By Matthew Phillips 

The Summer is getting closer and with that, comes camp season and a number of camps will be available this summer for children of all ages.  While Troy Parks and Recreation’s Summer Camps won’t be happening this year due to ongoing construction at the Troy SportsPlex, there will still be plenty of options, especially at Troy University. 

Troy University’s “Sound of the South” Summer Music and Leadership Camp will be held on June 15-19 and is open to students entering eighth through 12th grade. Participants can choose from areas like Concert Band, Drum Major, Dance, Majorette, Percussion, and Color Guard. Residential students pay $260, which covers instruction, housing, meals, camp admission and a T-shirt. Commuter students pay $215 for daily instruction and three meals per day, while chaperones and directors pay $190 for a private dorm room and meals; late fees apply after June 1. For more information and to register, visit https://www.troy.edu/_assets/college-communication-fine-art/departments/music/_documents/summercamp2025studentapp.pdf.

Registration for Summer Kids Spotlight 2025 opened on May 1, offering a unique opportunity for individuals to explore their talents in various arts-focused camps and intensives. Whether it’s performing, crafting, or visual arts, participants of all ages can join in throughout events that will be fun-filled and skill-building, culminating in showcases and unforgettable experiences.

Spotlight on Creativity at Drama Camp is designed for children ages 4-7 who want to explore the creativity of storytelling in a “fun-filled fashion that will leave them sparked with imagination, boosting their confidence.” The event will take place on June 23-27, and the cost of admission is $125. For more details on registering and exact availability for this event, visit https://troyuniversity.formstack.com/forms/summer_spotlight_registration_youth

There will also be a Visual Arts Camp hosted for those ages 10-14 on June 23-27, where imagination meets illustration. The price per child will be $200. For more details on registering and availability for this event, visit https://troyuniversity.formstack.com/forms/summer_spotlight_registration_youth

In addition, there will be another drama camp hosted for those between the ages of eight and 13 on July 6-11 for those also interested in theatrical activities. The cost of admission for this camp will be $200. For more details on registering and exact availability for this event, visit https://troyuniversity.formstack.com/forms/summer_spotlight_registration_youth.

Troy University’s Arts and Sciences department will be hosting a Girl Power STEM camp on June 23-27, which aims to bring with it an opportunity for young women in the rising grades 6-8 to learn more about science, technology, and engineering. The cost of attendance for this event is $45 per child, with limited availability of 25 spots. For additional information, contact dhudson48559@troy.edu, and to register, visit https://troyuniversity.formstack.com/forms/girl_power_stem_camp.

Summer Spotlight 2025 (High School and College Students) at Troy University will be held July 13-19. Affordable Arts Intensives in Performance, Tech & Management, Film, and Studio Art—$500 – $500 per Intensive, Including Meals, Housing, Supplies, and Instruction. 

The Performance Intensive event will allow young performers to hone their acting, dance, vocal, and movement skills with daily classes in various disciplines. Auditions determine placement, and the week ends with a Spotlight Showcase for family and friends. For more details regarding this event and registering, visit https://troyuniversity.formstack.com/forms/summer_spotlight_registration_intensives.

In the Tech & Management Intensive, participants will dive into the behind-the-scenes world of theatre, gaining hands-on experience in technical challenges, design, and production management. At the end of the week, they’ll showcase their work by fully managing a mini-production for friends and family. For more details regarding this event and registering, visit https://troyuniversity.formstack.com/forms/summer_spotlight_registration_intensives.

In the Film Intensive, young filmmakers will go on to collaborate to write, shoot, and edit a short film, which will be showcased at the end of the week. Previous films have earned recognition, with “SHORTCUT” featured at the SWIFF Film Festival in New York City and “Welcome Home” screened at Sidewalk’s Alabama Film Week in Birmingham. For more details regarding this event and registering, visit https://troyuniversity.formstack.com/forms/summer_spotlight_registration_intensives. 

In the Studio Art Intensive, students will explore a variety of artistic mediums, from traditional studio work to digital design techniques, tailoring their experience to their personal goals. The week culminates in a Spotlight Showcase at the International Arts Center, where participants will present their creations to family and friends. For more details regarding this event and registering, visit https://troyuniversity.formstack.com/forms/summer_spotlight_registration_intensives.

 

Troy University’s IDEA Bank is offering its Just Start Entrepreneurship Summer Camp from July 14-19. The camp is open to high school students from ninth grade through rising seniors. The camp is a one-week program that offers an opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs to learn what it takes to successfully launch an idea into a profitable business. The camp will provide students with technical training, hands-on activities and real-life leadership opportunities related to entrepreneurship. 

The week will lead up to a pitch competition, where students will use what they’ve learned to pitch their product or service. The presentations will be reviewed by a panel of judges who will award a grand prize winner a $2,000 scholarship to Troy University. 

Housing will be provided for accepted participants from Monday, July 14, until Saturday, July 19. Meals will also be provided. The pitch competition takes place July 19 and will be open to the public with a reception immediately following. The cost to attend the camp is $150 per student. A number of needs-based scholarships are also available for interested participants. Needs-based applicants can reach out to staff at ideabank@troy.edu. To apply for the camp, visit https://tinyurl.com/3v8ztezf.

Troy’s Civic Heroes Camp teaches leadership and community service. The Civic Heroes campers in the grades of 4-6 will learn what it means to be an active and responsible citizen. This camp will also dive into governmental aspects in a fun-filled learning environment accompanied by activities and games. The camp will be held July 14-18, and the cost of attendance is $50, with spaces limited to a first-come, first-served basis. For more information on this camp and to register, visit https://www.troy.edu/academics/academic-resources/center-student-success/office-of-civic-engagement/civic-heroes-camp.html.

Also, the Johnson Center for the Arts has a bundle of fun planned throughout the month of June from beginning to end. 

“And,” Johnson Center Executive Director Andrea Pack said, “we’re off to an early start June 2-6 with the Rainbow Fish Theater for ages six-plus, Board Gaming, ages 9+ and Under the Sea crafts for ages 6+.

June 9-13 

“A Bad Case of the Stripes” Theater (6+) a.m., CLUE (9+) p.m. and Recycled Arts (6+) p.m.

June 16-20

Musical Theater: “Matilda!” (9+) a.m., The Magical Art of Science (6+) a.m. and The Empty Pot Theater (6+) p.m.

On June 23-27, Principles of Puppetry (6+) a.m. and Puppetry Play with Scott & Maggie (6+) p.m. 

The Johnson Center for the Arts is located at 300 E. Walnut Street in Troy.

Kids are invited to come, have fun playing and learning with friends and making new ones.