Summer time does not have to be bummer time. Yes, your job as a parent will get harder the minute school’s out. And there will be tough decisions on how to keep your keiki busy that you’ll have to make all summer. But keep this in mind: no matter what your kid is into, there’s probably a camp for that.
From day camps to overnight camps, adventure and outdoors, sports to enrichment, we’ve taken a look at what these next few hot months can offer our youth. Some cost money, but others are free. Either way, your kid will make new friends, learn new things and cherish those summertime memories. So please peruse this guide to mix and match programs that you think will will keep your keiki occupied during the summer.
These Maui summer activities for kids will have your youth productive and ready for the next school year.
Horsemanship
Are you wrangling some wanna-be cowboys and cowgirls this summer? Send them to work on a ranch or choose one of these paniolo horsemanship and equestrian lesson camps.
MAKANI‘OLU RANCH SUMMER PROGRAM – Daily (except Sat and Sun). Explore the intricate inner workings of horsemanship at this working Central Maui ranch. Gain crucial confidence and experience in working with these glorious creatures. Approaching, saddling, bridling, gait and horse anatomy is taught. Ages 8 and up. 808-870-0663. MakaniOluRanch.com. 9am. Waikapu.
MAUI PONIES DAY CAMP – Daily (except Sat and Sun). They offer equestrian lessons all year, day camps during the summer. Horse lovers learn animal husbandry and gardening amid snacks, games and fun. Beginners welcome. Bring your own lunch. Ages 2-12. 1 Day of Camp: $75, 5 days of Camp: $325, 10 days of Camp: $625, Private Lessons $45/hour. Melissa Sowers at info@mauiponies.com; 808-280-6144. 9am. Kula.
OHANA RANCH SUMMER CAMPS – Daily (except Sat and Sun). Get horseback riding techniques, horse care and games at this ranch that has horses of every size. Ages 5 and up. Contact Toni Martin at ohanaranchmaui@gmail.com; 808-298-5864. 9am. Kula.
PIIHOLO STABLES SUMMER CAMPS – Daily (except Sat and Sun). Horse rides daily for every level in a great learning environment. Plenty of fun and games for the students as well. Ages 5 and up. Call Jillian at 808-298-7390. 9am. Makawao.
Adventure
Does your keiki crave fresh air and the excitement of adventure? There are plenty of hands-on camps for the budding marine biologist, animal welfare advocates, ocean sports enthusiast and nature explorer.
ANIMAL CAMP – Daily (except Sat and Sun). Animal lovers unite at this Human Society camp that teaches appreciation of life. The days have crafts, activities, animals and special guest speakers. Groom shelter pets and learn more about being good pet owners. The camp is themed each week. Session 1 (June 8-12) is “All Things Animal”–perfect for the first-time camper. Session 2 (June 22-26) is “Weird World of Animals”–a celebration of the world’s weirdos. Session 3 (July 20-24) is “Animal Camp Theater”–campers use theater to advocate for pets. Stop by the shelter or visit Mauihumanesociety.org to register online. For questions, call 808-877-3680, ext. 220 or email education@mauihumanesociety.org. Runs 8:30am-3:30pm. Cost: $145 per session or $35 per day. Limit 12 campers per session.. 8:30am. Pu‘unene. (NOTE: This camp is sold out, but you can register now for waitlist).
BIKE PARK MAUI – Mon, Tue, and Wed. Get your kid in the fresh air and on two wheels at the Bike Park camp Upcountry. Participants will focus on riding, movement and communication. All ages stretch, do off-bike exercises and progress to the next level throughout the camp’s five weeks. $185/3-day camp. Contact 808-740-8405 or Bikeparkmaui.com. 9am. Makawao.
DIANE’S GYMNASTICS ACADEMY SUMMER CAMP – June 4-Aug 14. Days filled with exciting gymnastics, positive team building, energetic group games, snack time, arts and crafts and camaraderie at Diane’s Academy. Ages 4 and up welcome. Full or half days: $41.67/half day, $62.50/full day, $156.25/5 half day sessions, $260.42/5 full day sessions. Family discount: $62.50/2 children, half day, $104.17/ 2 children, full day (all prices include tax). Call the front desk at 808-298-9352, email info@dianesgymnastics.com or register at Dianesgymnastics.com. DGA Gymnasium is inside CrossFit Maui at 393 Lehuakona St., Kahului.
