhoods, learning about history, science, culture and more. So much fun, and only one week.
Week 10: Best Week Ever (August 26 – 29 … closed Friday, August 30th)
So many good things happened during the summer that we want to do them twice! Expect to find the best of the popular games, awesome projects kids loved, and field trips we never wanted to leave. This is our wind-down week, and we want to have the most fun we can.
For more information and to register, visit the Kid’s Co. website >>
Mercer Island Boys and Girls Club
Kids’ Summer Athletics Camps 2019
Location: Mercer Island Boys and Girls Club, 4120 86th Ave SE
Dates: Weekly camps offered from week of June 24 to week of August 23
For ages 8 – 15
Mercer Island Boys and Girls Club offers weekly athletic camps during the summer. The activities for this year include:
- Parkour
- Yellow Yoga Camp
- Quick Handle Basketball
- Outdoor Adventure Camp
- HSB 5-on-5 Draft Camp (for 5th – 10th grade only)
- Volleyball
- Mercer Island Cheer Camp
- Middle School Golf Camp
To learn more about the summer athletics camps, visit their Athletic Programs page >>
Kids and Teens Summer Camps 2018
Location: Mercer Island Boys and Girls Club, 4120 86th Ave SE, and other locations for field trips
Dates: Weekly camps offered from week of June 24 to week of August 19
For K – 8th graders
During these action packed summer camps, your child will go on a different field trip three times a week. Whether we hit the beach, tour a local restaurant, hike up Rattlesnake Ledge, or visit Wild Waves, there’s always an adventure awaiting us. Please send the following items with your child: nut-free lunch, water bottle, sunscreen, swimsuit, and towel. Each week is a different theme with a different field trip corresponding to the theme.
Weekly Themes for Summer Day Camp (Kindergarten – 5th graders):
- School’s Out For Summer
- Party in the USA
- Animal Planet
- Creative Cultures
- Fun in the Sun
- Under the Sea
- Wacky Week
- Wet & Wild
- Crazy Carnival
Weekly Themes for Teen Camps (6th – 8th graders):
- School’s Out For Summer
- Red, White, & Blue
- Around the Globe
- Life Skills & Leadership
- STEM
- Explore Seattle
- Play Ball
- Wet ‘N Wild Waves
- One Last Summer Bash
For dates/times, specific details, and to sign up, visit the Kids’ Programs page >>
Teen Employment, Counselor-In-Training/Summer Volunteer Opportunity
Locations: Mercer Island Boys & Girls Club, 4120 86th Ave SE and Field Trips
Dates/Times: All summer in weekly increments from 9 am to 4 pm
For 9th – 12th graders
This program enables youth to give back to their community and develop their leadership and service skills. High school students can help with supervising field trips, serving snacks, running activities, and will receive positive encouragement and guidance.
Visit the Mercer Island Boys and Girls Club website >>
Mercer Island Martial Arts
Location: Mercer Island Martial Arts, 2630 77th Ave SE, Suite 106-108
Dates/Times: Weekly Camps starting week of June 24 until week of August 26, 9 am – 5 pm (early drop off at 8:30 am and late pick up at 6 pm)
For ages 5+
The kids have between 3-4 formal martial arts classes as well as learning valuable skills such as anti-bullying, anger management, leadership skills, sports, and community service. They also do art lessons, and go outdoors to parks everyday. Every Friday we end the week with a big celebration and party. The camps are very structured, and a lot of fun. Parents tell us they love that their kids are happy, and very tired. A great way to get a introduction to martial arts or to get a leg up on your current martial arts training.
For more details, visit the Mercer Island Martial Arts Summer Camp website >>
Mercer Island Parks & Recreation Department
The Mercer Island Parks & Recreation Department offers a wide variety of partial-day and full-day summer camps!
For full information, such as specific dates, times, and registration information for each camp, please visit the 2019 Spring/Summer Camps & Programs Guide. Registration may take place through the MI Parks & Recreation Department or through a partnering organization. For camps ran by MI Parks & Recreation, you can register online through MI Rec Connect.
Below, the My MI Guide includes the age range, location, and a brief description for the 2019 summer camps, organized by theme: Day Camps, Creative Camps, Sports Camps, and Adventure Sports Camps.
