Summer Camps on Martha's Vineyard

Editor's note: This article originally appeared on Martha's Vineyard Patch.

With so many amazing summer camp opportunities on one little island, it can be overwhelming or confusing to choose which is the best fit for your little ones. Fear not, Patch has done its homework to bring you this 2011 Island summer camp round-up. Whether its sports, sailing or acting, we've got a summer camp for every kid.

ARROWHEAD FARM

Giddy up! If your child is one of the many in love with horses and horseback riding, Arrowhead Farm offers one of the most established riding camps on the Island. Now in its 26th year, the 2011 Arrowhead Summer Pony Camp begins June 20 and continues through the end of August. One- or two-week-long sessions, which take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., are available. Summer Pony Camp is good for beginners, as well as experienced riders. Kids start with basic mounting instruction and horse care, and learn fun and creative horse crafts and games on horseback. Registration is ongoing, but space is limited. 

CAMP JABBERWOCKY

The waiting list is rather long and the 2011 camp list is already full. Still, it’s worth noting that Martha's Vineyard is home to Camp Jabberwocky. The camp has been around for 56 years, and during that time has made many an amazing memory. Camp Jabberwocky is a residential vacation camp for people with disabilities. Campers can enjoy swimming, horseback riding, fishing, painting and hiking, as well as parades, movies and activities in town. Two month-long sessions occur from June/July and July/August. While the camp’s "stated" tuition is high, it asks that you pay whatever you think you'll be able to afford. No camper is denied time at camp due to an inability to pay. 

CHILMARK COMMUNITY CENTER

Chilmark Community Center is home to one of the most expansive programs under one roof. Programs are broken down by age group, starting with four and five year olds, going all the way up to those 13 and 14 years of age. The activities occur Monday through Friday, between 9 a.m. and noon, beginning June 30. Playschool, for younger children, begins July 4. The Chilmark Community Center also offers tennis clinics for kids ages 6 to 14, which are divided by age and skill group. Tennis clinics run morning and afternoon. Online pre-registration begins June 1; full registration begins June 29.

FARM INSTITUTE

The Farm Institute is offering a wide range of programs for children as young as two, all the way up to adults. The smallest children begin with half-day programs, during which time they will learn to feed and care for livestock and perform simple barn chores. Children ages 8 to 10 will receive hands-on experience with agriculture and study how food is grown. Older kids have the opportunity to work with some of the large animals, such as cows and oxen, and even begin to compost and cook produce from the farm itself. Prices and schedules are arranged by the week, meaning that you're able to send your child to as many weeks as you'd like. Multiple week, multiple child and Island student discounts are available, as are discounts for early registration. Registration is ongoing.

FEATHERSTONE CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Featherstone Center for the Arts is offering summer programs for kids who love to create. Camp at Featherstone occurs from 9 a.m. to noon, giving kids a full morning of fun. While many of their courses are already full, there's still time to register for remaining programs. For ages 7 to 10, those programs include: Mixed Media Art Camp (July 5–18), Photography Exploration Camp (July 25–29) and Ceramic Camp (August 1–8). For ages 11 and up, available programs include: Photography Exploration Camp (July 5–18) and Better than Art School Camp (July 25–Aug 8). Call 508-693-1850 to pre-register your child.

FELIX NECK WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary’s Fern and Feather Day Camp is targeted at nature-loving kids ages 4 to 18. Kids ages 5 to 10 can test-drive camp for one day from June 20 to 24 as part of the “Camp for a Day” program. The formal summer program for enrolled campers is broken out into weeks, with each week focusing on a different theme. Younger kids will enjoy catching bugs and making crafts in half-day programs, while older kids will help survey the salamander population, identify wild edible plants and enjoy overnight camp-outs. Felix Neck's Fern and Feather camp offers a discount for Island students. Registration is ongoing; forms are available on the website.

GARDEN GATE CHILD DEVELOPMENT

Garden Gate Child Development’s  is geared toward kids ages 2 to 5. This is the only camp on the Island that offers a five-hour program for toddlers and young children. Activities take place Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to noon. The camp is divided into four two-week sessions, beginning July 5. Kids explore a new theme each session, beginning with "The Wonderful Woods" and ending with "The Agricultural Fair." Registration is ongoing; to sign up, call 508-696-9997.