JEAN-MICHEL COUSTEAU’S AMBASSADORS – Daily (except Sat and Sun). Become stewards while exploring marine life, rainforests and cultural areas of northwestern Maui with the Ambassadors of the Environment program. Half days available. Ages 5 and up. Program includes snacks, material and equipment. Call 808-665-7292. $299/week. 9:30am. Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment at The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, (One Ritz-Carlton Drive, Kapalua)
MAUI PREP SUMMER ACADEMY – Sun. July 12-31. One three-week session of pure summer enrichment and adventure. Mornings feature three options: marine science; ocean sports including surfing, paddling and outrigger canoeing; and English language learning. Afternoons begin with students choosing electives–scuba certification, studio art, TOEFL practice, technology design, Hawaiian music and culture, tennis, golf and ocean sports. Ages 13 and up. Call Susie Jones-Director of Residential Life & Summer Academy 808-665-9966 or cell 808-895-3043. Or email sjones@mauiprep.org. Online information at Mauiprep.org/summer. Group accommodations available. Napili.
NATURE AWARENESS CAMP WITH LIVING COMPASS – Sat. Jun 27-Mon. Jun 29. Take it back to nature with this unique overnight camp that invites participation from adults and children to connect with nature. Explore emotion, compassion and community with the planet. Camp, food, amenities are included. Contact voiceoftheaina@gmail.com or Livingcompassmaui.com. $395/adult, $175/keiki.
SURF CAMP WITH MAUI SURFER GIRLS – Mon. Jul 6 – Sat. Jul 25. Teen girls will learn more than surfing at this confidence-building and empowering ocean camp. No surf experience necessary. Choose from 1-, 2- or 3-week sessions in July. Dustin Tester has been running this rite of passage camp for 15 years. Includes oceanfront lodging, meals, equipment, surf coaching and adventure. 1-week camp: July 6-12, $1,950; 2-week camp: July 6-25, $3,350; 3-week camp July 6-25, $4,650; Mauisurfergirls.com or call Tester at 808-280-8165. Register now for waitlist.
PAINTBALL CAMP – Mon. Jun 8 – Jul 17. Three different two-week intensive paintball camps will be offered at Oluwalu’s Paintball camp. Students learn an off-field curriculum that will cover safety, marker types, maintenance, equipment application, game types, competitive play, posture, angles, communication, health and tactics. The course is in the Olowalu forest with forts, barricades and trees. Maui Paintball also assists with facilitating car-pooling from the Westside, Southside, Central Maui and Upcountry. Parents can participate free with their child, and they can request a phone call if there is an absence. Lunch can be brought, bought or foraged at the Olowalu Store. Special package discounts on equipment and paintballs available. Ages 10 and up. 1st two-week session June 8–19, 2nd two-week session June 22–July 3, 3rd two-week session July 6–17. $50 per camp plus cost of paintballs at $65/case. Call 808-866-7034 or go to MauiPaintball.com. Maui Paintball, Olowalu.
PACIFIC WHALE FOUNDATION OCEAN CAMP – Mon. Jun 8-Fri. Jul 24. Led by Pacific Whale Foundation’s marine education team, the program features field trips including tidepool explorations, snorkel cruises, museums, surfing, windsurfing and beach visits, plus games, art and hands-on science. Weekly themes include June 8-12 Playful Pinnipeds; June 15-19 Coral Reef Communities; June 22-26 Spineless Wonders; June 29-July 3 Fabulous ‘n Fancy Fish; July 6-10 Hooray for Humpbacks; July 13-17 Delve into the Deep, July 20-24 World Wide Whales. Ages 6 and up. Registration is $325 for a week or $80 for a day. Pacific Whale Foundation Members pay a discounted rate of $260 for a week or $64 for a day, membership is $60. Call 808-249-8811 ext. 1 or visit Pacificwhale.org. 8am to 4pm. Ma‘alaea.
PAIA YOUTH & CULTURAL CENTER – Tues-Sat. The relaxed and inviting atmosphere of the Paia Youth & Cultural Center welcomes making new friends, learning life skills, entertainment and participating in sports. Membership is free, just follow their reasonable house rules. Discover body-boarding, skating, video, photography, 88.9FM RadiOpio, cooking, outdoor adventures, creative art and sports. Membership offers pool tournaments, basketball, outdoor team sports, hula hooping, yoga, ping pong, music, videos, games, art projects, Friday night movies and a computer and media lab. Ages 9 thru high school. 11am-7pm. Stonewave Sk8park open till 9pm Thurs, Fri, Sat. some fees apply. Call 808-579-8354. Paia.