Visit the Mercer Island Parks & Recreation Department website >>
Day Camps
Safety Town (Ages 3 – 5)
Location: West Mercer Elementary School, 4141 81st Ave SE
This camp is a must for all preschoolers! There will be special visits each day from visitors teaching us how to stay safe. Topics include: Police, Fire, Earthquake, Bus Riding, Bike safety, and more! Please bring a healthy snack and water bottle each day.
Mini Mercer Camp (Ages 3 – 5)
Location: West Mercer Elementary School, 4141 81st Ave SE
This half-day camp is a perfect fit for campers and their parents! Each week has a creative and educational theme that includes activities, games, arts, and crafts. Themes include: Around the World, Wacky & Wonky, Ooey Gooey, and Splish Splash.
Camp Mercer (Ages 6 – 11)
Location: Mercer Island Community and Event Center, 8236 SE 24th Street
Experience a summer camp packed full of adventure, crafts, field trips, swimming, friends, educational activities and so much more! Campers will need to bring a lunch, swimsuit, sunscreen, towel and water bottle every day. Weekly themes include: Animal Planet, World Champions!, Down Under, Blast from the Past, American Ninja Warrior, Beach Party, Adventure is Out There!, Up & Away! Superhero, and Splashtastic.
Cooking Camps With Cook, Learn, Grow! (Ages 6 – 13)
Location: Mercer Island Community and Event Center, 8236 SE 24th Street
Cook, Learn, Grow is offering a variety of themed cooking classes for kids. These camps provide individualized attention along with age appropriate cooking techniques. Campers gain self-confidence, academic reinforcement, and life skills for a healthy lifestyle. Themes this year include: Baking 101, Baking 102, Cooking in the USA, Farmer’s Market, Master Junior Chef, Fairy Tale Food, and The Magical Food of Harry Potter.
Movie Star Camp (Ages 7 – 15)
Location: West Mercer Elementary School, 4141 81st Ave SE
Experience the excitement of starring in your own short movie. Learn acting skills from an experienced Hollywood crew who has worked with Disney and Nickelodeon studios. Each camper receives a speaking role in a short movie as well as a DVD copy of their movie at our annual red-carpet movie premiere, complete with paparazzi and fans!
Adventure Playground Camp (Ages 6 – 11)
Location: Adventure Playground at Deane’s Children’s Park, 5500 Island Crest Way
Participants will design and build forts, tree houses, and more with the instruction of camp staff, professional builders, and naturalists. This outdoor camp will include elements of planning, building, and outdoor recreation – all while incorporating teamwork and fun!
Shark Tank for Kids Camp (Ages 7 – 15)
Location: Mercer Island Community and Event Center, 8236 SE 24th Street
Shark Tank for Kids is a one of a kind, life-changing project-based experiential Camp/ program that transforms children into confident future entrepreneurs. It boosts creativity, challenges conventional thinking, and promotes collaboration, self-confidence, and leadership!
Northwest Trackers (NEW!) (Ages 6 – 12)
Location: Luther Burbank Park Meadow, 2040 84th Ave SE
Animals are all around us, if we know where and how to look. Learn animal tracking through games and investigation. We’ll get up close and personal with our collection of pelts, skulls, and animal artifacts, then test our tracking skills in the park!
Fantastical Forests (NEW!) (Ages 6 – 12)
Location: Luther Burbank Park Meadow, 2040 84th Ave SE
Folklore, science and imagination blend and run wild in the Pacific Northwest. From fairy tales to trails, join us on this journey of discovery as we learn legends of the land and how often times our own backyards and parks can be even stranger and more magical than fantasy.
Register for all Day Camps through MI Rec Connect >>
Creative Camps
Art for Kids Camp (Ages 5 – 12)
Location: West Mercer Elementary School, 4141 81st Ave SE
Kids will create fun projects and explore creativity using pen and ink, charcoal, soft and oil pastels, and acrylics (all supplies furnished). Dress to get messy! Students will complete approximately 8 finished art pieces. Please bring a snack each day! For more information on Art for Kids, visit www.artforkidsschool.com.
