7 Alabama summer camps perfect for any kid or teen

Schools are letting out and summer’s just around the corner! With the weather heating up, there’s never been a better time to enroll kids in summer camp. We picked out a few of our favorite summer camps across Alabama, sure to satisfy any antsy kid.

1. Space Camp!

Space Camp is iconic in Alabama and nationwide. Located at One Tranquility Base in Huntsville, Space Camp trains students to apply science and technology in real-world scenarios. Throughout the week, students complete missions that require them to use problem-solving and critical thinking. Space Camp’s success shows in its numbers: 96% of Space Camp graduates said the experience increased their interest in STEM topics.

• Location: 1 Tranquility Base, Huntsville, AL 35805
• Contact: 1.800.637.7223 | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

2. Camp Fletcher

Established in 1926 by Alabama’s first black nurse, Camp Fletcher is located on 260 acres of untouched wilderness in Bessemer, AL. Campers are greeted by a sign that reads “Wohelo”–work, health and love–as soon as they enter. These principles are central to Camp Fletcher. The camp offers both day and overnight camps depending on a student’s age. Their day camps are open to 1st through 9th graders. Day camps feature canoeing, craftmaking, swimming, fishing and much more! The overnight Campers in Action program is open to 10th through 12th graders. The program works to develop campers’ leadership through hands-on projects.

• Location: 5150 Fletcher Rd, Bessemer, AL 35022
• Contact: 205.584.6033 | Facebook | Twitter

3. Dauphin Island Sea Lab

Overnight camps at Dauphin Island Sea Lab are the perfect way for kids to get outdoors while learning about the environment. The Sea Lab offers overnight camps for students 5th grade and up. All of the Sea Lab’s overnight camps use hands-on activities to get students passionate about marine biology. The Barrier Island Explorer camp takes 5th and 6th graders aboard the Alabama Discovery research vessel. By the time students reach 7th grade, they build marine robots with the Sea Lab. Learning possibilities are endless with the Dauphin Island Sea Lab!

• Location: 101 Bienville Blvd, Dauphin Island, AL 36528
• Contact: 251.861.2141 | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

4. Camp Cosby

YMCA Camp Cosby is a weeklong sleepaway camp for girls and boys ages 6 to 16. The camp is tucked away on 135 acres in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Land activities at the east Alabama camp include mini bikes, horseback riding, ropes courses, archery, dance and drama classes. Camp Cosby is on the shores of Lake Logan Martin, where campers fish, sail, canoe, swim and fish throughout the summer.

• Location: 2290 Paul Bear Bryant Rd, Alpine, AL 35014
• Contact: 256.268.2007 | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

5. Southern Survival Camp

The Southern Survival Camp is a two-week all-boys camp held at Southern Prep Academy in Camp Hill, AL. The program focuses on instilling strength and leadership skills in its campers. The camp teaches boys skills like firearm safety, orienteering and shelter building. The Southern Survival Camp isn’t all serious, though! Boys also participate in paintball tournaments, ropes courses and even flight simulations.

• Location: 174 Ward Cir, Camp Hill, AL 36850
• Contact: 256.281.3295 | Facebook

6. Camp Cha-La-Kee

Camp Cha-La-Kee offers summer camps to boys and girls ages 8 to 14. Located on the shores of scenic Lake Guntersville, Cha-La-Kee offers students water activities with stunning views. Students can canoe, kayak, paddle board, fish, tube or aqua bounce through the lake. Cha-La-Kee also offers traditional land activities like craftmaking, riflery, drama classes and more.

• Location: 4380 Cha-La-Kee Rd, Guntersville, AL 35976
• Contact: 256.571.2494 | Facebook

7. Lookout Mountain Camp for Boys

Lookout Mountain Camp was built in 1928 out of wood from the surrounding forests. It sits on the Little River’s only bluff, and is often referred to as “The South’s Grand, Old Camp.” Last season, Lookout Mountain was the only camp open in Mentone. They reported zero cases of COVID-19 last summer. Boys at Lookout Mountain have endless opportunities for fun, ranging from whitewater rafting to skeet shooting.

• Location: 277 Co Rd 632, Mentone, AL 35984
• Contact: 256.634.4758 | Facebook

Looking for more summer fun in Alabama? Check out https://thebamabuzz.com/5-places-to-frolic-with-goats-in-alabaaama/.

Do you have a favorite sleepaway camp in Alabama? Tag @thebamabuzz and share some summer fun!