Tag Archives: summer camp

5 Local Things You Need to Know: For the weekend, to start next week

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By WKTV Staff

victoria@wktv.org

 

Memorial Day ceremonies planned for both Kentwood, Wyoming

Many communities will be honoring those who have given their lives to serve this Memorial Day, set for May 28, including the communities of Wyoming and Kentwood. More details here.

 

Woodland Mall’s ongoing redevelopment includes viewing wall, relocations

The redevelopment of Woodland Mall is in full swing, and shoppers will soon be able to get a front-row seat to the construction at a new viewing wall. Read all about it here.

 

 

West Michigan Tourist Association offers up a few unique summer camps

Some families probably already have their children’s summer camps selected, but in case you do not, West Michigan Tourist Association Marketing Manager Jeremy Witt offered a few suggestions during a recent visit visit to the WKTV Journal. Learn more here.

 

 

Museum school students create new exhibit ‘Revolution: The Story of America’

Check out the new exhibit created by GRPS Museum School students, titled Revolution: The Story of America, at the Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM). It opened May 23. (The Museum is closed Monday, May 28th.) More here.

 

 

Register now for June 4 Sibling Class at Metro Health

Have kids and expecting a new addition to your family? Register for this class. Children practice caring for a baby using dolls, make a card for their new baby, and have fun with a short tour, which includes a visit to a mom with her real newborn baby. Next class is coming up fast: June 4th. Go here to learn more and where to register.

Summer Camps in West Michigan offer myriad fun activities

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Photo courtesy of Compass College of Cinematic Arts

By Jeremy Witt, West Michigan Tourist Association

 

It’s nearly that time again! Get your child involved in some fun and meaningful activities — consider a summer camp!

 

Make a movie this summer with the Film and Acting Summer Camps at the Compass College of Cinematic Arts in Grand Rapids! Learn from professionals how to act on camera and make films when the camp runs from June 18th to 22nd for ages 13 to 18. Film Camp students will write, shoot, and edit your own short film with guidance from seasoned filmmakers. In Acting Camp, you’ll learn on-camera acting techniques with a film actor as your coach and then star in a film produced by Film Camp. At the end of the week, walk the red carpet at the film’s premiere for family and friends on the big screen!

 

The Downtown Market in Grand Rapids has three-day and four-day summer camps for the young foodie in your life. Each camp has a distinct theme, ranging from Michigan’s fruits and vegetables to creating and utilizing a backyard farm. Sign up today for what Downtown Market cleverly calls their “Simmer Camps”!

 

Tiny dancers at the Grand Rapids Ballet dance camp (photo courtesy of GR Ballet)

The Grand Rapids Ballet has a variety of camps that are all centered around dance. Their Ballet School has programs for ballet, young dancers, boys ballet, and summer intensive training. They also have two Adaptive Dance programs: Explorer Dance (for children with Down syndrome) and Dancing with Parkinson’s (for adults with Parkinson’s disease). These Adaptive Dance classes allow students to experience the joy of dancing who may otherwise not have the opportunity to do so. Summer camps at the Grand Rapids Ballet are both fun and accessible for everyone!

 

The Grand Rapids Civic Theatre has summer camps that give students the chance to spend an entire week learning about theatre while having a blast making new friends. They’ve made some fantastic additions to their extremely popular summer camp program this year, so you’ll want to take a look at their new offerings for the season. Camps range from age 4 all the way through high school!

 

Summer fun happens at the Grand Rapids Public Museum! Join them and explore the wonders of science, history, culture, art, and fun! For nine weeks this summer, kids ages 4 to 14 can use the museum as a learning lab, experimenting and growing, all while having a great time in one of the area’s most history-rich and “cool” environments.

At The Critter Barn (photo courtesy of Critter Barn)

 

The Critter Barn in Zeeland offers a one-of-a-kind Critter Camp class for students who are eager to engage in animal care. Work through the entire farm with the barn’s staff and return to volunteer throughout the entire year. These camps are available for ages 8 to 15.

 

 

Hands-on Film and Acting Camps at Compass College of Cinematic Arts

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By Jessie Hollett

Compass College of Cinematic Arts

 

Creative teens can learn professional filmmaking and acting techniques and make a movie in a week during Compass College of Cinematic Arts’ summer Film and Acting Camps.  These fast-paced, hands-on camps give high school students a glimpse into the real world of multimedia production and on-camera acting.

 

Both camps run June 19-23, and registration is open to teens ages 13-18.  In Film Camp, students work with industry professionals and state-of-the art film equipment to write, direct, and edit their own short film.  Meanwhile, students in the Acting Camp are cast in these films, and spend the week refining their on-camera acting techniques.  At the end of the week, students walk the red carpet and their films premiere for friends and family in the theater at Compass College.

 

“Film camp was a great first look at the industry,” said John LeFan, former film camper and 2013 Compass College alumnus.  “It’s a great starter program to get your feet wet.  I was immediately hooked.”

 

The camps are designed for students with little to no film and acting experience. The instructors at Compass College make the process fun and as similar to a real-life production set as possible.

 

“Learning how to act on camera and having a role in a real short film was the most fun I’ve ever had at a camp,” said 2016 camper Rian Turner. “I enjoyed it so much that I’m coming back again this summer!”

 

The film campers go behind-the-scenes of the movie-making process to learn screenwriting, cinematography, lighting, camera, audio engineering, editing and much more—all while working with the actors in the acting camp!  The acting students walk through the same process a real celebrity would use to learn their role for a new movie.  They practice improvisation, master different acting techniques, audition for roles, rehearse their script, and discuss costume design.  Then it all comes together in front of the camera.