Jeff Johnson’s Cartooniversity Day Camp (Ages 9 – 14)
Location: West Mercer Elementary School, 4141 81st Ave SE
A unique opportunity for kids of all skill levels to learn cartoon drawing from local editorial cartoonist Jeff Johnson. Multiple projects allow students to explore a wide range of cartooning techniques. All supplies furnished by instructor. Visit Jeff Johnson’s website at www.cartooniversity.com.
Mary Art Adventures (Ages 5 – 12)
Location: West Mercer Elementary School, 4141 81st Ave SE
Campers will learn how to draw through guided lessons in a supportive, fun environment. Students are encouraged to develop their own style and add their ideas to each lesson. Visit instructor Mary Watson’s website at www.MaryArt.com.
Clay Animation & Comics (NEW!) (Ages 7 – 13)
Location: Mercer Island Community and Event Center, 8236 SE 24th Street
In this dynamic class, students make an animated movie, which will be placed on the website www.cancancancan.com, and a comic book that they will take home on the last day. For the movie, they will take animation photos of clay and edit video and sound. For the comic, they will use traditional art supplies (pen, pencil, and paper). Classes are taught by Lukas Allenbaugh, an experienced artist and animator who will guide students through each process and support them in creating original works . View over 4,000 student animations at www.cancancancan.com.
Sci-Fi Art & Clay Animation (NEW!) (Ages 7 – 13)
Location: Mercer Island Community and Event Center, 8236 SE 24th Street
If you traveled to another planet in the future, what creatures, architecture, vehicles, and inventions would you discover? Learn skills in drawing 2D and 3D, shading, and texturing, while creating unique worlds. Students take home one framed art work, and a portfolio containing the rest of their work on the final day. View the class commercial at www.cancancancan.com.
Register for the above Creative Camps through MI Rec Connect >>
LEGO Camps with Play-Well (Ages 5 – 12)
Location: Mercer Island Community and Event Center, 8236 SE 24th Street
Dream It. Build It. Wreck It. Repeat. Kids are already naturally gifted creators, but they get added inspiration from specially trained instructors. While they build elaborate objects, structures and vehicles, campers will explore fundamental principles of engineering and physics. They’ll also learn to collaborate and create without fear of mistakes. The experience is joyful, the impact long-lasting.
Classes include:
- Adventures in STEM with LEGO
- Intro to STEM with LEGO
- STEM Explorations with LEGO
- Harry Potter Magical Engineering with LEGO
- Harry Potter Master Engineering with LEGO
- STEM Challenge with LEGO
- STEM + Minecraft with LEGO
- Jedi Engineering with LEGO
- Jedi Master Engineering with LEGO
- JediCraft Adventure Game with LEGO
- JediCraft Survival Game with LEGO
- Minecraft Engineering with LEGO
- Minecraft Master Engineering
- Bash’em Bots with LEGO
- Robotics using the LEGO® WeDo® System
- Robotics using the LEGO® EV3 System
- Construction Vehicles and Machines with LEGO
- Ninjaneering Masters with LEGO
- Mine, Craft, Build: Adventure Game with LEGO
- Mine, Craft, Build: Survival Game with LEGO
Visit the MI Parks & Recreation Camp Guide for camp times, dates, and age ranges >>
Visit the Play-Well Programs page for Camp Descriptions >>
Register for all LEGO classes through Play-Well.org >>
Video Game Design by Youth Tech Inc.
Location: City Hall, Council Chambers, 9611 SE 36th Street and Mercer Island Community and Event Center, 8236 SE 24th Street
Youth Tech Inc. is an interactive computer camp that focuses on providing students with enrichment opportunities within the world of computers. With a caring environment at the core of camp values, Youth Tech strives to create a positive learning community that encourages creativity, fun, and academic excellence.
iGame Creators (Ages 6 – 10)
This is an introductory course for younger students who want to learn how to build simple video games. This course combines the art of video game design and animation to create interactive characters that fly around the screen.
iCode (Ages 6 – 12)
This course offers younger students a fun, interactive look at coding. Students will create virtual apps and write programs that they can share with friends and family. This course makes learning to code fun and explores problem solving and programming logic.
Gaming & Coding (Ages 6 – 12)
This course combines two unbelievable experiences for students, gaming and coding. Students spend the morning taking an interactive look at coding and building virtual apps to share with
friends. In the afternoon, students build simple video games combing the art of video game design and animation to create interactive characters that fly around the screen.
