These young violinists gain skills and confidence at the Lyric Chamber Ensemble Camp held at Oakland Community College in
Auburn Hills.

A definitive guide to organized fun.

LISA BRODY

Special to The Jewish News

R

emember those lazy, hazy days
of summer, as the song goes?
Hanging out in the neighbor-
hood until dusk, running
around barefoot, spending hours in the sun
lying by a lake or pool, long before the
days of sunscreens? Maybe you would go
away to camp, settling into a new life for
four or eight weeks, doing a little of every-
thing, from water sports to arts and crafts.
Can you still remember how to tie a
lanyard?
Me neither. While lots of kids still
while away summer's days hanging out or
shipping out to overnight camps, many
others are directing their attention on

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1997

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camps that specialize in an area, such as
hockey, baseball or soccer, science, or
drama or the arts. With school calendars
running longer into June and beginning
before Labor Day, often these camps are
only for a week or two, allowing campers
with multiple interests to maximize their
summer time.
Stephanie Davidson, 12, of Bloomfield
Hills, is a sixth-grade middle schooler at
Cranbrook Kingswood Middle School and
in the summer an aspiring actress and singer.
To nurture her talent and interest, her par-
ents send her to drama camp at Lahser High
School, offered through the Bloomfield Hills
Parks and Recreation. There are two levels,
each half-day. Stephanie has progressed to
the advanced level.
"My daughter has had a ball," says mom

Karen Davidson. "She has learned a
tremendous amount of stage confidence
and theater skills, from choreography,
music, acting skills, and backstage work.
She has made a lot of friends of all ages
who share this interest with her, and come
back every year. I also like that it's not all
day, and she can still go swimming or have
sleepovers with friends."
From drama to art to hockey to soccer,
camp choices are plentiful for kids with
professional goals in mind, or just looking
for some fun and something different for
the summer. While some of these pro-
grams may be full, there are still lots of
options available. See which ones your
kids might like.

CAMP LIST

on page 52