Utah Mama

Early bird summer youth camp sign up special at the University of Utah

If you know enough in advance what your summer looks like, you can take advantage of the University of Utah’s Youth Camp early bird sign-ups. When you register before MARCH 11th (I know that’s quick) you get 15% off camp tuition.

I was introduced to the U’s youth programs 5 years ago when I started teaching writing camps for them. The teacher I replaced was sad to be leaving.  He said he thought the quality of the youth programs at the U were one of the University’s best kept secrets. I don’t necessarily think it’s a secret–I see their advertising plastered across buses and in every waiting room. But I do think they have a good program. Here are some things I like about it:

• VARIETY: There are so many different classes to choose from.Just perusing the online catalog just now, I could sign my girls up for everything from a cooking class, to ancient art, to vocal lessons to video programming to film-making to roof top gardening. The list goes on.
• ACADEMICS: The U also offers lots of academic boosting classes. There is an anatomy lab, solar energy course, writing courses . . .all sorts.
• AGE RANGE: There are summer classes for ages 2 through high school. There are even some child and adult classes to do together.
• COLLEGE CAMPUS: There is something very cool about going to camp on a college campus. I don’t have enough perspective to say, but I’m thinking that it could say to the child’s psyche:  ”I’m a smart kid. I’m comfortable on a college campus. Someday I’m going to go here for real. “
• YOUTH ACADEMY OF EXCELLENCE: The classes in this program are designed specifically for gifted children who have special needs all their own. There are children who grow up attending Youth Academy each summer because it is the one place they feel they fit in.

For more information on the camps, you can go to http://continue.utah.edu/youth/clubucamps/index.php