Summer 2016 will be here before you know it. What will your kids be doing during that long stretch between June and August? Will they be expanding their minds, learning a new skill or improving on an existing one, making lifelong friends from around the globe or enjoying day trips into NYC?

They will if they look at programs like these:

Rustic Pathways

Rustic Pathways is a 33-year-old leader in the student travel industry and was named the Best Youth Tour Operator by the 2015 World Youth Student and Educational Conference. We offer one to three week spring break and summer experiences, gap year programs, and private group trips in 18 different countries. Each program is carefully designed to help students have meaningful travel experiences, identify interests, gain confidence, and grow as individuals. All across the globe, we employ local staff and foster lasting relationships with the communities in which we work.  This enables our students to have service and travel experiences that are both immersive and authentic. Our team is full of genuine people, working tirelessly to ensure that you and your family have the best experience possible. Ultimately, we do what we do because we believe travel can transform students and the world for the better. For more information, visit RusticPathways.com or contact Helene Abrams at Helene@tipsontripsandcamps.com. 

Julian Krinsky Camps & Programs

Summer should be about doing something you love, meeting people from all over the world, preparing for college or your future career, or experiencing something brand new. Julian Krinsky Camps & Programs redefines the summer experience with our programs in business, cooking, fashion, art, science, and more!   Join students from over 35 states and 40 countries. With amazing university campuses, museums, food, history, and culture, Philly is the place to be this summer. You can join one of our 20 programs at the University of Pennsylvania, Villanova University, or Haverford College.  From the moment you arrive, we make every detail of your summer not only fun, but customized just for you! Experience cutting edge classes, high-caliber academic programs, trips along the East Coast, dorm life, as well as other on and off campus activities – the Krinsky Experience has mastered it all!  For more information, visit Jkcp.com or contact Helene Abrams at Helene@tipsontripsandcamps.com. 

French Woods

47 years ago, all summer camps had the same daily schedule, a regimented program of sports and traditional activities in a one-size-fits-all, limited choice schedule. When the French Woods Festival burst on the scene with a fully individualized, dynamic program focused on the performing arts with flexible session dates, it shook up the industry. Now, founder Ron Schaefer’s vision is fully realized and updated to cover, not just the performing arts, but nearly every activity, from the visual arts, circus arts, skateboarding, magic, sports, and of course, the theater, dance, and music programs that French Woods is famous for.  Today’s children love to choose their own activities, and they want to focus on the things they love. The French Woods festival gives them this choice while offering all the traditional benefits of personal growth, group bonding, fun, and experiences that are the ultimate payoff of spending the summer away at camp.  For more information, visit frenchwoods.com

LOCAL DAY CAMPS

J’s Art Camp

J’s Art Camp has been teaching fun, creative art classes in the North Dallas/Richardson/Plano area for over 20 years! We encourage our students to explore many different art media while teaching technical skills in acrylic, oil and watercolor painting, drawing, clay, and sculpture, as well as sewing, charcoal, and many others. Experienced, nurturing teachers in small classes help the artists realize their true creative potential! We teach kids’ art classes, adult art classes, organize art parties, and host both summer and winter camps. Beginner to advanced students welcome!  For more information, visit jsartstudio.com.

Dallas Young Artists

Singing! Dancing! Acting!  Dallas Young Artists presents a three week creative and fun musical theatre experience under the guidance of professionals in the musical theatre field. Dallas Young Artists gives your child (3rd grade – 12th grade) great opportunities to learn, grow, make friends, and create memories that will last a lifetime.  Classes are offered in acting, music, dance, and crafts, and there is also the opportunity to perform in a full-length musical.  Disney’s Little Mermaid is the musical for this June 2016 with all of the famous music and characters of the original.  The camp’s Fun Fridays offer performances by local professionals and a chance for our high school students to audition for local producers and receive feedback.  “We create young professionals” is the mission statement of the Dallas Young Artists and many of our alumni are working professionals in theatre and film.  For more information, visit dallasyoungartists.com. 

North Texas Performing Arts Summer Camp

Join North Texas Performing Arts as we present the 2016 Summer Camp season.  Learn from professional directors, actors, and singers who have worked on stages from Broadway to LA.  Starting June 6th, we have sessions at all three theater locations, Plano Children’s Theatre, Frisco Youth Theatre, and McKinney Youth Theatre. We offer morning, afternoon, and full day sessions, each packed full of acting instruction and creative experiences.

Our Art and Drama camps are for students ages 5-9, and our Production Camps are for students ages 7-12. NTPA offers an opportunity for anyone to come and learn from our talented staff of teachers and directors. To register go to www.northtexasperformingarts.org