The Season of Specialization

What’s special about this summer? If you’re a camper, the answer is lots. This year, there are hundreds of opportunities close by for kids to expand their skills, from computer science to sailing.

Specialty camps that focus on a particular sport or skill could be the perfect choice for your child if he or she is ready for a concentrated (usually all day, for at least a week) experience. While they can build on an existing interest or teach new ones, these experiences offer campers the chance to work and socialize with a group of like-minded enthusiasts. To decide if one of these programs is right for your child, consider these questions: How structured is the program? What activities are required? How much instruction is given? Will the program encourage the child to try new things? How competitive is it? Is there any "down time" built into the schedule?

Sit down together and decide what approach best suits your camper. Then check these camps to find the one that will make this summer memorable.

Sports Camps

All-American Women’s Lacrosse Camps, University of Maryland, College Park. 301-314-7908. Top 200 in 2003: 6/27-29. Open camp: 7/13-16. Super Select Specialty camp: 7/25-27.

Navy Lacrosse Camps, U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis. 410-293-5539. Evening camp: 6/1-6. Team Concept camp: 7/18-20, 7/25-29, 7/31-8/3.

Dave Cottle’s Maryland Lacrosse Camp, University of Maryland, College Park. 301-314-7114. Information pending. Call for details.

Severn School Boys Lacrosse Camps, 201 Water St., Severna Park. 410-647-7701 x289. Day camps: Ages 7-15: 6/9-13, 7/7-11.

The Elite 150 Lacrosse Camp, Mount St. Mary’s College, Emmitsburg. 301-447-5356. Overnight residential camp: Ages 10-17: 7/6-10, 7/20-24.

STX Boys and Girls Lacrosse Camps, Annapolis Sports Complex at Germantown School, Annapolis. 800-944-7112. Presented by Annapolis Recreation Department, features instruction by Gary Gait and Jen Adams: Ages 8-18. Boys: 6/23-26. Girls: 6/21-24.

Carin Peterson Lacrosse, Severna Park High School, 60 Robinson Rd., Severna Park. 410-544-0900. Information pending. Call for details.

Bowie Ice Arena Summer Skating Camp, 3330 Northview Dr., Bowie. 301-809-3090. Typically offer morning and half-day, hockey and freestyle, skates. Call for details.

Cal Ripken Baseball Academy, Ripken Stadium and Academy, Aberdeen. 800-486-0850. Spring Break camp: 4/17-19. Mini camp: 6/18-20, 6/23-25, 6/30-7/2, 7/7-9. Day camp: 7/14-18. Overnight camp: 7/20-25. All camps, ages 8 and over.

Navy Baseball Camps, U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis. 410-293-5585. Day camps: Youth Overall: 6/23-26. Youth Specialty: 6/30-7/2. High School Instructional Showcase: 8/9-10.

Terry Rupp Terrapins Baseball Camp, University of Maryland, College Park. 301-314-7122. Information pending. Call for details.

Navy Football Camp, U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis. 410-293-2241. General dates: 6/29-7/2.

Terrapin Football Technique School, University of Maryland, College Park. 301-314-7095. Day and overnight camps emphasizing individual technique and drills for each player: For high school players only, must be at least entering 9^th grade and/or cannot have graduated from high school: 6/18-21, 6/22-25.

Severn School Football Camp, 201 Water St., Severna Park. 410-647-7701 x289. Day camp: Ages 7-15: 7/22-24.

Universal Gymnastics Summer Camp, 2030A Industrial Dr., Annapolis. 410-224-2533. Daytime, Evening, Half-Day, Three-Hour and Cheerleading camps: Ages 8 months to 10 yrs.: 6/9-8/8.

Annapolis Bowl Bowling Camps, 2057 General’s Hwy., Annapolis. 410-266-0700. Ages 4 and up. Basic Bowling Skills. Information available soon. Call for details.

Navy Boys Soccer Camps, U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis. 410-293-5542. Overnight and day camps: 7/12-16, 7/16-20, 7/21-26.

Navy Girls Soccer Camps, U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis. 410-293-5562. Overnight and day camps: 6/21-25, 7/6-10.

