National Geographic Announces 2014 Adventurers of the Year

 

Online Voting for People’s Choice Adventurer of the Year Runs through Jan. 31, 2014

The 2014 Adventurers of the Year, naming extraordinary achievements in exploration, adventure sports, conservation or humanitarianism have distinguished them in the past year was already announced by National Geographic.

Runs through Jan. 31, 2014, the online voting for the People’s Choice Adventurer of the Year has already started.  Fans can go here to vote at any time for their favorite honoree.  In February, the adventurer with the most number of votes at the end of the voting period will be announced as the 2014 People’s Choice Adventurer of the Year.

The 13 honorees this year were a long-distance swimmer, to refresh your memory, he was the first to swim from Cuba to Florida without protection from a shark cage; another one was a skier who is re-imagining his sport in urban landscapes; and two veterans dedicated to establishing connections between veterans and the outdoors; lastly a snowboarder committed to helping brain injury survivors.

The 13 Adventurers of the Year for 2014 are:

§  Stacy Bare and Nick Watson — American adventurers and veterans who launched an organization that links veterans to the outdoors and the outdoors community;

§  Greg Long — American big-wave surfer who won the 2012/13 Big-Wave World Tour,  despite nearly losing his life in a massive wipeout a few months earlier;

§  Amy and Dave Freeman — American adventurers and educators who completed a three-year, 11,647-mile journey across North America by kayak, canoe, dogsled and foot, connecting with students and teachers along the way;

§  Diana Nyad — Sixty-four-year-old American long-distance swimmer who recently completed a swim between Cuba and the United States, on her fifth attempt;

§  Kevin Pearce — American snowboarder who, after surviving a traumatic brain injury, launched the “Love Your Brain” campaign to encourage the use of helmets for kids;

§  Kilian Jornet Burgada — Spanish “skyrunning” ultrarunner whose new brand of running involves blazing up technical terrain such as glaciers, rock ridges and steep snowfields;

§  Raphael Slawinski and Ian Welsted — Canadian alpinists who were the first to summit Pakistan’s K6 West, one of the last great unclimbed peaks in the world, despite danger and political turmoil in the region;

§  Adam Ondra — Czech rock climber who takes climbing to new frontiers of difficulty;

§  JP Auclair — Canadian skier who is best known for his special style of urban skiing;

§  Sarah Marquis — Swiss hiker who has just completed a three-year trek from Siberia to Australia.

“This is the ninth year that National Geographic has combed the globe to find people who embody the spirit of adventure in diverse ways. The 2014 Adventurers of the Year are truly inspiring and remind us of the importance to pursue our own passions every day,” said Mary Anne Potts, editor of National Geographic Adventure online.

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Embracing Adventure And Danger

It was never good to insult children from anything that could possibly have any danger attached yet parents keeping their children under permanent watch has become “what people do.”

People harmed children without them knowing it out of our fear-based culture.  Children need to confront danger; they need to explore; they need adventures at some point in their life.

There was a time when parents knew how important to embrace adventure and danger at some time when let their kids go off into the woods by themselves, with rifles.  And thinking about it now, if that was really so horribly dangerous, half of us wouldn’t be here.

You bet alright, it is scary to watch your children walk into a subway station or out into the woods.  But you have to do it.  Let them go out and face the world, it is healthy for them but remember to calculate the risks, pick your times, pick your spots, watch them from a distance if you must.

Fear is just an impulse; along with it can be based on lies, distortions, or even on nothing at all.  It’s an absurd thing on which to base your children’s lives.

A new German study shows clearly that adventure shapes the individual. As one of the researchers concluded, “Living our lives makes us who we are.”  Your children need to live, and not merely exist inside of a fear-inspired bubble. The study also indicates that exploration and adventure not only affect personality development, but also brain growth.

The real dangers for your children lie in government schools, and even in private schools that function on the same model.

People are pushed, economically, to put their children into public schools.  Make sure that you tell your children how the system is set up to condition them.  Educate them that understanding is far more important than memorizing.  Back them up if the teachers give them grief.

Your children should know, very clearly, that teachers and principals are just average people doing particular jobs.  Some of them are good people, others are bad people, and a title is just a title – it means nothing more.

Educate your children to be brave, let them learn how to fall and rise again.  but remember you want to let them encounter dangers slowly, and you’d never put them in positions to get truly hurt, but you should be nothing like the über-parents who surveil their children’s every move, in terror that poor little Johnny will encounter something that hasn’t been sanitized for his protection.

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Black Hawk Adventures – A family of travelers: Life’s always an Adventure

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After 14 years, four children, 55 countries, and 250 000km, this Argentinean couple had a dream of travelling around the world by car and still on the road fulfilling their dream.

In 1999, Herman Zapp and his wife Candelaria climbed into their car and drove out of Argentina with only $4 000 in hand.  Using their 1928 Graham Paige they went to Alaska as both wanted to go, so that’s what they did.  “I saw the car two months before we left and fell in love with it so I brought it,” Herman said in Cape Town, where they now live. They arrived in South Africa last year.

In the same year Herman, an electrician, and Candelaria, a secretary, sold their house, packed what they could into the car and left. “Everyone thought we were crazy,” Herman said. “But, really, who is crazy – the one who goes for the dream or the one who doesn’t?”

Even that they are doing what they wanted at first the couple has some fears.  “That first day was the hardest,” said Herman. But the pair was determined. “If you let your fear take hold, your life will pass you by,” he explained.

