Maria Mitchell’s Discovery Camp Programs are designed to allow kids from age five to 12 to experience the outdoors in a first-hand fashion. From beach exploration, snorkeling, seining, canoeing, sailing, discovery hikes, wetland studies, survival skill instruction, live animal programs, orienteering, kayaking, games, art projects, insect collecting. For ages 13-15, the Teen Naturalist Leadership Program offers weeklong opportunities to learn about Nantucket’s diverse ecosystems, and to explore ways to help conserve those habitats. Register at mariamitchell.org.
Nantucket Community School offers Summer Sport & Day Camps for ages 3-18. Teaching basketball, lacrosse, gymnastics, and dance, the Community School has kids covered in sweat and self-confidence. And, they are bringing back their small-group tennis clinics at the Jetties Beach courts. Register at nantucketcommunityschool.com.
If your kids are more artsy than sporty, they’ll love what is waiting for them at the Artists Association of Nantucket. Offering classes and workshop for ages 2-18, art is made fun and personal at the AAN. In addition to drawing and painting courses, young children can get their hands messy at a clay handbuilding class, while older kids learn to throw at a potter’s wheel. And while the kids are busy, moms and dads might like to take a class at the AAN, too. For details and registration, visit nantucketarts.org.
Kids can get their sea legs this summer as Egan Maritime Institute and Nantucket Community Sailing launch a brand-new program for ages 10-13. The Summer Maritime Exploration Program will teach kids about the brave lifesaving efforts of Nantucketers throughout history. For details and registration, visit nantucketcommunitysailing.org.