On Martha’s Vineyard, summer camps abound with options for children of all ages and interests. There are drop-in day camps offering a diverse group of activities guaranteed to delight and tire out even the most enthusiastic child. Weeklong adventures at sea, in the woods, on the farms or on the sports fields help focus attention on a more singular aspect of summer fun.

There are camps for horseback riding, tennis, sailing, the dramatic arts, science and agriculture. Some go for the gusto of diversity with days of adventure or arts of all kinds. Aspiring actors and comics can choose between musical theatre and improvisation camps, while budding auteurs may hone their craft at filmmaking camp. The Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School even has an annual program of summer clinics in sports, sciences and studio arts.

Several of the Island’s summer day camps offer financial aid or discounts for local families, and some have leadership programs or internships for older children.

The following is a camp directory to help make the process of choosing a camp easier — or perhaps all the choices actually make it harder. In either case, you can’t lose.

Salt Life

KIDS CRUISE — BLACK DOG TALL SHIPS

The next generation of sailors take to the Sound to learn the ways of the sea during a week spent onboard either the schooner Alabama or Shenandoah. Modern conveniences are left on land as kids return to a time of coal-fired stoves, hand water pumps and circumnavigation using the night sky. Open to children ages 9 to 16.

Program Dates: July 9, July 16, July 24, Aug. 6 and Aug 13.

Cost:  $1,100 per week.

Vineyard Haven Harbor, Beach Road Extension, Vineyard Haven

508-693-1699

theblackdogtallships.com

SAIL MV SUMMER SAILING

Whether you child is new to the ocean or an advanced sailor, Sail MV has something for everyone. For beginners, the Messing Around in Boats program teaches the skills and confidence needed to sail a sloop or pram, while the more rugged kids perfect their knowledge in advance sailing and windsurfing classes. With a 6:1 ratio of camper to instructors, every child gets the attention they need to be the sailor they want to be.

Program Dates: June 26, July 5, July 10, July 17, July 24, July 31 and Aug. 7 and Aug. 14.

Cost: $300-$600 per week.

Sailing Camp Park, 176 Barnes Road, Oak Bluffs

508-696-7644

sailmv.org

VINEYARD HAVEN YACHT CLUB JUNIOR SAILING

Brush off those winter cobwebs and hit the water again this summer with the VHYC. Kids can attend one of two, four-week sailing sessions that are broken down into eight different classes such as the Tadpoles for sailing newbies up to the Advanced 420 group for kids ages 12 to 18. For those competitive souls, the racing team is a must — tryouts will be June 27 and 28.

Program Dates:

June 26 and July 24.

45 Owen Little Way, Vineyard Haven

508-693-3080

vhyc.org

A Little Bit of Everything

CHILMARK COMMUNITY CENTER

For anyone looking for a fun place for their youngsters, CCC has you covered. For playschool-aged kids (ages 4 to 5) a half-day at the adjacent Chilmark School allows your child to ease into a summer camp program. For the older kids (6 to 14) groups are broken down between various ages and provides activities throughout the day to keep everyone entertained.

Program Dates: June 26, July 3, July 10, July 17, July 24, July 31, Aug. 7 and Aug. 14. Cost:

$350 for playschool group and $150 for the older kids per week.

520 South Road, Chilmark

508-645-9484

chilmarkcommunitycenter.org

CAMP TERRA MARE at the YMCA

Unplug and reconnect with others is the motto of this camp. Built for kids in grades K-8, campers learn new skills, build self-confidence and make lasting friendships all while enjoying adventures such as archery, swimming and even sailing. A typical day consists of a morning circle, an activity, team building exercises and a closing circle to finish it off. As an added bonus, each week a theme represents all the fun to be had.

Program Dates: July 3, July 10, July 17, July 24, July 21, Aug. 7 and Aug. 14.

Cost: $250 for YMCA members and $300 for non-members per week.

111R Edgartown-Vineyard Haven Road, Oak Bluffs

508-696-7171

ymcamv.org

You and the Natural World

FARM CAMP

Reap what you sow at the FARM Institute. Campers get the opportunity to understand the daily operations of a working farm. With four separate age groups your sprout, grower, harvester or homesteader will experience farm chores, cooking, activities, lessons and more each day. For the older farmers (ages 14 to 17) there is an educator in training program too.

Program Dates: June 26, July 3, July 10, July 17, July 24, July 31, Aug. 7, Aug. 14, Aug. 21 and Aug. 28.

Cost: Prices vary by program category and Trustees of Reservations membership.

14 Aero Avenue, Edgartown

508-627-7007

farminstitute.org

FERN & FEATHER NATURAL HISTORY DAY CAMP

For over 50 years this interactive camp helps promote a child’s curiosity for the natural world. Broken down by age groups, your discoverer, pathfinder, explorer, adventurer or ecologist will enjoy a day filled with outdoor exploration, hands-on activities, games, crafts and more. Not sure camp is for your kid? Try it out on either June 21, 22 or 23 to see if it’s the right fit.

