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SPARC Summer Camps
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View our Summer Camp Guide
Click the link to leaf through our Summer Camp Guide with details on camp schedules, themes and more! -
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Summer Adventure Day Camp
An action-packed traditional summer camp experience with an adventure cruise theme! Enjoy weekly crafts, shindigs, games and more. Campers learn new sports, experience the outdoors, make new friends and learn valuable life skills all while having a fun, unforgettable summer. Every week has a different theme with varied activities planned by our experienced youth professionals to ensure campers have the best summer ever! View schedule. Registration opens March 21. For questions, please call 417-837-5737.AGE5-12 yrs.DATEMay 31-Aug. 19, Mon.-Fri.TIMEDrop-off: 7-8:30 a.m.; Pick-up: 4:30-6 p.m.LOCATIONWanda Gray ElementaryFEE$105/week -
Ritter Springs Outdoor Adventure Day Camp
Love the outdoors? Join us as we spend most of the day outside at beautiful Ritter Springs Park with an operation outdoors theme! Located just 6 miles north of Springfield, Ritter Springs includes caves, trails, woods, a lake, playground, picnic pavilion and streams. Activities at camp include archery, canoeing, creek walking, cookouts, swimming, fishing, caving and more. Plus, enjoy traditional camp activities including crafts and games. Campers have an unforgettable summer learning about nature, getting dirty and experiencing all the outdoors has to offer! Drop-off/Pick-up locations: Pershing, Wanda Gray and Bowerman schools. Registration opens March 21. View schedule. For questions, please call 417-837-5737.AGE5-12 yrs.DATEMay 31-Aug. 19, Mon.-Fri.TIMEDrop-off: 7-8:30 a.m.; Pick-up: 4:30-6 p.m.LOCATIONRitter Springs ParkFEE$105/week -
Summer Quest Teen Day Camp
“Too old” for day camp? Summer Quest is designed for older kids. Enjoy action-packed activities, video games, movies and cookouts and more. This year’s overall theme is kickin’ it old school. Summer Quest campers explore their creative side, learn new sports, challenge themselves through teambuilding and leadership initiatives and go on exciting excursions around the area. Registration opens March 21. View schedule. For questions, please call 417-837-5737.AGE11-14 yrs.DATEMay 31-Aug. 19, Mon.-Fri.TIMEDrop-off: 7-8:30 a.m.; Pick-up: 4:30-6 p.m.LOCATIONPershing K-8 SchoolFEE$110/week -
Before & After Explore!
Join SPARC before and after Springfield Public School’s Summer Explore! program, for a fun camp-like experience with games, crafts, sports, teambuilding and more. Registration opens March 21. For questions, please call 417-837-5737.AGEStudents going into K-8DATEJune 6-July 15, Mon.-Fri.TIMEBefore: 6:30 a.m.-Explore! begins; After: Dismissal-6 p.m.FEEBefore Explore!: $25/week; After Explore!: $45/week -
SmALL-Stars Youth Sports Camp
Enjoy a week-long sports-focused camp adventure! Campers travel to a different facility each day for an exciting sports experience. The goal is to introduce each camper to various sports in a safe, fun and positive learning environment. Campers learn basketball, soccer, tennis, golf and rock climbing. Campers receive a camp t-shirt and take part in an end-of-camp celebration with pizza, prizes and more! Registration opens March 21. For questions, please call 417-837-5737.AGE5-12 yrs.DATEAug. 9-13, Mon.-Fri.TIMEDrop-off: 7-8:30 a.m.; Pick-up: 4:30-6 p.m.LOCATIONCarver Middle SchoolFEE$100
Farm Park Summer Camps
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Grossology
Dive into sticky, slimy, gooey, and stinky in this all-things gross summer camp! From learning about poop to slime, campers will become Grossologists by conducting experiments, creating gross crafts, and much more! For questions, please call 417-837-5949.AGE6-8 yrs.DATEJune 6-10TIME9 a.m.-3 p.m.FEE$100 -
Wild World