Severn School Boys and Girls Soccer Camps, 201 Water St., Severna Park. 410-647-7701 x289. Coed, ages 6-13: Day camps: 6/16-20, 6/23-27.

St. Mary’s College Soccer Camps, 18952 E. Fisher Rd., St. Mary’s City. 240-895-4321. Spring Break camp: 3/29-30. Coed Day camp: Ages 6-16: 7/7-11. Coed Residential camp: Ages 10-18: 7/13-17. High School Team camps: 6/23-27, 7/21-25, 7/28-8/1, 8/4-8. High School Fitness camp: 8/10-14.

Shannon Higgins-Cirovski’s Maryland Soccer Camp 2003 for Girls, University of Maryland, College Park. 301-214-7034. Information pending. Call for details.

Sasho Cirovski’s Maryland Soccer Camp for Boys, University of Maryland, College Park. 301-314-7005. Information pending. Call for details.

Pro Excel Soccer Camp, Bates Athletic Complex, Spa Rd., Annapolis. 410-263-7958. Presented by Annapolis Recreation Department: Ages 5-9: 7/28-8/1.

Challenger Camps, Truxtun Park Municipal Swimming Pool, Hilltop Ln., Annapolis. 410-263-7958. Presented by Annapolis Recreation Department. Registration forms available at the Annapolis Recreation Center. Call for details.

Soccer Camp, Bates Athletic Complex, Spa Rd., Annapolis. Presented by Annapolis Recreation Department. Boys and Girls camp: Ages 4-14: 6/23-27.

Summer to Remember Pony Camp, Navillus Farm, 2811 Davidsonville Rd., Davidsonville. 410-798-1992. Information pending. Call for details.

Equilibrium Horsemanship, 1685 Underwood Rd., Crofton. 410-573-0545. Full day, week long, riding camps: Beginning thru advanced instruction: June thru August.

Alfred Johnson’s Boys Basketball Camp, St. Mary’s College of Maryland. 240-895-4318. Day and residential camps: Information available in March. Call for details.

Navy Boys Basketball Camp, U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis. 410-293-2627. Day camps: 6/23-27, 7/13-17, 7/27-31.

Navy Girls Basketball Camp, U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis. 410-293-5587. Day camp: 6/17-20. Position camp: 6/20-22. Individual camp: 6/23-26. Team camp: 6/27-29.

Gary Williams Boys Basketball Camp, University of Maryland, College Park. 301-314-7029. Information pending. Call for details.

Chris Weller’s Basketball Camp for Girls, University of Maryland, College Park. 301-314-7103. Information pending. Call for details.

Severn School Boys and Girls Basketball Camps, 201 Water St., Severna Park. 410-647-7701 x289. All camps, ages 7-15. Boys evening camp: 6/23-27. Girls day camp: 6/30-7/3. Girls evening camp: 6/30-7/3.

Skill Builders Girls Basketball Camp

Navy Boys Crew Camp, U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis. 410-293-3636. General dates: 6/8-12, 6/15-19, 6/22-26, 6/29-7/3.

Navy Girls Crew Camp, U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis. 410-293-2419. General dates: 6/7-12, 6/14-19, 6/21-26, 6/28-7/3. Day camp: 7/21-25.

Navy Distance/Cross Country Camp, U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis. 410-293-5579. General dates: 6/22-26.

Navy Diving Camp, U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis. 410-293-2970. General dates: 6/15-21, 6/22-28.

Navy Swimming Camp, U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis. 410-293-3012 or 410-293-5834. General dates: 6/8-12, 6/15-19.

Navy Water Polo Camp, U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis. 410-293-5558. General dates: 6/22-27, 7/13-18.

Navy Coed Tennis Camp, U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis. 410-293-5589. General dates: 6/16-20, 6/23-27. Day camp: 6/29-7/3.

Youth and Adult Tennis Lessons, Truxtun Park Tennis Courts, Hilltop Ln., Annapolis. 410-263-7958. Presented by Annapolis Recreation Department. Ages 8-16 and up: Tuesdays, 7/8-8/12, 9/9-10/14.

