In just eight days, Bryan County Schools will release students for summer break.

As the 2014-15 academic year comes to a close on Friday, May 22, many parents are faced with a familiar situation. Summer camps provide the opportunity for children to grow athletically, academically, spiritually and artistically. The choice is an important one.

Where should parents focus their time, energy and money this summer? For working parents, finding a camp that matches their work hours can be a major issue. Meeting registration deadlines and finding camps that fit the budget also are common concerns.
For many families living in South Bryan, getting help from family members is not an option.

Bryan County is full of resources and solutions. Whether it is the YMCA of Coastal Georgia, Bryan County Community Education Center, South Bryan County Recreation Department, Richmond Hill sports camps or Fort McAllister State Park, there are many possibilities are endless.

The Community Education Center has a variety of camps, including Engineering, Lego Robotics and Dance. By now, many camps are full and have waiting lists. Parents are welcome to call and sign up for a specific wait list. But some camps still have space available. Information is available at www.bryan.k12.ga.us or by calling the Community Education Office at 912-459-5116.
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he YMCA of Coastal Georgia offers specialty camps, which offer drop-off times as early as 6 a.m. and pickup times as late as 6 p.m. There is a registration fee of $35 in addition to the fees for Y members and non-members. Paddle-boarding, flag football, art, karate and basketball are some of the activities available for campers. Financial assistance is available. For more information, visit www.YMCAofCoastalGA.org

The Y also offers half-day mini camps for toddlers. These camps have drop-off times as early as 6 a.m. and run from
9 a.m. to noon. Weekly tuition varies for members and non-members. Financial assistance program is available for mini camps.

Parents looking for sports-based day or week camps have a number of options. Richmond Hill High School’s athletic department provides camps including tennis, cheerleading, baseball, softball and basketball. Camp dates span from May to July. For specific details on camp dates, prices, and other important information visit or contact the following: www.richmondhilltennis.com; RHHScompetitioncheerleaders@yahoo.com; baseball/softball, cstacybennettjr@yahoo.com; and basketball, whenderson@bryan.k12.ga.us or Sarah Brown at sbrown@bryan.k12.ga.us.

Soccer fans have the opportunity to attend the British Soccer Summer Camps hosted at DeVaul Henderson Park. Youth ages 3-16 are welcome. The British Soccer Camp provides early morning or afternoon times. With theme days, games, skills and drills, this camp is a mixture of work and fun. Camp dates are June 22-26 and July 13-17. For more information, visit www.challengersports.com, call 1-800-739-9441 or email rlawrence@challengersports.com

The South Bryan County Recreation Department’s summer camps are another local resource. Weekly themed camps begin the last week in May and continue through July 31. Aside from local day camps, the recreation department provides local field trips and trips spanning 60 miles. Trips include such locations as: Summer Waves water park on Jekyll Island; minor-league baseball game; The Clubhouse in Statesboro’ Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens in Jacksonville, Florida’ Fort McAllister; Oatland Island Wildlife Center in Savannah; South Carolina Aquarium in  Charleston; and Splash in the Boro in Statesboro. Hours are from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Prices are based on four-day or five-day camp attendance with an additional $10 fee for charter-bus rental on field-trip days. All camps are held at the Richmond Hill Recreation Gym on Timber Trail. For more information on dates, times and fees visit www.sbcrec.org or call 912-756-4075.

For those looking to gain knowledge of the outdoors, Fort McAllister is a great option. Junior Ranger Camps are geared toward children ages 10-13. One camp has an archaeology theme with a focus on Native Americans. Campers will be able to work alongside archeologists and will explore the Guale Tribe. This camp runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 22-26. Admission is $90 per child with a $5 parking fee. For more information on camps, at Fort McAllister visit http://gastateparks.org/info/226918?dateid=3117 or call  912-727-2339.

Looking for more resources? Continue to check out the Bryan County News calendar, which will be updated frequently with new events, available at bryancountynews.com. For more information on camps in the region and one-day events, check out www.southernmamas.com for more great resources and information.  

Do you have an event to add to the calendar? Email efallon@bryancountynews.com.