Living with a disability can present unique challenges, especially when paired with adulthood obligations. When seeking resources for specific aspects of life, knowing where to look can be difficult. Whether you’re seeking around-the-clock care, a sense of independence, or anything in-between, there are myriad organizations in the Baltimore area dedicated to helping adults with disabilities reach their goals and meet their needs.

The purpose, according to Breanna Durst, communications manager for The League for People with Disabilities, is simple: “It’s people getting the most out of their lives,” she says. “It’s people getting quality experiences and support that really helps them with creativity and behaviors and professional goals, personal successes; it’s whatever they want to do. We’re here to help them.”

Durst explains that, through programs ranging from volunteerism to vocational training, The League for People with Disabilities sees its goal of helping people live full lives come to fruition on a daily basis. “We have an individual … a blind male who is early 30s, and he’s been working with Blind Industries and Services of Maryland for about 12 years now. And through that program, he is experiencing financial independence,” says Durst. “He loves going to baseball games and football games … he’s just living his life. There’s nothing that can stop this individual.”

Many organizations that help people with disabilities connect with others and enhance their lives are located in the Baltimore area, so if community involvement is something you or someone you love or care for is interested in, these programs are a good place to start.

Community involvement doesn’t just come in the form of day programs or vocational skills training. Organizations like Autism Society of Baltimore-Chesapeake offer opportunities for people with disabilities to form bonds through individualized support groups. Additionally, they host fun events so that people can learn more about one another, in hopes of gaining valuable advice about how to cope with mutual struggles. It all depends on the type of support you’re seeking.

Taya Johnson, a board member at Autism Society of Baltimore-Chesapeake, says connections between people through activities, socializing, and support groups are a way to help people feel “fully appreciated and accepted for the person that they are.”

The state of Maryland also offers multiple federally funded tools to help adults with disabilities with aspects of life like becoming and staying employed or financing a home. (More information on these programs follows in the guide.) These initiatives are in place to help mitigate the financial barriers that people with disabilities might face. There are also organizations in Baltimore that aim to help those with disabilities gain professional and financial skills and knowledge in order to reach their goals, whatever they may be.

The resources in Baltimore do not end here but also include local assets that people with disabilities can utilize. There are collegiate programs, like Community College of Baltimore County’s (CCBC) CASE Program, which offers college classes tailored to a wide range of reading and math levels; career services through organizations like St. Peter’s Adult Learning Center; live-in care facilities like Easter Seals; and resources to assist with anything from legal advice to medical care.

“Talk to everyone you encounter,” Johnson encourages, when she speaks to people with disabilities and those who care for them. “If you extend yourself just a little bit, to be vulnerable and open and communicative, the opportunities that will help ground you in the community are usually within your reach.”

Are you thinking about your next move? Maybe you’re empty nesters and you hardly use half the rooms in your house. Maybe you want to move, but not too far from your kids and grandchildren. Or maybe you’re thinking ahead and want a place that offers independent living with more care in the future. Luckily our area offers plenty of choices.

Purchasing A CCRC
Former astronaut 75-year-old Mary Cleave had a very exciting career. She went into space twice on Atlantis, and worked at NASA-Goddard and NASA Headquarters in Washington, D.C. “When I went to work at Goddard, my cousin suggested I move to Annapolis,” she says. Cleave lived in her house for 30 years. “I would have kept living there, but one night my hearing aids were out when the low battery on the fire alarm kept beeping, and I never heard it. My sister happened to be visiting and said, ‘You can’t live alone anymore, it isn’t safe.’”

“Since I love the water, I knew I wanted to stay in Annapolis,” she continues. After visiting several communities and talking to people at each, Cleave decided on Bay-Woods of Annapolis, a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC).

“In the morning I sit and watch the sunrise over the Bay Bridge. . .”

Cleave moved in 2017. What attracted her to BayWoods is that it is a resident-owned-and-run co-operative community where residents provide vital input on operations. (In Maryland there are only two co-op CCRCs.) Also a must for Cleave was that it was pet-friendly. “I think for people who live alone, a pet is very important,” says Cleave, who lives with her dog Brinx.