It sure is a Wild World out there! Join us while we venture to the edges of the Earth and learn all about living things on our planet. From creepy crawlies to gentle giants, we will investigate the ins and outs of animals while creating fun crafts and exploring the Farm! For questions, please call 417-837-5949.AGE5-6 yrs.DATEJune 13-17TIME9 a.m.-12 p.m. or 2-5 p.m.FEE$60 -
Farm to Table
Agriculture is the science of farming such as growing crops and raising animals to provide food and other products. Campers will learn why Farms are important for our survival and learn how to, quite literally, bring products from Farm to Table! For questions, please call 417-837-5949.AGE8-10 yrs.DATEJune 20-24TIME9 a.m.-3 p.m.FEE$100 -
Buggin' Around
Did you know that a bee can beat its wings 190 times per second? We even have our own honeybees here at the Farm. Join us in this all things bug summer camp! Through hands on activities and a ton of exploration, campers will learn all about why insects are important to farms and even our existence on planet earth! For questions, please call 417-837-5949.AGE6-8 yrs.DATEJune 27-July 1TIME9 a.m.-3 p.m.FEE$100 -
Farms A to Z
Get ready to learn all things farm! From the dairy cows to green hay fields, campers will be immersed in life on the Farm. Campers will get to interact with our farm animals up close and personal while getting to play games, craft, and explore! For questions, please call 417-837-5949.AGE5-6 yrs.DATEJuly 11-15TIME9 a.m.-12 p.m. or 2-5 p.m.FEE$60 -
Living Art
Calling all aspiring artists! During living art camp, your young artist will work with plants and animals alike to create their very own masterpiece. Explore nature and the great outdoors in this artsy camp, each camper will be sent home with their very own creations! For questions, please call 417-837-5949.AGE8-10 yrs.DATEJuly 18-22TIME9 a.m.-3 p.m.FEE$100 -
Future Farmers
It is important for kids to learn about why Farms are vital to our everyday lives. These Future Farmers will learn about what it takes to run a farm, what farms produce, and the animals that live here through story books, hands on crafts, and engaging activities! For questions, please call 417-837-5949.AGE5-6 yrs.DATEJuly 25-29TIME9 a.m.-12 p.m. or 2-5 p.m.FEE$60 -
Best in Show
Summer Fairs are a great opportunity for farmers to display and show their best livestock. From stall decorations to cleaning, campers will work hands on with their assigned animal and prepare them for our Friday event. Parents/guardians are encouraged to join us on the last day of camp for our Rutledge-Wilson Farm Livestock Show! For questions, please call 417-837-5949.AGE10-12 yrs.DATEAug. 1-5TIME9 a.m.-3 p.m.FEE$120 -
Farm Expedition
Pack your bags for a summer adventure you won’t forget! Explorers will navigate their way through the Farm, from the trails to the barn campers will learn the ins and outs of what it takes to run a 207-acre Farm Park! For questions, please call 417-837-5949.AGE6-8 yrs.DATEAug. 8-12TIME9 a.m.-3 p.m.FEE$100
Outdoor Initiatives Summer Camps
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Adventure Days
If you are ages 11-14 and like all kinds of outdoor adventure, these trips are for you! Each day is packed full of different outdoor activities: climbing, cave crawling, kayaking, and more. Drop off and pick up at Dan Kinney Park pavilion. Limit 10 kids. Register for one day or all nine by Monday prior to each program. For questions, please call 417-833-8647.AGE11-14 yrs.JUNE 1Hike and Swim at Table Rock Lake State ParkJUNE 8Kayaking Skills and Disc Golf at Finley River ParkJUNE 15Kayaking on the James RiverJUNE 22Compass and Map Skills with Springfield Parks Treasure HuntJUNE 29Knot Tying and Rock Climbing at Zenith Climbing CenterJULY 13Archery and Survival Skills at Lake Springfield ParkJULY 27Springfield Caving Day at Ritter Springs and Doling ParkAUG. 3Float the Niangua River Part 1AUG. 10Float the Niangua River Part 2TIME8 a.m.-5 p.m. (Drop-off 7:45-8:15 a.m. Pickup 4:45-5:15 p.m.)FEE$35/Adventure -
Rock Climbing Adventure Week