Program Dates: June 26, July 5, July 10, July 17, July 24, July 31 and Aug. 7, Aug. 14, Aug. 21 and Aug. 28.

Cost: Prices vary by age group and Mass Audubon membership.

100 Felix Neck Drive, Edgartown

508-627-4850

massaudubon.org/felixneck

SASSAFRAS EARTH EDUCATION

Awaken your child’s wild side in the woods of Aquinnah. This unique program is great for ages 5 and up who want to develop nature and earth skills while gaining an understanding of the world around them. Through activities like exploration, building campsites and fires, plant identification and more your kid will soon be a regular expert of the Martha’s Vineyard wilderness.

Program Dates: July 3, July 10, July 17, July 24, July 21, Aug. 7 and Aug. 14.

Cost: $300 to $375.

5 Church Street, Aquinnah

508-645-2008

sassafrasmvy.org

ARROWHEAD FARM PONY CAMP

For 30 years the staff at Arrowhead Farm has been teaching kids to trot, gallop and jump with confidence and ease. Through mounted instruction, lessons in proper care and fun activities, both novice and advanced campers will leave with a better knowledge in horsemanship. At the end of each week riders even get to show off their skills during an open house for parents.

Program Dates: July 3, July 10, July 17, July 24, July 31, Aug. 7, Aug. 14, Aug. 21 and Aug. 28.

Cost: $650 per week.

174 Indian Hill Road, West Tisbury

508-693-8831

arrowheadfarm.net

Breaking a Sweat

MARTHA’S VINEYARD ADVENTURE CAMP

Get that adrenaline pumping. For those thrill-seeking kids looking to stay active throughout the summer, this camp is for them. Through mountain biking treks, trips to the ropes course, kayaking explorations, paddleboard excursions and more, campers experience an outdoor adventure that’s both fun and educational. Camp is broken down by two groups, one for ages 7 to 13 and for teens ages 14 to 16.

Program Dates: June 26, July 5, July 10, July 17, July 24, July 31 and Aug. 7, Aug. 14, Aug. 21 and Aug. 28. Cost:

$450 a week.

Pick-up at MVRHS, 100 Edgartown-Vineyard Haven Road, Oak Bluffs

508-693-8484

mvadventurecamp.com

NIKE TENNIS CAMP

Master your serve and perfect that backhand during this Nike-endorsed tennis camp taught by pros Connie McHugh and Eric Pease. For kids ages 9 to 18, over a six-hour day they work on their game through technical instruction, drilling and supervised match play on the five outdoor courts at the regional high school or two indoor courts at the Airport Fitness Center.

Program Dates: July 3, July 10, July 17, July 24, July 31 and Aug. 7.

Cost: $375

24 Airport Road, Edgartown

800-645-3226

ussportscamps.com

NIANTIC PARK SUMMER BASKETBALL

Your little Michael Jordans and Lisa Leslies can hone their basketball skills during this fun camp on the brand new Niantic Park basketball courts. Through drills and pick-up games you ball player will be draining threes and sinking free throws in no time. Best for ages 6 to 13. Program Dates: June 26, July 13, July 31

Cost: $150 per 2.5 week session.

347 County Road, Oak Bluffs

508-693-0072

oakbluffsma.gov

VINEYARD YOUTH TENNIS

When the weather turns warm everyone who loves tennis knows it’s time for the bubble at the Vineyard Youth Tennis center to come down. This Island non-profit is in the game of teaching kids the ins and outs of tennis through free programs. With two, four-week sessions both Island children and summer residents can gain tennis knowledge together. Registration for Island kids opens May 15 with registration for summer residents on June 1.

Program Dates: July 3 and July 31.

Cost: Free for Islanders and a minimal fee for summer residents.

618 Barnes Road, Oak Bluffs

508-693-7762

Vineyardyouthtennis.org

Arts and Ideas

FEATHERSTONE CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Your child’s inner Picasso is coaxed out thanks to the loving and artistic staff at Featherstone. Miss Lani Carney teaches a half-day camp for youngsters 3 to 5 focusing on the process of painting. Coral Shockey takes the 6 to 8-year-olds and encourages them to observe the world around them. For the 9 to 11-year-olds, Meghan Getsinger explores various artistic mediums. And lastly, kids 12 and over get to work on acrylics with Donna Straw during a special week beginning on July 10.

Program Dates: June 19, June 26, July 5, July 10, July 17, July 24, July 31 and Aug. 7.

Cost: $350 per week.

30 Featherstone Lane, Oak Bluffs

508-693-1850

featherstoneart.org

IMP CAMP

This improv-based theatre camp allows your kid to be a part of something fun and whimsical. Perfect for kids ages 6 to 16, spend a morning or afternoon learning the art of improv with fellow actors and actresses. Those in the two-week session even get to create and perform an original show at the end for the public.

