Arcadia News — award winning neighborhood news since 1993
April 2023
April 2023, page 66

2 SUMMER ’23 PUBLISHER Greg A. Bruns greg@arcadianews.com EDITOR Mallory Gleich mallory@arcadianews.com DESIGN & LAYOUT Gabe Turner gabe@arcadianews.com ADVERTISING Roni Mier roni@arcadianews.com PLAN FOR SUMMER FUN There’s always something happening in the Valley of the Sun, and with plenty of suggestions, our list can help you decide 4 9 10 7 READY ON THE SET! These camps are all about filmmaking, teaching campers the dos-and-don’ts and the ins-and-outs of the industry, while they learn how to make their own movies. WHAT’S COOKIN’? Cooking isn’t just for adults anymore! These summer cooking camps help youngsters learn the tips and tricks of the professionals while creating tasty dishes in the process. SUMMER SCRUBS Thanks to The University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, teens interested in the medical field can get a hands-on experience with the Summer Scrubs program. 3850 E Indian School Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85018 • 602-840-6379 • arcadianews.com It wasn’t until I started writing the Arcadia News Summer Camp Guide that I realized how many summer camps are available in Arizona and around the country. I also learned what summer camp truly means to our youth. The benefits are plenty: making friends, learning new skills, finding new passions…these days, camps even offer educational “classes” to keep kids fresh and up-to-date on their studies. This year, we’ve focused on growing those passions – and lending a helping hand when possible: kids can learn about different animal ecosystems with animal camps, learn all about the medical field with the Summer Scrubs program, or even learn what happens behind-the-scenes with a filmmaking camp. Don’t take too long to decide – sources tell us camps are filling up fast! We hope you enjoy our 2023 Arcadia News Summer Camp Guide . Please reach out to editor@arcadianews.com with any feedback or future ideas. Happy summer camp days, and thank you for reading Arcadia News! EDITOR’S NOTE AWA R D W I N N I N G N E I G H B O R H O O D N E W S S I N C E 19 9 3 xccc PHOTO COURTESY OF ODYSEA AQUARIUM Contents

3 SUMMER ’23 I f your child likes to be one with nature and would love to hang out with animals all day, these animal-themed camps might just be the ticket for a furry, fuzzy or amphibious summer adventure. AZ HUMANE SOCIETY CAMPS 1521 W. Dobbins Road, Phoenix Ages: 5-17 8 a.m.-4 p.m. June 5-July 30 Price : Starting at $300, depending on the camp The Arizona Humane Society has multiple camps for kids ages 5 to 17. During Animal Ed-Ventures, campers will discover how they can make a difference in the lives of animals as they encounter a variety of animal ambassadors, interactive games and activities and enrichment projects that benefit homeless pets. In Junior EAMT, campers explore the world of AHS’ animal rescuers alongside real-life Emergency Animal Medical Technicians. Preteens interested in animal rescue can practice field medicine techniques, learn to use rescue equipment, and get firsthand experience. Wild Wonders is the most hands-on camp, where attendees learn to preserve, coexist and keep pets safe while hanging out with special animal guests. azhumane.org ARIZONA SCIENCE CENTER 600 E. Washington St., Phoenix Ages: 1 st -2 nd grade 9 a.m.-4 p.m. June 5-9, July 10-14 Price: $260 members, $295 non-members Arizona Science Center is offering camps with all sorts of themes this year, including one with animals – desert animals, to be exact! Sonoran Science Camp is available for first and second graders and focuses on the desert climate in Arizona. Throughout the week, campers will explore native plants and animals, and find out what allows them to survive in one of Earth’s harshest environments. Campers will also explore the geology, landforms and water sources that allow plants, animals and humans to thrive in the desert. azscience.org CAMP OCEAN Odysea Aquarium, 9500 E. Via De Ventura, Scottsdale Ages: 1 st -8 th grade 9 a.m.-3 p.m. May 29-July 21 Price : $400 per camper, per week Camp Ocean provides a fun and unique learning environment for those interested in exploring the ocean and its inhabitants. Fins, Feathers and Fur: All about Animals is for grades 1-2, where campers learn about aquatic and terrestrial animals dependent on the oceans and their ecosystems by exploring their characteristics, adaptations, diets and food chain, with interactive and fun activities. Land, Sea and Sky: Habitats of the World is geared toward grades 3-5, where campers take an interactive tour around the world, exploring the planet’s animal habitats. Campers will learn about ecosystems within each habitat and how animals within them are interdependent. Junior Marine Biologists: Care and Conservation is for grades 6-8. Campers will better understand oceans and what we can do to help protect them. This camp will facilitate behind-the-scenes experiences that will teach what it takes to care for these animals. odyseaaquarium.com CAMP ZOO Phoenix Zoo, 455 N. Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix Ages: K-sixth grade Time: 8-11:30 a.m. for kinder kids, 8 a.m-2:45 p.m. for first-sixth graders Price : $189-$325 – depends on timing and membership At Camp Zoo, attendees will get a behind the scenes look as they explore a week in the life of caring for the animals through science experiments, games, trail hikes and up-close animal encounters. Each grade will get the opportunity to explore a unique role. Kindergarten “Zookeepers” get to explore the daily care of animals and everything an animal needs to live there. Grades 1-2 are “Zoologists,” where they get to explore the science behind animal behavior and how studying animals helps the zoo understand animals in the wild. Grades 3 and 4 are the “Veterinarians,” who will dig into the world of animal health and wellness by learning how to develop an animal care plan and seeing what it’s like to be a veterinarian. Grades 5 and 6 are “Conservationists,” who will practice the science of conservation and see how the Phoenix Zoo helps efforts around the world. phoenixzoo.org REPTILE ENCOUNTERS Phoenix Herpetological Society, 20701 N. Scottsdale Road Ages: 5-14 Times vary June 5-July 31 Price: $200-$300 The Phoenix Herpetological Society offers various weekly camps for different age groups, ranging from Reptile Encounters, Lizard Camp, Vet Camp and volunteer camps. PHS says, “the best way to learn about the animals is from the animals themselves!” Campers can engage in STEAM activities, animal interactions, games and help care for the animals. phoenixherp.com Adventures with paws, claws, fins and scales PHOTO COURTESY OF ARIZONA HUMANE SOCIETY PHOTO COURTESY OF ODYSEA AQUARIUM