Patch Picks: Outstanding Summer Camps in Our Own Backyard

Summer camps can be a lot of fun, and the really good ones will also teach your kiddos something while they have all that fun. This week, Patch Picks five great local summer camps, covering art, recreation, magic and the outdoors. We know you've got your own favorites too, and you can share them in the comments section below.

• Art Camp at
• Location: Sunset Hills
  Laumeier art camps give kids the chance to put their hands and brains to work on a variety of art projects, all in an outdoor environment. Campers will work together as they learn about and work with a variety of media and techniques, both two- and three-dimensional, and draw inspiration from the museum's collections. Programs for ages four to six and six to 15.
  For more information on the schedule and registration, visit the Laumeier website.
• Kids in Action Summer Camp at Concord Lanes
• Location: Tesson Ferry Road at Lindbergh Boulevard
  K.I.A. offers a variety of activities to keep the kids active during those long summer days, including bowling, mini golf, batting cages, and arts & crafts, as well as the usual basketball, baseball, volleyball and soccer. There are also regular trips to swimming pool over the course of the camp.
  For more information on the schedule and registration, visit the Concord Lanes website.
• Gymnastics Camp at
• Location: Sunset Hills
  St. Louis Spirits offers a few different week-long camps, for beginning tumblers as little as three years old, to more experienced young gymnasts looking to improve their form to join a team. There is also a team camp and cheerleading camp for advanced gymnasts. Each camp includes a swimming break and culminates in a Parent Show for campers to show off their new skills.
  For more information on the schedule and registration, visit the St. Louis Spirits website.
• Magic Camps at , 
• Location: Crestwood Court
  For a unique day camp experience, Abra-Kid-Abra offers a variety of fun camps, teaching kids to perform feats like pulling a rabbit out of a hat, walking on stilts or twisting balloons into elaborate shapes. Choose from magic, circus, comedy or balloon camp, or combine a few for a discount. Kids build self confidence and learn presentation skills, while having so much fun they won't even notice it.
  For more information on the schedule and registration, visit the Abra-Kid-Abra website.
• Sherwood Forest Camp
• Location: Lesterville is 100 miles south of St. Louis near Mark Twain National Forest. Sherwood Forest Camp offers a true sleep-away camp experience for kids from age seven to 15. Activities include swimming, canoeing, performing arts, caving, hiking, climbing, cooking and camping out. The traditional summer camp brings together campers and staff from many different backgrounds. Very affordable rates available through a combination of private donations, United Way contributions and state youth programs funding.

For more information on the schedule and registration, visit the Sherwood Forest Camp website.