Program Dates: June 26, July 3, July 10, July 17 and July 31.

Cost: $250 for one-week and $485 for the two-week session.

Alex’s Place, 111R Edgartown-Vineyard Haven Road, Oak Bluffs

Edgartown School, 35 Robinson Road, Edgartown

508-939-9368

imp4kids.com

ITW CHILDREN’S THEATRE

Back for the 49th year, this theatre arts camp is best for kids ages 8 to 18 who are interested in acting, voice, movement and dance. Following each three-week session there will be a full musical performance featuring all original script and music. There will also be a special one week cabaret workshop that culminates in a performance at the Ag Fair and the Grange Hall.

Program Dates: July 3, July 24 and Aug. 14 (Cabaret session.)

Cost: $265 per week.

Sailing Camp Park, 176 Barnes Road, Oak Bluffs

508-737-8550

itwmv.org

SENSE OF WONDER

The name says it all. Through art, music, nature, community and cultural awareness your child’s sense of wonder will shine through by the end of the summer. Each week a special theme will help foster your child’s thinking: puppetry, stop motion animation, circus arts and more are just a few of the weekly adventures.

Program Dates: July 3, July 10, July 17, July 24, July 21, Aug. 7 and Aug. 14.

Cost: $280 per week.

23 Grove Avenue, Vineyard Haven

508-693-3142

senseofwondercreations.org

MVFF FILMMAKING CAMP

Lights, camera, action! Campers will have a chance to explore documentary filmmaking, animation and short films with Cinema Circus. Each two-week session will end with a screening of the kids’ work in the various film categories.

Program Dates: July 3, July 17 and July 31

Cost: $280

8 State Road, Chilmark

508-645-9599

tmvff.org

FILMMAKING CAMP

In collaboration with Martha’s Vineyard Film Center, MVTV and Featherstone Center for the Arts. Campers learn video camera use, interviewing skills, musical video, creating public service announcements and editing of video content. Meets at Featherstone’s campus, with one day spent at MVTV to learn editing skills. Afternoon snacks provided. Program leader is Michele Vivian, executive director of MVTV. 

Program Dates: August 7 to 11, 1 to 5 p.m. Limited to 15 participants; suggested age range is 11 to 13 year-olds.  

Cost: $250 for the week; two island student scholarships available.

Contact Minah Worley at minah@mvfilmsociety.com, Richard Paradise at rich@mvfilmsociety.com, or Michelle Vivian at michelle@mvtv.org

LET GO YOUR MIND

Lego-lovers rejoice. This hands-on camp utilizes the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) principles to allow kids to build the towers, castles and motorized machines of their dreams. Coming back for its second year, the Let Go Your Mind camp is for kids ages 4 to 14 and is broken down into three different age groups.

Program Dates: July 17 and July 24.

Cost: $165 - $325

Vineyard Montessori School, 286 Main Street, Vineyard Haven

letgoyourmind.com

Drop-In Programs

MARTHA’S VINEYARD SHARKS DROP-IN CLINIC

Play ball! Campers looking to hone their baseball skills should look no further. This clinic, taught by former Sharks player Brett Holmgren, will give kids the opportunity to learn from a pro. For those looking for a more personal experience, they can also sign-up for 1-on-1 private skills sessions.

Program Dates: Monday through Thursday June 26 to August 18.

Cost: $50 a day, $180 4-day pack and $350 8-day pack.

The Shark Tank, 100 Edgartown-Vineyard Haven Road, Oak Bluffs

mvsharks.com

MARTHA’S VINEYARD BOYS & GIRLS CLUB

Each day campers are split up by age groups and led through numerous activities at the club in the gym, game room, technology center or the garden. Afternoons are filled with beach excursions, field trips and more around the Island. Registration is not required, but kids must be dropped off between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m.

Cost: $30 per day, $90 for 3 days, $150 per week.

44 Robinson Road, Edgartown

508-627-3303

mvbgclub.org

DISCOVERY DAYS

Come explore the history and culture of Martha’s Vineyard through art at this day camp hosted by the Martha’s Vineyard Museum. At the start of every day kids examine historical artifacts and photos from the museum that pertain to the theme of the week, which range from lighthouses and maps to the heath hen and whales. Then they create art using a wide range of media. Appropriate for kids ages 5 to 12.

Cost: $15 for members, $20 for non-members and if you book three sessions, the fourth one is free.

Martha’s Vineyard Museum, 59 School Street, Edgartown

508-627-4441, ext. 119

mvmuseum.org

MV SKATE PARK SUMMER DROP-IN PROGRAM

Move aside Tony Hawk, the kids at the MV Skate Park are coming for you. Through drop-in instruction Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to noon, kids learn how to perfect a kickflip, ollie, nosegrind and more from some of the Islands best skateboarders.

Cost: $275 per week.

111 Edgartown-Vineyard Haven Road, Oak Bluffs
508-274-5674
mvskate.com