Youth and Adult Tennis Lessons, Annapolis Walk Tennis Courts, Annapolis. 410-263-7958. Presented by Annapolis Recreation Department. Ages 8 and up: Wednesdays, 7/9-8/13, 9/10-10/15.

Navy Squash Camp, U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis. 410-293-2240. General dates: 7/6-10.

Navy Volleyball Camp, U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis. 410-293-5546 or 410-293-5565. General dates: 7/2-6, 7/7-11.

Navy Wrestling Camp, U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis. 410-293-3011. General dates: 6/15-19, 6/22-26. Team camp: 6/22-26. Intensive Training camp: 7/5-13, 7/6-10. Father and Son camp: 7/12-13.

Golf Lessons: Get Hooked on Golf, Eisenhower Golf Course, Annapolis. 410-263-7958. Presented by Annapolis Recreation Department. Learn the basics of golf. Day camps: Ages 8-14: 6/23-27, 7/7-11.

Truxtun Park Skate Camp, Truxtun Park, Hilltop Ln., Annapolis. 410-263-7958. Presented by Annapolis Recreation Department. Coed Day camps for beginners to intermediate: Ages 8-13: 4/26-5/17, 5/24-6/14, 6/3-6/19, 7/8-7/24.

Severn School Girls Tri-Camp, 201 Water St., Severna Park. 410-647-7701 x289. All-in-one day camp featuring soccer, lacrosse and field hockey: Ages 7-15: 7/28-8/1.

Lifetime Sports Camp, Truxtun Park, Hilltop Ln., Annapolis. 410-263-7958. Presented by Annapolis Recreation Department. Coed Day camps refining baseball, softball, basketball, soccer, tennis and wacky sports skills: Ages 7-13: 7/7-11, 7/14-18.

Fundamentals Sports Camp, Truxtun Park, Hilltop Ln., Annapolis. 410-263-7958. Presented by Annapolis Recreation Department. Coed Day camps emphasizing the fundamentals of baseball, softball, basketball and soccer: Ages 5-8: 7/7-11, 7/14-18.

Sailing and Kayaking Camps and Day Trips

Chesapeake Sailing School, 7074 Bembe Beach Rd., Annapolis. 410-269-1594 or 800-966-0032. One to five day programs include: Basic Sailing, Intermediate, Bareboat Cruising, Catamaran Cruising, Auxiliary Power Helmsmanship, Private/Custom Sail, Family Programs, Coastal Navigation, and Celestial Navigation: Spring through Fall.

Annapolis Recreation Department Youth Sailing Skills Program, Annapolis Sailing School Marina, Annapolis. 410-263-7958. Coed Day camp: Ages 6-14: 7/12-8/2.

Severn Sailing Assn. Jr. Sailing, 311 First St., Annapolis. 410-263-0071. Five day, morning and afternoon sessions offered in a variety of boat classes: Ages 7-18: 6/23-8/14.

Creative Arts Camps

Camp Gonna Be, Annapolis. 410-956-0512. Information pending. Callf for details.

Camp Wee Wanna Bee, Annapolis. 410-956-0512. Information pending. Callf for details.

L’Ecole de Danse Summer Arts, 1906-A Forest Dr., Annapolis. 410-544-6930. Ballet and Performing Arts camps: Ages 4-10: 7/7-11, 8/4-8, 8/11-15. Ages 11-16: 7/14-18. Ballet of Performing Arts, requires previous training: Ages 11-18: 7/21-8/1.

Creative Camps at Maryland Hall, 801 Chase St., Annapolis. 410-263-5544. Offering visual and dramatic arts camps for children of all ages, throughout the summer. Information available soon. Call for details.

College Camps

Anne Arundel Community College Camps, 101 College Pkwy., Arnold. 410-777-2325. Kids in College camps, Pionneer camps, and Kids Dance offered. Call for details.

