The school year raced by, as they always seem to do, and many parents are looking for ways to keep their kids engaged and entertained over the summer. If you’re late signing them up for summer camps and other programs, don’t despair! A quick survey of some of the larger programs in the Knoxville area revealed there is still space for youngsters to join. Here are those who said they still have room:
- The Muse Knoxville has available for their camps in July. Located near Zoo Knoxville by Chilhowee Park, The Muse offers programs related to science, technology, engineering, arts and math. To learn more or to register, go to themuseknoxville.org.
- Knoxville Catholic High School hosts a variety of sports camps, and Pam Rhoades, director of marketing and communications, says there’s still availability except for the Girls’ Lacrosse program. “We just announced that Amari Rodgers from the Green Bay Packers (KCHS alum ‘17) will lead the Fighting Irish Football Camp on July 8,” she said. “Also, popular camps that still have room are All Sports Camp, Boys Basketball, Lady Irish Basketball, Robotics, and Baseball.” The program’s Junior Theatre Camp for grades 1 through 6 is performing 101 Dalmatians and the Theatre Camp for grades 7 through 12 is doing Frozen, Jr.
- Whitney Welch, garden educator at UT Gardens, reports there’s still room is some of their programs. Topics range from theater in the garden to birds, plants, and more. Most camps are for children ages 6 to 10. For more info about individual camps, click here.
- Cassie Walker, area programs director for National Fitness Center and Court South says, “We still have openings and will be accepting kiddos all summer long. We just ask they be registered 2 weeks before the start date.” The camps are designed for kids ages 5-12 and focus on fitness, safety, science, art, sports and fun! A different theme is introduced each week. Parents can sign their kids up by the week and even by the day. For more info, go to nfc1.com/summercamps.
- Knoxville Museum of Art’s Summer Art Academy offers classes in drawing, painting, sculpture and more. Each class is held at the KMA and runs Monday through Friday. Morning class are for kids ages 5-12 and afternoon classes are for teens. Classes start June 6. For more info, click here.
- UT’s Noncredit Programs department hosts a variety of Kids U camps each summer, and there’s still availability to join up! Go to http://noncredit.utk.edu/kidsu/ for more details.
- Finally, the City of Knoxville’s Office of Special Events and Parks and Recreation are hosting free programs on Wednesdays in June and July from 10 am to 1 pm. Kid A’ Riffic Fun in the park offers games, crafts and other activities at eight different locations. The programs are free. No registration is required. Locations are: June 1, Ijams Nature Center; June 8, Lakeshore Park; June 15, Victor Ashe Park; June 22, Knoxville Botanical Gardens and Arboretum; June 29, Fountain City Park; July 13, Baker Creek Preserve; July 20, World’s Fair Park; and July 27, Inskip Park.