The couple, Herman Zapp and Candelaria was married for 20 years. “We think we will be around forever but it’s important to rethink life,” said Herman. “My mother died when she was only 46, the only legacy I have taken from her is to ‘do it now’.”

They survive mainly on the kindness of others, having been taken in by more than 2 500 households all around the world. “You have to give a chance to people to show how good they can be.”

They have three children, three boys and a girl and every child were born in different countries. Herman said being on the road was the best education they could get.

“School is important, but it’s not the most intelligent person who survives, it is the person who learns how to adapt the fastest.”  The husband is in no doubt that his children will be better people for experiencing all the different cultures of the places they’ve been to.

“We’ve been to Australia and Canada and have stayed with kids who’ve had rooms full of toys, but we’ve also been to countries like Cambodia where children have made toys from sticks.”

This kind of education, said Herman, is priceless.

“Now they know that everything has value and meaning.” Candelaria said the children were excellent travellers and adapted easily.

The Zapps, are currently living in a flat in Constantia, Cape Town.  They supplement their income by selling their book, Spark Your Dreams and giving motivational talks.  Their next plan as soon as they have enough money, they plan to head to Egypt for their next adventure.

Diving - Black Hawk News - Adventures Guide

Since 1943, scuba diving has become a famous activity practiced the world over after the invention of the aqualung by Jacques-Yves Cousteau. Diving could be dangerous if you are not qualified to do so but there are now many training programs to meet the requirements as a diver. There is PADI, NAUI and CMAS after, divers can rent equipment, request air fills, and dive without any higher supervision but it is always recommended to dive with a buddy.

If you are planning to go diving here are some great places you can visit:

Vinales, Cuba. Maria la Gorda and Cayo Levisa are Vinales’ great diving site and it is two of the most candid diving spots in the world. The stunning Maria la Gorda’s black corals overflowing with marine life such as barracudas and red snappers is a good choice for a diving spot. While Cayo Levisa is a dreamy mangrove-island on a 3km long coral-reef.

Dahab, Egypt. For divers of all levels Dehab is an easy shore access of a great spot for divers. It has deep water and extreme visibility. You can have the chance to see not only large numbers of reef species but also the occasional pelagic and even the odd shark.

Bali, Indonesia. Warm tropical waters, marine landscaped coral reefs, wreck diving and abundant tropical fish and mammals, these are just few of what Bali can offer divers. Not to mention there are plenty of dive sites all around the compact island and each with crystal waters and the opportunity to dive with dolphins. The three of the top spots are Menjangan Island, Tulamben and the island of Nusa Penida.

Boracay, Philippines is a Pilipino national marine preserve. It is one of the most famous diving sites in Southeast Asia. This is one of the great beaches in the world which makes it a great choice for a holiday vacation plus it offers a wide range of dive activities. You will also enjoy the numerous good quality resorts, restaurants, bars and nightlife.

Koh Tao, Thailand. If you want a pure relaxation and a getaway from the outside world, then this is definitely the perfect place for you. This place is small Tropical Island covered in jungle, surrounded by many quiet, palm tree covered beaches. You can enjoy snorkeling and scuba diving. You will definitely enjoy the corals and the turtles.

Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. By the bay of Kota Kinabalu Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park is a marine park made up of a number of islands. The waters here offer divers a first glimpse of Borneo’s profuse array of corals and underwater creatures. Its calm water is ideal for macro and close up photography, with a World War II Japanese freighter wreck nearby for the adventurous.

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Black Hawk Mines Adventure - Adding outdoor adventure to the family mix

NOW summer’s finally here, it’s time to take your whole brood outdoors and create some lasting memories.

Lisa Salmon is inspired by two adventure experts who have written The Family Guide to the Great Outdoors

THE electronic age, combined with an increasing tendency to wrap children in cotton wool, means kids are staying inside more than ever.

But while hours spent playing on a computer or watching TV may keep kids entertained, there’s one thing for sure: electronic entertainment is not what childhood memories are made of.

Memories come from doing things like climbing trees, making dens, sitting round a campfire and generally having fun outdoors; say Charlie and Caroline Gladstone, who have written The Family Guide to the Great Outdoors to encourage more families to get out and about together.

The married couple has picked up a wealth of knowledge about the great outdoors since they abandoned the London rat race when their first child was born more than 20 years ago, and moved to a farm in Kincardineshire.

They now have six children, five dogs and six horses, and their children have been brought up to love the outdoor life.

They’ve learned all manner of outdoor skills that Charlie and Caroline share in the book, from building rafts and treehouses, to starting a campfire and cooking on it, and even skinning a rabbit.

“Danger and fun have evaporated from normal life, but we brought our children up in the middle of nowhere in a very free way,” says Charlie.

“They were allowed to go off and play in rivers and climb trees, which is how I was brought up.

“We think that’s had a profound effect on their confidence and their sense of who they are.”

As well as information about outdoor living, the book includes advice on making weapons. Charlie’s great-great grandfather was the famous Victorian Prime Minister William Gladstone, who had a collection of hundreds of axes, which Charlie still treasures.

He gives swinging and chopping advice in the book, after reminding readers never to forget how dangerous the tools are.

He also explains how to make weapons including a potato cannon, bow and arrow, dart launcher and catapult, and says: “One of the theories we have is that if boys particularly were allowed to chop with axes, throw things, make weapons and light fires a bit more often, there’d be very little fighting in the street.

“Boys are naturally aggressive, and the wrong outlet for that is computer games or TV. If kids get out and run round, climb something and get really dirty, they’ll come in and be sweetness and light.”