Movie Makers (NEW!) (Ages 9 – 15)
This hands-on, interactive course will instruct students on the world of digital video design and production. Students will lm, direct and edit their own digital video creations. Students enrolled in this course amaze their peers with green screen and special effects work.
Application Design (NEW!) (Ages 9 – 17)
This class offers students a hands on look at the world of application design and development. This interactive course will instruct students about the design and development of applications. Students will design their own app, which can be shared with friends and family members with an Apple or Android device.
Roblox Studio – Programming and Game Development (Ages 9 – 15)
Calling all ROBLOX users! Join in with millions of gamers and immerse yourself in your own 3D world! ROBLOX Studio is a 3D-based program that uses physics, LUA programming, and individual creativity to build a world around you and your avatar – unlike any other software This course will guide students through concepts such as beginner physics, LUA programming, and game development. Student in this course will build and publish their game to share with friends and family!
Animation (Ages 9 – 17)
In this class, students will learn the basics of animation and digital design. Students who enjoy fun interactive animations will love this course, as they will utilize award-winning software to create their own animations.
Movie Makers (NEW!) (Ages 9 – 15)
This hands-on, interactive course will instruct students on the world of digital video design and production. Students will lm, direct and edit their own digital video creations. Students enrolled in this course amaze their peers with green screen and special effects work.
The Gaming Academy (Ages 10 – 17)
The Gaming Academy is an all day course for students who love games. During this course, students will be immersed into the world of 2D and 3D game design. The Gaming Academy combines our Video Game Design, Advanced Game Design, and 3D Game Design courses. The course offers students a variety of experience designing their very own games.
Video Game Design (Ages 10 – 17)
This course provides students with a fun, interactive look at the world of video game design and development. Students enrolled in this camp will learn the basics of video game design and produce several different interactive video games to share with their friends and family.
3D Game Design (Ages 10 – 17)
This course offers younger students a fun, interactive look at coding. Students will create virtual apps and write their own programs that they can share with friends and family. This course makes learning to code fun and explores problem solving and programming logic.
Mobile Game Design (New!) (Ages 6 – 12)
Sketch, build, play. This class offers students with a big imagination a place to sketch and build their own video games on a mobile device. If you have a student that loves to play games on an iPad® or tablet, this course helps them engineer and build games on a mobile platform. Tablets will be provided for this class.
Register for these camps through MI Parks & Rec Online>>
Visit Youth Tech Inc.’s website for more information >>
Sports Camps
Challenger British Soccer Camps (Ages 3 – 14)
Location: South Mercer Playfield, 8334 SE 78th Street
Challenger International Soccer Camp will reflect the truly global nature of the sport today and provide young players with a wide variety of coaching styles, practices, and influences that will help them develop a well-rounded skill set.
Register through Challenger Sports >>
Cheer Camp with Eastside Dream Elite (Ages 5 – 12)
Location: West Mercer Elementary, 4141 81st Ave SE, or Mercer Island Community and Event Center, 8236 SE 24th Street
Learn to be a cheerleader! These half-day and full-day camps are designed for those who want to cheer, jump, and dance. Participants will be divided into age appropriate groups and will learn to perform cheers and dance routines. *Bring a snack, water, tennis shoes, and wear comfortable clothes.
Register through MI Rec Connect >>
Breakthrough Basketball Camp (Ages 8 – 15)
Location: Mercer Island Community and Event Center, 8236 SE 24th Street
Breakthrough Basketball Instructor Nate Bowie and Mercer Island Parks & Recreation are excited to provide this 3 day youth and middle school camp that focuses on developing the complete player! You will develop shooting, ball handling, passing, footwork, defense, rebounding, athleticism, and other essential skills to become a great basketball player.
Register through Breakthrough Basketball >>
Gymnastics Mini-Camp (Ages 4 – 6)
Location: Mercer Island High School Gymnastics Room, 9100 SE 42nd Street
Lead by coaches from Cascade Elite Gymnastics, this structured camp will get students jumping, tumbling, balancing and more! With emphasis on ne and gross motor skill development, basic gymnastics skills are taught in a fun and engaging way.
