Looking for something your children can do this summer? 2024 summer camps are here

The school year is winding down and students will soon be out for the summer.

Looking for something to keep your little ones or teens occupied for the summer? How about a summer camp.

Summer camps can provide children of all ages with unique and beneficial experiences they won't find anywhere else and also teach them different skills to apply to the next school and to life.

Below is a list of 2024 summer camps in the Jackson and surrounding areas you can consider sending your child to.

Creative Craft Camp

Students will have the opportunity to learn from master craftsmen from around the state who teaches pottery, fiber, mosaics, stained glass, mixed media & more according to the website.

  • Location: Waller Craft Center 950 Rice Road, Ridgeland

  • Ages: 5-18

  • Dates: July 16-19 at 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

  • Registration, deadlines and more info: MScraft.org

St. Andrews Saints Summer Camp

The Saints Summer Experience Flyer.
The Saints Summer Experience Flyer.

"St. Andrew's Saints summer experience is a wide-ranging, fun summer camp program primarily based around our day camps, which are guaranteed to keep kids active and keep their brains in motion," said Jay Losset, director of auxiliary programs. "We also offer a huge variety of sports, specialty and academic camps. All of our camps are open to the public."

  • Location: St. Andrews Episcopal School 4120 Old Canton Road, Jackson

  • Ages: Pre-K - grade 8

  • Dates: June 3- July 26

  • Registration, deadlines and more info: Gosaints.org

Summer Mississippi Museum of Art Camp

The Summer Mississippi Museum of Art Camp is facilitated by licensed art therapist Susan Anand and an MMA educator and is offered to individuals experiencing memory loss or mild cognitive impairment, according to the museum of art website.

"Camp scholarships are available on a first-come, first-served basis," said Bech Evans, associate curator of studio and family programs. "Please email me at bevans@msmuseumart.org to learn more about our camp scholarships."

  • Location: Mississippi museum of art 380 S. Lamar St., Jackson

  • Ages: 6-10

  • Dates: June 3-July 26 at 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

  • Registration, deadlines and more info: museumart.org

New Stage Theatre Camp

Students will have two weeks of theatre instruction taught and directed by the education director and other theatre professionals. Students will also receive instruction in acting, improvisation, stage movement, musical theatre, dance, voice and more according to the website.

  • Location: New Stage Theatre, 1100 Carlisle St., Jackson

  • Ages: Children enrolled in school grades 2-6

  • Dates: Morning Session: June 3-14 at 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.; Afternoon Session: June 3-14 at 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

  • Registration, deadlines and more info: Newstagetheatre.com

Mississippi Metropolitan Dance Academy Summer Camps

Mississippi Metropolitan Dance Academy Summer Dance 2024 camp flyer.
Mississippi Metropolitan Dance Academy Summer Dance 2024 camp flyer.

Princess Dance Camp

"Your child will live the life of royalty as they explore the world of imagination through dance. Students will learn fundamental ballet and tap steps as they dance to all of their favorites from Frozen, Snow White, Tangled, Moana, and Cinderella," said Jennifer Beasley, artistic director. "Their princess dreams will come true and they enjoy dressing up, eating royal treats, creating crafts and attending a royal tea party. The week will end with an in studio performance on the last day."

  • Location: 110 Homestead Drive, Madison

  • Ages: 3-7

  • Dates: July 8-12

  • Registration, deadlines and more info: Msmetroballet.com

Sparkleberry Fairy Garden Camp

"Your petite dancer will not want to miss the Sparkleberry Fairy Garden annual party. Dancers will join fairy friends, fancy flamingos and a colorful rainbow of dancing fruits and flowers for a fairy sparkling good time in both ballet and tap," said Jennifer Beasley, artistic director. "This magical camp is full of pixie dust, dancing, games, glittery crafts and so much more."

  • Location: 110 Homestead Drive, Madison

  • Ages: 2-5

  • Dates: June 3-5

  • Registration, deadlines and more info: Msmetroballet.com

Summer Intensive Camp

"Take your dance technique to the next level at MMDA's summer intensive. This summer camp, open to dancers with previous training, includes daily classes (where applicable) in ballet, pointe, jazz, contemporary, hip hop, modern, progressing ballet technique, and pilates," said Jennifer Beasley, artistic director. "Don't miss the opportunity to work with master guest instructors from across the country."

  • Location: 110 Homestead Drive, Madison

  • Ages: 8-18

  • Dates: June 17-28

  • Registration, deadlines and more info: Msmetroballet.com

In My Sparkle Era Dance Camp

"Drop everything now because this iconic dance camp is sparkling. If you love to dance and perform with your dance besties, you will have a blast shaking it off as you launch into an era of fearless fun and fame," said Jennifer Beasley, artistic director. "The glitter and glam will be off the charts, and your jazz and hip hop dancing will never go out of style! Are you ready for it? Just say yes to this bejeweled summer fun, and get ready to make the whole place shimmer."