But Charlie, 49, stresses that just because his children – who are aged between 13 and 23 – have been brought up spending a lot of time outdoors, it doesn’t mean they don’t have TVs, iPads and computers.

“Of course they do. We haven’t brought them up in a way that says outdoor fun is all they’re allowed.

“But in a world full of ‘stuff’ and purchases, it’s nice to strip all that back and go for a sense of purity.” He says their outdoor fun is easily achievable partly because of where they live. But we’re not suggesting that children need to grow up in such a remote place – anybody can climb a tree, go for a long walk, swim in a river or cook on a campfire.”

Many parents may appreciate the fun side of the outdoor life, but worry about the safety aspects. However, Charlie stresses that as a child he did “unbelievably reckless” things, such as jumping into a river in flood, with a rope tied to his waist at one end and to a tree at the other.

“It was fine,” he insists, “and it removes an element of fear.

“You can survive unbelievable things in life. Allowing your children to walk to school on their own for the first time in a city is much more risky than climbing a tree.

“You just have to apply common sense, and learn your limitations.”

And while he acknowledges modern health and safety rules can have their place, he says, sometimes such rules can be “a nightmare”, which aren’t constructive or helpful.

“Stopping children from doing some of these things doesn’t improve their life,” he insists.

As well as explaining how to master outdoor skills, the guide suggests outdoor activities for families such as building rafts, dams, dens and treehouses, and making rope swings, smoke signals and even rosehip itching powder.

“You’d think kids would tire of outdoor games by the time they’re about ten,” says Charlie, “but if you add some real challenge and danger, they’ll enjoy them throughout their life.

“You need to be quite bossy with kids though and tell them, ‘We’re going to do it, tough’.”

He adds: “The best fun you can have in the world is sitting round a campfire with your kids. Given the opportunity, anyone can do these things – they’re completely free, and it terrifies me that more people don’t do them.”

• The Family Guide to the Great Outdoors by Charlie and Caroline Gladstone is published by Square Peg, priced £12.99

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After slow start ski resorts nationwide bounces back - Black Hawk Adventures

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According to a report from the National Ski Industry Association, ski areas across the nation saw strong business during the 2012-13 seasons.

Although the rise in the Rocky Mountain region is just about 1.9 percent, Skier visits rose 11 percent in the United States.

In southwest Colorado the season started slowly, but picked up after the holidays.

"Despite the slow start to the season, overall Durango Mountain Resort was about on par with last season," said Kim Oyler, spokeswoman for the southwest Colorado resort.

"Thanks to help from Mother Nature and our mountain operations crew, Durango Mountain Resort was able to extend the season one additional weekend and closed on April 7," she said.

U.S. resorts experienced slow starts be subsequent to a strong snowfall in mid-December.

Comparing to December last year snowfall for December this year nearly tripled.  And compared to 2012, snowfall was weaker in January, strong in February and about even in March,.

"It started real late," said Richard Bodiford, co-owner of End Industries, an Aztec shop that rents ski equipment. "We missed a lot of Christmas break business, but the middle picked up all right."

The Four Corners was blanketed with snow soon after Purgatory at Durango Mountain Resort closed on April 7, the final insult indicates.

"We got some in early March and after the season closed it's been snowing left and right all over Colorado," Bodiford said.

The winter was the eighth-best for the Rocky Mountain region in the past 34 years, the report said. The association did not release data for individual resorts.

The national survey of resorts spotted other trends:

Snowboarding was down for the third straight winter. In 2012-13, snowboarders made up 29.6 percent of total visits.

Season pass sales dropped as more skiers bought daily tickets. Average season pass sales fell 4.3 percent.

Ticket prices rose. The average adult weekend ticket cost $86.17, up 4.3 percent.

Snow sports remain popular, but resorts face a variety of challenges, the report said.

"The popularity of skiing and snowboarding remains high, but weather conditions, economic headwinds, competition from other leisure activities, and other factors are contributing to the challenges ski areas face," the report said.

Ski Safety Tips for Beginners - Black Hawk News - Adventures Guide

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One of the most popular and maybe the most needed safety gear is helmet but one of the best skiing safety tips is really a matter of personal choice - to wear, or not to wear.  Although it isn’t really mandated, it is encouraged to use helmet.

Unquestionably skiers should be just as cautious if you think about those who usually wear protective headgear, namely football and baseball players, construction workers, horseback riders, rock climbers, bicyclers, auto racers, and motorcycle riders.  The most important safety gear for skiers is helmet and as well as the following.

You will definitely enjoy it more and will have much more fun on the slopes if you're in good shape. Exercise in advance and work your way up to skiing by exercising constantly year-round.

Use proper ski equipment and don't just borrow equipment. Rent from a ski shop or the ski resort and make sure that the shop is legit.  When purchasing equipment, be certain your ski boots are fitted properly as it should be. In any case, confirm your bindings are properly adjusted.

Get ready for the weather.  Be dressed in layers of clothes and put on a helmet liner, a hat, or a headband.  Also put on gloves or mittens.  Always carry an extra pair lest the first pair gets wet.

Acquire proper instruction. Either individual or group Sign up for ski lessons. Experienced skiers still polish up their skills with a lesson every now and then.

Ski goggles are also important.  Put on ski goggles that perfectly fit around your helmet. There are goggles for those who wear eyeglasses, buy goggles that fit comfortably over your eyeglasses or you may also consider prescription goggles but it would me a bit costly.

If you're exhausted, take a break and rest for a short time in the lodge.  As you're resting, ensure you eat and drink enough.  Although done in ice, skiing burns a lot of energy! At what time it's the end of the day, there's no need to attempt and obtain in a final run, or two, if you are tired.  It's okay and in fact better to stop as you're ahead and spare your energy for next time.

