Cabin fever: a guide to some of Mississippi's most unique summer camps.

For many parents, the words "summer camp" might conjure thoughts of swim caps, sack races, and strange crafts made from macaroni. But today's summer camps offer much more than the traditional outdoor activities of just a few years ago. Right here in Mississippi, a modern camper might build a rocket or write a song, begin their own insect collection or even create a robot.

With so many diverse camps within the state, selecting the right one for your child may seem overwhelming. Parents should consider several factors when choosing a camp, said Louise Davis, associate extension professor of child and family development at Mississippi State University.

First, "parents need to examine why they want their child to go to camp," Davis said. What do you hope the child will gain from the experience--new skills, greater independence, self-confidence? Look for a camp that best fits the expectations you have.

Next, consider what kinds of activities your child is interested in. Does he enjoy intellectual pursuits, or does he prefer more athletic activities? Some camps place a greater emphasis on outdoor activities like rock climbing and swimming, while others focus more on the arts or academic-type endeavors.

A child's age is another important factor, Davis said. Parents should check out what types of activities are offered to their child's age group; they should be in keeping with the child's skill and maturity levels. Age may also play a role in choosing the proper session length, although the appropriate length will be different for every child. "It really depends on the individual child," Davis said.

When you've narrowed it down to one or two camps, a site visit might be in order. "I know it might be difficult for many people, but it really is a good idea to visit the camp with your child, talk to the counselors, find out about the activities, see what kinds of safety provisions are in place, and see if the child likes the facilities," Davis said.

If a visit to the camp isn't possible, consider calling the camp director, the American Camping Association recommends. Some important questions to ask might include:

* What is the director's educational and career background?

* What is the camper return rate?

* How old are the counselors, and how are they trained?

* What is the ratio of counselors to campers?

* What is the camp's program philosophy?

* What are the medical accommodations?

If your child will be attending an overnight camp for the first time, Davis said she recommends having the child sleep over at a friend's or relative's house for a night or two first as a "trial run." Most importantly, she said, "make sure this is something the child really wants to do."

In the end, be sure to include your child in the camp decision-making process to the extent possible, according to the American Camping Association. If the child feels that she has helped decide where to go and what to pack, she is more likely to have a positive experience once she gets there.

Now that you know what to look for, here's a great place to start looking. We've tracked down the details on 14 fun-filled camps that offer a wide array of activities for children of all ages. Some are day camps; some are overnight. Some are as brief as a few days; others last the whole summer. Some are for budding Michelangelos, while still others cater to thrill-seekers with white-water rafting and ropes courses. They all have one thing in common, however--they promise the kind of pure summer fun every parent probably remembers from his own childhood.

Please note that this guide does not include every camp within the state. Check with local museums, universities and colleges, and scouting organizations for details on other camp opportunities, or see www.acacamps.org to find camps that are accredited by the American Camping Association. Some registration deadlines may have passed for 2003; please call each camp for specific information about this year's session availability.

ASTRO CAMP

Stennis Space Center

Hancock County 

With the theme "From First Flight to Space Flight," this year's Astro Camp promises worlds of fun for future rocket scientists and space explorers. Established in 1985, the camp introduces youngsters to NASA, teaches them math and science principles in a fun environment, and inspires kids to explore space-related career possibilities. Interactive activities like riding on the Mission to Mars motion simulator and building and launching rockets make this a camp like no other. And if the timing is right, campers might even get to meet an astronaut! The center also holds one-day mini-camps called Astro Camp Saturday once a month throughout the year.

Four five-day day camp sessions for ages 7-9; three for ages 10-12. Building 1200, Rm. 205A, Stennis Space Center, MS 39529-6000; phone [phone] (option 1); www.ssc.nasa.gov/public/visitors/astrocamp.html.

BUG CAMP

Mathiston, Hollandale

Is your child fascinated with all things creepy and crawly? If so, this unusual camp could be the perfect summer diversion. The camp is open to children over 10 as well as adults and teaches campers how to collect, identify, and preserve insects while providing information on unique specimens that live in secret all around us. Campers will be given the opportunity to make their own insect collections with help from the experts, entomology faculty members from Mississippi State University.

Two five-day overnight sessions. Wood College, Mathiston, June 8-12; Leroy Percy Park, near Hollandale, July 20-24. Contact Dr. Mike Williams, P.O. Box 9775, Mississippi State, MS 39762; phone [phone]; email [e-mail].

CAMP BRATTON-GREEN

Canton

While participating in fun camp activities like canoeing, swimming, disc golf, and tennis, campers here become part of an intimate Christian community at the picturesque lakeside Duncan M. Gray Center. Older teens may want to enroll in one of four Pioneer Camps with diverse agendas ranging from exploring the Gulf Coast to trekking the Appalachian Trail.

