The Martha's Vineyard Times

Summer camps on Martha's Vineyard

May 11, 2011

Summer is right around the corner and kids are likely already counting down the time until summer starts. With two full months of free days, children are bound to want (or need) a little structure, and summer camps can be the perfect place for that. From the sports player to the book lover, there are a number of summer camps here on the Vineyard to satisfy your children's passions.

While some Island camps have been around for years, such as Fern and Feather at Felix Neck, and the Boys and Girls Clubs, new ones pop up each year, such as the recent Martha's Vineyard Skate Camp for skateboarders, and the brand new High School Writers Collaborative for high school age writers.

For the athletes, there's day programs at Island Gymnastics Training, Prime Time Lacrosse, Sail Martha's Vineyard, Vineyard Youth Tennis, and, new this year, the YMCA of Martha's Vineyard.

Here is a sampling of what the Island has to offer. For the adventurous, there's the Chilmark Community Center camp and M.V. Adventure. Children can spend most days outdoors at The FARM Institute's camp, and with Sassafras Earth Education's programs. Art-focused camps are at Featherstone Center for the Arts and Sense of Wonder, while those interested in acting can try out IMP Improv for Kids. For the young, preschool-aged campers, Garden Gate Child Development offers a weekday five-hour program.

Other summer camps to consider:

Martha's Vineyard Regional High School mvrhs.org

The Black Dog Kids Cruise Program theblackdogtallships.com; 508-693-1699

Arrowhead Farm Summer Pony Camp arrowheadfarm.net; 508-693-8831

Island Theatre Workshop, Children's Theatre itwmv.org; 508-693-2769

The Yard — Kids Creative Theatre dancetheyard.org; 508-645-9662

Pond View Farm — Kids horseback riding pondviewfarmmv.com; 508-693-2949

Sail Martha's Vineyard sailmv.com; 508-696-7868

Netherfield Farm – Kids horseback riding netherfieldfarms@yahoo.com; 508-645-2724

High School Writer's Collaborative mvicw.com; 954-242-2903