Ski with a friend or with a group; it's at all times safer to ski with a friend so he can watch out for you and you watch out for him too.  Appoint a meeting area if in some point you lost each other and walkie-talkies will come handy so you could stay in touch.

Respect your limits. Do not ski trails that are on top of your skill level.  Do not go off-trail.  At the same time, maintain to be in control of your skis and the trail you are skiing should be the center of your attention. Accidents happen more often when you lost guard.

Obey the rules.  Comply with posted trail closure and other warning signs.  Remember that there are skiers who are in front of you, and below you, on the trail have the right-of-way.

Black Hawk Adventures - Why you should go hiking

Why you should go hiking


http://blackhawk-mines.com/2013/04/23/why-you-should-go-hiking/


One great way worth trying and doing if you love outdoors is to experience hiking, you can do it alone, with friends or family.  Hiking, what is so great about it, maybe you are wondering what could be getting out from it.

One of the most basic activity and the most popular conceivably is hiking, which in turn other activities like or backpacking, or rock climbing were based.

One and maybe the best benefit you can get from hiking is the fun and quality time with family and friends.  Hiking can be a brilliant approach of spending quality time with family, friends or to a special someone.  Many things can happen to a day of hiking, I may soon turn out as a family picnic, friends’ day out or even a quiet alone time with your lover.  It does not matter you want to spend time with, the pleasure of hiking is limitless.

Hiking is definitely the best way to enjoy the beauty of nature.  It would make you feel as if you are in the heart of Mother Nature.  Walking through the lush green environment and awesome sight of the beauty of the tranquil river waters or the playful waterfalls is something that you can do while you are hiking.

Another one good benefit of hiking is it is a great way to stay fit and stay physically active all at the same time while you are having fun.  Which is more fun running on a treadmill or hiking?  Combine nature’s goodness and your fitness and start hiking now!

Compare to any other types of exercise, hiking is much more diverse, specifically to those exercise done inside the gym.  The thrill is not just the different form of exercise you will be doing but rather the different surroundings you will be encountering, the trail you will take, the landscapes will change as well.  In addition, hiking will make the working out more interesting thus making you maintain your motivation to exercise.  This happens a lot when you are just starting to work out, you might feel a little embarrassed because of the fear that people from the gym or streets might be judging you while hiking, it can be discrete and isolated you’d never feel that scare.  However, you have to remember to inform someone about your whereabouts for safety reasons.  More often, hiking with friends, family or a loved one will surely feel more of an entertainment than exercise plus you can meet other people in camp site where usually everyone id friendly.

Hiking can also be a good form of stress reliever; this can also reduce insomnia that will lead to a better mental health.  Hiking outdoors will make you feel closer to nature and natural rhythms, which may amplify your happiness and help you feel more content.  It will give you peace of mind for sure.  Some people seek inner peace and find hiking a very good source of inner peace they are looking for.  This is definitely a get away from a hectic life, a good escape from the hassle and bustle of the city life.  Nature has her way of relaxing anyone; it is surely a place where you can relax and spend some time alone if you want.

Outdoor Adventures in Thailand

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Do I have to tell you why Thailand, well then let me give you reasons why you of all countries will enjoy this country if you love outdoors!

Have you tried caving, if not then try it in Thailand.  Get inside of Thailand literally by exploring ancient caves and tremendous caverns like those in the Pang Mapha District of the Mae Hong Son Province.  Dare and see the underground and discover wildlife, history and geology, it’s a caving venture you will never forget.  Caves like Cave Lodge have expert guides.  Expert guides will escort you so you need not to worry, they will lead you through geologic labyrinths, vertical caves and collapsed caves.  For additional thrill and blood rushing, your journey comes along with forest hikes or rafting to see even more of the Thai landscape.

For animal lover and wild life enthusiasts out there, we are sure that you will enjoy Jungle Trekking in the wilds of Thailand by hitting the unmarked trails.  To make the most out of your trip, try at least a 3-day trek to see mountain ridges, rainforests and experience camping in the beautiful Thai wilderness.

Elephant Riding, sounds like fun, yes it is!  This will be a whole new experience that you shouldn’t ever miss, taking an elephant ride through local Thai villages and surrounding forests.  Miss it and it will feel like you have never gone to Thailand at all.  

Rock climbing or repelling are everywhere now and you find it ordinary.  Then you must try number 7, Waterfall Abseiling, throw in the force of a waterfall, and now you're talking adventure.  Repel down Thailand's beautiful and powerful waterfalls.  You'll feel your heart in your chest as you lean over the edge of a 35-foot waterfall and the ground slowly slips beneath your feet.

Whitewater Rafting is something new to Thai tourist market but whitewater rafting is quickly being added to many adventure trek itineraries.  Rush the rapids in Southern Thailand's Phang Na province, and you're assured an exciting ride.

Mountain Biking, maybe you are asking what is so special about it because you can probably do it anywhere but here this.  Mountain biking is tremendously trendy in this country and there are a lot of different tours from.  Add to the thrill, you can travel around the city at night.  Explore the lively Bangkok City on a 3-hour bike tour; the ride ends somewhat early, so you can enjoy the town once you've turned in your bike. 

Snorkeling and Sea Kayaking are the best in Thailand!  Explore reefs or get lost in the blue during an open-water dive.   Go to Phang-Nga for Snorkiling experience and you'll peacefully roam the underwater beauty of Similan and Surin Marine National Islands. 