YMCA SUMMER PROGRAMS – Mon. June 8–July 31. The YMCA prides itself on a full summer curriculum of various day camps. They have specialty day camps at their Kahului facility called Camp Moana and other day camps at their Kihei sessions called Camp Nalu held at Kihei Elementary, ages 4 to 13. Specialty camps include Archery 9-11am, 8-13 years. Basketball Camp 8:30-10:30am, 4-13 years. Cooking Camp 9:30-11:00am, 8-13 years. Soccer Camp 9-11am, 4-13 years. Swim Camp 4-13 years. Baking Camp, 8-13 years. Gardening Camp, 4-13 years. When not in specialty camps, attendees are participating in the Camp Moana schedule. Call 808-242-9007 or go online at Mauiymca.org. 7:30am-5:30pm. Kahului and Kihei.
AKAKU MOBILE VIDEO TRAINING – Tue. Jun 23-Jul 25. The young and curious mind that wants to record and create stories utilizing the high tech world of mobile devices will flourish in this video production course. Ages 11-18. This is a 30-hour commitment: Tuesdays and Thursdays and an all-day Saturday, with two groups either 10am-1pm or 2-5pm. Call Akaku Maui Community Media at 808-871-5554, or email kat@akaku.org or go online at Akaku.org. Free. Akaku Media Lab, 333 Dairy Rd., Kahului.
Arts and Performance
Are you living with a mini drama queen? Does your little one crave the limelight of the stage? Do you have a petite Picasso on your hands? Channel all that fabulous creativity in dance, art and song this summer. There are so many possibilities for Maui’s young budding artists.
ALEXANDER ACADEMY OF PERFORMING ARTS DANCE CAMPS – Mon-Fri. Dance camps for all ages and levels to enrich your budding dancer in all aspects of creative movement from tumbling, jazz, arts and crafts, dance games, ballet, contemporary, improvisation, choreography, conditioning and more. Ages 3 1/2 to 5 1/2 are invited to the Frozen Camp from June 15-19, 9am-12pm, $150. Ages 5 1/2 to 8 are invited to Frozen Camp, June 22-26, 9am-12:30pm, $165. Ages 10 to adult, intermediate-advanced level dancers are invited to Dance Intensive Camp, July 6-10, 9am-2pm, $200. Call 808-878-8970, email dance@alexanderacademy.info or go to Alexanderacademy.info. Bring your own snacks and lunch. Each Friday there is a finale performance showcasing the dancers. Alexander Academy of Performing Arts in Kula, behind the Kula Community Center.
CAMP CENTERSTAGE – Sun. Jun 7-11. This five-day overnight camp of drama immersion instills theater, art and confidence away from home. Campers acquire new friends, skills and self-discovery in a judgment-free zone designed to encourage campers to explore their artistic and theatrical side. Camp ends with a showcase finale on Thursday. Ages 8 to 17. $450. Call 808-385-4138 or go online at Campcenterstage.org. Held at Camp Olowalu
CAMP KALUANUI – Mon. June 8-Aug 7. Every week there’s a new theme to the arts and crafts explored at the Hui No‘eau Visual Arts Center day camp. The historic Kaluanui Estate provides the fertile artistic mind with inspiration for the diverse visual arts curriculum geared to stretch minds, exercise imaginations, keep the body active and introduce new idea generating techniques. June 8-12: School of Rock–Art Inspired by Music; June 15-19: Animal House–A Zookeeper’s Dream Camp; June 22-26: Weird Science–The Art of Invention; June 29-July 3: Underwater Adventures–Creativity Under the Sea; July 6-10: House of the Sun–Hawaiian Habitats, Myths and Legends; July 13-17: WWPD (What would Picasso do?)–Learning from the Masters; July 20-24: The Secret Garden–Flora, Fauna & Fantasy; July 27-31: I’m an Architect–Design and Build; Aug 3-7: Fun with Fiber–Fashion & Costumes. Ages 5 and up. Tuition: $215 ($269 non-member) plus supply fee: $35 per week; single-day tuition: $75 ($94 non-member) plus supply fee: $7. Call 808-572-6560, stop by the front desk to register or go to huinoeau.com. 9am-4 pm.
