8 Camp Guide 2022 s summer approaches, kids are eagerly waiting for the days when they can head out off to camp to enjoy their break by learning new crafts and sports, meeting new friends and hanging by the pool. Collectively, these six camps have been around for over 170 years and they know the secret to keeping their campers safe, happy and active for summer break. SHELLY SCHEURING BROPHY SUMMER ENRICHMENT Brophy’s Summer Enrichment program has been ongoing for the past 15 years, and typically they serve more than 800 students each summer. Summer Enrichment Director Shelly Scheuring said that the athletic camps (football, basketball, baseball and soccer) are popular because the current Brophy coaches help teach the camps. This year, they’ve also added lacrosse. STEM classes such as engineering & experiments, computer coding, innovation camp, robotics, and Esports are popular with boys and girls. “We want our participants to have fun and get a break from hanging around the house,” Scheuring said. “We really want to engage them, make sure they learn and grow, and that they feel they are part of something bigger. In this case, they are part of Brophy, even if it’s just for four weeks. Many come back year after year.” brophyprep.org KARYN MILLER CACTUS DAY CAMP Karyn Miller spent her childhood summers attending camps in New York and Chicago. When she moved to the Valley, she noticed that Phoenix didn’t have traditional day camps, so she decided to open her own. Cactus Day Camp has hosted summer programs for 16 years. There are over 20 activities, arts and crafts and classes for kids to choose from. Miller said that swimming is definitely a favorite activity among counselors and campers. She said kids are also excited about archery and climbing, especially if they’ve never tried it before. These camps know how to survive and thrive What’s the secret? PHOTO COURTESY OF FRIENDLY PINES Bring Your Dog to Camp In-Person or Virtual * LEARN MORE TODAY: VISIT: www.azpowerpaws.org/programs/just-for-kids * Dog must be non-aggressive around other dogs. Dog must be under 61 pounds. Dog will be evaluated before camp. Payment for camp required to schedule evaluation. Each day camper and dog will receive a one-hour training basic obedience class each day (Canine Training Value $1,000). If during camp any dogs shows signs of aggression toward dogs or child. Dog will be removed from camp for the remainder of session. Camper can complete the remainder of the session. If your child loves dogs, is interested in helping people with disabilities and is looking for a fun way to spend the summer, sign up now! We will work with camper and their dog, in a fast paced, interactive class that will teach your child the basics needed to train assistance dogs. POWER PAWS... UNLEASHED • Students Ages 9-12 • Sessions are 9:00AM – 2:00PM • Tuesdays through Friday Only (Mondays Off) • Sessions: June 7 – June 17 June 21 – July 1 June 5 – July 15

9 Camp Guide 2022 “I believe that safety as a priority is one thing that makes a successful camp. Kids get exposure to a multitude of activities. I think that’s why parents choose us, because we’re a place to try new things; a place where kids can be kids and build friendship,” Miller said. She mentioned that accreditation and year-round planning also play a part in the success of Cactus Day Camp. “I live and breathe Cactus Day. I’ve been here from the start, and our leadership is consistent. I think that’s another thing that makes us so successful,” Miller said. cactusdaycamp.com ADAM ESPOSITO FRIENDLY PINES OVERNIGHT CAMP Friendly Pines Camp has been owned and operated by the May family since 1941 – four generations with over 80 years of experience. Program Director Adam Esposito has been part of the Friendly Pines family for seven years and has a surprising statistic to share: “You’d never guess it, but the single most popular activity at Friendly Pines is sewing! As a whole, though, encompassing five different activities, our horseback riding program is a favorite,” he said. Esposito said that keeping campers happy and providing them with opportunities for genuine human connection is the key to a successful camp. “There are many campers that when it’s time to go home, wish they could spend just a little more time here. They’ve made new friends in a world away from technology that is far more engaging than any screen could ever be,” he said. friendlypines.com ANN MARIE SUNDERHAUS HUBBARD SUMMER SWIM CAMP Hubbard Family Swim School was opened in 1998, and the camp has run every summer for the past 24 years. At Hubbard, campers play sports games and participate in a different theme each week. Camp Director Ann Marie Sunderhaus said that dodgeball games are a camp favorite. “In my opinion, exceptional staff, fun, organized, creative curriculum and consistent safety procedures make a summer camp successful,” Sunderhaus said. “Creating an environment in which campers feel safe is extremely important. Focusing on impacting the campers, developing them while allowing for the freedom of play and fun makes campers want to return each week!” hubbardswim.com CHRIS HALL PHOENIX COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL SUMMER CAMP PCDS’s Summer Camp has been open for more than 30 years. Chris Hall, director of communications, said that cooking classes, hands-on science, and indoor sports are popular. The self-contained classes for kindergarten and first-grade students provide school readiness with a good dose of fun. “What makes our camp successful is the variety of activities we have for kids, the mix of academic activities, sports, arts, enrichment, the daily choices for afternoon electives, and our fun, friendly, caring camp counselors that go out of their way to make our campers’ summer program experience phenomenal,” Hall said. pcds.org/summer SHONNA JAMES SHEMER SUMMER ART CAMP In 1984, Martha Shemer purchased a home and land in Arcadia and donated it to the City of Phoenix. Since then it has been showcasing and supporting Arizona artists – and is known as the Shemer Art Center. Since 2016, Shemer has hosted over 100 children every June for their Summer Art Camp. “Each day, our students get to spend two hours learning new drawing skills, two hours with our painting instructor, and two hours doing ceramics – the ceramics classes are often the most popular,” Executive Director Shonna James said. “Summer camps are something children remember for the friends they make, the experiences they have, the interesting things they learn, and the amazing works of art they create.” shemerartcenter.org In my opinion, exceptional staff, fun, organized, creative curriculum and consistent safety procedures make a summer camp successful. PHOTO COURTESY OF HUBBARD SWIM