Zip Lining, travel from the sea to the sky.  This adventure takes you through the canopies of the Chiang Mai rainforests. You'll ride in your single-person swing and cruise a cable suspended through the 1500-year old Thai rainforest.

Skydiving, well who doesn’t know how this amazingly scary experience is.  it is thrill that you seek then inject your vacation with pure adrenaline with this extreme experience.  So jump ahead and experience a thrill of a lifetime!

Why it is More Fun to Shoot Video than Taking Still Pictures

 It is nice to take pictures but there are moments that pictures cannot tell but videos can.  Videos can make someone feel like they were there also.  While photograph can last forever, you can go back to those moments watching and re-watching those precious moments.  "While pictures can be flat, video brings life to your experiences," says Laurel House, who videoblogs about travel, fitness, and more at QuickieChick

"With video, you can share your adventures -- and relive them again when you come home," he added.

You do not need fancy equipments to capture the moments on video, you phone will do or there are quality and affordable camcorders available in the market.  And worried about video editing, you do not have to do it or there is Windows Live Movie Maker that is so much easy to learn.  Therefore there are no excuses!

Now let us learn how to get you going. Video recoding isn’t really hard; here are the ways to do so.  Get personal. Try adding narrations, wouldn’t it be boring if your video is a bunch of sequence photos like.  Plus, the people who are going to watch your videos will get as much excitement as you were during your travel.  They will understand what the shots are and what the experience meant to you.  And remember to sound natural, scripted is boring!  If you want to be in the video, do not appear stiff and cold, be natural, act natural.  Smile and laugh but never fake it!

Entertain and tell a story, who would want to watch a video that has no sequence and with a singles shot. Capture every detail and reactions of the people so that when you go back you will feel the same happiness.  I did not say join a competition for your video but it could have at least a beginning, middle, and end.

Keep your videos short, because no matter how interesting your video looks like audience will become antsy just stay snappy and stick to a single subject.

Focus on moments and experiences that are actually fun and fun to watch, skip the non sense, you would want to waste time viewing it.

Your travel video will stand out if you fit in the same simple tricks that you'd use if you were taking a still photo so borrow some photography tricks.  Remember to keep the camcorder still while filming.  "Your video will be 100 times better if the image is not shaky," says Cailin O'Neil, who videoblogs at Cailin Travels Cailin also recommends shooting away from the sun to prevent glare and silhouetting.

Always check the audio, and use your ears. Nothing is worse than a video where you can't hear the person talking. "What makes video unique from photos is that people can actually hear the ambience of a place," O'Neil says.  Record you film or video in a location where you're protected from the wind.  However, pick up some modest street or nature sounds while you push record.

"No one likes the way they look on camera, so don't judge yourself," says House of QuickieChick.com. "So don't stress too much -- and have fun."  So loosen up and enjoy!

Summer and Day Camps

Camp Friendship in Palmyra offers outdoor adventures, sports and horseback riding.
Photo courtesy Camp Friendship

A sampling of camps in and around Virginia
* = Day camp or day-camp option offered

*4 Star Summer CampsAcademic and sports programs held at the University of Virginia. Rising 7th- to 12th-graders. Charlottesville, (800) 334-7827 or4starcamps.com.

4-H Junior Summer Camp A weeklong residential camp for ages 9-18 at the Jamestown 4-H Educational Center. Contact your local extension office or visit jamestown4hcenter.org.

*Brilliant Summer at St. Catherine’s Coed offerings include academic courses, athletic and dance camps, a music academy, and a creative-arts day camp. Ages 3 through rising 12th-graders. 6001 Grove Ave., 288-2804, ext. 3396, or st.catherines.org/summer.

*Camp Blue Sky Camp Programs cater to three development levels between ages 5 and
13 through activities that include arts and crafts, music and drama, culinary crafts, technology, science, and more. Multiple locations throughout the Richmond region, 747-5900 orrainbowstation.org.

Camp Friendship Coed residential camp for ages 7-16. Optional adventure trips, sports clinics and equestrian program. Palmyra,  (800) 873-3223 or campfriendship.com.

*Camp Ganim Day camp for ages 2-5. Swimming lessons, socialization skills. 5403 Monument Ave., 285-6500 or weinsteinjcc.org.

Camp Hidden Meadows Coed camps of varying lengths for ages 7-16, plus weeklong equestrian (ages 9-14) and rock-climbing camps (ages 12-16). Bartow, W.Va., (800) 600-4752 or camphiddenmeadows.com.

Camp Horizons A coed residential camp for ages 6-17; equestrian option. Harrisonburg,
(540) 896-7600 or camphorizonsva.com.

Camp Roanoke Residential coed summer camp for ages 5-17, operated by Roanoke County. Salem, (540) 387-6114 or camproanoke.com.

Camp Strawderman All-girls overnight camp with an equestrian focus. Ages 6-17. Edinburg, (301)
868-1905 (winter), (540) 984-4738 (summer) or campstrawderman.com.

Camp Virginia A residential camp for boys featuring athletic programs, camping, horseback riding and fly fishing. Goshen, (540) 997-5518 (summer), Richmond, 282-2339 (winter) orcampvirginia.com.

*Chesterfield County Parks and Recreation A variety of summer camps. 748-1623 orchesterfield.gov.

*Collegiate Summer Quest More than 100 camps, from sports to academic enrichment, for 3-year-olds to adults. 103 N. Mooreland Road, 741-9714 or collegiate-va.org.

