and summer camp guide
4 TIPS FOR SENDING YOUR FIRST TIME CAMPER TO SLEEPAWAY CAMPS
MOM HACK: HOW TO SAY YES TO LESS THIS SUMMER
4 INDOOR ACTIVITIES TO HELP YOU SURVIVE THE SUMMER WITH WITH 5-10 YEAR OLDS
Have you planned your summer yet?
Researching summer camps can be a second job for moms this time of year, so we’re proud to have curated some of the most popular summer hacks for moms; from indoor, beatthe-heat activities on a budget to day camps focused on special interests, to sleepaway camps a few hours from home.
Whether it’s sports, art, theater or nature, there is a summer camp to keep everyone busy and during this summer!
Here's our picks of camps, along with helpful advice from our 12+ local moms who all write for East Valley Moms With kids in every age and stage, we've got tips, tricks and reviews to make summer planning a little easier for you, mama
XO, Amy McConnell chief curator, East Valley Moms
photo credit: Kate Mae Photography
Our writing team of 12 local moms has put together this resource to help you find all the tools you need to keep your kids happy and engaged this summer.
Kira is a full-time working mama of four and lives in NE Mesa. She and her husband are high school sweethearts and moved to Arizona from the Midwest.
Kira likes a good project, iced coffee, CrossFit and Yoga, gin, and Marshmallow Dream Bars. She dislikes the school pickup line, emptying the dishwasher, and mom shaming.
Megan is originally from North Florida, but has called the East Valley her home since 2009.
Megan just left her job as an accountant to stay home with her boys. She serves on the Steering Committee for a local MOPS group and leads a small group Bible study at her house.
Cara is a thirty-something, secondgeneration Arizona Native. She grew up in NE Mesa and has raised her kids across the state from Tucson to Apache Junction before settling in Scottsdale.
East Valley Moms is a hyperlocal, digital media platform to connect local parents with local resources and storytelling to inspire a more connected, joyful parenting journey across Mesa, Gilbert, Tempe, Chandler, Apache Junction and Queen Creek.
photo credit: Kate Mae Photographyan intentionally less busy summer
WRITTEN BY KIRA HENNING MOM OF 4, LIVES IN MESAOnce upon a time, pre-pandemic and one less child ago, I did a thing. I called it “The Summer of No”.
Contrary to my usual “we can do everything” attitude, I adopted an automated response of no to anything that wasn’t imperative to day to day life. And it was glorious.
As life goes, it lasted that one summer and then as soon as school started again, I found myself falling into the instinctual yes trap all over again.
And moreover, the busyness felt more…well, busy. Our kids started new activities, I found out I was pregnant with our son, my husband’s schedule changed. Yes, yes, yes.
People would invite us to things or I would be asked to do something with the preface, “I know how busy you are but…” and even though that served as sort of an out/opportunity to say no, it was like my mouth couldn’t physically form the word anymore.
And then, in the peak of the madness, the pandemic entered stage left.
And in an instant, all of the outcomes of my yes responses were no more.
It was like a get out of jail free card (replaced by crippling anxiety around preserving both our mental and physical health, ever present fear of the unknown, and homeschooling but I digress…).
I remember thinking this time, though terrifying, is a gift It was like getting off a treadmill and re-learning how to just walk through life versus constantly running And I would be lying if I didn’t say I miss the simplicity of that time. There wasn’t anything to say yes to.
Now that life is relatively normal again, I wish I could say I am better at honoring the importance of saying no, but that would be a lie
My first inclination anytime anything is asked of me is to find a way to say yes.
One thing I can say I am better about is pausing and considering the need to respond with a yes If it is an ask to a group of people, why do I feel pressure to say yes when a no response would be better for me? What is the downstream impact of saying yes to this thing? If you also struggle to say no, another thing I have to remind myself is, I am more than just a constant yes
My success as a human being is not defined by how many things I can fit into a day, week, month. People will still love and appreciate you if you need to say no.
And you absolutely do not have to justify a no under the guise of making other people feel better about it
I may not have another Summer of No , but I can definitely strive toward a Season of Enough.
Modern Allo, in Chandler, Ariz., offers three things moms need:
-self care
-child care
-coffee
The space is a fun, modern concept with a coffee bar and coffee lounge, non-toxic nail salon, treatment & massage rooms, work space, and on-site childcare.
