The summer heat is coming, and if you're already sweating over the thought of three months of completely unstructured days with the kiddos at home (or if you just want ideas to keep them engaged or have some time to yourself!), then we've got a whole list of local church camps, activities, vacation bible schools, and more!

We asked our community of Veritas parents to tell us their favorite summer programs, and they answered in droves! We've got your summer calendar pretty much taken care of with these suggestions.

23 Lancaster-Area VBS, Church Day Camps, and Other Summer 2018 Programs for Kids!

Activity-Specific Day Camps

• Veritas Academy camps

  Various weeks and days throughout the summer
  For kids entering kindergarten through 12th grade, depending on the camp (see brochure for details)
  
  That's right - don't forget about our own day camps, which include Chess, Harry Potter, Cooking, Art Mornings, Songwriting and Chamber Music! Registration deadline is THIS FRIDAY, May 18! Pick one and register today!

• Lancaster Evangelical Free Church Sports Camp

  June 18-22, 9 am - 3:00 pm
  For kids entering grades 2 - 6
  
  Choose from basketball, soccer, dance, or flag football. Camp days consist of bible teaching, drills, and fun activities centered around the sport of your child's choice.

• Servant Stage Theater Camp: Godspell Jr.

  July 30 - August 8, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  For ages 10-18
  
  Students will practice and perform a complete production of Godspell Jr. with experienced theater professionals.

• Tiny Town

  Various themed day camps throughout the summer
  For ages 3 - 12, plus a toddler camp for the littlest townspeople July 2-6 (not the 4th).
  
  Choose your own adventure this summer at Tiny Town! Themes include secret agent, outer space, nature science, STEM, and mythical stories!

• Lancaster Alliance Church Camp Connect

  June 25-28, 6:15- 8:30 pm
  Ages 3 through 7th grade depending on the camp choice
  
  Kids can choose from art, cooking, creative movement, science (grades 3-7) and Spikeball (grades 5-7).

• Central Manor Church Soccer Camp

  July 16-19, 9am - noon
  Ages entering kindergarten through 4th Grade 
  
  Kids get four fun mornings of soccer-themed activities, drills, and games, along with bible learning and devotions for only $15 (cost includes a t-shirt). Scroll to the bottom of the page on the link above for information

• Lancaster Bible College Chargers Sports Camps

  Various weeks and sports choices
  For kids in 1st through 12th grade (depending on the camp choice)
  
  Camps for basketball, lacrosse, soccer, and volleyball led by LBC coaches and student athletes.

• Cavod Academy of the Arts Summer Camps

  Green Eggs & Camp
  July 9-13
  Ages 3-12, (ages 3-6 from 9 am to noon, ages 7-12 from 1:30 - 4:30 pm)
  Enjoy Seuss-themed tumbling, art, games, and more, with a fun production to close the week!
  
  The Lion King Jr. Musical Theater Camp
  July 16-27 (auditions June 1), 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
  Ages 10-18
  Kids will put on a full production of The Lion King Jr. at the end of the two-week camp. Everyone who auditions is guaranteed to be in the cast!

• Lancaster Academy for the Performing Arts Summer Camp: Pirates of Penzance Jr.

  July 30 - August 4, 8:45 am - 4:15 pm Mon-Thurs, 8:45-7:45 pm Friday, 11:30 am - 3:30 pm Saturday
  Campers will put on a full production of Pirates of Penzance, Jr. (shows are Friday and Saturday and are open to the public).

Day & Overnight Camps

• Woodcrest Retreat

  Various weeks throughout the summer
  Day camps for ages 6-14
  Overnight camps for ages 7-15

• French Creek Bible Conference

  Affordable overnight camps on various weeks for kids in grades 4 - 12.

• Camp Conquest Summer Day Camps

  Offered three different weeks
  For ages 7 - 12
  Tiered pricing structure available according to how much a family is willing to pay! Busing is also available from select partner churches throughout the county.

• High Point Camp

  Day camp (Grades 1-4) June 18-22
  Overnight Junior Camp (Grade 3-6), three separate weeks

Daytime Vacation Bible Schools

• Highland Presbyterian Church

  June 18-22, 9:00 am - noon
  For kids who have finished kindergarten through 5th grade

• Grace Church at Willow Valley

  June 18-22, 8:45 am - noon
  For kids entering kindergarten through 6th grade

• Lititz Trinity Church

  June 25-29, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
  Ages 4 years though 6th grade

• Grace Baptist Church of Lancaster

  July 16-20, 9:00 am - noon
  For kids entering kindergarten through 6th Grade

• Westminster Presbyterian Church

  July 23-26, 9am - noon
  Age 5 through completed 6th Grade

• St. Stephen Reformed Church in New Holland

  July 23-27, 9 am - noon
  Ages 4-11

Evening Vacation Bible Schools

(Enjoy some free date nights with your spouse!)

• Petra Church

  June 11- June 15, 6:30 - 8:45 pm
  Age 4 through completed 4th Grade

• Mellinger Mennonite Church

  June 17-21, 6:15 - 8:00 pm
  Age 4 through completed 5th grade

• Mount Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lititz

  June 25-28, 6:00 - 8:00 pm
  Call the church to inquire about ages

• Forest Hills Mennonite Church in Leola

  July 16-19, 6:15 - 8:15 pm
  Ages 3 through completed 5th grade.

 For a few more suggestions, check out this Frugal Lancaster blog post by Veritas parent Kathy McClure!

Happy summer, friends!