*Episcopal High School Overnight and day programs in leadership, athletics, writing, science and photography for grades 7-10. Alexandria, (703) 933-4199 orepiscopalhighschool.org/summerprograms.

Ferrum College Summer Enrichment Camp Coed, grades 4 to 7. Activities include Hogwarts Academy, chess, cooking and more. Ferrum, (888) 508-7822 or ferrum.edu/fcsec.

*Great Summer Escape Day camps for children ages 6-12 are offered at Richmond’s community centers. 646-5733 or richmondgov.com/parks.

*Hanover County Parks and Recreation Youth Summer Programs Day camps for elementary- and middle-school-age children. 365-7150 or co.hanover.va.us/parksrec.

*Henrico County Recreation and Parks Various programs, including performing-arts, history, nature and sports camps. 501-7275 or henricorecandparks.com.

* Henricus Historical Park Day Camps A variety of programs cater to ages 6 and older with activities that include history, nature, arts and crafts, and outdoor exploration. Henricus Historical Park, 318-8797 or chesterfield.gov.

Randolph-Macon Academy Middle School Academic Camp A residential camp for students entering grades 6-8 featuring schoolwork, field trips and other activities. Front Royal, (800)272-1172 or rma.edu.

*St. Christopher’s School Summer Ventures Coed sports and academic-enrichment camps for ages 3-16. 711 St. Christopher’s Road, 282-3185, ext. 5327, or stchristophers.com.

*Saint Gertrude High School Summer programs and camps for middle- and high-school girls in the performing arts, fitness and athletics. 3215 Stuart Ave. and 490 Scott Road., 358-9114 orsaintgertrude.org.

*St. Joseph’s Villa Programs for 2- to 5-year-olds and school-age children, Early Autism
Services, a full-day camp for children with special needs, and a therapeutic day-treatment summer program. 8000 Brook Road, 553-3200 or neverstopbelieving.org.

*The Steward Summer Experience A selection of camps for all ages, including sports, arts, chess and video-game creation. 11600 Gayton Road, 740-3394, ext. 6529, orstewardschool.org/summer.

*Trinity Episcopal School’s Summer Discovery Program Basketball, music, lacrosse, field-hockey and football camps for all ages. 3850 Pittaway Drive, 272-5864 or trinityes.org.

*University of Richmond School of Professional and Continuing Studies Children’s technology workshops; cooking, golf, arts, science and drama camps; summer reading programs, SAT prep, babysitter training and more for K-12 students. 28 Westham Way, 289-8133 orspcs.richmond.edu.

*Weinstein JCC Coed day camps for students entering grades K-8. Sports, art, dance and more. 5403 Monument Ave., 285-6500 or weinsteinjcc.org.

*YMCA of Greater Richmond Featuring 18 branch locations, including Camp Thunderbird, offering day, specialty and sports camps for ages 2 1/2-18. 649-9622 orymcarichmond.org/camp.

Religious

Camp Alkulana Outdoors adventures and activities while exploring Christian values. Millboro Springs, 329-1701 or alkulana.org

Camp Blue Ridge A traditional coed residential camp affiliated with the Seventh Day Adventist Church. Montebello, (888) 746-4227, (540) 377-2413 or campblueridge.org.

*Camp Hanover Day and overnight summer sessions with traditional activities, as well as bouldering, for students entering grades 2-12. Christian focus. 3163 Parsleys Mill Road, Mechanicsville, 779-2811 or camphanover.org.

*Camp Hilbert Day camps on Lake Rosalie for children entering grades K-9. 2240 Maidens Road, Maidens, 545-8631 or weinsteinjcc.org.

Camp Maxwelton (boys), Camp Lachlan (girls)  Residential Christian summer camps for boys ages 9-15 and girls 8-15. Rockbridge Baths, (540) 348-5706 or maxwelton-lachlan.com.

*Camp Piankatank Baptist overnight camp with loads of water activities, horseback riding and rock climbing. Ages 10-17; weekend mini-camp for ages 7-9, day camps for ages 6-9. Hartfield, (804) 776-9552 or camppiankatank.org.

Camp Willow Run An interdenominational Christian camp located on Lake Gaston,
for students entering grades 3-12. Littleton, N.C., (252) 586-4665 or campwillowrun.org.

*Chinmaya Mission Summer Camp Day camp focusing on Hindu faith and culture. Ages 5-13. 11537 Nuckols Road, 364-1396 or chinmayadc.org.

*Christian Youth Theater Day camps in musical theater for ages 6-13; offers a separate program for ages 14-18. 285-2987 or cytrichmond.org.

Kaleidoscope Camp Christian (Mennonite) camp with lots of activities for ages 7-16. Williamsburg Christian Retreat Center, Toano, (866) 566-9272 or wcrc.info.

Makemie Woods Presbyterian overnight camp offering canoeing, archery, ziplines and trails, plus Camp Jordan for diabetic children. Grades 1-12 (Makemie Woods); grades 3-10 (Camp Jordan). Barhamsville, (800) 566-1496 or makwoods.org.

Oak Hill Christian Service Camp Service projects and recreation for kindergartners through 12th-graders, plus music-and-drama week for ages 13 and up. 8451 Oak Hill Camp Road, Mechanicsville, 779-3050 or oakhillcamp.org.

St. Sebastian’s Sports Camp Multiple sports for boys and girls ages 9 to 14. Orkney Springs, 540-856-2141 or shrinemont.com.

*Triple R Ranch Christian overnight and day camps, including horsemanship, archery and more, for ages 7-14 and a special training camp for ages 15-17. Chesapeake, (757) 421-4177 ortriplerranch.org.