“In the morning I sit and watch the sunrise over the Bay Bridge,” says Cleave, who has a one-bedroom with a patio. “It’s a great way to start the day.” Although downsizing can be difficult, Cleave found getting rid of a lot of her stuff to be liberating. And when she has company, she reserves a guestroom at BayWoods.

Elizabeth O’Conner, director of marketing and sales at Blakehurst, says, “Today’s residents are very active.” A gym is a must-have, and many CCRCs have more than equipment and classes. They may offer trainers, indoor pools, hot tubs, steam rooms, walking trails, a putting green—even gardens where residents can grow flowers and vegetables.

BayWoods has plenty of activities and amenities, some unique to that community, such as swimming in the bay off their dock. Cleave says, “With the gym right here, I take classes three times a week and do tai chi once a week. And Brinx, my ‘trainer,’ makes sure we get out and walk,” laughs Cleave.

Is a CCRC Right For You?
A CCRC is a type of retirement community that is part independent living, part assisted living, and part skilled nursing home. Today, many communities offer memory care too, and on-site rehabilitation therapy. According to AARP, a CCRC offers a tiered approach to the aging process, accommodating residents’ changing needs. Upon entering, healthy adults can reside independently in single-family homes, apartments, or condominiums. When assistance with everyday activities becomes necessary, they can move into assisted living, memory care, or nursing care facilities. These communities give older adults the option to live in one location for the duration of their lives, with much of their future care already figured out.

“I came in needing a walker, graduated to a cane and, thanks to the in-house physical therapy, I now need nothing.”

When you choose a facility, it’s also important to know what type of contract it offers. These contracts can be very complex; treat this decision like you would any major investment, including seeking assistance from a lawyer or someone very knowledgeable. In addition, you should determine that the finances of the CCRC are healthy so that your present and future services are safeguarded.

Ray, 83, and Phoebe Sachs, 80, are no strangers to moving. “We’ve lived in New York, Chicago, Delaware, D.C., and moved about 10 or 12, times,” says Ray. While living in a Baltimore condo, with their three children living all over the country, the couple decided a CCRC would give them the future security they wanted. Their children agreed.

“We are very active and decided we’d make the move while we could participate in the activities and be part of the community,” says Ray. After checking out several CCRCs, they chose Blakehurst. “It had what we wanted—care if we need it, attractive surroundings, lots of activities including woodworking (where my wife is the only woman), walking trails, and we were able to make changes to the apartment.”

Making changes was very important to Phoebe, who was a builder and does interior design. “We made our second bedroom into a library and totally redid the kitchen,” she says. “We can cook, but they do such a remarkable job with the food and it’s so convenient, we don’t.”

“Our new appliances aren’t getting much of a workout,” admits Ray.

Typically, residents in independent living get at least one meal a day. In assisted living, memory care, and nursing, there are three meals provided. “At BayWoods the food is fabulous and healthy,” says Cleave. “I’m eating better than I ever did. And I don’t have to think about what I’m going to make for dinner, shop for it, and cook it.” Many CCRCs offer a variety of dining options beyond a dining room, including informal choices such as a café, bistro, deli, or pub. Some even have outdoor dining.

A Rental CCRC
Kathryn Lewis, age 72 and retired from working for the State of Maryland, was living with her son and his family. But after she had a knee replacement and ended up in rehab, she knew she could not return to her son’s house and its stairs. “The staff at the rehab facility suggested I consider moving to the Atrium Village in Owings Mills,” she says. Lewis moved there in 2021.

“I came in needing a walker, graduated to a cane and, thanks to the in-house physical therapy, I now need nothing. What was so great was that I didn’t need to leave Atrium Village and didn’t need family to take me to therapy,” says Lewis. As an ordained minister, Lewis loves volunteering at Atrium Village and doing activities: Bible study, choir, trivia, happy hour, movies, games, discussions, and exercise classes including Zumba and yoga.

At Atrium Village there are no entry or buy-in fees, or a commitment of retirement assets, as with most senior living communities. The cost of an apartment, dining options, all activities, fitness, housekeeping, and other services is included in a monthly lease.