 

“It’s a great opportunity for the campers to learn the filmmaking process in a creative and fun way,” said Joshua Courtade, Film Camp instructor and award-winning screenwriter, “The film students get to collaborate with the acting students and the results are some very fun short films.”

 

Over the years, campers have had the opportunity to Skype with Hollywood actors and producers like Beau Wirick, Mark Clayman, and Ralph Winter who have worked on the sets of shows like NCIS, The Office, and Arrested Development, and produced feature films such as, Pursuit of Happyness, X-Men, and X-Men Origins.

 

Space in the camps is limited so early registration is recommended.  For more information, call Compass College at 616-988-1000, or visit online at www.compass.edu.

Humane Society of West Michigan offers animal camps for kids ages 5-17 this summer

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All photos courtesy Humane Society of West Michigan

By Humane Society of West Michigan

Spend your summer with the animals!

Humane Society of West Michigan’s Summer Camp is a great place for your kids to spend their summer learning, growing and having a fun-filled experience that will leave a lasting impression! Summer Camps are filled with activities, games, crafts, lessons and hands-on experience for everyone based on animals and animal welfare! Five different camps are offered for a variety of ages and interests.

  • Full day sessions —  from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
  • AM sessions — from 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
  • PM sessions — from 1-4 p.m.
  • After Care and Before Care are available for an additional fee.

Camp PET PALS

This camp offers a new theme everyday, including Delightful Dogs, Fun with Critters, Feline Friends and more. Days are filled with crafts, games and fun! Campers are expected to bring their own lunch, snack and a water bottle each day. Limited to 40 campers per session.

  • June 19-23, ages 5-7 — half-day sessions (AM and PM)
  • June 26-30, ages 8-10 — full-day sessions
  • July 17-21, ages 11-13 — full-day sessions
  • July 24-28, ages 5-7 — half-day sessions (AM and PM)
  • August 7-11, ages 8-10 — full-day sessions
  • August 21-25, ages 8-10 — full-day sessions

MEDIA MUTTS Camp

In this learn-and-create camp, campers will learn about a new topic each day focused on animals. There are different activities and projects throughout the week leading up to the final unique media project. Campers are expected to bring their own lunch, snack and water bottle each day. Limited to 40 campers per session.

  • August 14-18, ages 8-12 — full-day sessions

Vet Camp

In this hands-on camp, teens who are seriously considering a career in veterinary medicine will learn the ins and outs of being a vet. Spend some time with HSWM’s vet staff and watch surgeries, participate in dissections, practice suturing and injections, learn about diagnostic testing and more! Campers are expected to bring their own lunch, snack and a water bottle each day. Limited to 25 campers per session.

  • July 10-14, ages 13-17 — half-day sessions (AM)
  • July 31-August 4, ages 13-17 — half-day sessions (AM)

K9 Enrichment Camp

Sit, stay and come are just a few of the basic commands you will teach shelter dogs during this canine enrichment-filled camp. Learn basic and advanced obedience training, scent training, agility training, enrichment and socialization! Trainers will practice positive reinforcement training and special skills. They will also perform further research in body language, behavior assessment and breed histories to create a long-term strategy for a shelter dog. Campers are expected to bring their own lunch, snack and a water bottle each day. Limited to 25 campers per session.

  • July 10-14, ages 13-17 — half-day sessions (PM)
  • July 31-August 4, ages 13-17 — half-day sessions (PM)

Animal Advocates Mini Camp

In this mini three-day camp, campers who are passionate about animal welfare and making a difference will meet guest speakers and learn about current animal issues in our community. Each day campers will learn about a new topic through games, crafts and activities and even complete a service learning project! Campers are expected to bring their own lunch, snack and a water bottle each day. Limited to 40 campers per session.

  • July 5-7, ages 13-17 — full-day sessions

Reserve your place by signing up today!

Sign-up by emailing JordAnn your Summer Camp Registration Form (below) at jbush@hswestmi.org.

Go here to download the Summer Camp Registration Form.

Grand Rapids Public Museum opens registration for Camp Curious Summer Camps

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By Kate Moore

Grand Rapids Public Museum

Camp Curious is now open for registration at the Grand Rapids Public Museum. Camp Curious is the Museum’s summer camp program that explores the wonders of science, history, culture, art and fun. For nine weeks this summer, kids ages 4-14 can use the Museum as a learning lab in a variety of camp themes.

Camp Curious runs from June 19 through Aug. 14 with various sessions available depending on age and interest. Discounts are available for enrollment in multiple camps and by registering multiple campers. Additionally, Museum members receive discounts off each camp.

Camp Curious offers sessions with a focus on a variety of themes from space exploration to building with Legos®, and from fossils to exploring what it was like to grow up in the Victorian Era. Camp options vary for each age group and are suited to their interest. Age groupings are 4-5 years old, 6-8 years old, 9-11 years old and 12-14 years old. To register and to learn more about Camp Curious, visit grpm.org/CampCurious or call 616.456.3977.

Camps range in dates and duration, including Be Curious Day Camp offering one day sessions on Mondays and new this year one day camps on Fridays! Others camps are multiple days and have options between morning or afternoon sessions.

New camps for 2017 include our “Farm to Table” Camp for ages 9-14. Campers will learn about the gardening process from the science of soil to the fun of harvesting! The Museum is partnering with Urban Roots, a non-profit dedicated to connecting people to soil and table, for this one-of-a-kind experience.

Brand new for 2017 is adult camps. This summer adults can be a part of “Date Night Out” where Museum staff watches the kids while the adults enjoy an evening exploring the Museum. Adults can also enjoy “Dinner at the 1895 Voigt House,” one of the Museum’s sites that serves as a time capsule of the late Victorian period.