How to avoid hearing, "I'm bored..."

Tests are done, the last grades are being posted and the bell will soon ring for the last time, which can only mean one thing... SCHOOL IS OUT! As many city schools are winding down this week, kids and parents are ready for a break from homework, after school activities and all of the hussle and bussle that is the school year, and ready for the easy, breezy, laid back atmostphere of summer. If you are like most parents, you will have happy kids for the first few weeks, and then the dreaded, "I'm bored..." statement is back. Luckily, Auburn and Opelika are both prepared to take the burden off of you with the many camps for every interest. Below are just a few, but be sure to check www.aotourism.com for new camps added every day!

For the athlete:

CAMPS AT AUBURN UNIVERSITY
Auburn University Football Camps: If your child is looking to brush up on some of his or her offensive, defensive, or kicking techniques, send them to the professionals... the Auburn Tigers that is. Head Coach Gus Malzahn and staff have put together a summer full of camps to benefit your child by improving their overall skills, and keeping them from sitting on the couch all day. For more information, visit www.auburnfootballcamps.com.

Auburn University Baseball Camps: Since baseball season is winding down for rec leagues and school ball, why not continue working on pitching or hitting that homerun on the off season. Under Coach Sunny Galloway, the Auburn Tigers have laid a great foundation for the future of AU Baseball, and they can't wait to share the excitement with your child. For more information, visit www.collegebaseballcamps.com/tigers.

Auburn University has camps in almost every other sport, including Equestrian, Golf, Swimming & Diving, Tennis and so much more. For information on all camps, visit www.auburntigers.com/camps.

HIGH SCHOOL CAMPS
Auburn High School also has camps that may be more cost efficient and convenient. Below are dates for athletic camps at Auburn High School:

AHS Baseball Camp: May 26-29 (www.auburnschools.org/athletics/baseball)
Junior High Baseball Camp: June 2-4 (www.auburnschools.org/athletics/baseball)
Lady Tigers Basketball Camp: June 15-17 (www.auburnschools.org/athletics/basketball)
Boy's Basketball Camp: June 1-4 (www.auburnschools.org/athletics/basketball)
Fundamental Skills Basketball Camp: June 8-10 (www.auburnschools.org/athletics/basketball)
AHS Cheer Camp: May 26-28 (www.auburnschools.org/athletics/basketball)
AHS Softball Camp: June 1-3 (www.auburnschools.org/athletics/softball)
AHS Track and Field Camp: June 16-20 (www.auburnschools.org/athletics/track)
AHS Volleyball Summer Camp: June 23-25 (www.auburnschools.org/athletics/volleyball)

CITY OF OPELIKA CAMPS
The City of Opelika has several athletic camps avaiable for all ages this summer. Below are dates for those camps, find detailed information in your copy of The Park Bench.

Basketball Camp: June 18-19 for ages 6-8, 9-10 and 11-12 at Covington Center.
Sports Camp: June 22-26 for ages 5-7 at the Opelika Sportsplex.
Sports Camp: June 29-July 3 for ages 8-11 at the Opelika Sportsplex.
Mini Tennis Clinic Session 1: June 16 & 18 for ages 6-12.
Mini Tennis Clinic Session 2: July 14 & 16 for ages 6-12.
Cheer Camp: June 15-16 for ages 3-12, taught by the Opelika Cheerleaders.
11th Annual Back to the Dawghouse Camp: Date is TBA, check www.opelika.org/opr for more information.

Also be sure to check out the City of Auburn's athletic camps at www.auburnalabama.org/parks or pick up a summer brochure today, and the City of Opelika athletic camps at www.opelika.org/opr!

For the performer:

Auburn University Summer Band Camps: The award winning Auburn University Band is ready to help your child excel in every area this summer. They offer camps in percussion, symphonic band, majorette, colorguard and dance. These camps, while great for every skill level, is especially great for those interested in being involved in band in college. For more information, visit www.auburn.edu/auband.

Auburn University Cheer and Dance Camps: Auburn University is proud to partner with UCA, NDA, UDA and Half Time USA to bring you a summer packed with cheers, dances and stunts. These camps are packed with fun, team building and skill development. For more information, visit http://www.auburn.edu/outreach/opce/auburnyouthprograms/cheeranddance.htm.

Auburn University Musical Theater Camp: Musical Theatre Camp, conducted by faculty and staff from Auburn's Department of Theatre, is an exciting opportunity for rising 9-12 grade students interested in the field of musical theatre. For more information, visit http://www.auburn.edu/outreach/opce/auburnyouthprograms/musicaltheatre.htm.

AHS Mini-Majorette Camp: The Auburn High School majorette line wants to share their passion with your child this summer. The camp is for Ages 4 through upcoming 8th graders. This camp is great for sparking interest in baton twirling or for 8th graders to perfect those basics before tryouts next year. The camp is June 8-10. Contact Holley Mullen at aufamilyx3@bellsouth.net for more information.