Atrium Village has independent, assisted, and memory care. And it just underwent a $13 million renovation. Angela Spence, senior divisional director of sales and marketing for Senior Lifestyle, the company that manages Atrium Village, was involved in the renovation. According to Spence, the multimillion-dollar renovation is part of a 20-year anniversary transformation to create a next generation senior living experience.

“There are still some people who think of senior living communities as nursing homes. We need to overcome that stigma. Since COVID and with the renovation, our goal is to have programs that help residents get back into life and find a purpose. Living well is all about having a purpose,” says Spence.

Anyone visiting many of today’s CCRCs would never think of them as nursing homes. Many who live there say it’s like living on a cruise ship; it just doesn’t move.

Part of the renovation at Atrium Village included an array of new services and upscale amenities. In addition to two restaurant-style dining venues, there are two new bistros, a library, wellness center, salon, art studio, hospitality lounge, movie theater, and family center.

Happy hour is also big at many CCRCs. Spence says, “We added more happy hours after the residents requested them.”

Many of the CCRCs have continuing education. At BayWoods there are lectures given by neighboring St. John’s College scholars. Atrium Village partners with the Community College of Baltimore County to offer instructor-led classes.

CCRCs arrange trips, art classes and, yes, the list of activities and amenities goes on and on. But don’t worry, you can be as active as you want, or if you prefer a quieter experience, you can have that too. It’s all up to you.

An Over-55 Community
The Weidmans, Hope, 70, and Tim, 69, were no strangers to life at a 55-and-over community. They had lived in one in New Jersey for seven years and loved it. “When I retired after 38 years of teaching, we decided to move to a place that would be fun. A 55-and-over community fits the bill,” says Hope.

But trips to visit their son and his family in Virgina became too much. “So we started looking. We checked out Delaware, Virginia, and Maryland. When we visited Four Seasons on Kent Island it was everything we wanted.” There were single-family units and condos, walking trails, a pool, pickleball, and, best of all, there were other people their age for socializing. The Weidmans moved into a two-bedroom, two-and-half-bath home with a den and screened-in porch in 2021.

According to Veronica Lawson, an associate broker at Real Broker, LLC, these communities are ready-made for like-minded individuals for whom physical and emotional well-being are key.
Things like social activities and planned trips to local events create a strong sense of community that in turn create a fun and safe environment. Fifty-five-plus communities are becoming more and more popular as many healthy retirees look for active communities once retired.

And for some, buying before they retire is part of their long-range retirement plan. That was true for Gamini Dharmasena, 62, and his wife Desilva, 59, both scientists living in New Jersey. “We aren’t planning to retire for five years but thought prices would only keep going up. For my wife, who grew up in Sri Lanka, being by the water was a must. We checked out several places on the East Coast but were afraid of hurricanes in North Carolina,” says Gamini.

After filling out information online for Four Season on Kent Island, they got a call from a realtor. They visited and fell in love with the area and were attracted to a 55-plus active community with lots of activities and opportunities to be social.

The Dharmasenas purchased a single family, 3,500-square-foot home with the master bedroom on the first floor and a screened-in porch. It backs on trees and is a five-minute walk to the water. “Our 5,000-square-foot home on five acres is a lot to look after. When we retire, we’ll be ready to downsize,” says Gamini. Plus, they love to travel and won’t have to worry about the house. For now, the Dharmasenas plan to use it as a vacation home twice a month until it becomes their permanent home.

 

To learn more about retirement options check out these helpful websites:
• aging.maryland.gov
• continuingcarecommunities.org
• aarp.org/caregiving/basics
• seniorliving.org/continuing-careretirement-communities

niversity of Maryland sophomore Sara Berman of Baltimore is a poster child for camp. She started going to Camp Louise an all-girls camp in Cascade, Maryland, at age 10, spent eight summers as a camper, and is now a counselor. “I remember being homesick at the beginning of that first summer, but when I left, I couldn’t wait to come back,” she recalls.

Tom Rosenberg, CEO and president of American Camp Association (ACA) says, “ACA believes that camp, day or overnight, provides an environment created just for children. At camp they learn real life skills, develop self-esteem, and gain a sense of independence and community. Whether children are playing, exploring nature, conquering new heights, or becoming part of a camp family, they are creating memories that will last a lifetime.”

Berman can attest to that.