This weeklong adventure camp will be packed full of rock-climbing fun in Springfield and the Boston Mountains of Arkansas! Instructors will start with the basics on day one, practicing climbing skills indoors at Zenith Climbing Center, and build up to a camping and outdoor climbing adventure at Horseshoe Canyon Ranch on Thursday and Friday. Each day, campers will learn climbing skills while also getting a classic day camp experience. Climbing equipment provided. Meals and camping equipment included on overnight trip. Drop off and pick up at Dan Kinney Park pavilion. Limit 12 kids. Register by June 9. For questions, please call 417-833-8647.AGE11-15 yrs.DATEJune 13-17TIME8 a.m.-5 p.m. (Drop-off 7:45-8:15 a.m. Pickup 4:45-5:15 p.m.)FEE$225/Person -
Kayak Adventure Week
A weeklong adventure camp packed full of kayaking fun! Expert instructors start with basic paddling skills at Lake Springfield Park. Each day, campers learn paddling skills in a classic day camp experience, building up to an overnight float trip on the Current River, camping at Akers Ferry Campground, Thursday to Friday. Kayak and lifejacket included throughout. Meals and camping equipment included on overnight float. Drop off and pick up at Lake Springfield Boathouse. Limit 12 kids. Register by July 15. For questions, please call 417-833-8647.AGE11-14 yrs.DATEJuly 18-22TIME8 a.m.-5 p.m. (Drop-off 7:45-8:15 a.m. Pickup 4:45-5:15 p.m.)FEE$225/Person -
Outdoor Trailblazers Camp
An outdoor skills day camp featuring the best outdoor activities the Ozarks has to offer. Each day includes an adventure centered around a new skill, developed through games and activities and then the real thing. Camp includes canoeing and kayaking at Fellows Lake, a float on the Niangua River, rock climbing and a trip to Zenith Climbing Center, outdoor survival skills, and a trip to Fritz’s Adventure. Parents are invited to a family adventure Friday night, includes dinner. Drop-off and pickup at Dan Kinney Park pavilion. Limit 20 kids. Register by Aug. 11. For questions, please call 417-833-8647.AGE9-12 yrs.DATEAug. 15-19TIME8 a.m.-5 p.m. (Drop-off 7:45-8:15 a.m. Pickup 4:45-5:15 p.m.)FEE$225/Person
Equestrian Summer Camps
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Equestrian Summer Camp
Introduction to all things horse related for kids that have little to no experience around horses. Hands on! Safety rules, haltering, saddling, grooming and handling lessons are combined with daily barn chores and riding at walk and trot, skills and confidence permitting. Participants will be assigned their own horse for the week. Friday morning performance will highlight learned skills. Please bring a water bottle and light snack each day. Jeans and closed toed leather boots/shoes are appropriate. If you have a rider with special needs or challenges, please contact supervisor prior to making reservation. Additional rules and/or policies apply. Limited to 8 participants. For questions about equestrian camps, call 417-833-3291.BEGINNER NEW RIDER – never independently saddled/ridden, limited experience.
AGE7-17 yrs.Session 1June 6-10Session 2July 11-15Session 3Aug. 1-5TIME8 a.m.-12 p.m.FEE$180
PROGRESSIVE BEGINNER Attended HorseShoe 1 and 2 or Beginner Summer Camp. Can lead, groom, saddle and mount with assistance/light instruction. Can start, stop and steer at walk, working on confidence in trot/jog.AGE7-17 yrs.SESSION 1June 13-17SESSION 2July 18-22TIME8 a.m.-12 p.m.FEE$180
BEGINNER/INTERMEDIATE COMBINED For any skill level ranging between beginner or intermediate.AGE7-17 yrs.SESSION 1Aug. 8-12SESSION 2Aug. 15-19TIME8 a.m.-12 p.m.FEE$180
INTERMEDIATE In regular lesson program, independent rider at walk, trot and working towards canter/lope. Must have instructor approval, call office to register.AGE7-17 yrs.SESSION 1June 20-24SESSION 2July 25-29TIME8 a.m.-12 p.m.FEE$180
ADVANCED In regular lesson program, cantering but needs more experience. Must have instructor approval, call office to register.AGE7-17 yrs.SESSION 1June 27-July 1TIME8 a.m.-12 p.m.FEE$180
Volleyball Summer Camps
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VolleyTikes & VolleyKids
Fun introductory class for 4-9 year old boys and girls
- Focus
- Ball Development: Kids will practice hand eye coordination skills.
