Looking for a way to keep your middle schooler active over the summer? With the temptation of television, computers and video games, pre-teens are often rather distracted. However, between camps and other activities, Atlanta offers numerous summer programs that will engage your child's interest, all while keeping him fit.
Karate
Kids can learn karate over the summer, which strengthens the body but also teaches children how to protect themselves if a dangerous situation should arise. Check out the Hung Gar Kung Fu Summer Camp, as it has classes suitable for children between the ages of 6 and 17. The camp runs for nine weeks from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Campers need not attend for the entire summer, though; you can choose which weeks fit your child's schedule.
Activities Camps
Camps such as the New Leaf Adventures Summer Camp and Camp Kingfisher at Cattahoochee Nature Center provide activities centered on exercise blended in with arts, science and culture. Your child will canoe, swim, hike, fish and kayak the days away. Other athletic components of the camps involve a rock climbing wall, volleyball, archery, skiing, knee boarding and mountain biking. Cooking class sessions are offered as well, so middle school students can begin to learn how to prepare their own healthy meals and snacks.
Sports Camps
The name "sports camp" does not necessarily imply a recreational establishment where skills are not honed. In fact, many of the camps provide intensive training so that children return to their school or fall sports teams with heightened skills. While Harlem Legends Shoot for the Stars Basketball Camps focuses on developing positive athletic and team skills, Champions Fast Pitch Academy and The Longhorn Club-Kell High School Fast Pitch Booster Club emphasize the skills of hitting, pitching and catching.
Swimming
Summer is the perfect time for swimming, since kids have the option to take a dip in both indoor and outdoor pools. Middle school students 13 years and over are welcome to take one of the adult courses at Sugarloaf Pool or Hamilton Mill Pool. If your child is a more competitive and advanced swimmer, enroll her in one of the swim teams. Numerous 14-and-under and 13-and-under teams welcome the middle school population.
Dance
With the heat and humidity, children do not want to be outdoors all day long. Enrollment in a dance class will provide exercise, yet keep them cool. For a rigorous program in ballet, visit the Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education. If your child is interested in the theatrical or performing arts, sign him up for the program with the Atlanta Workshop Players, where he will sing, dance and engage in circus arts and acrobatics.
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