IMP ALL THINGS THEATER CAMP

IMP All Things Theater Camp is a summer theater program designed for kids ages 6 to 18. IMP encourages campers to choose a path that best fits them and their summer schedule. Full and half-day programs are available in one or two-week sessions, which begin June 27 and continue through August. This flexible program introduces kids not only to the acting and production side of theater, but also gives them an inside look at all aspects of the craft. Registration is ongoing. 

ISLAND THEATRE WORKSHOP

The  Summer Children's Theatre is divided into two four-week sessions, which run from June 27 to August 19. Camp meets from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and is appropriate for both children and teenagers. Daytime performances will be presented at the Sailing Camp. Evening performances will be held at the Grange Theatre in West Tisbury. Registration is ongoing.

MARTHA’S VINEYARD BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB

The Martha's Vineyard Boys and Girls Club is touted as the most affordable summer program on the Island. Beginning on June 27 and running 8 weeks until August 19, this full-day summer camp is bursting with options. Aside from the organized sports and athletic activities you might expect to find at the club, this summer program also offers on- and off-Island field trips, theater, photography and the opportunity to explore science and new technologies. Reduced rates are available for year-round Island students, as well as additional siblings. Registration is ongoing ongoing.

MARTHA’S VINEYARD INSTITUTE OF CREATIVE WRITING

For older kids with a creative flair, the Martha's Vineyard Institute of Creative Writing will hold a weeklong camp for high-school-aged students. The camp takes place July 11 through July 15, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Martha’s Vineyard Public Charter School. Participants in the MVICW High School Writers' Collaborative will come together to write poetry, prose and creative non-fiction alongside skilled teachers, university professors, and published authors and poets. The Collaborative is open to any and all high school writers—no experience is necessary— just a love of creative expression and a desire to learn within a dynamic writing community. Scholarships are available.

MARTHA'S VINEYARD REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School plays host to a variety of summer programs, ranging from arts workshops and robotics clinics to cheerleading camps. Dates and costs vary. A full list of programs and their dates are available on the school’s website. 

MARTHA'S VINEYARD SHARKS

The Martha's Vineyard Sharks is teaming up with Dugout Baseball & Softball Club to presentsummer baseball clinics for children 12 and under. Six four-day sessions are offered, beginning June 27 and continuing through August 1. The clinics take place form 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Vineyard Baseball Park at Martha's Vineyard Regional High School, and are staffed by players and coaches. Each session costs $175. Registration is ongoing.

MV ADVENTURE CAMP

MV Adventure Camp offers an outlet for kids who love running, jumping, climbing, swimming and all things athletic. Activities include beachside games, Frisbee golf, mountain biking, hiking, kayaking, fishing, snorkeling, exploring beach and tidal pools. The camp is open to children ages 7 to 15.  Registration is ongoing. On-island residents may be eligible for a discount.

NETHERFIELD FARM

Netherfield Farm’s Junior Equestrian half-day camp is open to eight riders per week and suitable for kids whose experience ranges from beginner to advanced. More information is currently available through their website, call to register your child.

PRIME TIME LACROSSE

After running for a successful two summers on neighboring Nantucket, Prime Time Lacrosse is now bringing a 2011 summer camp to the Island. The camp is appropriate for boys and girls of all skill levels, ages 7 to 17. This three-day only camp will take place August 8 through August 10 at the Veteran's Field in Vineyard Haven. Best of all, $25 of each $225 registration fee is donated to Martha's Vineyard Youth Lacrosse. Registration is ongoing. 

RED PONY FARM

Red Pony Farm offers a half-day Summer Pony Program appropriate for kids ages 8 to 13. The camp runs from June 15 to September 15, and consists of grooming, riding and stable management, among other activities. The sessions are broken down into one-week intervals. While space is limited at just six riders per week, your child is allowed and encouraged to attend multiple weeks, space permitting. Registration is ongoing; call 508-693-3788.

