8 SUMMER ’25 Specialty CAMPS his year, we rounded up a few Valley camps that focus on makin’ moves – whether that be on a gymnastics mat, in a kitchen or on a stage. Campers can immerse themselves in different industries by checking out the camps below. ANIMALS AZ HUMANE SOCIETY azhumane.org 5501 E. Van Buren St., Phoenix Ages: 5-17 Time: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Dates: June 2-July 25 Fee: Starting at $360, depending on the camp Arizona Humane Society has multiple camps for kids and teens. During Animal Ed-Ventures (for kids 6-8 and 9-11), 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. Arizona Humane Society joins the Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary and more for Wild Wonders, where campers learn to preserve, coexist and keep pets safe around our wild neighbors while meeting special animal guests from Valley organizations. Rescued hedgehogs, tortoises, and alligators will make an appearance. Shelter Explorers, for ages 11-13, will explore the world of animal advocacy, behavior, and veterinary medicine to build new skills and discover exciting roles in animal welfare. The Pet Vets program offers 13-15 year olds interested in becoming veterinarians a hands-on intro to veterinary science. Participants can observe live surgeries, engage in specimen dissections, and learn about animal anatomy, physiology, pet first aid, CPR, and various experiments. CAMP ZOO phoenixzoo.org 455 N. Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix Ages: 5-15 Time: 8-11:45 a.m. for kinder kids, 8 a.m-2:45 p.m. for first-sixth graders Dates: June 2-August 1 Fee: $270 for kinder, $385 for grades 1-6, $435 for middle schoolers At Camp Zoo, attendees will get a behind-the-scenes look as they explore a week in the life of caring for animals through science experiments, games, trail hikes and up-close encounters. Each grade will get the opportunity to discover a unique role. The Phoenix Zoo offers different programs for students of various grade levels. For Grades 1 and 2, “The Zoo & Me” explores how the zoo helps wildlife and how students can contribute to these efforts. Grades 3 and 4 engage in “The Zoo’s MVPs,” where they learn about the important roles both people and animals play in the zoo’s operations. For Grades 5 and 6, “The Zoo & Beyond” introduces students to the global conservation work of the Phoenix Zoo and emphasizes how everyone can contribute to wildlife conservation efforts. Seventh and eighth graders will partner with Horse Hands to focus on horsemanship, nature conservation, and leadership development. Campers will spend mornings working with equine keepers to care for horses, learning to groom, saddle, and ride by the end of the week. Afternoons will be dedicated to nature conservation, teamwork, and leadership skills. COOKING WHISKED AWAY whiskedaway.net 4823 E. Mulberry Dr., Phoenix Ages: 4-12+ Time: Ages 4-7 3-4:30 p.m.; ages 8-11 9 a.m.-12 p.m.; ages 12+ 2-5 p.m. Dates: May 28-June 13 Fee: Ages 4-7 $220; ages 8-12+ $340 Whisked Away is a small cooking school run by Arcadian Maggie Norris. Norris is a graduate of the Scottsdale Culinary Institute. Her background includes a stint at the Food Network in New York, where she worked with celebrity chefs like Mario Batali and Emeril Lagasse. Each camp includes lessons on kitchen safety, table manners, table setting, basic nutrition and lots of cooking and baking. Campers will learn at least four recipes each day. Sessions are currently on a wait list, so get your campers registered right away! PAULA JACQUELINE CAKES & PASTRIES paulajacqueline.com 4151 N. Marshall Way, Scottsdale Ages: 5+ depending on the class Time: 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 2-5 p.m. Dates: May 27-July 21 Fee: $350 for four days Paula Jacqueline offers three classes for mini-bakers. Petite Bakers Extravaganza is for kids aged 5-7. Campers will spend the week making yummy desserts and treats while learning core culinary and kitchen skills – but sign up fast, as these dates sell out quick! Totally Tiered is for ages eight and up. Class begins with sketching the cake of the camper’s dreams to go on the inspiration board. Then, bakers learn how to bake the perfect cake, including how to make buttercream and fondant, culminating in creating their cakes. Other camp and class themes include assorted dessert baking camp, breakfast time and Christmas in July. For the serious bakers, there’s the seventh annual Cake Competition. This year’s theme hasn’t been revealed yet, but campers will have to create a two-tier (minimum) cake and let their imaginations be their guide. Each competitor must complete at least one week of Totally Tiered to qualify. T