  • Location: 110 Homestead Drive, Madison

  • Ages: 6-9

  • Dates: July 1-3

  • Registration, deadlines and more info: Msmetroballet.com

More: This Grammy winning, country singer will perform at Trustmark Park on July 26. See who

JPS A3 Summer Enrichment Camp

A3 Summer Enrichment Camp flyer.
A3 Summer Enrichment Camp flyer.

A3 Summer Enrichment Camp (Acceleration, Affirmation, and Acclimation,) will provide students with academic learning skills to help with testing for the upcoming school year, fitness, field trips, games and more, according to a press release.

  • Locations: Jackson State University, Tougaloo College and Hinds Community College

  • Ages: Elementary - 12

  • Dates: June 3- 28

  • Registration, deadlines and more info: Jackson/summerprograms.com

William Carey University Summer Ex-Stream Camp

William Carey Summer Ex-Stream Camp flyer.
William Carey Summer Ex-Stream Camp flyer.

William Carey University will host its summer ex-stream camp in a face-to-face format this summer at itsHattiesburg campus. The camp is a three-day program for gifted learners that provides opportunities for critical thinking musical experiences according to a press release.

  • Location: William Carey University, 710 William Carey Parkway, Hattiesburg

  • Ages: Grades 2-6

  • Dates: June 18-20

  • Registration, deadlines and more info: wmcarey.edu

Mississippi Children's Museum Summer Camp

Your camper will get the opportunity to take the stage and explore their talents. Campers will get to dance, sing, play, act, create, and maybe even do a little magic all while learning about the science and technology behind a lot of these activities according to the website.

  • Location: Mississippi Children's Museum, 2145 Museum Boulevard, Jackson

  • Ages: 5-10

  • Dates: June 3- July 26

  • Registration, deadlines and more info: Mschildrensmuseum.org

Bricks 4 Kidz Summer Camp

Students will be using Lego bricks in a team-based camp environment, also building and playing games (video and board games). They will also compete in Lego bricks challenges, according to the website.

  • Location: 207 Oxford Place #9487, Ridgeland

  • Ages: 5-13

  • Dates: June 17- August 3

  • Registration, deadlines and more info: Bricks4kidz.com

WaterWalkers Film Summer Camp

Carmen Jones, WaterWalkers Foundation Founder.
Carmen Jones, WaterWalkers Foundation Founder.

WaterWalkers Foundation is a non-profit organization based in Jackson and is founded in June 2023 by TV and film producer Carmen Jones. The camp will focus on providing a creative environment for young high schools students to develop filmmaking skills.

  • Location: Location for this camp has not yet been confirmed.

  • Ages: Highschool grades 9 -12

  • Dates: July 8 -12

  • Registration, deadlines and more info: Waterwalkersfoundation.org

More: WaterWalkers Foundation announces inaugural film summer camp for Jackson. How to participate

St. Andrew's Sports Camp's Sports Camp

This camp is led by professional coaching staff and takes place at the Ridgeland St. Andrew's campus. Students will learn ways to improve their game and discover other sports to love according to the website.

  • Location: St Andrew's Episcopal School 370 Old Agency Road, Ridgeland

  • Ages: 5-18

  • Dates: June 3 - Aug. 2

  • Registration, deadlines and more info: Gosaints.org

Jackson Prep Baseball Sports Camp

Excitement is in the air, and organizers said they can hardly wait to unveil their amazing lineup of summer camps for the upcoming season. From outdoor adventures to creative arts, sports and STEM explorations, "there's something for every learner," according to the Jackson prep website.

  • Location: Jackson Preparatory School 3100 Lakeland Drive, Flowood

  • Ages: 1- 7

  • Dates: June 3-7 at 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.

  • Registration, deadlines and more info: jacksonprepsummercamps

Summer at Maley Swim Camp

"Students will have the opportunity to participate in weekly swim lessons from professionals, starting as early as six months, even adults, can take lessons," said Linda Maley, owner of Maley swim school.

  • Location: Maley Swim School, 501 Lake Harbour Drive, Ridgeland

  • Ages: 6 months-age 13

  • Dates: Eight lessons every two weeks starting May 6-16, May 20-31, June 3-13, June 17-27, July 8-18 and July 22- Aug. 1

  • Registration, deadlines and more info: swimmaley.com

More: See which Grammy nominated artist is performing live at Duling Hall in Jackson

Important questions parents can ask camp mentors before joining:

  • What are the requirements and paperwork needed for my child to join this camp?

  • Who is running the camp? (It is always good to know who is over the camp your child joins.)

  • Who are the camp counselors?

  • What are the protocols for emergencies?

  • Will there be a nurse on staff at all times?

  • How many members are certified in first aid and healthcare at this camp?

  • How does this camp handle behavior issues?

-Know an event coming up or have a good story idea? Reporter Kiara Fleming can be reached via email KDFleming@jackson.gannett.com and Follow on X @Ki_dajournalist 

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Jackson MS 2024 summer camps art academic sports