The countdown to summer break is on! We know finding camps to keep the kids busy and cared for is on the top of many families’ to-do list. We hope this Guide to Summer Camps helps you plan for a fun and memorable summer!
We are excited to present our readers with Boise Mom’s Guide to Summer Camps. This guide is a one-stop shop for parents as you decide where to send your children to summer camp.
Humane Education at the Idaho Humane Society
Education is a crucial component of the Idaho Humane Society’s mission to advocate for the welfare and responsible care of animals, protect them from neglect and cruelty, and promote humane awareness and compassion. They strive to share the shelter’s mission and programs as well as teach younger generations about humane care for pets and safety around animals. Here are some of their summer offerings:
Summer Camps are a terrific way for children to gain experience with animals and have fun while learning. Each session will explore animal care and behavior, IHS goals and mission, humane awareness, compassion, and service. They strive to share the shelter’s purpose and programs and teach younger generations about humane care for pets and safety around animals. Camp curriculum changes each session, so repeat campers are welcome!
At Preschoolers and Animals Wednesdays (PAW) a guardian and preschool age child will dive into captivating stories, delight in song, engage in art projects, and visit furry friends. Children will also gain insights into pet care, animal interaction, bite prevention, and learn about the mission of IHS.
Visit their website to learn more!
Encore Creative Center
Encore presents Kids Variety Camps for ages 4-12 at their Meridian campus and Special Topic Camps (Art, Music, Theatre, Film, and more) for ages 7-19 at their Eagle campus. They offer camps during nine weeks of summer, Monday-Friday. Morning or afternoon and full-day options are available.
Classes are engaging and inclusive with professional artist-instructors who are passionate about sharing their craft. Their 40 instructors are skilled with managing groups while still making sure each individual student is helped where they are at and that they are challenged.
Join them! Encore Creative Center is the Treasure Valley’s premium destination for quality arts and music education all under one roof in two convenient locations.
Explorers Outdoor School of Idaho
Outdoor year-round program for tots to teens offering hands-on experiential learning and programs. Your kids will love it!
They offer summer camps and classes all year. Summer camps will have classes like Tree Frogs and Polliwogs, Wilder (learning ancestral and survival skills, Homestead and Farm Animals, Foraging, Cooking and Art, and Archery.
Go on over for a learning adventure!
The Gym Nest Activity Center
The Gym Nest Activity Center offers multiple programs for children 18 months – 12 years. Their services include Gymnastics, Ninja (Parkour), Cheer, Preschool, Day Camps, Birthday Parties, Open Play, and Kids’ Night Out.
Their gym focus is kindness, positivity, and happiness. The staff at The Gym Nest enjoy working with children and helping them to build skills to become more confident and kind.
TRICA
TRICA programs include a wide range of wholesome activities: dance, music, visual arts, storytelling, culinary arts, yoga, film, comedy, and more. Their stunning, castle-like location creates a unique and exciting environment for children to explore and be inspired. Experienced Master Teachers take pride in their work with children, bringing out their talents and helping them grow. Trica offers both full (8:30 – 5:30) and half-day (8:30- 1:00) options. Learn and get inspired with them this summer!
1406 Eastman St. Boise, ID 83702
H2FLOW Swim School
Head on down to H2FLOW Swim School for some swimming fun this summer! They offer two-week-long summer intensives throughout the summer to freshen up swim skills or get your kiddo ready for water time this summer!
They run ten-minute private lessons, so your children will get complete 1-on-1 attention. They have swim lessons for every level of swimmer. From baby classes to competitive swimmers, they’ve got your back!
Sign ups open in April. Slots are open 9 am – 12 pm.
Two week session: $194
Visit their website for more info.
School Of Soccer
Kristin Armstrong Municipal Park, 500 Walnut St. Boise, ID 83712
i9 Sports - Boise/Meridian
i9 Sports Summer Camps are back!
- Open to boys and girls of all skill levels, ages 6-12
- Fun-filled, active multi-sports camp that includes flag football, soccer, basketball, and non-contact lacrosse
- Monday – Thursday at two locations throughout the Summer; Tully Park in Meridian and Boise Valley Adventist School in Boise
- Drop off is between 8:45 and 9 am, pick up is at 1 pm with several weeks available in June and July.
- They’ll be outside in the morning then move inside for some fun in the gym at Boise Valley Adventist School.
- Outside all day at Tully Park
- Age-appropriate drills and games to teach kids sports fundamentals and sportsmanship
- Each child must bring a water bottle and at least two snacks with them each day.
- Please apply sunscreen before dropping them off each day.