If you're juggling work and summer vacation, bookmark Modern Allo for days that plans fall through, and you just need a half day to power through work while kids can play in a supervised setting.
The idea to start this business happened after a long, stressful week of solo-parenting my two year old, and six-week-old baby while my husband was on a business trip It was rough week alone, and by the time he arrived home, I was desperate for a break It was during one of those long, challenging nights that the idea for the business was hatched!
It felt like there was a void in the market for places where busy parents could just take a break, meet up, make friends, nurture existing friendships, find a village, and get a moment of respite
What lessons have you learned in your career that you apply to parenting?
I would say that it’s the oppositie for me Parenting has influenced me professionally on a profound level
Having a business where I can employ mothers, and allow for scheduling breaks to pick up their children, and to be able to offer onsite childcare for their children, has been one of the unique blessings and challenges to this business model, and it’s definitely largely inspired by my experience as a mother
How do you make time for self-care in between all that you have going on? What do you do to unwind after a long day or week?
That is work-in-progress for me I’ve definitely struggled with balancing work/motherhood/self-care, and often find that self-care is what I most often push to the backburner This has been a struggle for years, and is a large part of what has inspired the dream and vision of Modern Allo.
I know that my situation isn’t unique, and as much as I know my self-care is important, I rarely find (or carve out) the time necessary for it I am definitely trying to do better, but I’m not where I need to be I do squeeze in massage as often as possible, I love relaxing with a nice manicure and pedicure, and I’ve been trying to be more intentional in taking time daily for calming breath work and meditation They can make a world of difference for me, but I haven’t quite mastered a routine yet to incorporate them consistent
Does your kid love science? The Arizona Science Center boasts a planetarium, Solarville and T-Rex and “All About Me” exhibits. Even if your kid isn’t into science, they have a ton of activities that are sure to peak their interest.
The American Airlines Flight Experience gives visitors some real-life experience and hands on activities. The kids (and you!) get some flight history and can even buckle up in actual airplane seats.
Cara's 6 year old is an art fanatic. She lives for art projects and asks to visit the Crayola Experience in Chandler often. The minute you walk in the doors you’re surrounded by bold colors and you are immersed into all things Crayola. You can personalize a crayon, sculpt with modeling clay, put your face on a coloring sheet and can even pan for gemstones on your way out.
What kid doesn’t love building with Legos? If your kids are bugging you to go to Legoland California, try the Legoland Discovery Center in Tempe and that should do the trick!
Explore Miniland and see the Lego versions of cities and landmarks like the Grand Canyon. Plus, there's a Lego 4D Cinema that brings favorite Lego characters to life.
If we’re being honest, we’re trying to tire the kids out, right? Kids LOVE trampoline parks and we love how tired they are after. It’s always cool inside and they’re free to jump, rock climb and even play dodgeball. Some even have a parents room where you can plug into WiFi, a massage chair and relax while they play.
Learn a new skill pick: Bouldering Project
Tempe, Southern & Mill
Summer Camp at Bouldering Project is a full week of activities, discovery, and bouldering fun for kids! Our camps are geared for youth ages 4-12 and whether your child is brand new to climbing or an experienced climber, they'll have a blast!
Highlights: Brand new facility opening in May 2023, they offer a brave, safe space for healthy movement not only for kids, but adults too! Registration details here.
Tween & Teen pick: iDTech
Arizona State University
We can’t wait for your child to walk the halls of their dream campus, bond with new friends and mentors, and experience the magic that’s made us the world’s #1 tech camp for over two decades Held at Arizona State University Weeklong and two-week sessions for ages 7-18 in coding, game dev, robotics, creative arts, and more. Virtual Tech Camps and online courses also available
Highlight: Also offers an overnight option for most camps where students stay in dorms
photo credit: Bouldering Project
photo credit: iD Tech
Scan the QR code to learn more about iD Tech's summer camps
Gilbert, Elliot & Cooper
KaiPod Learning Summer Programs are designed for kids age 9-17 In our Learning Pods in Scottsdale, Gilbert, and Glendale we offer weekly summer programs where kids will continue to learn and dive deeper into their natural curiosity exploring either SCIENCE or ART in a group of up to 10 kids Our Summer Programs are run by highly qualified Coaches who are former teachers They will facilitate a day split into studying/ reading, socializing and playing, and hands-on enrichment activities and projects
Highlights: Weekly pricing for either art or science tracks allows families to select their child's interests. Science tracks offered weekly throughout June, arts tracks offered wekly throughout July.Learn more
Valleywide offerings
It’s critical that children exercise their bodies and minds! What separates us from other camps is how active we are! Beyond the core activities of the host site, we bring in horseback riding, firetrucks, laser tag, arts & crafts, and more We hire teachers to teach Math, Reading, and Civics in stimulating ways And Fun? Our camp kids go home tired and go to bed excited to return the next day!