9 SUMMER ’25 MUSIC & THEATRE SCHOOL OF ROCK ARCADIA schoolofrock.com 2805 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix Ages: 7-18 Time: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Dates: May 27-July 25 Fee: $595 School of Rock offers music camps throughout the summer, focused on every genre imaginable: classic rock, punk rock, pop hits, pop legends. Campers can even learn the basics of songwriting and music theory. Here are just a few examples: ROOKIE CAMP Five to 7-year-old beginners will learn about different rock instruments and begin their introduction to music theory and appreciation. This camp runs Monday through Friday with a performance at the end of the last day. TAYLOR SWIFT CAMP Throughout the four days of this music camp, students will learn songs from all stages of Taylor’s career, culminating in a live performance. This camp features opportunities for vocalists and instrumentalists. Great for young musicians 8-18. BEST OF THE 80S Campers will perform hits from artists like Billy Idol, Devo, Cyndi Lauper, Van Halen, Flock of Seagulls, and more. Monday through Friday will be spent learning and practicing songs. Great for students 8-18 who have played their instrument for at least a year. ROCK 101 This camp is designed for beginners ages 7-12. Students will explore instruments through games and activities and learn songs by artists like the White Stripes, Green Day and Imagine Dragons. Camp ends with a concert for family and friends. PHOENIX CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC pcmrocks.org 1316 E. Cheery Lynn Road, Phoenix Ages: 3-18 Time: 9 a.m.-12 p.m. or 12:30-3:30 p.m. for ages 3-9; 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. for ages 7-18 Dates: June 9-July 25 Fee: $25 registration fee PCM was founded in 1998 and provides a range of music education and experiences to nearly 2,000 students every year. Programs range from introductory level in-house education and after school programs to more advanced private lessons. PCM’s camps for younger musicians focus on various musical topics, such as Music FUNdamentals, Ukulele & Percussion, Songwriting and Voice Camps and more. These include games and activities for attendees. For ages 9-13, PCM offers Summer Workshops, which are full-day classes where students can learn and play the guitar and piano, as well as learn about (and do!) songwriting and audio production. There’s also Camp Rock for those looking for a band setting and CPP Bootcamp that focuses on rehearsals, peer collaboration, learning form and performing on stage. Summer Intensives are for ages 14-18. Students will discuss different music styles, genres, techniques, and theories while discovering and playing music with peers. Camps may end with a performance for friends and family. PCM also offers a college prep program for students 9-17. PHOENIX THEATRE COMPANY phoenixtheatre.com 1825 N. Central Ave., Phoenix Ages: 7-17 Time: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Dates: May 26-July 25 Fee: $300 per week Phoenix Theatre Company offers various programs. Little Playmakers, for ages 4-6, focuses on a new theme each week as classes create an original mini-musical revue. Campers move, dance and sing to classics like Peter Pan , Frozen and Paw Patrol . In the Musical Theatre camps, attendees create a different revue based Specialty CAMPS on popular musicals and contemporary hits. Throughout the week a new show is rehearsed featuring music, choreography, and scene work. The show is polished for a performance on Friday which friends and family can attend in person. Master Classes for ages 7-17, include Camera Ready, where campers learn the skills needed to be successful in the performing arts: improvisation, public speaking, body language, memorization techniques, and more; or Pitch Perfect, in which campers become their own vocal group and learn technique, riffing, show choir style dance, and how to sing a cappella. Phoenix Theatre Company also partners with the Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center to provide an inclusive experience for children on the autism spectrum. SPORTS CACTUS DAY CAMP cactusdaycamp.com 6050 N. Invergordon Road, Paradise Valley Age: 4-13 Time: 8:30 a.m.-3:15 p.m. Dates: June 2-July 25 Fee: $1,475 for 10 days Cactus Day Camp offers a plethora of sports, including archery, swimming, gaga, team sports, tumbling, a rock wall, gymnastics, karate, soccer – even calm activities like yoga. There are also daily crafts, dance parties, model rocketry, mini golf, cooking, board games, water slide, foam pit and more. Daily pep rallies and camper’s choice activities, plus special events to finish off each week happen at Cactus Day. YOUTH & TEEN SUMMER CAMPS AVAILABLE AGES 6-18 MAY 27 - AUGUST 1, 2025 3720 N. Marshall Way, Scottsdale, AZ 85251 480. 990. 1422 I 800. 333. 5707 scottsdaleartschool.org