Equipment:
- Each child will receive an i9 Sports shirt
- Players may wear shorts or sweatpants
- Rubber-soled sneakers
- i9 provides balls, goals, flag belts, and nets
Instructors:
- Instructors are primarily high-school aged athletes with experience working with kids
Goldfish Swim School
Swimming is more than just a recreational activity; it’s an essential skill for all kids. At Goldfish Swim School – Boise, they provide a secure and enjoyable environment for children 4m-12y to learn to swim. Their approach emphasizes both fun and safety, ensuring that kids not only have a good time but also understand Water Safety concepts. With a 4:1 student-to-teacher ratio, every child receives the attention they need to thrive.
Their dedicated team is committed to redefining the swimming experience for parents and children alike, whether your child is a beginner or needs extra practice.
Sign up today!
1001 N. Milwaukee St. Boise, ID 83704
Catalyst Arts Collaborative LLC
Drop the kiddos off for a week of art classes at Catalyst! They’ll engage and inspire your child to create, explore, and think critically, all while having so much fun that they won’t realize they’re learning! Every week includes three hours in the Cat Clay studio, plus 12 hours in the Cat classroom with projects that may include drawing, acrylic painting, watercolors, wax-resist, mixed-media, sculpture, collage, printmaking, cyanotype prints, fiber arts, design, art history, and more! Each week is a different experience. Half-day and full-day options are available. Visit their classes page for more information on camps and scholarship opportunities.
Urban Air Adventure Park Meridian
Urban Air Adventure Park offers the ultimate adventure-filled day camp! Camp Urbie at Urban Air in Meridian is the chance for kids to beat the summer heat and explore the best indoor playground around. Perfect for ages 8 – 16, your adventurers will get to make memories while they soar, race, chase, and climb! Register for a whole week of play, activities, games, competitions, and more!
Weekly full-day and half-day camps are available and start June 3rd with the last session starting on August 5th.
Full Day Camp: 9 am – 4 pm
Half Day Camp: 9 am – noon or 1 pm – 4 pm
Drop-in 9 am – 4 pm available based on availability
Each camper will receive:
1 Urban Air T-Shirt
1 pair Urban Air Jump Socks
Snacks & Lunch on Wednesday & Friday
3876 East Lanark St. Meridian, ID 83642
S2 Pickleball
Get ready to spark your child’s passion for the game of pickleball! S2 Pickleball’s Camp Sessions each offer 9 hours of instruction and play spread over 3 days! Every moment is crafted to boost your child’s confidence on the court! As a bonus, your new pickleballer will walk away with an exclusive S2 Swag bag and a trendy T-shirt to showcase their newfound skills! Don’t miss out – spaces are limited. Secure your child’s spot now for an excellent summer experience!
Parent Testimonials
“Brycen recently attended a Pet Pros camp at Idaho Humane Society and really enjoyed it. Two thumbs up. If you have an animal lover, we highly recommend these camps!” -Kylee W., Idaho Humane Society parent
“TRICA – and its incomparable faculty and staff, top to bottom – has been the education experience we were looking for.” T&A E., TRICA parent
“Encore is our home away from home! Our family has taken many art classes and been in their theatre performances and we love the music teachers we have had there as well (piano, ukulele, voice)! The staff feel like family and always make us feel our voice is heard. I trust Encore to take care of us and to provide the coolest opportunities we’ve never found anywhere else.” -Nikki G., Encore parent
“We had our interview and shared Elliot’s past experience as well as her fear of water on her face. FLOW’s approach to the water and confidence in being able to help Elliot overcome her fear was just what we needed to start Elliot in private lessons.” – Lael H., H2FLOW Swim School parent
“My child has played soccer with School Of Soccer since they were 2 years old. The coaches are engaging and make every practice super fun! Our whole family loves going and looks forward to soccer weekly. Thank goodness they offer programs all year long (including summer camps)! I have seen my child’s confidence and passion grow because of their programs. I highly recommend!” – Katy R., School of Soccer parent
“I love the programs and especially the pledge parents make about sportsmanship. The email and text reminders are a total life saver – THANK YOU.” – Katie M., i9 Sports – Boise/Meridian parent
“Explorers Outdoor School is everything we’ve ever wanted in a school! My kids learn so much and have fun while doing it. There’s so many unique classes to choose from and I know they’re not just sitting in a desk doing busy work all day. They’re out exploring and learning lifelong skills while also being educated. Thank you Miss Crista and all of the amazing teachers, we’re forever grateful for you all!” -Golden Family, Explorers Outdoor School of Idaho
“This is such an amazing space with so much talent to share! We signed my son up for the kid’s clay play session and it blew our minds. The instructors are beautifully patient and respect the individual child’s comfort and creativity. What a true artistic educational experience should be” -Allison H., Catalyst Arts Collaborative LLC parent