Also be sure to check out the City of Auburn's theatre camps available all summer long for different ages. Visit www.auburnalabama.org/parks or check out the summer brochure for more information!

For the artist:

City of Auburn Art Camps: The City of Auburn wants to help your young Picasso this summer. With camps for all ages, you can't let your child miss out. Below are camp dates, but for more detailed information, visit www.auburnalabama.org/parks or check out the summer brochure!

Art For Young Children: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 10 a.m.-noon. Ages 4-6.
Mommy and Me Music & Art: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 9-10 a.m. (Ages 2-3), 10:30-11:30 a.m. (Ages 4-5.
Visual Arts Workshops for Children: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-noon. Ages 7-12.
Artworks Intensive Workshop-Create a Creature: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 9 a.m.-noon. Ages 9-14.
Masks and Movement: The Art of Masks and Character Development: Monday-Friday, 8:30-11:30 a.m. 6th Grad and up.

The City of Opelika Art Camp: The camp begins July 20 and lasting through the 24. This is the 12th year of this hands on art class and has quickly become a hit. Student will use various media to create masterpieces. for more information, please visit www.opelika.org/opr or pick up your copy of The Park Bench today!

For the explorer:

The Kreher Preserve and Nature Center has a summer full of camps to fulfill the need to explorer in your child. Be sure to check out www.auburn.edu/preserve for detailed information on each camp and to register. Below are the dates:

Camp Discovery: May 26-29
Young Naturalist I Camp: June 1-5
Junior Rangers Camp: June 8-12
Young Naturalist II Camp: June 15-19
Explorers Camp: June 22-26

Those are just a few of the many camps offered this summer. Although I couldn't list them all, make sure to check out Auburn University, Auburn City Schools, Opelika City Schools, City of Auburn and City of Opelika websites and social media pages for other camps and further information on all camps listed here. As always, if you have any questions, please give us a call at (334) 887-8747 or visit our website at www.aotourism.com.

This week in Auburn-Opelika:

May 20: Landscape Watercolor Class at the Kreher Preserve & Nature Center.
May 21: May Concert Series from 6-7:30 from Town Creek Park.
May 23-25: GOALFEST at Chewacla State Park.
May 25-31: Bluegrass on the Plains at University Station RV Resort.

Summer Camps in Auburn-Opelika

Good news, parents! School is out and summer is in, which means it’s time for camp! Auburn-Opelika has dozens of summer camps available for your kids, whether they are outdoorsy, artsy or just plain antsy! Space is limited, so be sure to register soon.

The pool at the Auburn/Opelika Marriott at Grand National.

Auburn-Opelika Marriott: Soaring Summer  

If your family chooses to stay at the Auburn/Opelika Marriott at Grand National this summer, you’ll have access to the brand new adventure of Soaring Summer! Soaring Summer is part vacation, part summer camp and an all-around affordable getaway for your family. With daily activities that include shows from the Auburn University Raptor Center, pool games, hiking, campfires and live music, Camp Soaring Summer is the perfect reason why your family should consider taking your summer vacation with the Auburn-Opelika Marriott. The kickoff event for Soaring Summer is Thursday, May 8, at 5:45 p.m. with a Raptor Center show at 6 p.m.

For more information and to RSVP, contact Bill Lang at bill.lang@rtjresorts.com.

Auburn University Camps

Auburn University hosts many camps throughout the summer that appeal to many different age groups and interests. Take a look below at some of the camps offered, and be sure to visit http://www.auburn.edu/outreach/opce/summercamps/ 

to see more and to register.

Sports  

If it’s a sport, Auburn University has a camp for it. Check out the main website here for a full listing, but here are some of the main camps offered in June and July. Sports not listed here include tennis, volleyball, lacrosse and more.

Baseball

For the younger children, Auburn University offers the Future Tigers Youth Camp (ages 6-12) in July. For older and more skilled athletes, Auburn Baseball will host the Auburn Baseball War Eagle Exposure Camp for ages 13 through graduated high school seniors. For more information, visit http://www.collegebaseballcamps.com/tigers.

Women’s Basketball

2014 Terri Flournoy Overnight Camp (4^th-8^th grade) in June, Elite Camp (8^th-12^th) in June. For more information visit http://www.auburntigers.com/camps/aub-w-baskbl-camp.html

Football

Camps offered for grades 3^rd and up. For more information visit http://www.auburnfootballcamps.com/.

Golf

Camps offered for boys and girls from ages 9 – high school graduates. For more information visit http://www.auburngolfcamps.com/auburn-tiger-golf-camp.cfm

Soccer

Camps offered for boys and girls for many different ages and skill levels. For more information, visit http://www.auburnsoccercamp.com/.  