University of MD Summer Sessions 2003: Big as Life, College Park. Call numbers for details. The College Bound Program, 301-314-7702. Educational Talent Search Programs SAT Prep, 301-314-7763. Educational Talent Search Programs SAT Prep, 301-314-7763. Mini-Summer Travel for Academic and Residential Tours, 301-314-7763. El Ingeniero, 410-715-9828. 2003 Insect Summer Camp, 301-405-3925. Jump Start Program, 301-405-3353. Maryland Scholastic Press Association (2003) Summer Journalism Program, 301-405-8321. Physics is Phun, 301-405-5994. Physics Summer Outreach Program, 301-405-5949. Summer Reading Program, 301-405-3153. Upward Bound: Math and Science Regional Center, 301-405-1773. Women in Engineering, 301-405-3931. Young Scholars Program, 301-314-3572. Various Arts and Theatre camps, 301-454-1450. Plus many more.

Special Skills Training Camps

Navy Mental Training Clinic, U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis. 410-263-4655. Coaches clinic: 7/26. Adults clinic: 8/2. Children clinic: 8/6, 8/12-13.

Severn School Boys and Girls Chess Camp, 201 Water St., Severna Park. 410-647-7701 x289. Day camps: Ages 6-15: 7/7-11, 7/14-18.

Academic Camps

Elementary Summer Academy at various Anne Arundel County locations. 410-222-5383. Sponsored by Anne Arundel County Public Schools: Registration: 6/4-5. Camp: 7/1-29.

Computer Camps

Cyber Camps 2003 at Johns Hopkins University, Homewood Campus, Baltimore. 888-904-2267. Day camps: Ages 7-16: 7/14-18, 7/21-25, 7/28-8/1, 8/4-8.

Cyber Camps 2003 at University of Maryland, College Park. 888-904-2267. Residential camps: Ages 10-16. Day camps: Ages 7-16. All camps: 6/23-27, 6/30-7/3, 7/7-11, 7/14-18, 7/21-25.

Pre-School Camps

Bay Country Children’s Learning Center, 190 Admiral Cochrane Dr., Annapolis. 410-974-6700. Full day camps with varied activities: Ages 2-5: 6/2-next to last week of August.

Calvary Center Summer Fun, 301 Rowe Blvd., Annapolis. 410-268-3812. Full and half day camps: Ages 3-5: two week increments, 6/2-8/1.

Weems Creek Nursery School, 238 Kirkley Rd., Annapolis. 410-266-5522. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday Day camps: Ages 2 yrs., 9 months-6: 6/10-7/11.

Nature Camps

National Aquarium in Baltimore, 501 East Pratt St., Baltimore. 410-727-FISH. Conducts a variety of camps and seminars for kids of all ages. Information pending. Call for details.

Baltimore Zoo Summer Camps, Druid Hill Park, Baltimore. 410-396-6164. Family Mini-camp: 6/30-7/1. Tot camp: Ages 2-3: , 7/8-10, 7/22-24, 7/29-31, 8/5-7. Pre-K camps: Ages 3-4: 6/8-10, 7/15-17, 8/5-7, 8/12-14. Kindergarten camps: 6/23-27, 7/7-11, 7/14-18, 7/21-25, 7/28-8/1, 8/11-15. Grade 1 camps: 6/23-27, 7/14-18, 7/21-25, 8/4-8, 8/11-15. Grades 2-3 camps: 6/23-27, 7/7-11, 7/21-25, 7/28-8/1, 8/4-8. Grades 4-5 camps: 6/23-27, 7/7-11, 7/14-18, 7/28-8/1, 8/4-8, 8/11-15. Grades 6-9 camps: 7/7-11, 7/14-18, 7/21-25, 7/28-8/1, 8/11-15.

Summer Science Camps at Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary, 1361 Wrighton Rd., Lothian. 410-741-9330. Camp information available 3/1.

General Summer Camps

Annapolis Recreation and Parks Summer Programs. 410-263-7958. Registration for Kids Camp, Truxtun Park Day Camp and Extreme Teen Camp begins on 3/19, 7:30 a.m. Applications available at the Annapolis Recreation Center on 3/3.

