As the days grow longer and the school year winds down, dreams of sunny-day activities abound for many local families and community members. And in the Pacific Northwest, summer is the perfect season to get outside in nature, take up new hobbies and create lifelong memories. Whether filming a movie, learning the fundamentals of watercolor painting or practicing yoga, Olympia Parks, Arts and Recreation has a full schedule of summer recreation opportunities for all ages.
Get Outside, Create and Have Fun Through Olympia Parks, Arts and Recreation Youth Summer Camps
Olympia Parks, Arts and Recreation summer camps are led by experienced staff members and contractors who are committed to safety and professionalism. And each summer camp is built around a set of activities that emphasize creativity and learning new skills.
According to Andre’ Drummer, program specialist for Olympia Parks, Arts and Recreation, summer camps are beneficial in many ways, including the chance for kids to explore different interests, increase confidence, connect with peers and stay mentally engaged during summer break.
All summer long, young campers can learn, imagine and create through a wide swath of day camps that focus on a specific topic or activity, including Art for Kids School Multimedia Art Camp, Skateboarding Camp, Intro to Wilderness Survival and Fun with STEAM Plant Science. And many summer camps through Olympia Parks, Arts and Recreation are friendly for beginners, with no previous experience necessary.
Intended for aspiring sailors and water sport enthusiasts ages 6 and 7, Harbor Mice is based out of the Olympia Yacht Club, with multiple sessions available throughout the summer months. Harbor Mice campers will spend time learning and aiding instructors in sailing fundamentals, while also participating in sailing-themed crafts and activities.
Through Bricks 4 Kidz LEGO Adventure Camp, attendees aged 5 to 12 are immersed in creativity, ingenuity and fun STEAM learning. There are a variety of weeklong sessions available in June, July and August, with half-day and full-day options available. Campers can hone in on their favorite brick activity, whether that is crafting a character brick sculpture, or programming a brick robot.
For campers who are ready to create the next big summer blockbuster, Let’s Make a Movie is a two-week day camp from July 20 to July 31, where campers aged 11 to 15 write, produce and put together their own short movie with the help of Thurston Community Media.
At Squaxin Park, Adventure Kids Yoga Camp provides an opportunity for campers ages 6 to 8 to unplug from technology and spend time in nature. Campers will be led through guided relaxation, strolls in the natural surroundings, craft projects, song and dance. Two sessions are available, from July 6 to July 10 and from July 20 to July 24.
Community Members of All Ages Can Enjoy Summer in the Pacific Northwest With Olympia Parks, Arts and Recreation
Summer recreation opportunities through Olympia Parks, Arts and Recreation are a gateway for people of all ages to get outdoors, explore local waterways, appreciate wildlife, and increase mindfulness. And all summer long, adults and teens can stay active through classes like Zumba for Everybody, Creative Contemporary Dance and Get Golf Ready. Those looking to get creative can try Summer Solstice Mandala, Gelli Plate Mono Printing and Glass Mosaic Workshop.
Summer programs offered in partnership with the ONE Center include Kayak Strokes for Healthier Folks, a one-day introduction to kayaking on June 20, including basic maneuvers and water safety, preparing new kayakers to explore the Puget Sound and other local waterways all summer long.
On July 11, the creative workshop, Wonders of Watercolor Flowers welcomes painters of all experience levels, including beginners, are welcome to enjoy the garden ambience on ONE Center grounds, and learn how to craft lively watercolor blooms.
For lovers of nature and wildlife, Being with Birds provides a connection to the natural world through observation of bird habitat, flight and communication. This activity is available on June 20 and August 15.
On September 5, just before we transition to fall, the Mindfulness on Land and Water Day Retreat engages the senses as attendees reconnect with nature through beginner-friendly practice in Shinrin Yoku, forest therapy walks, and a kayaking excursion on Totten Inlet.
Explore Fun Summer Activities on the Olympia Parks, Arts and Recreation Website
You can view the complete catalog of summer recreation and summer camp offerings and register for programs on the Olympia Parks, Arts and Recreation website. For classes, activities and summer camps that are currently full, you are welcome to join the waitlist, and will be notified if additional slots become available. Call 360.753.8380 for more information.