MAUI ACADEMY OF PERFORMING ARTS SUMMER DANCE CAMPS – Mon. July 13–24. Students learn jazz, ballet, hip-hop, stage presence, memorization, flexibility, coordination and teamwork in these 5-day intensive camps from MAPA. Fun performances on Fridays showcase the dancers’ abilities. Ages 6-10. Register for one or two weeks, $195/week. Call 808-244-8760 or download registration forms at Mauiacademy.org/sumr.asp. 9am-2pm. MAPA, 2027 Main St., Wailuku
MAUI ACADEMY OF PERFORMING ARTS YOUTH MUSICAL THEATRE CAMP – Wed. June 10-July 26, with performances July 17-26. This intensive camp provides training in singing, dancing and acting with performance experience in MAPA’s summer production of the musical Oliver. Students develop skills in acting, singing and dancing through a rigorous and fun curriculum taught by professional teaching artists. The program provides each student with over 100 hours of instructional, rehearsal and performance time. Students also audition for roles in the culmination of the camp’s two musicals, complete with sets, costumes and lights. The performances give students the opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge and skills they have gained through the classes and rehearsals. Ages 9-13. $875. Scholarships and payment plans are available. Call 808-244-8760, or download registration forms at Mauiacademy.org/sumr.asp. 9am-2pm. MAPA, 2027 Main St., Wailuku
MARTI KLUTH MUSIC STUDIO SHOW CHOIR CAMP – Mon. Jun 1-5. Join Marti Kluth to tune up your vocal abilities. This choir camp is perfect for the child who loves to sing. Students learn fun pop songs complete with dance moves, create their own customized costumes and perform for family and friends on the last day. No experience necessary to join in the fun, but after graduation attendees are welcome to join Maui Singsation, Maui’s show choir. Ages 8-18. $150. Call 808-276-4847, mkluth@mkluth.com, www.mkluth.com. 9am-noon. Marti Kluth Music Studio, Kihei.
THEATRE THEATRE MAUI – Mon Jun 8-July 19. The Westside’s longest running summer theater camp introduces Annie Jr. for their 2015 season. Campers ages 9 to 18 participate in every aspect of the production including set construction, activities, song, dance, acting and props. Great boy and girl acting roles are open and all of the parts are open and filled with youth campers. Call 808-661-1168 or 808-419-1753 or email angie@ttmwestmaui.org. 8:30am-2pm. Sacred Hearts School, Lahaina.
Wee Camps
Don’t be discouraged if your tiny tot is too small for the above programs. They will get there! In the mean time, here are some programs that cater to those busy hands and minds.
LITTLE EXPLORERS MAUI PRESCHOOL SUMMER CAMP PROGRAM – June 1-July 25. Little Explorers Maui has two facilities. The Wells Street location is for 2 and early 3-year-olds, while the Lower Main location is for the 3, 4 and 5-year-olds. Summer programs offer lots of discover, fun and friendship. Both locations feature different curriculums. Potty trained is not required. Daily drop-in or up to weekly rates available. Daily rate of $46.87 or part-time 5 days/ full-time 5 days; pricing starts at $520. Call 808-244-2112 or email info@littleexplorersmaui.com or go to littleexplorersmaui.com. 7:15am-5pm. Wailuku.
SOUTH MAUI SUMMER EXPLORERS PROGRAM – Mon. Jun 8–Jul 17. Summer Explorers wants your wee one to form friendships, enhance his/her sense of community, enrich his/her appreciation of the arts and continue his/her academic environment. Each week it is a different theme. They maintain a 1:12 staff-to-child ratio of direct supervision. No juice or chocolate. Each camper will need to bring a snack, lunch and reusable water bottle each day (except Friday). We will provide water for the campers throughout the day. On Friday, we will provide our campers with a pizza party. Primary Camp ages: 3-kindergarten (must be full potty trained). Elementary Camp ages: 6-10. $250/week, early bird registration discount–five percent off if you register by May 15. Ten percent off for sibling discount. Register for all six weeks and get one week free. Call Program Director Patty Herren at 808-874-7441. 8am-3pm. Montessori Hale O Keiki, 100 Kulanihakoi St., Kihei.
MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF MAUI PRIMARY SUMMER CAMP – Mon. Jun 8-July 17. Your child will enjoy the wonder of nature on these beautiful Makawao grounds with plenty of time outdoors, guided nature and art activities, story time and rest. In practicing Dr. Maria Montessori’s philosophy of following the collective spontaneous interests of the children, their dedicated team will provide peaceful learning and fun on this beautiful campus. Six-week session: $1,500; two-five weeks: $325/week. Call or email Momi Chun at momic@momi.org or 573-2706 or register online at Momi.org. 2933 Baldwin Ave., Makawao.
Sports
Sometimes, kids just want to play sports.
ALOHA VOLLEYBALL SUMMER CAMP – Mon. June 8-Jul 25. Learn, play and make friends playing sand volleyball this summer. No previous experience required. Coed groups. Tourneys each weekend. Private training available. Ages 10 and up. $340. Call Scottie Zucco at 808-298 9623 or email info@alohavolleyball.com. Alohavolleyball.com.
