Summer camp is back and could be perhaps better than ever in St. Charles Parish thanks to a brand new partnership.
The parish’s Department of Parks and Recreation announced a partnership with Kidcam Camps that will provide a summer camp program full of activities for residents this summer. The camp will be held at Lakewood Elementary School from May 28 through July 26 and is open to campers ages 5 to 13.
The theme of the event will be “Camping through the Decades” and it will celebrate 50 years of Kidcam Camps though a schedule filled with sports activities, creative arts, STEM, team-building games and more that will take campers back in time for some old-school fun and camp traditions.
Parks and Recreations Director Duane Foret said there have been obstacles in recent years to offering a summer camp to residents, but that the runway toward that is very clear now thanks to the partnership.
“It is exciting for us to offer our community the opportunity for children to come together for a summer filled with fun and friendship through this partnership with Kidcam Camps,” Foret said. “After challenges in recent years to hold a summer camp, this partnership is a testament to our dedication to providing an enriching summer experience for the youth in our community.”
Prior to this summer, the last time the St. Charles Parish Department of Parks and Recreation hosted a full nine-week summer camp was in 2019.
“Due to COVID-19 and Hurricane Ida amongst other challenges, we have not held one since. When we had the opportunity to partner with Kidcam Camps to bring a summer camp back to one of our premiere locations in Lakewood Elementary, we knew this would satisfy a need for many residents looking for something to do with their children for the duration of the summer,” said Alissa Cavaretta, Assistant Director of St. Charles Parish Parks and Recreation.
The announcement continues what looks to be a busy summer for both Parks and Recreation and the parish’s youth, coming on the heels of the parish’s announcement earlier this month that Swamp School would be returning once again this summer.
Melissa Conner, President & CEO of Kidcam Camps said that the organization is pleased to expand its reach into St. Charles.
“For 50 years, Kidcam Camps has been bringing the spirit of summer through the power of camp to communities across the southeast, and we are thrilled to partner with St. Charles Parish Parks and Recreation to extend that experience to even more families,” Conner said.
“This partnership isn’t just about day camps; it’s about creating unforgettable memories, fostering friendships and enriching the lives of children in our community. We are excited to offer a powerful summer camp experience for the children in St. Charles Parish.”
Registration for the camp is open online at Kidcamcamp.com. Parents are encouraged to register campers before March 31 to earn early registration discounts using specific checkout codes.
Before care service begins at 7 a.m. and is $2 per camper from 7 to 8:30 a.m. Campers may arrive between 8:30 – 8:55 a.m. at no charge. The camp day begins at 9:00 a.m.
Kidcam’s camping itinerary includes a curriculum filled with sports, creative arts, STEM, team building games, life skills, onsite trips, talent shows, swimming and water play.
The group holds summer camps in more than 30 locations.
Cavaretta said the partnership looks to be a plus for everyone involved.
“We are proud to partner with Kidcam Camps, who has built a strong program throughout the southeast over the last 50 years and are excited to bring this camp to Lakewood Elementary School. Having a summer-long camp rounds out our slate of summer activities, which is full of camps, sport-specific clinics and more,” Cavaretta said.
