In the hustle-bustle and holiday preparations of early December it's easy to not think much about...late December. What is there to do when the holidays are over, you have to go back to work, and the kids are still out of school (and glued to the TV)?
Several local organizations have the remedy to just this problem: Winter-break camps offer valuable benefits:
- Social Interaction: Kids meet new friends and build social skills.
- Skill Development: Camps enhance specific abilities in arts, sports, or sciences.
- Structured Time: A routine helps ease the transition back to school.
From animals to tumbling to exploring nature, there is bound to be something that will entice the children to spend the last days of 2024 somewhere other than in front of an electronic media device (*fingers crossed*).
Here are a few of the winter-holiday camps that I've come across:
Reid Park Zoo Winter Camp - Throughout the week-long camp, your child will have the opportunity to closely observe some of the incredible animals at the zoo. The camp runs from 9 AM to 4 PM, from December 30th to January 3rd. It's open to students in grades 1 through 5, with a fee of $355 for non-members and $295 for members.
Winter Break Camp at Old Pueblo Gymnastics Academy - (ALL CAMPS REQUIRE ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP) Your child will have structured gymnastics, along with snacks, games, and crafts, are offered from 8:30 AM to noon for half-day sessions, or from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM for full-day sessions. We provide daily and weekly rates for both half and full-day camps. For more details, please call 520-628-4355. Registration form online.
Winter Camp at Ott Family YMCA - Your child will have exciting days packed with group games, arts and crafts, sports, field trips, and so much more! Designed for ages 5-14, the program runs from December 23rd to January 3rd, from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm. For pricing and further details, please reach out to the Ott Family YMCA at 520-885-2317.
Trak Winter Break Camp - Your child will enjoy camp activities feature a variety of options such as arts and crafts, interactive animal care lessons, horseback riding, and much more! The camp runs from December 30th to January 3rd, operating daily from 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM. It's open for ages 5 to 14, with fees of $400 for non-members and $375 for members.
Winter Camp J - Winter Camp J is designed to offer a camp-like experience while your children are on school break. The camp runs from December 23rd to 27th and from December 30th to January 3rd. For Grades K-5: Hours: 7 AM - 6 PM $55 per day for members, $65 per day for non-members. For Grades 6-8: Hours: 9 AM - 4 PM $65 per day for members, $75 per day for non-members.
"A" Winter Break Camp - Your child will engage in a variety of activities including group games, team building, arts and crafts, and much more. The camp runs on January 2nd and 3rd from 9 AM to 4 PM, with drop-off available as early as 7:30 AM and pick-up until 5:30 PM at no extra charge. It's open to ages 5 to 14, with fees of $115 for members and $135 for non-members.
PLAYFORMANCE Winter Break Camp - Your child will have the chance to connect, play, and learn through a variety of active and engaging activities. They provide a wide range of physical play options that cater to all skill levels. Various camps available to fit your needs - Friday, December 20th ages 12 and up 8AM- 3PM for $72 - Friday December 20th ages 6 and up 8:30AM - 2:30PM for $72 - Week 1 - December 23rd, 26th and 27th Week 2 - December 30th, January 2nd and 3rd, ages 12 and up $225/week - Week 1 December 23rd, 26th and 27th Week 2 December 30th, January 2nd and 3rd, ages 6 and up $225/week drop in days available for $75/day
Cienega Basketball Holiday Camp - Boys and Girls grades 2nd - 8th December 21st & 22nd from 9AM - 12PM Register by emailing Jason - apodacaj@vailschooldistrict.org or jason@bobcatsbasketball.org $100