“Besides making life-long friends, camp gave me skills that helped prepare me for college and my future. It taught me to be independent, problem solve, live in a communal environment, and try new things.”

Even before the pandemic, many kids spent too much time on their screens. Camp provides a welcome break from technology. “We’ve found older kids really feel good about not having to keep up with texting friends, Instagram, and their Facebook page,” notes Rosenberg.

Unless a camp is geared to technology, cell phones at overnight camp are often collected and given back at the end of the session. Even most day camps don’t allow cell phones.

“At camp everything is 100 percent in person,” says Rosenberg. “Children have the opportunity to participate in human-powered activities and to learn important skills like communicating, socializing, collaborating, resilience, and empathy. Camp is a welcome opportunity to work on their human skills and be physically active, especially after this time of prolonged social isolation.” All these skills will be important in a camper’s future.

Today, the camp market has definitely widened. There are many different flavors, from traditional day and overnight camps to specialty camps. Facilities may include skate parks, go-karts, and zip lines. A camp might have pottery, silver works—even glassblowing. There are cooking camps and camps themed to wilderness skill building, circus performance, and debate. If you have a camper with a special need there are camps for kids with dyslexia, asthma, and diabetes. And if you want a camp with a little religion mixed in, you can find that, too.

Rosenberg says, “Now more than ever before, kids need camp. With the pandemic, many children lost ground with social and educational skills, while others had mental health issues.” Alicia Berlin, director of Camp Louise, says, “In summer 2021 we hired a mental, emotional, and social health director who oversaw a team of 11 people on our Wellness Team throughout the summer. We plan to have a similar model of professionals to support campers and staff this summer.”

COVID-19 still remains a factor for both administrators and campers. Last summer, kids enjoyed activities in pods, overnight camps had fewer children in bunks, many day camps limited the number of children, and camps kept children on campgrounds. As much as we all thought and hoped COVID would be behind us, it’s not.

For camp 2022, Rosenberg says, “Think fluid and flexible. No one knows what COVID will be like. Depending on how it is acting, camps will have to be flexible.”

Jon Bisset, executive director at River Valley Ranch camp in Carroll County, is cautiously optimistic for the season ahead. Bisset says that they offer a wide variety of camps on their 500-acre campus, from overnight to day camps and, “This summer, we are hoping to be up to full capacity.”

Still, he adds, “What’s important is that camp be safe and provide a meaningful experience for the kids.”

Camp Resource Guide 2022

FOLLOWING IS A LIST of just some of the camps in or near Maryland offering everything from religious study and computer skills to sports training. As with all things impacted by COVID-19, camp schedules are subject to change. Visit the camp website or call for the most up-to-date rates, dates, and COVID-19 policies, as well as to register.

BALTIMORE LAB SCHOOL
2220 St. Paul St., Baltimore, MD 21218.
410-261-5500. baltimorelabschool.org.
Designed for students in grades 1-12 with learning differences, this program has a low student-teacher ratio, on-site specialists, and an innovative arts-based curriculum. Baltimore Lab School’s summer program is designed to help students discover their strengths, exercise their creativity, overcome academic difficulties, and prepare for the school year ahead. Session runs July 5-29.

BETH TFILOH
400 Delight Meadows Rd., Reisterstown, MD 21136.
410-517-3451. btcamps.org.
Located on 70 acres, “BT camps” offers a range of traditional and specialty camps for kids ages 2-15. The facility includes four swimming pools and an aquatics center (with a triple-decker, double-barreled water slide), a lake with boats and a 25-ft slide, as well as arts and crafts, ropes course, zip line and plenty of ballfields and green space for play. June 20-August 12.

CAMP CENTER STAGE
700 N. Calvert St., Baltimore, MD 21202.
410-332-0033. centerstage.com.
Baltimore Center Stage will host three summer sessions for children in grades K-12. Each session is themed to “Creative Impressions,” and will explore everything from dance and improv to acting and STEAM activities. Sessions run June 27-August 5.

