Ah, the sounds of summer: poolside splashes, the spritz of cold soda cans, the giggles of kiddos — and their inevitable whining that there’s nothing to do. Here’s a cure for those quintessential summertime boredom blues: March them to summer camp — but not just any summer camp. Far from your usual fishing-and-campfires affairs, these camps are like mini-magnet schools sure to stoke your kids’ latest phases and crazes.
The Fashion District in New York City has nothing on Fashion Camp LV. Here, kids will learn to create inspiration boards, as well as sketch and drape on half-scale models. Budding designers will go home with practically a closet’s worth of accessories — tote bag, bracelet, T-shirt, a belt — some of which they design and create themselves. No poseurs here: Fashion Camp LV ( fashioncamplv.com, 475-5512) promises that all its instructors have experience in the fashion industry. Classes are half- or full-day, appropriate for ages 7-17, and cost includes all materials.
Speaking of New York, Camp Broadway at The Smith Center ( thesmithcenter.com, 749-2538) brings a small bite of the Big Apple to little theater-lovers in Las Vegas. Styled after theatrical summer camps taught in New York City and other cities, Camp Broadway aims to inspire creative expression and teach the grand traditions of theatrical performance. It’s the one time you’ll want your kids to act out. One-week sessions take place in June and July for ages 6-9 and 10-17.
Little Earth-lovers might enjoy Summer Camp at Springs Preserve. Nature walks, tree-climbing and gorilla nest exploring — along with its rainforest exhibit, Gila monsters and all kinds of arts and crafts — reflect Springs Preserve ( springspreserve.org, 822-7700) at its best. Top that off with some classic camp activities each week — swimming at the YMCA, acting with the Drama Kids International — and you’ve got the best of both worlds. Weekly sessions start June 10-Aug. 23 for ages 6-12.
The Summer Camp at Discovery Children’s Museum ( discoverykidslv.org, 382-5437) — now settled into its big new digs at Symphony Park — promises to keep kids of all ages busy and engaged. So much to explore in so little time: chemistry, space, food and animals for starters, and arts, culture and acting for a grand (and tiring!) finish. Sessions run July 1-Aug. 2 with half- and full-day options for ages 6-9 and 10-12.
Fans of high-flying trapeze artists and bendy contortionists may be intrigued by The Las Vegas Performing Arts Intensive ( thelvpai.com, 375-2028). Summer camps don’t get any more Vegas than this: Kids will learn to dance, sing, act and even drum with performers, choreographers and directors from Blue Man Group, Celine Dion, Love, Le Rêve, The Jabbawockeez, Lion King and other Strip staples. Sessions take place at Art Square Theater at Art Square downtown, and run July 1-19 for ages 10-14