Swimming

Swimming camps offered through Auburn Aquatics for boys and girls of varying ages and skill levels. For more information visit http://abcsportscamps.com/auswim. 

Attendees of the Robotics Academy will learn about the emerging science of robotics.
Pictured here is South's BEST, a regional robotics competition.

Educational

Auburn University offers more than 30 educational summer programs, ranging from the hard sciences of engineering to programs like creative writing and debate. Here are a few noted programs, but a full list can be found at http://www.auburn.edu/outreach/opce/summercamps/.

Robotics Academy  

Open to rising 7^th-9^th graders, Robotics Academy is a 4-day camp (June 24-27) where students learn more about the emerging science of robotics. Working in teams, students will engage in engineering problems that will end with a competition on the last day of camp. For more information and to register, visit http://www.auburn.edu/academic/cosam/departments/outreach/programs/robotics_academy/index.htm.

World Affairs Youth Seminar (Model United Nations)

Open to rising 10^th-12^th graders, the World Affairs Youth Seminar is perfect for anyone with a passion for politics, debate and social studies. Students will represent countries and use their skills to examine real global issues that affect us today. The camp runs from July 6-11. For more information and to register, visit http://www.auburn.edu/outreach/opce/summerexperience/wa.htm.

Introduction to Cyber Security Engineering

Introduction to Cyber Security Engineer is one of four summer courses offered by Auburn University for high school juniors and seniors. Students will work in the engineering and computer science laboratories and learn the basics of investigating computer crimes. Each student will earn 2 hours of college credit. The program runs from July 6-25, and the program cost of $4,000 covers tuition, books, supplies, housing, dining and transportation. For more information and to register, visit http://www.auburn.edu/outreach/opce/summercollege/cybersecurity.htm.

The Auburn University Theatre Program, which hosts the Musical Theatre Academy.

Arts

Auburn University offers plenty of arts camps for your budding actress, drum major, Project Runway contestant or rock star. A full list can be found at http://www.auburn.edu/outreach/opce/summercamps/.

Musical Theatre Academy  (July 6-11)

Designed for rising 9^th-12^th graders, the Musical Theatre Academy is a week-long residential workshop for dance, choir and theatre students. Students will engage in one-on-one guidance from Auburn University Department of Theatre staff and will stage a musical revue at the end of the week. Cost of the Musical Theatre Academy is $635 per person and it includes instruction, housing, meals and recreational activities for the camper. For more information and to register, visit http://www.auburn.edu/outreach/opce/summerexperience/musicaltheatre.htm.

Project Design Week  (July 13-18)

Interested in becoming a fashion designer or interior decorator? Then this is the camp for you. Project Design Week is a fun-filled camp where participants in 9^th-12th grade get to learn the ins and outs of the design industry through hands-on experience. Cost is $645 per person and includes housing, dining and all recreational activities. For more information and to register visit  http://www.auburn.edu/outreach/opce/summerexperience/projectdesignweek.htm.

Guitar Workshop (June 27-29)

Designed for ages 10-18, Auburn University’s Guitar Workshop will feature guitar faculty member Joseph Ikner and other guest artists instruct musicians of all skill levels on the guitar. Program cost is $359 and includes instruction, housing, dining and recreational activities. For more information and to register, visit http://www.auburn.edu/outreach/opce/summerexperience/guitarworkshop.htm.

Auburn Parks and Recreation

Auburn Parks and Recreation offers many different summer camp options, including arts and crafts, sports and even therapeutic camps for the disabled. Check out their full listing in their brochure here on page 25! Camps include Superhero Training Camp, Fairy Princess Camp, Summer Dance Camp, and even Irish Dance Camp! Most camps are weekdays from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. For more information, visit https://www.auburnalabama.org/parks/Default.aspx?PageID=670.

Opelika Parks and Recreation

Opelika Parks and Recreation also offers summer camp programs for area kids, including cheer camp, tumbling camp, Art Camp and Opelika Sportsplex Day Camp! Specifics including dates and pricing can be found at http://www.opelika.org/Default.asp?ID=832&pg=Summer+Camps.

One of the presentations given by the Louise Kreher Ecology Preserve.

Forest Ecology Preserve Go Native! Summer Camp

The Louise Kreher Forest Ecology Preserve is hosting multiple summer camps throughout the summer, with programs ranging from 1^st grade to 7^th grade! Each camp is held for one week, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Registration is $100 and includes a daily snack, activities and t-shirt. Membership with the preserve is required. Campers will learn how Alabama’s Native American people lived and prospered in the area. Campers will also learn about the native and invasive plants and animals found there through nature studies, crafts, games, hikes, and more.

The camp for 5^th-7^th graders, held from June 9 -13, is a special Hunger Games Training Camp that is designed to teach campers basic survival skills.

For more information and to register, visit http://wp.auburn.edu/preserve/forest-ecology-preserve-summer-ecology-camp-registration-begins/.