CAMP FAIRLEE
22242 Bay Shore Dr., Chestertown, MD 21620.
410-778-0566. campfairlee.com.
Camp Fairlee is a traditional overnight summer camp located outside of Chestertown on the Eastern Shore. Programs are for children and adults aged 6 and up. Camp is for people of all abilities, providing accessible recreation
for campers and family respite. Accessible activities include canoeing, kayaking, wall climbing, swimming, nature trails, and indoor games. There is a health center staffed with nurses. June 26-August 14.

CAMP JEMICY
11 Celadon Rd., Owings Mills, MD 21117.
410-753-8032. jemicyschool.org/camps.
The five-week summer camp for coed students ages 6-14 run by Jemicy School offers skills instruction, tutoring, and recreation for children with dyslexia and other related language-based learning differences. Full, half-day, and extended-day programs offered. June 27-July 29.

CAMP HORIZONS
3586 Horizons Way, Harrisonburg, VA 22802.
540-896-7600. camphorizonsva.com.
ACA accredited since 1983, Camp Horizons specializes in sports, outdoors, arts, sciences and technology, aquatics, outdoors, and equestrian activities as well as classic camp traditions! Open to campers ages 6-16. Camps will run June 12-August 14.

CAMP PUH’TOK
17433 Big Falls Rd., Monkton, MD 21111.
410-329-6590. camppuhtok.com.
Located on over 60 wooded acres in northern Baltimore County, Puh’tok has provided kids 5-16 with camp activities that emphasize leadership, appreciation of nature, and teamwork since 1942. Activities include archery, pony rides, swimming, tubing, and zip lines. Day and overnight camps are available. Camp will be open in one-week sessions from June 27-August 19.

THE CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL OF BALTIMORE
2800 Edison Hwy., Baltimore MD 21213.
410-732-6200. thecatholichighschool.org.
This school offers a variety of programs from June-August. For the most up-to-date programs, visit the website.

CENTER FOR JEWISH CAMPING
5708 Park Heights Ave., Baltimore, MD 21215.
201-417-0294. livecamp.org.
If you’re looking for a Jewish summer experience that’s perfect for your child, consult Alli Muser for free, unbiased, and personalized guidance for families considering Jewish day or overnight camp. The Center for Jewish Camping is a collaboration between The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore and The Louise D. and Morton J. Macks Center for Jewish Education.

CHESAPEAKE BAY OUTWARD BOUND SCHOOL
1900 Eagle Dr., Baltimore, MD 21207.
410-448-1721. outwardboundchesapeake.org.
Expeditions are open to middle and high school students and teach students technical skills like navigation, camp craft, the basics of backpacking or rock climbing, and much more. As students learn these skills in challenging situations, they also learn the value of teamwork, compassion for others, and the pursuit of excellence. Check the website for excursion dates.

COLLEGE SUMMER ACADEMIC PROGRAMS AT GETTYSBURG COLLEGE
300 N. Washington St., Gettysburg, PA 17325.
717-337-6924. gettysburg.edu/offices/conference-event-services/summer-programs.
Gettysburg College offers several virtual and in-person camps for high school students. Each one-week program is led by noted faculty, and campers can explore subjects including psychology, creative writing, and Civil War Era Studies. The school also offers several athletic camps. Visit website for rates and session dates.

COLUMBIA ACADEMY
Five locations in Columbia, Ellicott City, and Fulton.
columbiaacademy.com.
Every week, elementary and middle school campers explore a new theme. Just a few activities include engaging STEM activities, team-building quests, outdoor water days, and planned weekly virtual field trips and enrichment.
Sessions run June 13-August 19.

FORK UNION MILITARY ACADEMY SUMMER CAMPS AND SCHOOL
4744 James Madison Hwy., Fork Union, VA 23055.
434- 842-3212. forkunion.com.
Fork Union will offer three athletic-themed summer camp programs this year. Camp is for ages 7-17 (some are coed). There is also a non-military summer school program that combines academic study, leadership development, athletic activities, and summertime fun. Summer activities are located in Central Virginia.

GILMAN SUMMER!
5407 Roland Ave., Baltimore, MD 21210.
410-323-3800. gilman.edu/community/gilman-summer.
Enrichment and skill-building programs for kids grades K-12 designed and taught by Gilman faculty and field experts. Camp experiences include art programs, STEM courses, cooking and music, foreign language, and sports camps as well as Young Scientists, Makerspace, Outdoor Experience, and Nature Explorers camps. Camps will run June 6-July 1.