- Game Development: Kids will learn basic concepts associated with the sport of volleyball.
- Motor Development: Kids will learn different movement patterns that will help them to be successful in all sports.
- Skill Development: Kids will learn and practice three of the main volleyball skills of passing, setting and serving.
- Focus
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Summer Clinics
AGE4-6 yrs.DATEJune 6-July 19TIMEMon., 3 p.m. or 10 a.m.Sessions are full.LOCATIONFieldhouseFEE$65 -
Summer Clinics
AGE7-9 yrs.DATEJune 6-July 19TIMEMon., 3 p.m. or 10 a.m.Sessions are full.LOCATIONFieldhouseFEE$65 -
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3rd-4th Grade
Clinics are designed to help the young volleyball player learn basic fundamentals and gain knowledge in the sport through game play. Each player will receive instruction in all of the major skills and have an opportunity to use those skills through controlled competitive situations.
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3rd Grade Summer Clinics
AGE3rd gradeDATEJune 6-July 19TIMEMon., 11 a.m. or 1 p.m.LOCATIONFieldhouseFEE$150 -
4th Grade Summer Clinics
AGE4th gradeDATEJune 6-July 19TIMEMon.,11 a.m.or 1 p.m.LOCATIONFieldhouseFEE$150 -
5th-6th Grade
Clinics for this age group will teach athletes all of the major skills as well as more advanced movements like jump/zone serving, various attacks, defensive movements, and game strategies. All players will have an opportunity to perform high repetitions in order to develop consistent skills and results. Each training session will also incorporate game like situations to help develop understanding and “flow” of the game.
Skate Park Summer Camps
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Summer Skate Camp
For weeks of instruction geared for beginner to intermediate skateboarders. Develop and enhance basic skateboarding skills while creating new friendships and building confidence. Instruction focuses on control, safety, park etiquette and skateboarding fundamentals. Space is limited, registration required. Limited skateboard rentals available. Scholarships may be available. For questions, please call 417-868-8758.AGE6-14 yrs.DATESat., July 9-30TIME10 a.m. – 12p.m.LOCATIONSpringfield Skate ParkFEE$60
Zoo Summer Camps
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Think BIG
The world is BIG. How big, you ask… overwhelmingly big! Some birthday cakes are big. Some animals are big. Some swimming pools are big. Some mountains are big! This grandiose two day camp will help bring the world down to size. We’ll compare and contrast large and small. We’ll measure, weigh, and record just like scientist. We’ll even discover some little ways that we can make big changes in our big world! We might get messy, so please wear clothes you don’t mind getting wet or dirty and wear closed toe shoes. Please bring a lunch that does not require refrigeration (reusable containers are preferred).AGEStudents who have completed Kindergarted or first gradeDATEJuly 1-2, July 6-7, or July 8-9TIME9 a.m.-3 p.m.FEE$120/FOZ Member; $150/Non-member -
Focus on Food Chains
All living things need energy, but where does that energy come from? In this fascinating two day camp, we will learn how scientist categorize living things, what living things need to survive, and the surprising sources of most energy on earth. Then we’ll turn our focus to herbivores, omnivores, carnivores, and scavengers as we piece together a food chain. We might get messy, so please wear clothes you don’t mind getting wet or dirty and wear closed toe shoes. Please bring a lunch that does not require refrigeration (reusable containers are preferred).AGEStudents who have completed Kindergarted or first gradeDATEAug. 5-6, Aug. 9-10, or Aug. 11-12TIME9 a.m.-3 p.m.FEE$120/FOZ Member; $150/Non-member -
Wild About Art
Inspired by nature and the beauty of the animal kingdom, we’ll work to create some masterpieces of our own using a variety of mediums and techniques. Each day, campers will meet new animal muses while exploring the colors, patterns, and designs of natural world. At the end of camp, each camper takes home a piece of artwork “painted” by a zoo animal! We may get messy, so please dress accordingly. Please bring a water bottle and a lunch that does not require refrigeration (reusable containers are preferred).AGEGrades 2-6(grade completed)DATEGrades 2-3: July 27-28;
