When school closes in Anne Arundel, these day-off camps open their doors

Maryland children will return to school in a few short weeks, and working parents will have a new puzzle to solve — what to do for childcare on all those seemingly random weekdays when schools close.

Some days off align with federal holidays. In those cases, parents might be home, too. Other times, days off sneak up on parents and send them scrambling.

This guide highlights some providers that have previously offered one-day “school’s out” camps to families in Anne Arundel County. There are art, sports and gymnastics camp options. Check the businesses’ websites for sign-up information.

Artsy Partsy

This Pasadena art camp allows children to express themselves by painting, drawing and sculpting. Participants must be at least 6 years old. Staff introduce campers 10-and-up to more advanced art forms such as crochet, printing and mixed media.

Hours:

• Regular hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Before and after-care is available at the studio from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Benfield Sportscenter

Children aged 5-13 spend their days off playing sports like basketball, soccer and kickball at the Millersville facility. The camp promotes teamwork, respect and sportsmanship, according to its website.

Children will be grouped by age.

Hours:

• Those signed up for a full day of programming can be dropped off as early as 8 a.m. and must be picked up by 5:30 p.m.
• Half day options run from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Before and after-care is available from 7 to 8 a.m. and 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Emilia’s Acrobatics Gymnastics Center

This Laurel gymnastics camp serves families in Anne Arundel, Howard and Prince George’s counties. The center’s website encourages parents to sign up to keep kids 5 and up active, social and off screens when school’s out.

For a $149 fee, this camp offers families a one-minute edited video of a child’s time at camp.

Hours:

• Regular hours run from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. with after-care available from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• Families can also choose a half day schedule that runs from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. or 12 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

My Gym

Camp themes and programming at this Crofton facility change daily. Children participate in fitness games and non-competitive gymnastics.

Hours:

Camp hours were not immediately available.

Severna Park Community Center

This camp is geared toward children under 10 and as young as 3, so long as those kids are potty trained. Children spend time crafting, playing sports and dancing.

Camp days have themes like dinosaurs, weather and butterflies.

Hours:

Half day programming at the Severna Park camp runs from 8:30 a.m. to noon, with full day pickup required by 3:30 p.m.

Smart Fit Kids Academy

This Severna Park camp operates not just when schools close for a scheduled day off but also if schools close unexpectedly due to inclement weather. Children in kindergarten through 8^th grade who sign up get martial arts training, foreign language instruction and science experimentation.

Hours:

• Regular hours run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Before care is available from 7 to 8 a.m. and after care is available from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• The academy is also open from 8:30 am to 5:30 p.m. to support families when children are assigned to e-learning.

Thrive Gym

Held at a gymnastics training center, this Arnold camp for children ages 5 and up teaches participants some gymnastics skills while also offering games and science projects. The gym also offers camp programming that incorporates several hours of art.

Hours:

• Open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Warriors Academy of Gymnastics

This Glen Burnie camp is also held at a gymnasium. Registration is open to children in grades K-8. Activities include dance, movies and time spent on the gymnastics equipment.

Those who are not already members of the gym must pay a $25 annual family membership fee to sign up for a day of school’s out camp.

Hours:

• Families may drop off between 8 and 9 a.m. and must pickup by 4:30 p.m.

Know of a camp your family loves that’s not included on our list? Please email us, and we’ll work to add it.