Highlights: Camps at some of kids favorite spots, like Main Event Gilbert, Krazy Air Mesa and Big Air Trampoline Chandler, Summer Camps AZ manages programming for multiple day camps, ensuring they're the most fun-packed days for kids this summer Learn more
Chandler & Mesa options, plus more across the Valley
Engineering For Kids of Phoenix Metro is the all-in-one solution for your child’s summer fun & learning experience! Since 2014, they've offered week-long STEM camps to kids ages 4-14 at the coolest indoor entertainment facilities across the Valley. Our expert instructors use hands-on, collaborative curriculum to teach all manner of STEM subjects: robotics, programming, chemistry, physics, LEGO, Minecraft, Roblox and much more
Highlights: Each week is a new, separate set of curriculum and all programs easily scale with age and ability level, so there’s truly something for every child They are currently offering early-bird pricing, installment plans, no-hassle cancellations. Learn more
WRITTEN BY KIRA HENNING MOM OF 4, LIVES IN MESA
Most of the time when we travel, we are looking for centrally located, family friendly options that don’t break the bank. Little did I know, YMCA of the Rockies offers all of this and so much more. If you’re like me and right now you are thinking, the YMCA? Like the place to get yourself clean and have a good meal and do whatever you feel? YES! That YMCA!
I truly believe this is a hidden gem for families.
Not only does your stay include lodging, daily breakfast, and beautiful surroundings, the majority of the activities offered are completely free (and even those that do have a charge associated, the fee is nominal).
Pulling up to the property, we were blown away by the beautiful, expansive grounds Situated in Rocky Mountain National Park, you have direct access to the park and everything it has to offer
Our family stayed in their hotel style lodging –modest, but accommodating and comfortable, the rooms were large, the beds were comfortable, and the views could not be beat One of my favorite features: no TV!
There are family-centered offerings almost hourly in their activity center
We took advantage of Trivia Night (second place, thank you very much!) and had blast coming together to try to answer some of the tricky questions
I enjoyed a yoga class nestled in a cabin in the pines with my mom. The kids played at one of the many playgrounds on the property every day. They also enjoyed mini golf and sand volleyball
But the highlight of our stay was the guided hike we took through Moraine Park As we brought our two older girls and Nani along, we chose a less strenuous (albeit still challenging) option while the younger kids stayed back with Grandpa
Accessed right off the YMCA property, a knowledgeable and friendly team of guides took us through the coolest nature walk – educating our family on glaciation and the flora and fauna of the park. Definitely a must do! Seriously! I was still telling my gym friends about this a week after we got home!
A recommendation: familiarize yourself with the activity offerings prior to arriving on property, especially if you are going in peak times such as a holiday weekend like we did
Some of the more popular activities (axe throwing, archery) book up quickly Again, there is SO much to do, we just subbed in a different activity, but if your heart is set on something specific, I would book in advance of your stay
This encouraged us to stay outside and when downtime was needed, the kids opted to read, color, or just rest
Each room is also equipped with a fridge which we stocked with snacks (and adult beverages) of our own.
Scan the QR code to keep reading about the all inclusive dining and more about planning a family stay here, and the road trip to get there!
Amanda, oldest son went to a California sleepaway camp
stick to the packing list. Many boys tend to forget essentials- toothbrush, deodorant, body wash. Girls tend to over-pack, which isn’t necessary either. The people who create the list know exactly what a kid will need. So there isn’t a need to question it, or on the other end, fully trust your kid to do all of the packing.
Kim, son has gone to sleepaway camp annually since he was 9
Trust the camp and the counselors! They are fully trained and your child is in safe hands! I was a wreck sending him the first time but hearing about how much fun he had solidified sending him was the right decision!
Grandma Ginger, sent EVM's chief curator to camp starting the summer of 3rd grade
Make the night before they depart for camp a send off!
