How to make learning fun for your kids this summer

It’s May – and that means we’re doing to just a handful of weeks in the school year.

Do you know what you’re doing with your kids this summer?

Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered.

We asked Midlands organizations to tell us about their summer camp offerings, and we’ve got nearly 500 for you in a searchable format.

No matter your interest – sports, theatre, music, art, science and more – there are a lot of fun ways to make learning fun for your kids this summer.

We’ve selected 10 creative camps here to get you started. Find others – including sports – at http://summerfun.thestate.com.

Have a child who likes science? Clemson University’s Life Sciences Outreach Center has several sessions that would appeal to them, from investigating “crime” scenes at a forensic sciences camp to a cells, DNA and medicine camp for girls only. Grades range from fifth through 12th, depending on the camp; day and residential sessions offered at Clemson University. Various dates; camps start at $95. Vicki Corbin, vcorbin@clemson.edu.

Film

Is your teen interested in making movies? The Nickelodeon offers a session With some tips from local filmmakers on what makes a great horror flick, campers will create the plot for their own short film. Guided by Steffi Brinkmann and Jordan Young, campers will then script, shoot, and edit, creating a final chilling film to be screened at the Nickelodeon. July 11-16 at Nickelodeon; ages 13-16. $250. Seth Gadsden, seth@nickelodeon.org.

Fairies

Does your little one love fairies? Hammond School has a variety of fairy-themed camps, including a Fairy Training Camp. The Belle Fairies – known for their acts of kindness to others – live in an enchanted garden, where they dance and make merry. Come join fun-filled training camp and discover how those delightful creatures make the world a prettier place to live. Each fairy in training will create her own fairy costume, wand, fairy dust, and other fairy essentials and will earn her fairy wings through exciting assignments that will leave her family and friends smiling. Through fourth grade. June 13-17 at Hammond School; ages 5 through fourth grade. $175. Kevin White, kwhite@hammondschool.org

Opera

The Carolina Opera Experience at the University of South Carolina teaches the art of props, make-up, costumes, scenery and musical preparation. Students work with professional-level opera singers, directors and designers as they explore the basics of creating characters with and through music; participate in voice, music reading and rhythm exercises; and learn about set lighting and costume design. The week culminates in a public performance. July 11-15 at the USC School of Music; fifth- through 10th-graders. $185. Lisa Smith, lsmith@mozart.sc.edu

Robotastic!

EdVenture Children’s Museum offers Robotastic MMXIV. Motors, gears, sensors, LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 sets and some computer coding – mix it all up to build something amazing. Create simple animations with SCRATCH and KODU programming. July 18-22 at EdVenture; ages 8-10. $195. Kristy Barnes, kbarnes@edventure.org

Outdoor adventures

Get active this summer with Heathwood Hall’s Outdoor Adventure Camp. It includes biking, paddling and climbing on the ropes course. June 20-24 at Heathwood Hall Episcopal School; third through eighth grades. $175. Valerie Moore; camps@heathwood.org

Fashion

Is your child interested in fashion? Then Columbia Museum of Art’s Project Funway might be the perfect fit. From drafting to crafting, campers will learn all about fashion design as they create their own wearable art inspired by artwork in the collection. The week culminates with a fashion show in the galleries. June 20-24 at the art museum; ages 8-12. $175. Glenna Barlow, artschool@columbiamuseum.org

Kayaking

Get out on the water with this Kayak Camp offered through the Irmo Chapin Recreation commission at Saluda Shoals Park. Campers will learn universal paddling symbols, strokes, river terminology, geology, and some local history. The camp will conclude with a guided trip downstream. Campers should bring sunscreen, water, and a hat. June 28-30 at the park; ages 10-15. $105. Angie Senn, asenn@icrc.net.

Theatre

Town Theatre offers Makeup Design from Zombie A(pocalypse) to (o)Z. Everyone will have a blast learning crazy makeup tricks. Transform yourself into magical and mystical characters like the Wicked Witch from Wizard of Oz or one of those cool zombies on The Walking Dead. “Grow” a beard or, better yet, grow “old” in one afternoon. You’ll leave this class with the skills so that you can continue to create fun and crazy characters through simple, but effective techniques. Aug. 1-5 at Town Theatre; ages 9-18. $175. Shannon Scruggs, shannon@towntheatre.com

Master scholars

Carolina Master Scholars at the University of South Carolina presents its Adventure Series. Join academically talented middle- and high-school students for some serious fun with one-week day and residential camps on a variety of topics, from forensic science to law, graphic/digital design, vex robotics, computer gaming, electrical engineering, creative writing and aviation. Classes are taught by USC faculty. Various dates at USC; rising sixth through 12th graders. Pricing starts at $575 for commuter (day), $975 for residential (live on campus). www.saeu.sc.edu/adventures