Six one-week regular camp sessions for various age groups and two for the mentally and physically challenged; four seven- to ten-day Pioneer Camps. The Duncan M. Gray Center, 1530 Way Rd., Canton, MS 39046; phone [phone]; www.graycenter.com/camp_area.html.

CAMP HOPEWELL

Oxford

Nestled in 278 acres of rolling forests, streams, and lakes, this Christian camp is a program of the Presbytery of St. Andrew in northern Mississippi. Campers can join in the fun of activities like swimming, archery, horseback riding, and arts and crafts, and also learn about outdoor living skills, camping and cooking out, drama, and puppetry. Specialized camp sessions cater to specific interests and needs: Wrangler Camp focuses on western-style horseback riding and care of horses; Aquatics Camp includes swimming lessons, water sports, and canoeing; and Adventure Camps offer challenging opportunities like white-water rafting, a canoe trip, caving, and arts immersion. Unique sessions are also offered for youngsters with Type 1 Diabetes, families of children with cancer, and children who have suffered abuse or neglect.

Four one-week sessions each of Discovery (ages 7-9), Explorer (1012), and Wrangler (10-12) camps; two sessions of Aquatic (10-12) and Diabetes camps; five Adventure Camp sessions (13-15); one session each of Wee Bit Camp (6-9), XYZ Camp (50+), Christians Living with Cancer Family Camp, and Camp Hope for abused children. 24 County Rd. 231, Oxford, MS 38655; phone 866/HOPE WELL; email [e-mail]; www.camphopewell.com.

Hattiesburg, Ocean Springs

CAMP INVENTION

This one-week day camp, a program of Invent Now and the National Inventors Hall of Fame, gives children opportunities to "think the unthinkable, create new possibilities, and discover innovative solutions" through a variety of hands-on activities such as designing and testing marble machines and games, uncovering artifacts from ancient inventors, and dismantling old appliances to create new fantasy inventions and robots. Kids might just have so much fun, they won't even realize they're learning about math, science, history, and art.

For children entering grades 2-6. Oak Grove Upper Elementary School, Hattiesburg, June 9-13; Oak Park Elementary School, Ocean Springs, June 16-20. Phone [phone]; email [e-mail]; www.invent.org/camp_invention.

CAMP LAKE STEPHENS

Oxford

This camp got its start when the Oxford Junior Chamber of Commerce bought 100 acres of land and donated it to the North Mississippi Conference of the United Methodist Church in 1945. Today's camp covers more than 500 acres and offers campers activities including a ropes and adventure course, pioneering, tennis, hiking, canoeing, and horseback riding, along with an opportunity to learn more about the Christian faith. Also located here is Camp Rainbow, which serves developmentally and mentally challenged children and adults in a safe, nurturing environment.

Ages 7-17. Four three-day Mini Camp sessions, five six-day and one nine-day Elementary Camp sessions, four six-day and one nine-day Junior High Camp sessions, one six-day and one nine-day Senior High Camp session, one five-day session of Camp Rainbow (age 9-60). 117 Camp Lake Stephens. Rd., Oxford, MS 38655; phone [phone]; email [e-mail]; www.camplakestephens.com.

PROJECT MARINE DISCOVERY: SEA CAMP

Biloxi

This marine science day camp, held at J.S. Scott Aquarium, gives campers a closer look at the watery world around them. This year's theme is "Water Safari;" campers will learn about the exotic and unusual creatures found in local waters. Major activities will include sailing on a schooner, beach-combing at Ship Island, handling live sea creatures, and visiting the Seafood Industry Museum. The camp is a joint project of the University of Southern Mississippi's College of Marine Sciences and the Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium.

Ages 5-16; eight five-day sessions. Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, J.L. Scott Marine Education Center and Aquarium, PO Box 7000, Ocean Springs, MS 39566-7000; phone [phone]; www.aquarium.usm.edu/omdsecmp.htm.

CAMP OF THE RISING SON

French Camp

The unusual name is the first things potential campers and parents may notice about this camp, a ministry of French Camp Academy. The name, campers soon learn, comes from the 24-year-old program's deeply Christian emphasis. "Each counselor is committed to shaping opportunities that can turn a week at camp into a character-building experience of lifelong memories," camp organizers say. Campers can select their own favorite activities from a broad range of choices including pottery, archery, nature, leathercraft, art, swimming lessons, canoeing, horseback riding, and fishing; every camper also enjoys cookouts, skits, singing, Bible time, hiking, and a water slide. Older campers can also engage in basketry, sailing, newspaper, and mastering a ropes course. And boys and girls age 13 and 14 are invited to go on a one-week white-water rafting trip through North Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee.

