Kids are counting down the days until summer break and some look forward to Bridgeport Parks and Recreation's summer day camps. Always popular - and available by a first-come basis - this year's camps include plenty of variety. 

 

From June 18 through June 21, Little Explorers will host "Welcome to the Jungle," a virtual trip through the safari to study the habitats and habits of various jungle animals. Crafts will include the making of safari hats, money-stuffed animals, safari animal soap and jungle animal backpacks. As always, Little Explorers provides hands-on learning opportunities. This one should be especially fun, said Anita Jessmer who teaches the ongoing series at Benedum Civic Center. Day campers can choose between amorning and evening session. Open to kids ages 3 through 8, the cost is $40. 

 

Older kids can take part in the Harry Potter-themed Food and Fun Summer Camp, where campers can concoct edible projects, such as Harry's favorite Treacle Tarts. The camps, which run June 19-22 and July 27-20 will be full of wizartry and creativity, both sessions ending with a dress-as-your-favorite character day and an art exhibition showcasing the kids' projects. Teaching the camp will be Brenda Smith, who said she has room for 20 kids per session. The cost is $180 per child per session. The camp runs 10 a.m. through 1 p.m. 

 

Kiley Wagner will host a day camp that is new to Bridgeport. The Kids Fit Yoga Camp will run July 9-13. Kids ages 4-8 can attend 5-5:45 p.m. and kids 9-12 can come 6-6:45 p.m. Cost per child is $75 and for $95, a parent can come too. Kids yoga helps in developing strength, balance and coordination through movement, adventurous stories and other fun activities. 

 

Kids who have a knack for space can take part in a July day camp called "It's Time to Blast Off." The space adventure will include exploration of planets and studying of the nighttime sky. Crafts include solar necklaces, planet diagrams, constellation hats and rocket building. On the final day, participants will actually launch a rocket. The camp runs July 16-19 with options for morning and evening sessions. This day camp is also sponsored by the Little Explorers so it's open to kids age 3-8 and is $40 to attend. 

 

Also continuing for the summer of 2018 are tennis camps sponsored by the United States Tennis Association. A variety of summer camps run in June, July and August.

 

The summer will also feature karate taught by Kevin Drummond, Little Explorers taught by Anita Jesmer, Stamp Camp, caught by Kathy Hamrick and Refit taught by Cynthia Campbell.

 

Other special events slated for the summer months are Bridgeport Family Day and Car Show at City Park to be held 5-8 p.m. June 7; the Dick’s Sporting Goods Fishing Tournament, 6:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 2 at Hinkle and Deegan Lakes; National Night Out at Bridgeport City Pool 6-9 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 7 and a DNR Hunters’ Safety Course 6-9:30 p.m. May 7-9 at Benedum Civic Center.

 

All day camps and other events will be held at Benedum Civic Center. Access a Bridgeport Parks and Recreation Summer Activities Guide - which contains information about the aforementioned activities and more - HERE.

 

Printed copies are available at the Benedum Civic Center, 164 West Main Street, Bridgeport.