Summer’s here! Camp Ingersoll starts next week for my kids and they’ll be kept busy creating the most filthy sets of clothes that you’ve ever seen (I’m sure they do other things – but getting dirty seems to be summer camp’s primary purpose). If your precious angels are a bit too old for summer camp, perhaps Apple Camp would be a nice diversion. They accept kids aged 8 to 12 – with the only downside being that you’re expected to stay with them (and probably another 15 to 20 noisy pre-teen campers). There are only a few sessions offered (and many are filling quickly). This camp will teach the kids about creating presentations, movies and music (as if most needed an introduction). Dates and times and course descriptions after the jump.

While there’s no substitute for getting outside into the fresh air and having the kids burn off some energy at summer camp…

I can dream about a summer camp where I don’t spend half of “parent’s night” visiting the lost & found bin to look for the backpack, shoes, and bathing suit that the kids are required to lose every year (I think it’s written into the “kid summer camp guidebook”). The picture below is the lost and found box at Camp Ingersoll. I have never seen this box shrink the entire time that camp is in session (about two months). Do families use summer camp as a way to get rid of stuff they don’t want anymore? Rather than bring it to the dump maybe they leave it at camp?!

For a more gentle (and air conditioned) camp experience – check out the Apple Summer Camp series.

The Apple site has a complete registration process. Simply find your state and local Apple Store (sorry if you don’t have a store by you – these are all in-store camps). The kids have to be 8-12 years old to attend – and Apple indicates they must be over 13 to be left alone – meaning that you’ll certainly be attending camp too. A permission slip is required

Apple’s camp is broken into 4 different interests.

Present a masterpiece
In this iWork Workshop, you’ll create a slideshow with movies, music, photos, and charts and graphs. And you’ll learn how to present it all to a captivated audience. By the time it’s over, you’ll go home with a multi-media presentation in hand. And lots of tips so you can wow your family, friends, and even everyone at school.

This workshop is geared for kids with beginner to advanced computer skills who are interested in showing off what they make to an audience.

What You’ll Receive

Campers will receive a CD/DVD with with their presentation project burned on it. All campers will also receive a field guide, t-shirt and more fun giveaways.

Dates and Times
Thursday, July 17, 9:00 a.m. to noon

Thursday, July 24, 9:00 a.m. to noon

Sign Up For Apple Summer Camp

Point, shoot, and create
In this iPhoto Workshop, you’ll turn digital photos into photo art. First, you’ll get tips on taking the best photos with your digital camera. Then you’ll learn how to edit, print, create slideshows, and publish photo albums to show the world.

This workshop is geared for kids with beginner to advanced computer skills who have an interest in photography.

What You’ll Receive

Campers will receive a CD/DVD with with their photo project burned on it. All campers will also receive a field guide, t-shirt and more fun giveaways.

Dates and Times

Wednesday, July 16, 9:00 a.m. to noon

Wednesday, July 23, 9:00 a.m. to noon

Sign Up For Apple Summer Camp

Compose a song.
Pull a cool beat and catchy melody out of you head and make your own song. In the Music Workshop, you’ll learn everything you need to know to become an instant rockstar. WIth GarageBand and a MIDI keyboard, you get to play bass, electric guitar, drums, and sing your own lyrics. You’ll even explore iTunes and see how to sync an iPod. And after your standing-room-only concert, you’ll walk off stage with your latest hit on CD to share with your screaming fans back home.

This workshop is geared for kids with beginner to advanced computer skills who are aspiring musicians and music enthusiasts.

What You’ll Receive

Campers will receive a CD/DVD with with their music project burned on it. All campers will also receive a field guide, t-shirt and more fun giveaways.

Dates and Times

Monday, July 14, 9:00 a.m. to noon

Monday, July 21, 9:00 a.m. to noon

Sign Up For Apple Summer Camp

Direct a movie.

Your director’s chair is waiting in the Movie Workshop, where you’ll learn how to make a movie in the time it takes to watch one. From importing and cropping video clips to adding cool special effects and transitions, you’ll leave as an up-and-coming filmmaker with the movie you’ve just made on DVD.

This workshop is geared for kids with intermediate to advanced computer skills who have an interest in filmmaking. Prior iMovie experience is not required.

What You’ll Receive

Campers will receive a CD/DVD with with their movie project burned on it. All campers will also receive a field guide, t-shirt and more fun giveaways.

Dates and Times

Tuesday, July 15, 9:00 a.m. to noon

Tuesday, July 22, 9:00 a.m. to noon

Sign Up For Apple Summer Camp

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