Westview on the James Methodist overnight summer camps for ages 6-15 and Adventure Trek programs for ages 13-17. 1231 Westview Road, Goochland, 457-4210 orwestviewonthejames.org.

Special Interests

*ArtHaus Kids Summer Camps Ages 3-17. Explore clay, paint, mixed media, photography,
textiles and more. 1811 Huguenot Road, Suite 304, Midlothian, 897-4278 orarthausrichmond.com.

*ArtVenture Classes offered by the Visual Arts Center of Richmond for ages 3 to teens.
1812 W. Main St., 353-0094 or visarts.org.

* Bon Secours Virginia Health System’s Nursing Explorers Camp Rising 6th- to 8th-graders interested in the medical field experience life inside the hospital, meet health care professionals, conduct experiments and more. Seven Bon Secours hospital locations in the Richmond region, 559-0647 or bonsecours.com.

Camp Motorsport Coed residential race-car and kart-driving camp for ages 8-16. Clover, (434) 822-2999 (camp); (855) 508-9382 (registration) or campmotorsport.com.

Camp Sea Gull (boys), Camp Seafarer (girls) Camps for ages 6-16 in eastern North Carolina,
featuring seamanship and traditional camp activities. Arapahoe, N.C., (252) 249-1111 (Sea Gull); (252) 249-1212 (Seafarer) or seagull-seafarer.org.

Cheerio Adventures Outdoor adventure camps featuring backpacking, canoeing, climbing, caving and more for ages 10-17. Mouth of Wilson, (276) 579-6731 or campcheerio.org/adv.

*Children’s and Teen Studios at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Cross-cultural learning, studio projects and more for 5-year-olds to 12th-graders. July 8-Aug. 30. 200 N. Boulevard,
340-1405 or vmfa.museum/learn.

*ComedySportz Improv Camp for Kidz Half-day camps focusing on short-form improv and creative thinking for ages 8-14. 8906 W. Broad St., 266-9377 orcomedysportzrichmond.com/kidzcamp.php.

*Discovery@VCU Offers a variety of in-depth experiences in physical, life and health
sciences, engineering and the arts for rising 6th- to 8th-graders. 828-8829 orvcuyouthcenter.org.

*Green Adventures Summer Camps Campers learn about the plant kingdom and their connection to it through crafts, field studies and more. Preschoolers to 7th-graders. Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, 1800 Lakeside Ave. 262-9887, ext. 322, or lewisginter.org/children.

Henricus Historical Park Day Camps A variety of programs cater to ages 6 and older with activities that include history, nature, arts and crafts, and outdoor exploration. Henricus Historical Park, 318-8797 or chesterfield.gov.

*iD Tech Summer Computer Camps Coed residential and day camps at the College of William & Mary. Ages 7-17. Williamsburg, (888) 709-TECH or internaldrive.com.

*Latin Ballet of Virginia Two-week course in ballet, Latin jazz, modern, hip-hop and multicultural dance styles. Ages 5-18. Cultural Arts Center, Glen Allen; Richmond CenterStage, 356-3876 or latinballet.com.

Lobs & Lessons Offers full-day, weeklong camps at the Mary and Frances Youth Center for rising 1st- to 8th-graders. Camps focus on tennis, but also include daily activities and nutrition lessons. 828-9276 or vcuyouthcenter.org.

*Mad Science Full- and half-day camps in robotics, fort building, space and forensics for grades 1-6 at locations throughout metro Richmond. 359-1500 or centralva.madscience.org.

*Maymont Summer Camps Outdoor adventures and hands-on activities for ages 18 months to rising ninth-graders. 2201 Shields Lake Drive, 358-7166, ext. 324 or 333, or maymont.org.

Nature Camp A coed summer camp specializing in natural-history and environmental-science education, for students in grades 5-12. Vesuvius, (540) 377-2491 (camp phone), (540) 460-7897 (inquiries) or naturecamp.net.

Randolph-Macon Academy Flight Camp Students entering grades 9-12 learn to fly a plane
and even solo in a Cessna 172. Front Royal, (800) 272-1172 or rma.edu.

Southern Mystique Film Camp One-week summer filmmaking camp for ages 14-24. 1 New Millennium Drive, Petersburg, 898-2496 or cvfi.us.

Space Flight Adventure Camp Coed residential summer camps for students aged 11-15 interested in learning about rockets and space flight. Wallops Island, (757) 824-3800 orvaspaceflightacademy.org.

SPARC (School of the Performing Arts in the Richmond Community) SummerStarz Touring Ensemble (ages 10-16), BRAVO (rising 5th- to 8th-graders), SPARClers (rising 2nd- to 4th-graders) and SPARClers Jr. (rising K-1 students). 2106-A N. Hamilton St. 353-3393 orsparconline.org.

* Summer Rock Camps Programs for budding rock stars ages 7-17. Short Pump School of
Rock, 4300 Pouncey Tract Road, 212-3900 or shortpump.schoolofrock.com.

Summer Science Explorers Hands-on experiments and activities for 4-year-olds to seventh-graders. 2500 W. Broad St., 864-1407 or emv.org/summercamps.html.

Wilderness Adventure at Eagle Landing Outdoor adventure and discovery camps for ages 8-17. New Castle, (800) 782-0779 or wilderness-adventure.com.

YMCA Camp Silver Beach Residential Chesapeake Bay adventure camp on Virginia’s eastern shore. Sail, kayak, fish, water-ski and more. Ages 8 to 16. Jamesville, (757) 442-4634 orcampsilverbeach.org.

