

The Urban Ecology Center offers weekly camps and late afternoon programs. (Photo by Sue Vliet)
Editor’s Note: Welcome to NNS Summer Survival Guide, which will give you the resources you need to have a successful summer. Did we miss anything? Email us at info@milwaukeenns.org and put “NNS Survival Guide” in the subject line or catch us on Facebook, where you can leave comments.
If you’re looking for affordable or free options to keep your children entertained, we’ve got you covered.
From sports to academics, fine arts to science projects, camps can give your kids the chance to dive into unfamiliar areas of interest- not to mention some structure in their summer days.
All summer long
1. Summit Educational Association
Over the summer, students in 4th to 8th grade can participate in the Summit Summer Olympics Program, which lasts seven weeks and includes weekly field trips. It costs $100. To apply, parents must schedule an interview with Summit, (414) 672-1786.
2. Summer Recreation Enrichment Camp
Milwaukee Recreation offers Summer Recreation Enrichment Camp for ages 3-12 at Fairview Camp, 6500 W. Kinnickinnic River Parkway, and Neeskara Camp, 1601 N. Hawley Rd. Activities include reading, sports/games, educational field trips and more. Breakfast, lunch and snack will be provided. Participants can register here, at the MPS Central Services office, the OASIS office or in person at either location.


Organizations throughout Milwaukee have programs and camps for preteens and teens. (Photo by Sue Vliet)
3. Milwaukee Area Technical College camps
Milwaukee Area Technical College will host eight summer camps for high school and middle school students at its Downtown Milwaukee, Mequon and Oak Creek campuses through July. Some are free; others have a fee, but scholarships are available. All are hands-on and career focused. Space is limited, and registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.
4. YMCA
The YMCA has a plethora of options when it comes to summer programs. Y Day Camp is available for children at five YMCA locations, including Wilson Park, 1601 W. Howard Ave., Parklawn, 4340 N. 46th St., and North Milwaukee 9050 N. Swan Rd. To register, stop by your local YMCA, call (414) 276-9622 or go to ymcamke.org.
5. COA’s Community Learning Centers
COA has Community Learning Centers and programming for teens and preteens. Registration is required at the location of one’s choosing. Activities include monthly field trips, league sports, team building and more. Hours may vary per location. The Goldin Center, 2320 W. Burleigh St., and Riverwest Center, 909 E. Garfield Ave., offer programming through Aug. 23. The other locations offer programming until July 26.
6. 7 Generations YEP Summer Day Camp
Native youth ages 7-12 can participate in the 7 Generations YEP Summer Day Camp. Activities include health, nutrition, cultural teachings, sports, creative arts and more. The camp meets Tuesdays and Thursday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Wednesday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. To register contact Stacey Mattson at (414) 316-5050 or smattson@gliihc.net.
7. “Be the Change” Bridge Program
The “Be the Change” Bridge Program welcomes current MPS 8th grade black and Latino boys to learn leadership skills as well as earn service hours and citizenships required for graduation from high school. The free four-week program includes breakfast, lunch, transportation, and field trips. It will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. July 1-July 26 at Rufus King High School, and students will spend Tuesday and Thursday afternoons at Running Rebels.
Students interested in getting involved should contact the Department of Black and Latino Male Achievement at (414) 475-8248 for further information, or talk to a school counselor.
8. PeppNation’s Activate Milwaukee County Parks
Through tutoring, field trips and nontraditional sports, the PeppNation Summer Program exposes students living in Central City neighborhoods to enriching experiences. Camp meets Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. For more information, click here.
Coming Thursday: Weekly camps and drop-ins and day camps
Did we miss a camp or program? Send us an email at info@milwaukeenns.org or catch us on Facebook, where you can leave comments.
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