2019 Summer Camp Guide

Not to rush you, but summer break will be here before we know it. If you’re making plans for your family’s vacations, don’t forget to book a week or two of camp activities for the kids.

Our guide to local summer camps should help you find overnight and day camps that work for your family. Register early, since many camps fill up quickly.

Brainy Bytes Technology

STEM adventures await, whether you are looking to conquer robot, drone and minecraft challenges, or wanting to create games, movies, 3-D objects, websites and more. Weekly half-day and full-day camps for ages 5 and up. Locations in Cobb and Cherokee counties. 770-826-0449. 

Camp Acworth

Established in 1999, Camp Acworth is a summer day camp for ages 6-14 (children attending first-eighth grade in the upcoming school year) that provides a safe and active environment for children to enjoy their summer. Campers will enjoy various outdoor activities, including swimming, canoeing, hiking and archery, as well as arts and crafts and team sport activities. Each week, campers go on a field trip to places like Medieval Times, the Georgia Aquarium, and the World of Coke. Weekly guests visit Camp Acworth and teach kids a variety of subjects, ranging from public safety to performing arts. Contact the camp staff at 770-917-1234 or campacworth@acworth.org.

Camp Gideon

A Christian camp located on Lake Allatoona that offers day and overnight camping programs to engage youngsters socially, spiritually and physically through a variety of outdoor activities. IMPACT Leadership Camp (co-ed, ages 12-plus) June 9-14, Discovery Day Camp (co-ed, ages 5-11) June 10-14, Camp Remix (co-ed, overnight ages 8-12, day campers ages 5-11) June 17-21, 24-28 and D24 Overnight Camp (co-ed, ages 7-13) July 1-5.

Camp Juliette Low

An overnight camp for girls ages 7-17 that offers outdoor programs to foster self-confidence, independence, teamwork and leadership. Traditional camping, platform tents, outdoor adventure, fun and friendship await. One- and two-week sessions available June 3-July 28. Located on Lookout Mountain in Cloudland, Ga. For more information, call 770-428-1062, email info@CJL.org.

Cobb County 4-H

Cobb County 4-H provides multiple summer camping opportunities for Cobb County students in grades 4-12 (based on the 2018-19 school year). Registration is open and based on a first-come, first-served basis. Spaces are limited and fill quickly. Walk-in and mail-in registrations only. A registration application and deposit of $100 is required to reserve your child’s space. Cash, credit/debit cards (no American Express), checks and money orders are accepted at the Cobb County Extension Office, 678 S. Cobb Drive, Suite 200, Marietta. For more information, call 770-528-4070 and ask to speak with a 4-H staff member.

Cobb County Parks

Choose from a variety of summer activities for young people, including art, tennis, golf, gymnastics, nature camps, etc. Online registration is available for many of the camps. Contact the hosting facility directly for details about a specific program.

Day Camp

Hosted 9 a.m.-5 p.m July 15-19 by Johnson Ferry Church, this an opportunity for children to have fun, develop relationships and grow in their faith. Activities include Bible study, crafts, games, picnics and field trips. Camp directors are Danny Downing and Sheryl Gates. Camp is for boys and girls who have completed grades 1-2 during the 2018-2019 school year. Cost is $120 per student. Children need to bring their own lunch each day. 955 Johnson Ferry Road, Marietta. For more information, contact 678-784-5300 or danny.downing@jfbc.org.

Josh Powell Camp

For more than 40 years, Josh Powell Camp has been a place for kids to be kids, unplug and play in the great outdoors. Located at 5242 Wade Green Road, Acworth, it offers 10 sessions during the summer for 5- to 8-year-olds (current K-second graders). No technology distractions, just simple outdoor fun. A typical session includes arts and crafts, canoeing, fort building, tether ball, archery, kickball, wiffle ball, nature walks, jewelry making, rock climbing and more. Call or text 678-369-0780.

Northwest Family YMCA

Summer camp experiences available at Northwest Family YMCA, 1700 Dennis Kemp Lane, Kennesaw. Traditional, preschool, teen and specialty camps offered. For more information, call 770-423-9622 or visit www.ymcaatlanta.org/program-locations/summer-camp/kennesaw.

Kennesaw State University’s SummerU

The Summer University experience is an engaging combination of learning and enjoyment. Courses are designed to give students an opportunity to explore their creativity, challenge their minds and build new friendships. From rising first graders to 12th graders, there are courses for every age. The setting and subjects are academic, and the tone and atmosphere are lively and fun. For more information, visit summeru.com.