Grades 4-6: June 30-July 1TIME9 a.m.-3 p.m.FEE$120/FOZ Member; $150/Non-member -
Home Sweet Habitat
Campers will spend two days of wild fun learning about incredible animal habitats around the globe. From the jungles of tropical Asia, to the savanna grasslands of Africa, and back to our own Ozark forests, glades and streams, students will discover the amazing survival strategies of the animals that call these places home. Camp includes zoo tours, animal encounters, games, crafts, and more. Please bring a water bottle and a lunch that does not require refrigeration (reusable containers are preferred).AGEGrades 2-3(grade completed)DATEJune 1-2TIME9 a.m.-3 p.m.FEE$120/FOZ Member; $150/Non-member -
Carnivore Quest
Lions and tigers and bears, oh my! During this three day camp, students will dive into the world of the mammal order Carnivora, which also includes such diverse animals as sea lions, raccoons, hyenas, and otters. Let’s learn what sets this group apart from other mammals, while also discovering how we can help them in the wild. Camp includes zoo tours, animal encounters, games, crafts, and more. Please bring a water bottle and a lunch that does not require refrigeration (reusable containers are preferred).AGEGrades 4-6 (grade completed)DATEJune 14-16TIME9 a.m.-3 p.m.FEE$180/FOZ Member; $225/Non-member -
Zookeepers in Training
Do you have what it takes to be a zookeeper? Campers shadow zookeepers and participate in everyday animal care duties, including cleaning, feeding, and making special enrichment items. Prepare to get dirty! Closed-toe shoes required. Please bring a water bottle and a lunch that does not require refrigeration (reusable containers are preferred).AGEGrades 2-6 (grade completed)DATEGrades 2-3: July 19-20 or 26-27;
Grades 4-6: Aug. 2-3 or Aug. 9011TIME9 a.m.-3 p.m.FEE$120/FOZ Member; $150/Non-member -
Zoo Careers
Who works behind-the-scenes to run the zoo? In this camp students meet various zoo staff and learn about the day-to-day activities of those who work in close contact with the animals, as well as others who are vital to maintaining a zoo. If you are interested in a career in animal care, wildlife conservation, or veterinary medicine, this is the camp for you! Closed-toe shoes required. Please bring a water bottle and a lunch that does not require refrigeration (reusable containers are preferred).AGEGrades 7-9 (grade completed)DATEJune 21-23TIME9 a.m.-3 p.m.FEE$180/FOZ Member; $225/Non-member
Ice Park Summer Camps
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Advanced Figure Skating
This 4-day program is a supervised option for skaters who have experience skating multiple days a week. Skaters are usually working towards official USFS tests, competing and understand the importance of time management. Skaters should have a regular private lesson coach to consult with throughout the summer. Skaters can skate on an unlimited number of freestyles in June and July at no additional cost. Pre-requisite: Completed Basic 5. Registration begins in May. For questions, call 417-866-7444.AGE6-12 yrs.DATEMay 30-July 28TIMEMon.-Thurs., 7:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m.FEE$450/8 weeks; $150/week -
Intermediate Figure Skating
The 2-day program is a supervised option for skaters looking to increase their time on the ice. Skaters should be skating at least 1x a week prior to the start of camp, have an interest in competing, testing, and/or shows and exhibitions. Skaters can skate on any Monday/Wednesday freestyle at no additional cost in June and July. Pre-requisite: Completed Basic 2 and own their own skates. Registration begins in May. For questions, call 417-866-7444.AGE6-12 yrs.DATEMay 30-July 28TIMEMon./Wed., 7:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m.FEE$300/8 weeks; $75/week
Golf Summer Camps
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Jr. Golf Clinics
PGA instruction of basic golf fundamentals for juniors. Includes putting, chipping, full swing and proper etiquette and course play.AGE6-15 yrs.DATEJune 13-17; July 18-22 (Bill & Payne Stewart only)TIME8:30-10:30 a.m. a.m.LOCATIONPayne Stewart and Horton Smith Golf CoursesFEE$100/Session or $175/Both sessionsREGISTER FOR
HORTON SMITH CLINICREGISTER FOR
BILL & PAYNE STEWART CLINIC 1REGISTER FOR
BILL & PAYNE STEWART CLINIC 2