The Best Summer Day Camp in Atlanta

When did summer camps become such big business and so complex? In Atlanta, the choices are exasperating: computer camps, circus camps, science camps, chess camps, lacrosse camps, chamber music camps, holistic summer enrichment camps. Huh? "Stop the insanity!" I say. I simply want a summer day camp where my kids can take a break from the rigors of academia, sing silly songs, explore the great outdoors and make good friends. I found all that and so much more at Camp Kingfisher at the Chattahoochee Nature Center in Roswell.

What impresses me the most about Camp Kingfisher is that it has all the elements of an old-fashioned sleep-away camp. Since it is located at the Chattahoochee Nature Center, Camp Kingfisher provides kids with the opportunity to get outdoors, get dirty, and enjoy great freedom from busy schedules. The frosting on this spectacular camp is that it actually teaches kids about nature and the environment. Yet it does so in such a way that the campers don't even know they're actually learning. I like to call it "painless education."

Activities at Camp Kingfisher are numerous, and there is a pool located on the property that is always staffed with certified lifeguards. With a camper: staff ratio of 6:1, campers get plenty of individual attention. In addition, each group has at least one staff member who has completed at least one year of college and has environmental science experience (like I said, "painless education"). Daily programming is designed to meet the specific needs, interests and development level of the camper. The different groups are:

• Screech Owls (campers entering K and 1st grades)

• Barn Owls (campers entering 2nd and 3rd grades)

• Barred Owls (campers entering 4th and 5th grades)

• Great Horned Owls (campers entering 6th and 7th grades)

• Travel Program (campers entering 8th and 9th grades)

Session themes include Rolling on the River,Fascinating Forests and Planet Protectors. All sessions include guest performers, live animal presentations, plant and insect identification, elective classes, team building activities, nature hikes, science exploration activities, arts and crafts, field games, canoeing and swimming. There is never at dull moment at Camp Kingfisher!

What sets Camp Kingfisher apart from other summer camps is Camp Director, Amy Bram. With over 16 years of camp experience, Miss Amy leads her staff of forty-two counselors with an energy level similar to that of the Energizer bunny. She runs a tight ship and has earned the respect of staff and campers alike.

As a parent, I highly recommend award-winning Camp Kingfisher. Be sure to register early, as many sessions fill quickly. At Camp Kingfisher, your kid can get back to the business of being a kid!

Just the facts...

Camp Kingfisher regular hours are:

Full Day (for grades K-6): 9:00 am-4:00 pm

Half-Day (for grades K-3): 9:00 am-1:00 pm

FREE pre-care (8:00-9:00 AM)

FREE aftercare (4:00-6:15 PM)

Extended care includes supervision, group games and individual play.

Session 1: Rollin' on the River

June 1 - 5

Session 2: Fascinating Forests

June 8 - 12

Session 3: Fascinating Forests

June 15 - 19

Session 4: Planet Protectors

June 22 - 26

Session 5: Fascinating Forests

June 29 - July 3

Session 6: Rollin' on the River

July 6 - 10

Session 7: Rollin' on the River

July 13 - 17

Session 8: Planet Protectors

July 20 - 24

Session 9: Planet Protectors

July 27 - 31

There is a wealth of information on the internet about Camp Kingfisher. Simply Google "Chattahoochee Nature Center" for costs, registration forms, etc.