GLENELG
12793 Folly Quarter Rd., Ellicott City, MD 21042.
410-531-8600 ext. 2157. glenelg.org/summer.
Glenelg offers a variety of camps from traditional day and sports camps, to specialized camps for everyone from the budding chess player to nature explorers. There’s even a training program for high school students ready to move up as counselors, and campers enrolled in Adventure Camp take off-campus trips for hikes and to tour local landmarks like Fort McHenry. Camp runs June 20-July 29.

HARFORD DAY SCHOOL CAMP
715 Moores Mill Rd., Bel Air, MD 21014.
410-838-4848. harfordday.org/community/summerprograms.
This independent school located in Harford County offers an annual summer camp experience. Check the website for more details.

HOWARD COUNTY ARTS COUNCIL
8510 High Ridge Rd., Ellicott City, MD 21043.
410-313- 2787. hocoarts.org/camp.
This year, campers may select from a wide range of age-appropriate visual and performing arts camps, including Cardboard Creations, Dance & STEAM, Monster Madness, Tiny Playwrights, and much more. Camps conclude with an exhibit or performance of student work on the last day of each camp session. Programs are open to the public, regardless of residency, for grades K-7. There are full and half-day programs as well as before and after care available. Sessions run June 27 -August 26.

ID TECH CAMP AT TOWSON UNIVERSITY
8000 York Rd., Towson, MD 21252.
1-888-709-8324. idtech.com.
Students ages 7-17 can code using Java, design video games, engineer robots, produce a YouTube series, and more. Kids meet new friends and gain a competitive edge for school and future STEM careers. One-week sessions run June 20-August 1.

IMAGINATION 101 SUMMER ARTS CAMP
4701 N. Charles St., Baltimore, MD 21210.
410-472-4737. charmcityplayers.com.
This nonprofit camp conducted by Charm City Players at the LeClerc Auditorium at Notre Dame of Maryland University offers two-week performing arts classes for boys and girls ages 7-16, including acting, dancing, and singing. June 20- July 1: Shrek The Musical Jr.; July 11-July 22: Seussical Jr. the Musical; July 25-August 5: Disney High School Musical Jr.; August 8-August 19: Disney The Lion King Jr.

IT’S ALL FUN AND GAMES
1810 Valleybrook Dr., Kingsville, MD 21087.
410-879-4460. funandgamescamp.com.
Held on the 20 secluded acres of Valleybrook Country Club, this camp is open to children K-13 looking for old-fashioned fun! Activities include swimming, tennis, nature and science exploration, arts and crafts, field trips and special visitors, and individual and team sports. Camp runs June 20-August 19.

J CAMPS
3506 Gwynnbrook Ave., Owings Mills, MD 21117.
410-559-2391. jcampsbaltimore.org.
The Jewish Community Center of Greater Baltimore has 10 camps for all ages and stages of life. JCC’s facilities include a performing arts center, ceramics studio, adventure park, nature trails, and tennis courts, plus their signature swim lesson program. In addition to before and after care options, JCC offers express bus routes. Sessions run June 20-August 12.

MARYVALE PREPARATORY SCHOOL
11300 Falls Rd., Lutherville, MD 21093.
410-308-8551. maryvale.com/about-maryvale/events/camps.
Each summer, Maryvale Preparatory School offers a variety of camps that are led by varsity coaches and esteemed professionals. These camps are open to Maryvale students as well as local middle and high school students. This year’s camps include athletic camps, musical theater programs, art camps, and architecture/technology camps. Camp sessions run June 20-July 20.

MCDONOGH SCHOOL SUMMER PROGRAMS
8600 McDonogh Rd. Owings Mills, MD 21117.
443-544-7100. mcdonogh.org.
McDonogh offers extensive summer programs for ages 4-18, including traditional day camps, arts and academic experiences, STEM-centric camps, and day and overnight sports clinics. Camps utilize the school’s many facilities including riding rings, fishing ponds, an arts center—even a rock-climbing tower and ropes course.