Her first summer, she was nervous she wouldn't know how to eat a sloppy joe if they were served at camp (thanks to the Olson twins movie, It Takes Two) So we made sloppy joes, and it became our tradition for 13 summers of camp send offs
Tiffany, on navigating homesick kiddos at camp
We both were a wreck at drop off and the first couple days but it did get better. I didn’t anticipate it being such an emotionally charged event for both of us. So, moms need to prepare themselves and their children mentally for the different emotions they may feel. Don’t be surprised when the tears start
GILBERT
Central Christian Church
Lindsay & Germann
https://www.centralaz.com
Dates: Mon, 6/5 - Wed, 6/7
Time: 6 - 8pm (snacks provided)
Ages: 3 years old (as of 5/31/2023 and potty-trained) through 3rd grade (as of Fall 2023)
Favorite part of VBS as a mom: “As a parent one of my favorite moments was on the last day of camp getting to go and see what the kids learned The songs were always stuck in their heads for weeks, and they learned so much! The last year both of my boys were able to say their 10 commandments in front of at least 50 people ” -Contributor Amanda
CHANDLER Cornerstone Church
Dates: Sun, 6/4 - Thurs, 6/8 (Sun Family kickoff 4:30-5:30pm)
Time: 9 a m - 12pm, (snacks provided)
Ages: 4 years - 4th grade (fall of 2023 or September 1)
MESA
CCV Christ Church of the Valley
Crismon & Southern
https://ccv church
San Tan 202 & Alma School
https://cornerstoneaz.com
Dates: Tues, 5/30 - Thurs, 6/1
Time: 3 - 8 pm (dinner & snacks provided), 6/1 until 10 pm
Ages: 4th-6th grade
VBS memory: "My BFF and I volunteered at her church's VBS when we were maybe 12ish? And it was some fishing/fisherman theme so there was this big canoe in the room and we did some craft with glitter and these 5 and 6 year olds basically filled up thay canoe with glitter It was EVERYWHERE! We clearly did NOT have classroom management skills! Lol we still talk about it to this day! Such a fun memory of ours” -Contributor Megan
special needs VBS
Dates - Tues 6/27 - Thurs 6/29 (Thurs
Family BBQ Water Day)
Times - 5:00 - 7:30 pm
Ages: Kids and adults with developmental disabilities 4 years old and older
CVC Christ Church of the Valley
Crismon & Southern
https://ccv church
our team's recommendations of Arizona sleep away camps that are well respected, safe and established
In a traditional camp setting asthma education is integrated wit recreational camp activities.
Camp Not A Wheeze
June 4-10, 2023
Heber, Arizona info@campnotawheeze.org campnotawheeze.org
Historically, a majority of these campers would not be accepted into other camps due to the constant monitoring and medication requirements that are typically integral to asthma management Medica volunteers can be found throughout Camp (in cabins with kids, accompanying kids to activities, teaching asthma education, and staffing the infirmary). These volunteers MUST be licensed medical professiona in order to attend.
Camp AZDA
Spending time at camp swimming, singing, skillsbuilding, and making lifelong friendships is a rite of passage every child should experience.
Every summer, we help thousands of children living with diabetes experience the classic summer camp experience in an environment their parents know they'll be safe at
Chapel Rock
June 4-7, 7-10 2023
Prescott, Arizona
info@chapelrock net chapelrock net
June 3-10, 2023
Prescott, Arizona campsupport@diabetes org diabetes org, search "ada camp"
Campers at A.B.C. (Ankle Biter Camp), grades K-2nd, are accompanied by a parent or caregiver.
Mini Camp offers a short stay for campers who are ready to try a few days of camp on their own. Campers can attend one or both of these options.
Our Chief Curator, Amy, went to this camp for 13 summers growing up, it's one of her favorite childhood memories
Family Camp is an opportunity to use your vacation time to unplug from the busyness of daily life and reconnect with your family.
Family Camp is open to families of all shapes, sizes, and ages, with or without kids
Chapel Rock
June 29 - July 2, 2023
Prescott, Arizona info@chapelrock net chapelrock net
East Valley Moms has been sharing local resources for families, hosting live playdate events and giving family-friendly activity reviews of attractions across the East Valley for nearly 10 years.
@eastvalley.moms on Instagram
info@eastvalleymom.com
eastvalley.momcollective.com
photo credit: Kate Mae Photography