Register through MI Rec Connect >>
Gymnastics Camp (Ages 7 – 12)
Location: Mercer Island High School Gymnastics Room, 9100 SE 42nd Street
Enhance your child’s summer with our fun and exciting gymnastics camp lead by coaches from Cascade Elite Gymnastics. In addition to building and improving gymnastics skills and drills with our enthusiastic and experienced coaches, students will get the chance to tumble, balance, play games and more fun during this amazing week of gymnastics camp!
Register through MI Rec Connect >>
Mini Mercer Sports (Ages 4 – 6)
Location: Homestead Park (unless noted otherwise), 8100 SE 40th St
Join our enthusiastic and athletic summer staff for an awesome summer learning new sports skills at this fun-filled camp. Weekly themes include Multi Sport, Wacky Week, Soccer, T-Ball, Golf & Frolf, and Basketball.
Register through MI Rec Connect >>
TGA Tennis Camp (Ages 5 – 12)
Location: Luther Burbank Tennis Courts, 2040 84th Ave SE
TGA Premier Tennis Camps feature instruction on forehand, backhand, volley, and serving skills, daily match-play, and lessons on the rules and etiquette of the sport. Combine with Golf Camp or Ultimate Frisbee Camp for a full day camp.
Register through TGA Premier Sport Camps >>
TGA Golf Camp (Ages 5 – 12)
Location: Luther Burbank Tennis Courts, 2040 84th Ave SE
TGA Premier Golf Camps feature putting, chipping, and full-swing instruction, lessons on the rules and etiquette of the game, and daily course play with coaches.
Register through TGA Premier Sport Camps >>
TGA Ultimate Frisbee Camp (New!) – (Ages 5 – 12)
Location: Luther Burbank Tennis Courts, 2040 84th Ave SE
TGA Premier Ultimate Camps feature marking, throwing, catching, and defending instruction, daily matches with rotating teams, and lessons on the Spirit of the Game.
Register through TGA Premier Sport Camps >>
Adventure Sports Camps
Paddle Camp (New!) (Ages 7 – 14)
Location: Luther Burbank Docks, 2040 84th Ave SE
Take to the water with Seattle Adventure Sports as we explore Lake Washington from our kayaks, canoes, and SUPs. Campers will learn to be safe on the water, maneuver their craft and practice their skills while engaging in fun games and paddling challenges. All levels of experience are welcome! Our expert staff is skilled in differentiation and creating learning opportunities for all campers.
Register through MI Rec Connect >>
Outdoor Adventure Camp (New!) (Ages 7 – 14)
Location: Luther Burbank Docks, 2040 84th Ave SE
Join Seattle Adventure Sports for our exciting Outdoor Adventure Camps as we explore nature and learn wilderness skills. We will construct shelters, navigate with a compass, build a campfire,
and roast s’mores! Campers will also spend a day on the water learning introductory paddling skills. Come adventure with us!
Register through MI Rec Connect >>
Specialized Recreation
Club Mercer – Summer Camp (NEW!) (Ages 12+)
Location: West Mercer Elementary School, 4141 81st Ave SE
This new day camp will be a great way to spend your time this summer! Meet new friends, try new activities, and just have a good time!
Register through MI Rec Connect >>
Mercer Island Songwriting Camp
Location: 8685 SE 47th St
Dates/Times: July 15 – 19, Noon – 4PM
For ages 10+
Do you love to sing? Want to write your own pop songs? Join award-winning singer/songwriters Mikaela Kahn and Jordan Burchill of the band Beth // James and develop your songwriting skills. Learn about songwriting fundamentals and work with other budding musicians. The camp culminates with a performance for friends and family and a recorded backing track of your song to take home.
One-on-one vocal and guitar coaching sessions are offered as well. Learn how to perfect vocal technique with Mikaela or polish your guitar skills with Jordan. Spaces are limited.
Register through Beth // James Band’s Website >>
SJCC Summer Camps
Location: Stroum Jewish Community Center, Mercer Island Campus, 3801 East Mercer Way
Dates: Weekly camps available from week of June 24 to week of August 26
For Pre-K – 10th graders
J Camp
Camp Katan (Pre – K, Kindergarten)
Katan days are filled with art, science, drama, cooking, storytelling, and outdoor exploration. These campers enjoy low camper-to-counselor ratios, have tons of fun, and get relaxing downtime to recharge.