SAIL MV

Sail MV offers a variety of programs and courses designed to teach water safety, maritime history and, of course, sailing. Weeklong beginner courses for kids 8 years and up focus on introducing them to the water environment, before progressing onto the basics of sailing. Sail MV’s highest level of skill program, called the 420, features two weeks of intense instruction, and is generally only open to those 13 to 16 years of age who have already completed the prior Sail MV curriculum. For older kids who aren't as much interested in leaning to sail as they are with just having a good time on the water, there’s two-week windsurfing instructional classes and one-week cruises on the Black Dog Tall Ships. The latter introduces kids to the life of a sailor as they swab the deck, haul the anchor and become friends with the captain and their fellow crewmates. Most classes begin June 27; many programs are free to Island residents. Space is limited and registration is ongoing.

SASSAFRAS

Sassafras offers a full-day program focusing on nature that is suitable for kids ages 6 to 13. Kids learn about and explore the outdoors by participating in activities such as sneaking and scouting, animal observation and tracking, shelter building and plant identification. Camp is divided into weekly sessions that take place from July 5 to July 22. Rates are broken down in such a way that campers can stay for one, two or all three weeks. Sassafras may offer an additional fourth week at the end of the season, depending on interest. Registration is ongoing ongoing.

SENSE OF WONDER CREATIONS CAMP

While most camps focus on one particular sports or activity, the Sense of Wonder Creations Camplikes to dabble in a wide palette. The camp offers a number of activities, including puppetry, creative writing and mask-making, as well as community service, endangered animal study and environmental awareness. The camp is intended for kids ages 7 to 14, and is separated into weekly thematic sessions. Interested camp-goers are not only allowed, but also encouraged to attend additional weeks. A full list of the summer's themes and lessons is available online. SOWCC occurs over seven weeks this summer, beginning July 4 and ending August 15. Registration is ongoing; the online application is available via their website.  Financial aid and scholarships are available.

SKATE CAMP

Lesser known in some circles on the Island is Martha’s Vineyard Skate camp, appropriate for kids age 7 to 17. The camp is divided into weekly sessions, however rates are also available by the day and the month. All instructors are safety-certified and each program is designed to revolve around the individual needs of each kid. Camp runs Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., from July 11 to August 26. Registration is ongoing.  

TISBURY SCHOOL SPORTS PROGRAM

Tisbury School physical education teacher Kevan Nichols leads a summer sports program at the Tisbury School from June 27 through August 12. The program, entering its 10th year, takes place Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to noon. It is geared toward kids ages five through 14. For more information, or to register for the program, e-mail coachnicholsmv@yahoo.com.

VINEYARD PLAYHOUSE

If your child is one of the many with a dramatic flair or a penchant for acting, then Summer Stars Theater and Art camp might be just the ticket. This weekly program, sponsored by the , has been around for more than 15 years and is appropriate for kids ages 9 to 14. Campers can come for as many weeks as they choose between July 5 and August 26; a price break is awarded for those who sign up for four weeks. Each week's activities end with a presentation for friends and family. Registration is ongoing.

VINEYARD YOUTH TENNIS

The Vineyard Youth Tennis summer program is appropriate for kids of all ages, from first grade to seniors in high school. Sessions run for four weeks at a time, Monday through Friday, and feature hour-long training and team matches. Each class is composed of a certain grade and/or skill level;click here for the current schedule. There are two sessions during the 2011 summer season, starting July 5 and August 1, respectively. Year-round Island residents can call 508-693-7762 for registration. Those visiting from off-Island will have to wait until June 1 to register by mail.  Scholarships are available.  

THE YARD

Tell your little one to put on their dancing shoes! The Yard offers weeklong choreographic workshops for children ages 6 to 10. The program is open to all skill and experience levels, and children are welcome to sign up for multiple weeks. At the end of each session children will present their newly developed skills on "family share day." Sessions begin July 25 and run trough mid August. 

YMCA

While the YMCA is a relatively new installation to the Island, it has brought with it a host of summer camp opportunities for kids. Camp Blue is an onsite summer program for kids ages 5 to 16. The camp is divided into two parts: specialty camps and day camps, and is offered in full-day, two-week long sessions. Day campers will participate in sports, activity stations, arts and crafts, as well as swimming lessons, open swim and occasional field trips to the beach. Specialty camps include a weeklong basketball camp focused on skill building and fitness and Leaders in Training/Counselors in Training, a two-week-long, full-day program focused on community service and leadership skills. A multiple week discount is offered for campers wishing to attend more than one session. Financial assistance is available to those who qualify. Registration is currently open, and is available on the brochure via the YMCA website.