MERCY HIGH SCHOOL’S “MAGICAL SUMMER”
1300 E. Northern Pkwy., Baltimore, MD 21239.
410-433-8800. mercyhighschool.com/summer.
A Magical Summer is open to rising 6-8 grade girls. Campers will be coached and instructed by Mercy faculty and coaches, area professionals, and Mercy Girl athletes and artists. Weekly sessions are offered in different areas such as dance and musical theater. There are also athletic camps such as soccer, volleyball, and lacrosse. Sessions run June 20-August 11.

MICA SUMMER ART CAMP
1300 W. Mt. Royal Ave., Baltimore, MD 21217.
410-225-2219. mica.edu/artcamp.
Have a budding artist? Then the art camp at Maryland Institute College of Art may be just the place for your camper this summer. Camp is open to children in grades K-12. Sessions run June 6-July 29. Check the website for more details.

THE PARK SCHOOL OF BALTIMORE-PARK CAMPS
2425 Old Court Rd., Baltimore, MD 21208.
410-339-7070. parkcamps.com.
Park’s experienced staff welcomes children ages 3½–15 for exciting summer activities hosted on its 100-acre campus. In addition to traditional day camp activities, age-specific camps offer sports and games, nature exploration, and music and movement. June 27-July 29.

RED BARN RANCH
175 Klees Mill Rd., Sykesville, MD 21784.
301-933-6888. redbarnranch.com.
This traditional day camp is open to kids in K-6 grades. Campers engage in arts & crafts, science, sports—even high ropes. All staff have had FBI and CPS background checks, and have been trained by Kids After Hours and Maryland State licensed trainers to ensure a safe and fun summer experience. Before and after care are available. June 17-August 26.

SUMMER AT GARRISON FOREST
300 Garrison Forest Rd., Owings Mills, MD 21117.
410-559-3433. gfs.org/summer.
Summer at Garrison Forest has extensive program options, including traditional day camps, specialty camps, equestrian camps, and overnight programs. Campers can play nearly every sport, including riding and polo, express themselves in an array of arts programs, make STEM discoveries, learn to cook, and more. Before and after care, lunch, and combo camp packages available. Located on Garrison Forest School’s 110-acre campus, Summer at Garrison Forest runs from June 6-August 19.

SUMMER NATURE CAMP AT IRVINE
11201 Garrison Forest Rd., Owings Mills, MD 21117.
443-738.9200. explorenature.org/summercamp.
Campers learn about nature in Maryland by exploring and playing in the woodlands, meadows, wetlands, and streams of Irvine Nature Center’s 211-acre campus. Campers get up, get active, and get outdoors daily! Led by professional educators, offering different themed programs weekly, no two sessions are alike. Irvine Summer Nature Camp 2022 will run from June 20-August 26. Full-day and half-day options available for 3-12 year-olds, with a new Counselor in Training program for ages 13-17.

SUMMER CAMP AT THE ODYSSEY SCHOOL
3257 Bridle Ridge Ln., Lutherville, MD 21093.
410-580-5551. theodysseyschool.org.
The Odyssey School’s camp is a specialized summer program for children with language learning differences in grades 1-8. The camp incorporates an individualized, structured academic experience in the mornings, designed to promote ongoing skill development in the areas of reading, written language, and math, followed by afternoons of outdoor activities and athletics. Full and half day options. June 27-July 29.

SUMMER AT THE ST. PAUL’S SCHOOLS
111232 Falls Rd., Brooklandville, MD 21022.
443-632-1083. stpaulsmd.org/summer.
The St. Paul’s Schools offer a range of coed and single-gender programs for children ages 5-17, including Gatorland Day Camp, sports, arts, cooking, and babysitting training. June 13-August 12.

YMCA CAMP CONRAD WEISER
201 Cushion Peak Rd., Reinholds, PA
17569. 610-670-2267. smymca.org.
Part of the South Mountain YMCA camps located in Berks County, Pennsylvania, Camp Conrad Weiser offers overnight experiences for boys and girls ages 7-15. There are traditional camps as well as specialty camps like the Immersive Literary Theme Camps and Horse Riding Specialty Camp. Camp offers three-tiered pricing to serve families with different abilities to pay. Check the website for the many session dates.