Camp Kef (Grades K – 5th)
Campers will participate in active group games, energetic song circles, messy science experiments, and creative art projects. Plus, just for Kef: you pick electives (called chuggim), so you can focus on your favorite things, or try something new! We group kids according to grade, so activities are age-appropriate. We all come together for field trips and other activities during the week.
Camp Magniv (Grades K – 5th)
Experience camp through the lens of Israel and Israeli culture. Not only will you enjoy our traditional camp programs, your counselors — all native Hebrew speakers — lead you on explorations of the art, food, and atmosphere of Israel, all in Hebrew.
Sports Camp (Grades K – 5th)
An action-packed camp for athletes of all kinds. Through scrimmages and drills that emphasize sportsmanship and teamwork, you’ll fine-tune your skills and learn new sports (like baseball, football, and lacrosse), so there’s something for every skill level. We group kids according to grades, so all activities are age-appropriate.
Performing Arts Camp (Grades 1st – 8th)
Love to dance, sing, and act? Then this is the camp for you! Express yourself, hone theater skills, and problem solve as you create a show for friends, families, and campers. Play imaginative theater games, explore new dance styles, sing showtunes, and get more comfortable performing on stage. Offstage, you’ll swim, enjoy boating and archery, take weekly field trips, and more.
X Camp (Grades 5th – 8th)
Xploration + Xtreme sports= Xcitement! Get ready to skydive indoors or take a shot at paintball. Head out on adventures like paddle boarding, hiking, Ultimate Frisbee, trips to the beach, parkour, sports, climbing, and so much more. Make new friends in an active outdoor setting, all while building self-confidence and social skills.
Specialty Camps
Visit the links below for more details on the Specialty Camps for each age group!
June
- Minecraft
- Swim camp
July
- Superheroes
- Giddy Up Art
- Musicians of the Sun
- Star Wars
- Movie Making
August
- Battlebots
- Out of this World
- Pokemon
- Teddy’s Grand Adventure
- Under the Sea
- Smartest Artists
- Castles & Dragons
June
- Minecraft
July
- Ceramics
- Baking Bootcamp
- Asian Fusion
- Animals in Art
- Star Wars
- Movie Making
August
- Extreme Battlebots
- Python Coding
- Candyology
- Myths Busted
- What’s up Doc?
- Under the Sea
- Crazy Contraptions
- Castles & Dragons
- Watts Basketball Camp
June
- Photography
July
- Oodles of Noodles
- Leather & Metalworks
- Ceramics
- Art of Giving
August
- Young Physicians
- Python Coding
- Cooking Up Science
- Start Up Science
- Grossology
- Messy Science
- Watts Basketball Camp
June
- Tables & Tapas
July
- Photography
- Waterfront Camp
- Outdoor Adventure Camp
- Art of Giving
August
- Junior Lifeguard
- JCorps Camp
- Watts Basketball Camp
- Counselor in Training
For more details and to register, visit the SJCC website >>
Swim Camp
J Camp Swim Boot Camp
Dates: July 1 – August 26, Mondays – Thursdays, 8:30 am & 4:30 pm
For ages 3 – 12
J Camp swim lessons are geared just for our J Campers! Lessons are offered in weekly 4-lesson sessions, both before and after the camp day, so kids won’t miss a moment of camp fun!
For more details and to register, visit the SJCC website >>
Mercer Island CrossFit Kids Summer Camp
Location: Mercer Island Crossfit, 2750 77th Ave SE
Dates: Monday – Wednesday, August 5th – 9th, 1 – 4pm
For kids in 2nd – 5th grades
Join us for this summer for CrossFit camp for kids entering 2nd-5th grades. A great way to learn about functional fitness, build social skills, emotional health and strong muscles and having FUN
For more details and to register, visit the MI CrossFit website >>
Sounders FC Summer Camp
Location: Mercer Island Middle School, 7447 84th Ave SE
Dates: Monday – Friday, July 15th – 19th, ,
Half Day Camp (ages 5 – 15) from 9:30 am – 11:30 am – Sounders FC Half Day Camp is designed for the recreational to intermediate player aged 5 – 15. Coaches will create a fun environment for the kids, and will place an emphasis on applying technical and tactical skills as it relates to the topic of the day
Full Day Camp (ages 6 – 15) from 9 am – 3 pm – Sounders FC Full Day Program is designed for the recreational to intermediate player aged 6 – 15. In addition to the half day curriculum, Full Day Campers will be involved in additional larger sided games and scrimmages as they relate to the technical topic of the day. Campers will have more time with coaches and fellow campers to develop their game in an exciting and fun environment.
