Kayaking, pickleball, using a compass, soccer, feeding a giraffe…these are just some of the many ways children will be spending this summer at Rock Island Parks and Recreation camps. “Summer is a time for kids to enjoy being outside, make new friends, play and be active. I think that’s what we do best by allowing kids this opportunity to have new experiences and make memories” says Nikki Smith, Recreation Manager. The following are a list of camps available:
Adventure Day Camp for ages 5 through 12 will keep your child engaged and active. Held at Lincoln Park there is weekly swimming at Whitewater Junction as well as weekly field trips including Helium Trampoline Park, Niabi Zoo, West Lake, DekHockey, Country Corner as well many Quad City park destinations. Register by the day for $25.00 from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. $2.00 for Rise & Shine from 7:00 am t0 8:00 am or Stay & Play from 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm is $3.00. Camp is available from June 5th through July 28th. A list of weekly themes and field trips is located at www.rigov.org under Youth Summer Camps. Additionally campers may sign up for swim lessons during camp every week for an additional $40.00. A Camp Kick-off event will be Sunday, June 4th from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm at Lincoln Park to learn about camp, get a t-shirt, play games and get to know camp staff. Event is free but participants need to register using code # 6982 to RSVP.
Outdoor Survival Camp for ages 9 to 14 will be a week packed with activities including kayaking, geocaching, and a camp cookout. Campers will also learn how to make a lean-to shelter, use binoculars and a compass, find edible wild plants and build a fire. Camp runs from July 10th through July 14th from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm starting the day at Mel McKay Park Shelter. Fee is $145.00.
Pickleball Camp for ages 8 to 14 is an instructional program for beginners and intermediate players to build skills and appreciation for the sport. Held at Mel McKay Pickleball Courts, camp runs Monday through Thursday June 26th to June 29th from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. Campers only need to bring a water bottle each day. Cost is $30.00.
Challenger British Soccer Camp for ages 3 up to 14 will be taught by professionally trained soccer coaches from Great Britain and is a great opportunity to learn some valuable soccer skills from world class soccer coaches. Camp runs June 19th through June 23rd at the Rock Island Campbell Sports Complex. Camps are broken into different time frames for each age group. Visit www.rigov.org and click on “ePark” for detailed information.
Youth Soccer Camp for ages 8 to 12 will run July 17th through July 20th from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm at the Rock Island Campbell Sports Complex. This is a perfect camp for kids signing up for fall soccer. This camp is intended to teach the basics of soccer including dribbling, shooting, passing, and more.
Try a variety of sports at Multi Sports Camp which will include kickball, wiffleball, soccer, capture the flag and many more. Camp will run Monday through Thursday using Friday as a rainout day if needed. Camp is offered to ages 6 to 12 with two sessions. Session 1 runs from June 26th to June 29th, and Session 2 runs from July 10th through July 13th. Each session costs $50.00.
For the younger kids we have Preschool Camp for ages 3 to 5. This day camp led by our RIFAC Preschool teachers will provide an excellent opportunity for kids to enjoy their first summer camp experience. Staff will lead fun games, crafts, activities, learning and more! Held at the Rock Island Fitness & Activity Center and Longview Park from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. Session 1 runs June 5th through June 23rd and Session 2 runs June 26th through July 14th. Each session costs $180.00
In addition to many camps offered this summer, Rock Island Parks and Recreation also offers many youth classes and lessons over the summer including tennis lessons, swimming lessons, golf lessons, parent and me art classes, fencing, kung fu, modeling, and more.
The Rock Island Parks Foundation has made sponsorships available for youth summer programs. For information please call (309) 732-PARK (7275).
Register for programs online at www.rigov.org and click on “ePark”, call (309) 732-7275, or stop by the RIFAC Park office at 4303 24th Street, Rock Island.