Summer camps fit every interest, age

Parents wanting to keep their children active after school ends this week have a number of summer camp options. Camps offering taekwondo to drama to arts and crafts are included.

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Southeast Music Association Director Stephen Montgomery said this is the third year the teaching academy at Portman's Music Superstore in Martinez has held summer camps.

"They are a chance for kids that may not have time during the school year to learn and/or play an instrument," Montgomery said. "These camps are a healthy summer activity that (get) kids out of the house and (challenge) their intellects in a fun and exciting way."

The Southeast Music Academy already enrolls 250 students in private lessons.

"Our Rock Camp can give teens a positive and professional learning experience that can show them what it really takes to be in a band and be successful," he said. "Also, no one ever forgets their first real performance under the smoke and lights with the pounding of the drums, the thump of a bass and roaring guitars."

Students enrolling in Rock Camp will conclude the weeklong band rehearsal camp with a concert.

For Jennifer Housley, the opportunity to offer a summer camp to youngsters comes from a more personal experience.

"As a mother, I can empathize with parents/caregivers that would like to enroll their young ones in a safe quality camp that combines both education and fun," said Housley, the owner of Sorpresas, Moments of Celebration LLC. "I wanted to host our camps titledAround the World in Five Days so that we could provide the CSRA with camps that are new, fresh and unlike any other.

"Introducing our community's children to the geography, culture and different arts around the globe not only enriches their lives educationally but also allows them to understand the importance of diversity."

The new business owner said that in her first year of summer camps, she will focus on "creative, exciting and engaging ways for the children to be familiar with the continents through visuals, art, dance and taste."

"I genuinely believe that our camps will spark the interests of our campers so that they may continue to explore the diverse languages, history, art and cuisine from countries and cultures around the world," she said.