Special Needs

Brainy Camps Residential camps for children of various ages living with health and behavioral disorders. Harrisonburg, (202) 476-3181, (202) 476-5142 or brainycamps.com.

Camp Abilities Maryland A sports and recreation camp for children who are blind or
visually impaired. Lusby, Md., (240) 737-517, or campabilitiesmaryland.web.officelive.com.

*Camp Baker Overnight summer camp sessions (day options available) for children and adults with mental retardation ages 6 and up. 7600 Beach Road, Chesterfield, 748-4789 orrichmondarc.org.

Camp Easter Seals UCP Residential summer camps for children and adults with disabilities ages 6 and up. New Castle, (540) 777-7325 or campeastersealsucp.com.

Camp Fantastic Residental camp for children ages 7-17 who have received cancer-specific treatment. Front Royal, (540) 667-3774 or speciallove.org.

*Camp Gonnawannagoagin Weeklong day camp sessions for children with a primary diagnosis of autism ages 4-18. Virginia Beach, (757) 422-2040 orcamp4autism.org/summercamp.

Camp Holiday Trails Residential summer camp sessions for children with special health needs aged 5-17. Charlottesville, (434) 977-3781 or campholidaytrails.org.

*Camp Jordan Residential camps for rising 3rd- through 10th-graders with diabetes.
Barhamsville, (757) 566-1496 or makwoods.org/cjordan.

Comfort Zone Camp Free, year-round bereavement camps for children ages 7-17. Mechanicsville and Goochland, 377-3430 or (866) 488-5679 or comfortzonecamp.org.

*Gallaudet University Summer Programs Residential camps for hearing-impaired high-school students ages 14-18. Washington, D.C., (202) 448-7272 or summer.gallaudet.edu.

*Starfish Savers An outdoor-adventure day camp for children, teens and young adults (ages 9-26) with high-functioning autism, Asperger’s Syndrome or ADHD. Centreville, (703) 631-9557 or starfishsavers.com.

*Surfers Healing VB A one-day camp at the beach, free to registered participants, for children with autism and their families, complete with surfing sessions. Virginia Beach, (757) 544-3224 or surfershealingvb.org.

*Voices Together For children with autism: coed day camps for ages 5-12, and an adventure day camp for high school students. 5403 Monument Ave., 545-8658 or weinsteinjcc.org.

Sports

6 Points Sports Academy Softball, baseball, basketball, swimming, tennis and other sports for rising 4th- to 11th-graders. Affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism. Greensboro, N.C., (561) 208-1650 or 6pointsacademy.org.

Adidas Tennis Camp One-week program, all ability levels. Day and overnight options. Fredericksburg, (800) 944-7112 or tenniscamper.com.

*Bogey’s Sports Park Junior golf camps (age 15 and under)every summer. 1675 Ashland Road, 784-1544 or bogeyssportspark.com.

*Camp Carysbrook Residential and day camps for girls ages 6-16, or an  equestrian camp for girls ages 10-16. Riner, (540) 382-1670 (summer), (703) 836-7548 (winter) orcampcarysbrook.com.

*i-SportsCamps A residential or day golf camp at Birdwood Golf Course for players ages 10-17. Charlottesville, (434) 972-6083 or i-sportscamps.com.

*Passages Adventure Camp Day and overnight camps include rock-climbing, kayaking, Fat Tire Camp (new) and a mountain bike camp. Ages 5-17. 11421 Polo Circle, Midlothian, 897-8283, ext. 310, or passagesRVA.com.

*Richmond Ice Zone Figure-skating camps and hockey camps. 636 Johnston-Willis Drive, 378-7465 or richmondicezone.com.

*Richmond Indoor Sports Experience Ages 5-13. 2300 Oak Lake Blvd., Midlothian, 744-4600 or riseindoor.com.

*Richmond Kickers Soccer Camps Ages 2-16. 644-5425 or richmondkickers.com.

*SkateNation Plus Basic Skating lessons, hockey and figure-skating. 4350 Pouncey Tract Road,
364-1477 or skatenationplus.com.

*Shaka Smart Basketball Camps Day camps conducted by VCU’s coaching staff for all levels of players, with an emphasis on teamwork and sportsmanship skills. Sessions are June 24-28, July 15-19 and Aug. 5-9. Stuart C. Siegel Center, 1200 W. Broad St., 828-1278 orcoachsmart.com.

*Sports Center of Richmond All-sports and soccer camps for ages 3-17. 1385 Overbrook Road,
257-7267 or scor-richmond.com.

*Stone Bridge Farm Full- or half-day horseback riding camps for riders of all levels, ages 8-17; sleepover camp for ages 10-17; Horse Show Camp for intermediate and advanced riders ages 8-17. Natural Bridge, (540) 291-1000 or stonebridgefarm.net.

*Tall Cedars Farm Equestrian day camps for all levels of experience. 11353 Rocky Ridge Road, Glen Allen, 883-3003, (804) 357-4231 or tallcedarsfarm.org.

*University of Richmond Spiders Sports Camps A wide range of sports camps, including baseball, football and tennis. richmondspiders.com.

*VCU Sports Camps Basketball, soccer, field-hockey, baseball and volleyball camps. 1200 W. Broad St., 828-4000 or vcurams.vcu.edu/camps.html.

*Virginia Fishing Adventures Day and overnight fishing camps for boys and girls ages 6-16. 687-1869 or virginiafishingadventures.com.

*Virginia Outside Mountain-biking camps for boys and girls ages 8-13. 687-1869 orvirginiaoutside.com.