School is officially out, and summer break has arrived. In usual fashion, camp season has begun. Mississippi has a variety of specialty camps for youth—ranging from fine arts to STEM‑centered programs. Business owner Jennifer Clark has created a one‑stop shop for parents called the Pine Belt Kids Central—a database packed with valuable information on how to involve your children in statewide activities. Below are three summer camps pulled straight from this resource that will help brighten your children’s summer.
Petal Arts Council Theater and Art Camp
July 7–10, Ages 9–12, 1–5 PM daily; Performance July 10 at 6:00 PM
Blast off on an out‑of‑this‑world creative adventure with the “Galactic Explorer Theatre and Art Camp” at the Petal Civic Center. Campers will spend four fun‑filled days designing planets, crafting sets, props, and costumes, then putting on a grand performance on the final evening. It’s a free opportunity for young artists, performers, and storytellers. Spaces are limited, and registration is open now. Learn more about the camp here.
Hattiesburg GEMS Summer Kindergarten Prep Camp
July 7–31, Ages 4–6, 4:00–5:30 PM weekdays
Kindergarten is a golden milestone, and this camp gives little learners a boost before the big school year begins. Hosted by Hattiesburg GEMS (Gifted and Educated Minds Succeeding), campers will grow in confidence with activities focusing on early literacy skills, number sense, emotional readiness, and social interaction. This fun, supportive environment eases preschoolers into routines like circle time, following directions, group play, and handling the school day with joy. Spots are still open, and parents can sign up online. Updates and links to register can be found on their Facebook page.
Pine Belt Robotics Academy
June 30–July 10, various age groups (STEM focused)
Robotics isn’t just for budding engineers—it builds teamwork, critical thinking, and creativity across all ages. Pine Belt Robotics Academy offers a two‑week camp filled with hands‑on experiences in coding, building, and programming simple robots. Although early sessions have already started, there’s still time to enroll your child in the next available dates, running June 30 through July 10. Camps cater to different age groups, ensuring each child learns in an age‑appropriate setting. Additional information can be found on their website.
Big Adventures for Growing Minds
Summer camps are more than ways to occupy your child—they offer invaluable chances to try new ideas, engage with peers, and further develop budding talents. Whether they’re drawing on stage, stepping into kindergarten, or programming a tiny machine, each camp brings its own spark of growth and excitement.
