Most schools are officially out of school, which may make you want to consider what activities to get your children involved in this summer. Luckily, there are loads of fun activities for the kids on the Mississippi Gulf Coast! Summer camps may be something you are thinking about, and these can be a fun, exciting, and educational experience for your children. There are quite a few of them on the Mississippi Gulf Coast for you to choose from!
Gulfport
1. Lynn Meadows Discovery Center Camps
Website: LMDC summer camps
The session for these camps is from May 31-July 29, and it’s for children between the ages of 4-11. Morning or afternoon camp is $85 a week, while the full day camp is $170 a week. There is free lunch bunch supervision, but campers must bring their own lunch. Here is a complete list of the camps offered by the Lynn Meadows Discovery Center. The Discovery Center also offers Performing Arts Theatre Camps such The Spongebob Musical Theatre Camp and Disney Frozen Jr Musical Theatre Camp. The cost for either one of those is $400.
2. Institute for Marine Mammal Studies Summer Camps
Website: IMMS summer camps
The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies has a weeklong Dolphin and Stingray Camp, where kids get to be a job shadow by stepping into the shoes of a marine scientist. Kids get the opportunity to experience hands-on learning where they will learn about marine mammal, tropical bird, shark, stingray, and sea turtle biology and conservation. The camps start in June, so book quickly at this link.
3. Camp Aqua at the Mississippi Aquarium
Website: Camp Aqua Registration
This camp is definitely for kids that like the outdoors and like to learn about new animals! Campers will investigate and learn about fish, dolphins, birds, and others. Activities will consist of educational games, take-home crafts, hands-on experiments, and ambassador animal encounters. There are sessions for children between the ages of 7-10 and for those between the ages of 11-14. In addition, registration comes with a camp t-shirt, two snacks, lunch, a Kessler Federal Credit Union swag bag, and a Ship Island Excursion ticket!
Ocean Springs
1. Rock U 2
Website: Rock U 2 summer camp
Kids can learn to play in a band and explore their love for music. In addition, they can learn new instruments and sing. Parents are invited to watch on the last day. This camp is in June and July, and the hours are from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (the website has more specific information on which age groups have a camp on particular weeks). The cost is $250 for a week. Call (228)355-2025 to register.
2. B.Y.O.B (Bring Your Own Brush Studio!)
Website: B.Y.O.B. camp registation
This art studio in Ocean Springs is offering four days of fun activities for their summer camps. There are two weeks of camp in June and two weeks in July. You are able to choose either the 10 a.m.-12 p.m. session or the 2 p.m.-4 p.m. session. Some of the planned activities include tie-dye shirts, bubble art, clay sculpting, and more! The cost of the camp is $185 per child, which includes all four days of activities. If you register by May 31, you can use the code “earlybird” for a special discount!
3. USM Marine Education Center
Website: Marine Education Center Camp.
Campers will get to explore coastal sea marshes by sailing on the university research vessel, the Miss Peetsy B. There will also be opportunities for live animal encounters, as well as fishing. Camps are in June and July, and drop-off is between 7:45-8:00 a.m. Pick up is from 3:00-3:15 p.m. The fee for camp starts at $300 for those in Grade 1-2 and then goes up from there.
Vancleave
1. Singing River Ranch
Website: Singing River Ranch summer camp
Singing River Ranch has full care horse boarding, horseback riding lessons, show jumping clinics, and horse shows. They are hosting a camp for kids between the ages of 6-12, and it will be held between July 18-21. This camp will offer fun activities, games, and equine education. Those who are intending to run this camp are asking those that are interested to fill out this form (This is not a registration form): Singing River Ranch Questionnaire. This form is meant to help them get some estimations on interest, so they can build a better camp. If you have questions, they can be directed to weaverayden21@gmail.com.
Biloxi
1. Kroc MS Gulf Coast
Website: Kroc MS Coast Camps.
These camps start in June and are for kids between the ages of 5-12. The hours for the camp are from 6 a.m.-6 p.m., and there will be breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack for the kids. There is a non-refundable registration fee of $100, but this fee does include a 2022 Kroc Camp T-shirt and all camp field trip-related expenses. Kids will be able to enjoy lots of fun activities such as arts and crafts, swimming, group camps, and sports!
2. Sea and Sail Adventure Camp
Website: Maritime Museum Camps
The goal of this camp is to bring awareness to the history and maritime heritage of the Mississippi Gulf through sailing trips, fishing, maritime crafts, and field trips. The Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum hosts this camp, and it is open to children between the ages of 6-12. The camp is made up of one week of activities, and there are seven of these sessions throughout the summer. The hours for the camp are from 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. All camp activities will start at the museum and children will be transported by bus to and from activities. Camper should bring their lunch and snacks; however, there will be times when lunch will be at a field trip or on one of the schooners. Children between the ages of 6-8 will visit Deer Island and learn about marine pollution, while children between the ages of 9-12 will make a full day trip to Horn Island.