Six one-week overnight sessions for campers age 7-12. Rt. 1, Box 12-C, 100 Lake Rd., French Camp, MS 39745; phone [phone]; email [e-mail]; www.campoftherisingson.com.

CAMP STANISLAUS

Bay St. Louis

Operated in conjunction with the Brothers of the Sacred Heart at St. Stanislaus College, this camp has entertained and educated boys since 1928. In a carefully supervised and structured environment, campers participate in exciting activities like sailing, water skiing, mud-sliding, and off-shore fishing. All the while, camp leaders say their goal is to help campers improve their confidence, self-discipline, social skills, team spirit, leadership skills, and spirituality

Boys age 8-15 only; one six-week main session and two three-week sessions (boarding and day camp options available). 304 S. Beach Blvd., Bay St. Louis, MS 39520; phone [phone] ext. 284; email [e-mail]; www.campstanislaus.com.

STRONG RIVER CAMP

Pinola

"To laugh often and love much, as Emerson taught us to say. To find our joy in being a friend, and living the Strong River way." A Strong River counselor nearly 20 years ago was so inspired by her time here that she put it in a poem. Once a YMCA camp, the farm was transformed into a "paradise for children" with "old-fashioned values," according to camp leaders. Being at home in nature and enjoying animals are important here, as are forgetting about things like television and instead discovering new talents and making friends. Counselors come from all over the world to guide campers in activities like gardening, canoeing, horseback riding, European handball, paddle-boating, and bicycling.

Six one-week sessions for ages 7-12 and two four-day canoe trips. Pinola, MS 39149-0089; phone [phone] or 4400; www.strongriver.com.

CAMP SUNSHINE

McComb

This special camp, held at Percy Quin State Park just south of McComb, was launched in 1976 as a way to offer fun and excitement to mentally and physically challenged children and adults. Although it's grown over the years, the focus remains the same, and many campers come back year after year. The volunteer counselors say they get as much out of the experience as the campers. (See "T-H-A-N-K Y-O-U", pg. 48.) The camp is funded by the Junior Auxiliary of McComb.

One five-day session. Contact Tommy and Becky Morgan, 2010 Caston Rd., McComb, MS 39648; phone [phone]; email [e-mail]; or Kim Prestridge, 601/684-9480.

TWIN LAKES CAMP

Florence

A ministry of Jackson's First Presbyterian Church, Twin Lakes weaves Christian teachings into its week-long action-packed sessions in a peaceful rural setting. In addition to the always popular horseback riding, swimming, and archery, campers can participate in riflery and rock climbing, traverse a ropes course 50 feet in the air, ride a 600-foot-long zip line, and bounce on the giant Aqua Jump. Older campers can participate in white-water rafting adventures. "The focus is on having fun, appreciating nature, being outdoors, trying new things, and learning what it means to be a Christian," camp leaders say.

Four one-week overnight camp sessions and two five-day day camp sessions; both for ages 6-12. 153 Milner Rd., Florence, MS 39073; phone [phone]; email [e-mail]; www.twinlakescamp.org.

CAMP WESLEY PINES

Gallman

Adventure, commitment, leadership, praise, and nature are the five key elements of this Christian camp. Participants engage in ropes adventure training and rock-climbing, ride zip lines, and learn to experience God through nature. The camp opened its doors in 1961 and offers several unique features, including an outdoor chapel and forested nature trail.

Two sessions each of Younger Elementary and Junior High camps; four sessions of Older Elementary; one session each of MAD (Music, Art, and Drama) and Senior High camps. P.O. Box 307, Gallman, MS 39077; phone [phone]; email [e-mail]; www.wesleypines.com.

CAMP WINDHOVER 

Crystal Springs

This innovative fine and performing arts camp opened its doors in 2002, but it's already creating quite a buzz. The camp combines traditional activities with sessions focused on creative writing, dance, drama, studio art, music composition, photography, and more. Campers also get to take advantage of one-of-a-kind opportunities like classes with notable guest artists, hunting for arrowheads, and working with clay they dig themselves. The camp's name comes from a Gerald Manley Hopkins poem, "The Windhover," which celebrates the wonder of a soaring bird and God's handiwork. "That's our mission as a camp, to place the camper in a position to see, just as Hopkins sees," said Celia Wood, who owns the camp along with her husband Frank.

Six sessions ranging from one to two weeks for campers age 7-13. 2092 Six Mile Rd., Crystal Springs, MS 39059; phone [phone]; email cwindhove,@att.net; www.campwindhover.com.