Camp is a staple for many kids and parents during the summer because it offers kids of all ages a chance to have fun, explore their interests, and experience a structured environment. This year may look different with many camps opting to remain closed for the season and families choosing to stay home and stay safe amid the coronavirus pandemic. However, organizations throughout the country (and the world!) are rallying together to make summer camp continue to be a reality! Today, we thought we would round up six of the best virtual summer camps we have discovered that are completely FREE.
San Diego Zoo:
When COVID-19 began, the San Diego Zoo was quick to begin offering resources for families to enjoy at home. And, their We’re Here Together campaign has continued! Perfect for animal loving kids of all ages, the San Diego Zoo’s website is packed with live video cameras (there’s 13 different live streams to enjoy!), hands-on activities, games, the Zoo’s own newspaper geared for kids, and much more.
Note: It’s not free, but we did want to mention Woof Wag Dogs’ virtual summer camp for kids and their dogs! It sounds like a wonderful opportunity for both to bond together through dog training, education, and more.
YouTube:
If your kids have multiple interests, encourage them to explore them all through #CampYouTube! Complete video series are available online with topics ranging from STEM and arts to sports and adventure. The YouTube team has also made sure to round up videos that offer educational opportunities for kids about topics like racism. Plus, they can learn to cook and create simple DIYs. Make sure to scroll to the bottom for the Bingo boards!
Met Opera:
For kids who come alive when listening to, learning about, or performing music, encourage their interest by having them attend virtual summer camp with the famed Met Opera. Each week, the Met launches a new summer camp theme, and they’re all based around a well-known opera. There are daily live sessions streamed on their Facebook page (make sure to choose the time targeted to your child’s age!), activities, and a chance to watch the week’s opera performed by the Met’s professional singers.
Best Buy:
If you’ve been reading our blog for a while or have visited our app, you know we’re big fans of Best Buy! They’re known for their skilled Geek Squad team, and we discovered they have a Geek Squad camp where kids can learn all about tech, science, and coding. The camp is called Geek Squad Academy at Home, and your kids can explore topics at their own pace with free PDFs. Get ready because they’re about to learn the ins and outs of computers, how to capture their own photos, how to build a website, and how to create their own video game.
KiwiCo:
If you have little campers at home, get to know KiwiCo. Their crates are beloved by kids and families alike, and they launched an online summer camp that allows your camper to attend at their own pace. Simply sign up, choose your sessions or topics, and let your camper dive in! There are camps for kids of different ages from as young as three to older than 11, and they explore everything from art to engineering. If you want to enhance your camper’s experience, they do have an option to purchase one of their themed crates geared toward your child’s chosen session.
Museum of Contemporary Art North Miami:
We wanted to make sure to include a camp for art-loving kids, and the Museum of Contemporary Art North Miami’s virtual camp could not be better! If you are local to Miami, you will be able to pick up your camper’s art supplies in person at no charge, but they also created a supply list so you can pick up any materials on your own. There are basic and more advanced camps available for varied ages, and each one is taught by a professional art instructor daily over Zoom for an hour and a half. At the end of camp, MOCA will feature the best student work online in a virtual exhibition!
We’re in this together, Shopkickers. Let’s make it a fun summer for all!
