Patch Picks: Five Summer Camps for 2011

Rampant cabin fever leads to thoughts of real cabins, tents and s'mores over campfires.

There are a variety of camping experiences in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park area. If you're looking for a summer camp for your child this season, here's a primer on some of the options.

• Camp Ledgewood - 7047 Akron-Peninsula Rd., Peninsula. Located in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Camp Ledgewood is a 350 acre Girl Scout camp. Chief Exective Officer Daisy L. Alford-Smith, Ph.D. said, "Girl Scout camp gives all girls, whether a Girl Scout member or not, access to incredible opportunities in a safe environment.  While at Girl Scout camp, girls gain skills from first-hand experiences, build self-esteem, and develop connections with the world.  It’s truly an opportunity for girls to grow, explore and have fun.  Although the experience itself is often fleeting, the memories of a week at camp last a lifetime." Registration for Summer Camp opens March 15 at 1 a.m. 330-650-4743.
• Camp Manatoc - 1075 Truxell Rd., Peninsula. Camp Manatoc is a 600 acre Boy Scout Camp that offers year-round camping. Program Director Jim Shimko said, "Camp Manatoc has been making a difference in the lives of kids since 1929 – literally thousands of young people have passed through its Main Gate to experience the wonder and adventure of the outdoors. It’s a place where Scouting’s objectives of developing character, citizenship and fitness are made real. It’s impact has been far-reaching because, in this place, we’ve been building generations of great leaders." 330-657-2592.
• Old Trail School S'Camp - 2315 Ira Rd., Bath. John Heaps, Director of External Programs said, "Old Trail School's Summer Camp (S'Camp) offers a great alternative to traditional day camp for children who are interested in expanding their minds as well as having fun in the summer. We have more than 100 programs for children age 18 months to 14 years and this summer we're excited to debut our Game On Sports Camp that will provide a different stimulating physical activity/sport each week during the summer. With our home in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park we offer a fabulous setting for summer fun and many of the activities take place off of our campus but within the Park." 330-666-1118 ext. 469.
• - 3100 State Rd. The daycare center will host KinderCare Summer Camp from May through August for kids pre-school age through 12 years old. There are 12 camps to choose from, such as Wilderness 101, Dig Ancient Egypt and Gross & Gooey Science. For more information call 330-923-1700.
• Camp Christopher - 812 Biruta St., Akron. Camp Christopher offers a diverse range of activities, including archery, fishing, and horseback riding. Registration for 2011 is open now. 330-376-CAMP.