Emergency Camp (ages 3 -5)from 9:30 am – 11:30 am – This camp is designed for the beginning soccer players ages 3 – 5 years old. These camp sessions will be a modified training time and will focus on introducing young players to the game.
For more details and to register, visit the Sounders FC website >>
Pilates for Tweens, Teens, and Dancers
Location: Enjoy Pilates studio
Dates: Pilates for Tweens (ages 9 – 12): Wednesday, June 25th – Thursday, June 26th – 27th, 9:30 – 11 am;
Pilates for Teens (ages 13 – 16): Wednesday, July 10th – Thursday, July 11th, 10:30 am – Noon;
Pilates for Dancers (ages 12 – 16): Wednesday, August 21st – Thursday, August 22nd, 10:30 am – 12:30 pm
Join us this summer for Pilates for Tweens, Teens, and Dancers run and directed by Mercer Island Mom and Pilates Instructor, Karen Swift. The classes are split into age groups and held at a small boutique Pilates studio on Mercer Island. Each class will focus on stretching, posture and core strength, while bringing awareness and connection to both the mind and the body. As children grow, their bodies are in a constant state of change. Pilates can help children gain awareness of their bodies and establish correct movement patterns to help them stay flexible, strong, and injury free.
For more details and to register, visit the website >>
Caruccio’s Chef Summer Camps
Location: Caruccio’s Culinary Event Center, 2441 76th Ave SE, Suite 100
Dates: Camps begin week of June 24th until week of August 5th
For ages 5 – 13
Instill the passion of cooking in your child with a week at Kay’s Cooking Camps this summer! Your child will learn cooking fundamentals, gain confidence in the kitchen and have a ton of fun. Specially designed for kids 5-13 years old and capped at 12 participants, these camps will be held in Caruccio’s state-of-the-art learning facility on Mercer Island.
Below are descriptions of Chef Summer Camps for 2019:
Classic Culinary Cooking Camp (Ages 8 – 13) – Get ready to master the fundamental skills of classic sulinary cooking! Learn to make fresh pasta, sauces, marinades, and more.
Junior Cooking Challenge (Ages 8 – 13) – Come prepared with your creative mind to cook up the best dishes with the fresh ingredients of the day.
Young Pastry Chef Camp (Ages 5 – 7) – Get your hands and arms deep in flour and sugar this week! Learn to make cakes, tarts, candies, and the desserts you love.
Advanced Pastry Chef Camp (Ages 8 – 13) – Cakes, pies, tarts, cookies! Learn new technical skills and tricks to the trade. Discover the world of sweet possibilities!
For specific dates/times and to register, visit Kay’s Cooking Camp page >>
Visit Caruccio’s website >>
Sift & Stir Summer Camps
Location: Classes held on north end of Mercer Island
Dates: Camps begin week of July 1st until week of August 19th, Monday – Wednesday only, 9 am – 12:30 pm
For ages 8+
At Sift & Stir Summer Camp, we will bake and cook together using math and science skills. We will learn about different countries and sample cuisine from various cultures. We will practice dining etiquette and we’ll do it all while having lots of fun! Lunch will be provided. Have a group of 6 or more? We can create a custom camp and adapt the schedule and menu for what works best for you.
For more information and to register, visit the Sift & Stir website >>
Camp d’été
Location: French American School of Puget Sound, 3795 E. Mercer Way
Dates: Camps begin week of June 24th until week of July 8th
For grades Pre-K – 5th
Whether your child is an absolute beginner or a native speaker, our camp d’été allows campers to develop language skills at their own pace and in a fun and welcoming setting. Part of the morning will center on French language acquisition related to a weekly theme. Campers will use their French all day long as they participate in arts and crafts, music, drama, cooking, science, field trips, and much more. We’ll also spend lots of time outdoors playing games, exploring local parks, and swimming.
