During the dog days of summer most parents are eager to find some structured activities for their youngsters. In this – the first of four Best Bets to explore local summer camps – we look at offerings that are “uniquely St. Louis” in nature. Only available in St. Louis, these camps keep kids engaged while celebrating our local attractions and institutions.

Camp KangaZoo at the Saint Louis Zoo
One Government Drive, St. Louis
314-781-0900
www.stlzoo.org
Cost per session: $195 for Zoo Friends Association members/$214 for general public
Since its creation a century ago, the Saint Louis Zoo has become one of the region’s best-loved attractions. It’s also home to one of St. Louis’ coolest summer camps: Camp KangaZoo. The program, which is designed for kids entering first through sixth grades, features an array of activities including games, classroom activities, live animal contact, guided tours, crafts and more. Camps are offered in weeklong blocks from June through August. Each session runs from Monday to Thursday and concludes with an overnight event on Thursday nights. The zoo also offers Camp Joey for pre-K youngsters and a teen camp for those entering seventh to ninth grades.

Summer Science Blast at the St. Louis Science Center
5050 Oakland Ave., St. Louis
314-289-4439
www.slsc.org
Cost per session: From $105 for half-day to $400 for full-day depending on camper’s age and session subject
Living with young scientists? Put them on the launch pad for career success by sending them to the Summer Science Blast at the Science Center. Weeklong sessions stretch from June to early August with specialized offerings for kids from pre-K to high school. Younger kids tackle subjects ranging from “Water, Water Everywhere” to “Sensational Safari.” Older students can participate in programs like “Flight Academy” or “Segway Adventure.” Half-day sessions are offered in the morning (9 a.m. to noon) and afternoon (1-4 p.m.), with full-day sessions stretching the entire period.

Super Fun Summer Camp from the St. Louis City Open Studio and Gallery
4255 Arsenal Street (Tower Grove Park), St. Louis
314-865-0060
www.scosag.org
Cost per session: Mini Camp for $165; Regular (2 Week) Camps for $325
Since its launch in 2002, the St. Louis City Open Studio and Gallery (SCOSaG) has been providing artistic education to kids, teens and adults throughout the region. Their annual Super Fun Summer Camp lives up to its name through a mixture of music, art, general creativity and goofy high jinks in the shady splendor of St. Louis’ historic Tower Grove Park. Camp sessions generally run for two weeks from June to August, but a one-week Mini Camp also is offered from June 7-11. SCOSaG’s Super Fun Summer Camp is for kids from kindergarten to fifth grade. Session subjects include “The Art of Noise,” “Urban Alchemy” and “Culture Jammers.”

Circus Harmony Performance Camp at the City Museum
701 N. 15th St., Third Floor, St. Louis
314-436-7676
www.circusharmony.org
Cost per session: $450
Life with kids can be a real circus, so why not train them accordingly? Enroll your youngsters in the Circus Harmony Performance Camp at the City Museum. Participants will learn a range of specialized skills including trapeze, juggling, tightrope walking and more. Four separate two-week sessions are available beginning June 28 and wrapping up on Aug. 20. Camp is open to kids ages 8-18. Sibling discounts are available as are discounts for those enrolling in multiple sessions. Step right up, step right up and start your child’s circus training today!

COCA Summer Arts Camps
524 Trinity Ave., University City -- 314-725-6555
175 South Mason Road (Whitfield School), Creve Coeur -- 314-434-5141
www.cocastl.org
Cost per session: Costs vary from under $100 to more than $400 depending on session length and subject
Over the past two decades, the Center of Creative Arts – better known as COCA – has become an icon of the local arts community and is now the largest multidisciplinary arts institution in the region. Their Summer Arts Camps – offered at both their University City location and at the Whitfield School in Creve Coeur – provide kids ages 3-18 a chance to explore everything from opera and dance to sculpture and cartooning. Unleash your child’s inner artist at the COCA 2010 Summer Arts Camps.

Critter Camp at Grant’s Farm
10501 Gravois Road, St. Louis
314-525-0847
www.grantsfarm.com
Cost per session: $180
For the animal lover in your home, Critter Camp at Grant’s Farm is a dream come true. At the camp, children ages 5-11 get up-close-and-personal with a wide range of wildlife. They’ll feed buffalo, elk and elephants; train and care for farm animals; and groom horses. Other highlights include a safari ride through Deer Park and a tour of Ulysses S. Grant’s historic cabin. Sessions are held from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays to Fridays throughout June and July.

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