Ultimate Guide to Unusual Kentucky Summer Camps (2010)

Are your kids tired of the same run-of-the-mill summer camps? Looking for an alternative to daycare? Are expensive vacations outside your budget? Then surprise your kids with a summer camp that can double as a mini-vacation. What follows is a list of unique summer camps located across the state. Each is packed with fun, creativity, education and an experience that will last a lifetime.

At Louiville's Sacred Heart School For The Arts taps into the glamourous high-octane world of fashion design. Under the guidance of professional designer Megan McKinney, campers age 10 and up learn the basics of fashion design. The week long camp runs June 21- 25 from 1-4 p.m. The camp closes with a runway fashion show where campers showcase their designs and receive feedback from a panel of judges. The fee for the camp is $160. Registration available at http://www.sacredheartschools.org/arts/catalogs.php

Alpha Farm keeps it simple, affordable and fun. Located in Nicholasville, Alpha Farm gives the unique option of customizing camp duration. The camp seeks to provide working parents an alternative to daycare. Campers can attend for one week, the entire summer or anywhere in-between. Campers can arrive as early as 7:30 a.m. and stay as late as 6 p.m. Campers learn to care for various farm animals such as donkeys, chickens and sheep. Hayrides, trail rides and arts and crafts are also included. Prices start at $170 for a week with discounts provided for siblings. Camps begin in June and run through mid-August. http://www.alphafarmky.net/index.php

Printing History Camp is a one of a kind day camp offered by the Museum of the American Printing House for the Blind in Louisville. Campers don't have to be blind, they only need an interest in creating books. Campers make their very own Braille book by learning to write, illustrate and print in Braille. They follow the entire processs from the first dot to the finished masterpiece that will be prominently displayed for parents at the close of camp. Camp runs July 12 - July 16, 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Cost of the camp is $125 and includes all materials, lunch, snack and the child's finished book. Space is limited. Visit http://aph.org/museum/printcamp.html for more information and registration.

Got a clown in the family? Send him or her to My Nose Turns Red circus camp in Covington. From juggling to unicycles this one-of-a-kind camp is sure to provide a joyful experience that will never be forgotten. The camp runs weekdays 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with a live performance at the end of the week. Classes are co-ed and vary from beginners to the experienced. Prices begin at $110 for the week and include a t-shirt. Discounts are given for siblings. Review package options at the camp website

http://www.mynoseturnsred.org/summercamps.html

Louisville's Bellarmine University offers a variety of camps including: energy wizards where campers bounce, bend and break light; cartooning teaches basic techniques of cartoon drawing; Camp Ni Hao brings China to Kentucky by teaching campers to write, speak and sing in Chinese; movie magic puts the spotlight on the ins and outs of creating movies from pictures; Lego Engineering is hands-on fun involving gears, levers, wheels and Legos that are not available in stores. Camp prices vary but most average in the $130-160 price range. Follow the link to find additional classes, dates and registration http://bellarmine.edu/ce/summeryouthcamps.asp

U.S. Army Cadet Corps' Military Adventure Camp is as close to enlistment as a 13 year-old can get. This co-ed camp located in Millersburg, focuses on physical fitness, personal accountability and teamwork. It's an excellent way for teens aged 13-18 to explore the possibility of a military career. Programs are offered at different levels providing a bit of intensity control. Campers will learn skills such as ceremonial, martial arts and marksmanship. Camp length and pricing various from 2-6 weeks and $1,950-4,950. Complete details at http://www.militaryadventurecamp.org/index.html

Bluegrass Christian Camp in Lexington is a week-long co-ed residential camp centered on Christian values and outrageous fun. From silly gross games to campfire Bible studies, it's all at BGCC. Campers reside in cabins therefore, kids with significant age differences attend camp at different times. Camp activities are geared specifically to each age group. A special two week camp is available for campers in grades 5-8 who desire to experience more. Younger children may attend day camp only. Prices average $250 and include all meals and a t-shirt. http://bluegrasschristiancamp.org/summer_camp.html

Tim Horton Camp Kentahten is one of the most scenic camps in the state. Located in Campbellsville, this co-ed residential camp is situated on 50 breathtaking acres overlooking Green River. The camp caters to the needs of economically challenged kids and is provided at no charge. Campers have 10 days packed with activities such as a ropes course, climbing tower, kayaking, mountain biking, disc golf and more. If the weather turns sour there is plenty of fun indoors with drama, arts and crafts and sports. Eligible campers must live in communities where Tim Horton stores are located, be sponsored or be part of a pre-approved select group. To sponsor a camper, donate or check eligibility go to http://www.timhortons.com/us/en/difference/campbellsville.html

Club Scientific Bluegrass, is a Lexington day camp providing educational-themed fun for 4-14 year-olds. Projects for younger children include mixing invisible ink, making chewing gum, working on snap circuit boards, and building rockets. Aspiring paleontologists can attend Camp Jurassic and use hands-on exploration of everything dinosaur-related. The 6-8 years-old program consists of building a small electric car, creating a lung and spinal cord column model, constructing a telescope and ship building. Older kids can experience veterinary medicine, crime scene investigation, robot invention and Hollywood special effects. The camp operates on a weekly basis from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. with pre and post camp options available. All camps cost $235 and include a t-shirt. Some camps may have additional material fees. Camp details and registration available online at http://clubscientific.com/labMU/Parent_Teacher/category/camper-downloads/

The Center for Courageous Kids in Scottsville, is a year-round medical facility camp providing chronically ill and disabled children and their families an opportunity to enjoy a camping experience not found anywhere else. The camp is a residential camp where camping dates available are based upon specific healthcare needs. The medical camping facility provids a summer camp experience to children unable to attend camp elsewhere. Family retreats are available for the entire family. There is no charge associated with this camp. It is dependant upon donations and volunteers. For more information, camping dates or to make a contribution go to http://www.courageouskids.org/camp/default.aspx

http://www.lexingtonfamily.com/camp_guide.html

www.campchannel.com

http://datacenter.courier-journal.com/community/summercamps

www.campsource.com

Lori Slaughter, School Director, Sacred Heart Academy for the Arts