Patch Picks: It's Off to Camp We Go!

It may not feel like it, but spring and summer are just around the corner. That means it's time to start thinking about your kids' summer camp choices.

Dearborn has plenty to offer for kids of all different ages and interests. Here's a look at some of the spring and summer camps available nearby.

• The Secret Science of Dirt This Spring Break camp offered by –which has locations in Dearborn–gives youth five days of fun playing with dirt, worms, plants and more. It runs April 18-25 and is split into two groups: one for preschoolers, the other for school-age children. Preschoolers will have hands-on lessons of veggie cooking, craft making and more. Older kids will plant and tend to vegetables, learn how to make compost and prepare their own snacks with veggies. The week ends with a Dig It! Science Fair. Kids who are already enrolled in KinderCare may attend for free. For more information, contact your nearest location.
• Camp Invention One of the most popular summer camps in Dearborn, this weeklong day camp at is open to all Dearborn students entering grades 1-6. It runs 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. the week of Aug. 1, and is $215 per student. The camp focuses on the inventive process of science. To learn more, contact Camp Director Kristie Lica at 313-827-7724, or licak@dearborn.k12.mi.us.
• Vocal and Instrumental Music Camp Incoming sixth-graders looking to get more involved in band or choir can take part in the district's two camps for music. The vocal camp takes place at and runs half days in June and July, though exact 2011 dates have not been set. The instrumental music camp takes place at and also runs in June and July. The vocal camp cost is $90 per student; instrumental camp is $150 per student. For more information, contact DHS Bands and Orchestras Director Mr. Oshnock at 313-827-7898.
• Summer Adventure Club Offered by the Early Childhood-Community Education Department, this camp at school includes swimming, arts and crafts, science, field trips and more. It's open to toddlers through middle schoolers. Rates depend on attendance. To learn more, call 313-317-6527.
• Young Naturalist Summer Camp Offered by the Environmental Interpretive Center at , this camp teaches kids about wildlife, seasons, habitats and more. Exact dates for 2011 are not yet finalized, but camp sessions run from 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. To learn more, contact the EIC at 313-593-5338.