Below are descriptions of Camp d’été for 2019:
La Terre (Earth) – During Earth Week, your camper can expect fun science experiments, art projects incorporating science and technology, and field trips to explore our Earth first hand.
Le Ciel (Sky) – It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s both! During Sky Week, we will discover more about our atmosphere, including flying vehicles, animals, and meteorology. (Note: No camp on July 4, 2019.)
L’Espace (Outer Space) – During Outer Space Week, we will visit a planetarium, learn about planets, stars, and rockets, and even have a visit from a real rocket scientist!
We will carry on our beloved annual traditions of weekly “kermesse” — based on the French regional carnivals — and a Bastille Day party picnic at Luther Burbank Park the last week of camp (open to any and all campers who attended any of the three weeks).
For specific dates/times and to register, visit French American School of Puget Sound page >>
Youth Theatre Northwest
Location: Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 4400 86th Ave SE
Dates: Weekly camps from week of June 24 to week of August 19
For ages 3+/Pre-K+
Join us for theater fun this summer! Explore imagination, hone song and dance skills, and perform in a full-scale production at Youth Theatre Northwest. There’s something for everyone, from the tiniest preschool sparkler to the supernova high school senior. We have one week, three week, full day, half day, flexible payment plans, and a broad array of educators who are out of this world!
Check out the links below to learn more about the wide variety of classes available for each age group and to register for classes!
- June
- Tiny Tunes: Sing a Rainbow
- July
- Tiny Tunes: Moana
- Creative Drama: Monkey Business
- Parent & Child: Creative Drama – Magic Makers
- Sample Stages: Wizards and Wands
- Tiny Tunes: Wee Mermaids and Friends
- Early Stages: Wreck it Ralph
- August
- Tiny Tunes: Wee Annie
- Early Stages: Super Duper
- Early Stages: Top Hat Imagination
- June
- Mini Musical: Rainbow Connection
- July
- Mini Musical: Moana
- Four for the Fourth: Four Ring Circus!
- Storybook Players: Train to Hogwarts
- Mini Musicals: Little Mermaid Jr.
- Storybook Players: Wreck it Ralph
- Storybook Players: Urban Monkey King
- August
- Mini Musical: Descendants
- Mini Musical: Annie
- Mini Musical: Greatest Showman
- Storybook Players: Train to Hogwarts
- June
- Song and Dance: Broadway Pride
- July
- Song and Dance: Moana
- Scene Study: Harry Potter
- Song and Dance: The Little Mermaid
- Song and Dance: Hamilton
- Specialty Class: The Monkey King: Journey West Bound
- August
- Song and Dance: Descendants
- Song and Dance: Greatest Showman
- Skill building: Chaos Hypothesis
- Scene Study: Harry Potter
- June
- Musical Theatre: Create a Cabaret!
- July
- Dance Intensive: Tap of July
- Musical Theatre: Movie Musicals
- Specialty Skills: Acting Class
- Musical Theatre: Hamilton
- Play Explorations: The Laramie Project
- August
- Musical Theatre: Hamilton
- Specialty Skills: Vocal Class
- Shakespeare Intensive: King Lear
- Audition Preparation (Grades 4 – 12)
- June
- Play Reading Series: Kilroys and Coffee
Performance Series for Grades 3+
- July
- Three Week Performance Series: As You Like It
- August
- Two Week Performance Series: Cinderella Rockin’ The ’80s
Visit Youth Theatre Northwest’s website >>
And more!
Even more summer camp opportunities abound. Here are a few more places offering summer camps on the Island:
- Your local preschool – Many preschools, including Sunnybeam, Emmanuel Day School, and Pebble Preschool @ MIPC, offer summer camps.
- Clubs – The Mercer Island Beach Club, the Mercer Island Country, and the Mercerwood Shore Club offer summer camps to member families.
- Churches – Several churches will host Vacation Bible School, a week-long Christian summer camp.
Don’t see your favorite camp listed? Please share it with us in the comments.
[Feature image courtesy Stroum Jewish Community Center.]
