Try These Camps: Jr. Golf, Tennis, Fairies & Elves, American Girl Dolls

Some inspired new summer camp programs are coming to Barrington this year.

How about a junior golf camp at Walker Farm to introduce kids to chipping and putting on makeshift greens?

Or a clay and art camp that uses the kilns at the Barrington Middle School?

Do you fantasize about fairies and elves? Try this camp.

Or are American Dolls your child’s thing? A “My Doll and Me Camp” -- based on the historical characters in the American Girl Doll book series – will be offered.

You can also take tennis lessons from a couple of pros at Barrington High School. Or if chess is your thing, learn the game or some advanced tactical maneuvers.

Of course, as in past years, Camp Pokanoket (ages 8-12) and Tiny Tots Camp (ages 4-7) will run at the Barrington Middle School and Primrose Hill School respectively. 

Getting ready for her first summer as Barrington’s recreation director is Michelle Geremia. Here is what she has to say about this year’s camps:

“We have returning staff, as well as some brand new counselors.  Their specialties, such as theatre, art, photography, video production, and sports, will add new dimensions to the children’s activities. 

“Have you ever thought of having your child learn golf?  Junior Golf Camp has a new home at Walker Farm.  The program is all about swing fundamentals and having fun playing the game – with safe plastic golf balls.

“This program is for junior golfers (ages 6 – 12) of all abilities and skill levels.  Junior Golf Opening Day will take place on Sunday, June 30, at 6 pm. Meet the instructor – Eric Dantas of Barrington.  Check out the golfing area. He plans to mow the grass very short.

“This summer, the Barrington Recreation Department is sponsoring a Clay and Art Camp to be held at the Middle School the week of July 1 through July 5 using the school’s kiln, while exploring other areas of art. 

“Barrington teachers Kristin White and Kristin Costa will lead the art camp. And on Wednesday, July 10, a reception will be held to display all of the children’s hard work. This display night will be open to all family and friends.

“Looking to explore the world of fairies and elves?  Designed for ages 4 and up, Fairy and Elf camp is for kids with magical imaginations.  An entire week will be spent creating an enchanted world. They will build fairy and elf houses, make fairy and elf wind chimes, and create a raft for a water fairy. Because fairies and elves love to do special things for their friends, the children will practice kind acts in the hope of attracting a fairy or elf to pay a visit. Join Tracey Orchard for a magical, fun week.

“A camp based on the historical characters in American Girl Doll books also will be led by Tracey Orchard. My Doll and Me Camp for ages 6 and up, is a new, adventurous exploration through history.  Your child will travel back in time by reading excerpts from the American Girl Doll series.  They will create costumes, play games and do crafts that relate to the period of time being read about. 

The week will culminate with a princess tea birthday party like Molly’s during the Second World War. Bring a doll to camp with you! It does not have to be an American Girl doll.

“A big favorite is back!  Tennis Lessons - at the Barrington High School courts.  Under professional direction, the camp will run 3 sessions of Quick Start – Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced.  Structured according to age and skill level, this camp is a great opportunity to learn and develop skills from USTA members and certified USPTR instructors – Tony Cunha and Dee Burke.  In addition, there will be Cardio Tennis, High School Tennis Clinics and Adult Clinics. 

“Checkmate! Learn the tactical maneuvers that make Chess such a fun and rewarding game to play.  This one-week Chess Camp will be held on July 22 - 26."

Sign up for any of the camps online at www.barrington.ri.gov.  Or go to the Recreation Department office in the lower level of the library building between 9 am and noon. Or the Town Manager’s Office in Town Hall between 1:30 and 4:30 pm and talk to Carole.