summer care / camps for kindergartner

[ELKMama]

I'm a WOHM and starting to think about summer options for my 5 y.o. son. We need about 30 hours / week of child care. He's very active and also very into reading and science (and somewhat into music and art). Anyone have a great summer camp or care option to recommend?

I want something more stable than a different day camp each week, since it takes him a while to get past general enthusiasm to friendship.I am looking into Minniapple Montessori school-age summer care, Camp Butwin (affiliated with St.Paul JCC) and Mpls Kids. TIA for any suggestions or warnings you want to share!

[lindsayjean]

Maybe you could check out the Y? I work for the Y, not specifically in that department at all, but I have heard some great reviews of their summer programming and seen some very happy kids participating in it. They hire great staff.

[MsMoMpls]

I have found Mpls Kids not nurturing/supportive enough for younger kids- they expect a high amount of independence but I love the staff at the YMCA- afterschool, summer and camps. They love kids, are well trained and appropriately staffed.

[Kristine233]

My kids go to the YMCA afterschool care and will go to that all summer as well. (I'm a pre-k teacher at an off-site preschool center thats run by the Y as well, so my kids get free care there) They have different activities and the kids get to do swiming, play in the gym and do the indoor climbing wall too.

[ELKMama]

Wow - thanks for the 3 Y recommendations. I have friends who weren't thrilled with their experience so wasn't putting it high on the list. But I will definitely look into it. Anyone in SW Mpls and have a specific site or camp they have liked?

DS is in Mpls Kids after school and his site is mediocre... though I know some families love other sites. Good point, Maureen, about the independence expectations for younger kids.

Thanks again and very open to other comments, too!

[SuzyLee]

We use Miniapple for infant care. I don't have any specific info about their school age summer program, but we are very happy with Miniapple overall.

My old boss avoided the Y because she felt like the summer camp employees were very young, and wasn't comfortable with her 5 year old being taken care of by a bunch of high schoolers. I don't know if that would be a concern for you or not.

[waldorfknitmama]

I have a sweet *Waldorf Inspired* home preschool program with summer options for bigger children if your interested. PM me for more info if you still haven't found quality care!