Camp Pecometh, 136 Bookers Wharf Rd., Centreville. 410-758-0304. Coed, residential camps featuring a variety of activities and adventure: Grades K-12: 6/15-20, 6/22-27, 6/29-7/4, 7/5-11, 7/6-11, 7/13-15, 7/15-17, 7/13-18, 7/20-25, 7/26-8/1, 7/27-8/1, 8/3-8, 8/10-15, 8/17-22.

Camp Puh’tok, 17433 Big Falls Rd., Monkton. 410-329-6590. Residential camps: Restricted ages: 6/23-28. All ages: 6/30-7/5, 7/7-19, 7/21-8/2, 8/4-17. Ages 7-9: 7/7-12, 7/21-26, 8/4-9. Day camps: Ages 5-8: 6/24-7/5, 7/8-19, 7/22-8/2, 8/5-16.

Camp Wabanna, 101 Likes Rd., Edgewater. 410-7798-0455. Coed, Residential camp: Ages 7-14: 6/15-21, 6/22-28, 6/29-7/5, 7/13-19, 7/20-26, 7/27-8/2, 8/4-8. Coed, Residential Teen camp: Grades 6-12: 7/7-11. Coed, Day camps: Ages 4-10: 6/16-20, 6/23-27, 6/30-7/4, 7/7-11, 7/14-18, 7/21-25, 7/28-8/1, 8/4-8.

Camp Wright Day Camps, 400 Camp Wright Ln., Stevensville. 410-643-4171. Resident camps, Day camps, Specialty camps and Adventure Trip camps: Grades K-11: weekly sessions, 6/16-8/16.

Center for Young Children Summer Camps, University of Maryland, College Park. 301-405-3168. Arts, crafts, sports, cooking, games, water-play, drama, book clubs, and field trips: Pre-school-Kindergarten (ages 3-6), First-Second Grade: July-August.

Community Center at Woods, 623 Baltimore-Annapolis Blvd., Severna Park. 410-647-5843. Summer Spectacular camp: Grades 1-5: 6/23-27, 6/30-7/3, 7/7-11, 7/14-18, 7/21-25, 7/28-8/1, 8/4-8. Going Places camp: Grades 6-8: 7/7-8/8.

Indian Creek Summer Camps, 680 Evergreen Rd., Crownsville. 410-987-0342. Summer camps featuring music, art and crafts, athletics, and academics: Ages 4 through 8^th grade: 6/17-7/26.

Key Camp 2002, 534 Hillsmere Dr., Annapolis. 410-263-9231. Call for details.

Queen Anne School’s Summer Camps, 14111 Oak Grove Dr., PO Box 4528, Upper Marlboro. 301-249-5000. Features a variety of camps, from academic to sports to arts and crafts: Grades 1-12: Dates to be determined.

St. Anne’s Day School Summer Camps, 3112 Arundel on the Bay Rd., Annapolis. 410-263-8650 x120. Day camps featuring crafts, dance, sports, story telling, drama, games, swimming and more: Starfish and Starfish Plus, ages 3-4. Comets, K-1^st grade. Shooting Stars, 2-3^rd grade. Camp Discovery 1 Leadership Program-Quest Stars, 4-5^th grade. Camp Discovery 2 Leadership Program-North Stars, 6-8^th grade: All camps, 4 two week sessions, 6/16-8/8.

Severn School Day Camps, 201 Water St., Severna Park. 410-647-7701 x289. Coed day camps featuring art and crafts, music and drama, athletics and games, and computer workshops: Ages 4 through those entering 8^th grade: 6/23-7/3, 7/7-18, 7/21-8/1.

Summer at Friends School of Baltimore, 5114 N. Charles St., Baltimore. 410-649-3209. Coed day camps featuring technology, sports, music and drama: Ages 4-15: 6/16-8/8.

YMCA Summer Camps, 8055 Ritchie Hwy., Suite 205, Pasadena. 410-760-4363. Coed day camps include: Pre-school camp, Outdoor Summer camp, Summer Fun Clubs, Specialty camps, Teen camp, and Leader-in-Training Program: one week sessions, 6/9-8/22.