Time to start thinking...summer activities for the grade school crowd

Last week, I gave you a rather hefty list of Edmond's summer activities open to the youngest of kiddos. But this week, hold onto your hat (I mean, really, it's been super windy out there), because the list of activities for the grade school crowd only gets bigger.

Let's jump right in...

For all around fun...The Edmond YMCA is an expert on day camps, and both the Mitch Park and Rankin locations will be offering camps for those 5 to 12 years of age (see a note about their teen camps in next week's blog, and their camp program booklet here). Not only do their summer camps emphasize the YMCA's three core principles--youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility--but mini camps will also be available, including ones that offer cooking, photography, etiquette, science, tumbling, and other areas of special interest.

For the young artist...There are a number of creative outlets for your kiddo in Edmond. For the budding artist, check out the Fine Arts Institute of Edmond. "Self expression is important at this age," says Janet Hoppe, Enrollment Coordinator. "Kids get bored during the summer, but this gives them the opportunity to relax and have fun while creating a project they walk out with at the end of the day." Other opportunities for the performing artist include Upstage Theater and Dance Phase camps.

For the developing athlete...Okay, we do like our sports here in Edmond, and the many camps prove it. Here are just some of the fun-filled athletic camps in which you can enroll your kiddo (some with activities that extend beyond just the actual sport itself): Arctic Edge Summer Sports Camp, Edmond Racquet Club , Edmond Soccer Club Recreational Camp, Kickingbird Tennis Center, and Oklahoma Golds Gymnastics.

For the outdoorsy kid...I'm sure there are more than just these two opportunities, but the Parkhurst Ranch camp teaches kids about nature, gardening, and animal care (they learn to milk a cow!), while Camp Cadence offers straight-up equestrian (horseback riding) skills.

For the scientist...For your budding Einstein, check out the Mad Science Camps!

For something faith-inspired...Vacation Bible schools generally go up to fourth or fifth grade and take place in the mornings, so this is could be a chance to give you and the kids a fun mini break from each other. For a local list, click here.

For the would-be fish...Swimming is critical, even if your kid isn't the next Michael Phelps (not necessarily a bad thing!). Check out a list of lessons here.

I'm sure there are more, because Edmond definitely knows how to do the family-friendly thing right. Just keep in mind that spaces go fast!

Stay tuned for middle and high school summer activities next week.