BASKETBALL SKILLS CAMP – Jun 22–26. This camp focuses on the crucial keys to becoming a great player in four focus areas: individual offense, defense, shooting and team skills. Campers are separated into teaching groups and training is based on their age and ability. Basketball Skills Camps emphasis extensive skill development, intensity, enthusiasm, leadership and teamwork. BasketballMAUI gathers high quality coaches for the job. Boys and girls, ages 7-13. Register online: Basketballmaui.com. 9am-3pm. Lahaina Civic Center, Kamehameha Pukalani Campus.
BASKETBALL CAMP ‘NEXT LEVEL’ ADVANCE PLAYER – Jun 22–26. The “Next Level” Advanced Player Camp is for advanced high school athletes who want a very competitive camp experience. Campers will be challenged by former Div. I College player and trainer Ryan Appleby, along with other college level coaches and players. This camp involves position specific training, personal training, life skills development and challenge groups. The “Next Level” Camp is designed for both male and female athletes, ages 14-19. All campers receive a camp t-shirt, photo and free entrance into the Night of Shooting Stars. Register online: Basketballmaui.com. 9am-3pm. War Memorial Gym.
CATALYST SOCCER CAMPS – The Catalyst Soccer week-long summer camps feature professional instruction to give your kids skills to develop in the beautiful sport of soccer. These camps will cover aspects of the game with special emphasis on the fundamentals of passing, shooting, dribbling, as well as many fun soccer-related games to challenge and excite the young player to new levels. Catalyst Soccer is directed by former MLS and European professional player Paul Holocher. Register online at Catalystsoccer.com or call 808-868-0073. Various prices. June 22-26: Central Maui; July 6-10: Upcountry; July 13-17: Lahaina; July 20-24: Kihei.
HST WINDSURFING CAMP – Jun-Aug. Windsurf with your friends, new and old, at beautiful Kanaha Beach Park. Their certified staff of patient instructors will teach you the skills of windsurfing in a fun and small group format. Ages 6-15. Call 808-871-5423 or go online to Hstwindsurfing.com. 8:45-11:30am.
SEABURY HALL SOCCER CAMP – Jun 4–6. The Seabury Hall Soccer Camp kicks off its 36th year of providing Maui’s youth quality training in soccer fundamentals. The camp develops a full range of technical skills, from passing and dribbling to finishing along with goalie training. Tactical training and skill reinforcement are emphasized during games played in the afternoon sessions. Ages 6-15. 1 Camp: $120 per child/$220 per family of two. 2 Camps: $220 per child/$420 per family of two; 3 Camps: $300 per child/$580 per family of two. Call 808-572-7235 or go online at Seaburyhall.org. Seabury Hall Campus, 480 Olinda Rd., Makawao.
SEABURY HALL SUMMER BASKETBALL CAMP – Jun 11-13. The second annual Seabury Hall Basketball Camp features former college basketball coach George Tarkanian.The camp focuses on fundamentals, skill development and strategy presented in a fun and dynamic way that will appeal to every skill level. Ages 6-15. 1 Camp: $120 per child/$220 per family of two; 2 Camps: $220 per child/$420 per family of two; 3 Camps: $300 per child/$580 per family of two. Call 808-572-7235 or go online at Seaburyhall.org. Seabury Hall Campus, 480 Olinda Rd., Makawao.
SEABURY HALL SUMMER FOOTBALL CAMP – Jun 8-10. The second annual Seabury Hall Football Camp features NFL great Irv Pankey and Curtis Allen, the founder of the California All-State Football game. Camp participants will receive expert instruction in the fundamentals of football for all positions tailored to each individual’s skill level. Ages 6-15. 1 Camp: $120 per child/$220 per family of two; 2 Camps: $220 per child/$420 per family of two; 3 Camps: $300 per child/$580 per family of two. Call 808-572-7235 or go online at Seaburyhall.org. Seabury Hall Campus, 480 Olinda Rd., Makawao.
TRACK & FIELD ADVENTURE CAMP – Jun 8–19. The Track & Field Adventure Camp covers basic running, jumping and throwing skills. It’s great for kids who want to increase speed and agility for other sports. In the afternoon, athletes will have a chance to enjoy the rest of their day by doing beach activities, hiking, Iao Valley swimming, Twin Falls, Movie Day Friday and more. Camp holds a maximum of 25 kids. The camp is for kids ages 7-18 and for beginners to advanced levels. $200 per week or $375 for both weeks. Fee includes instruction, snacks and transportation to afternoon venues. Call Rudy Huber at 808-280-5801 or Huber_rudy@yahoo.com.
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