Summer is right around the corner and if summer camp is in the plans for your child, it’s time to start planning.

The Crofton area offers a lot of day camps for sports enthusiasts, budding scientists, visual and performing arts, music and scouting. Some can be expensive, while some offer a lot of bang for the buck.

Camp can be a very rewarding experience for children. It gives them a place to learn a new skill, make new friends and perhaps experience time away from home for the first time.

“I like the band camp at Arlington Echo for my child,” said local mother Claire Spencer. “It is hard work and fun all rolled into one.”

Anne Arundel County Schools organizes band, chorus, and strings camps for school aged children in grades five and up. Children go away for four days on the scenic Severn River and focus on one of these areas, plus experience water skills, arts and crafts.

Scout camps are another popular option.

“Both of my boys enjoy Boy Scout summer camp very much,” said Lanie Stargel.  “It gives a wide variety of activities for all ages and the cost is very reasonable compared a lot of other camps,” added the local mother.

"My son loves Bayside Summer Camp,” said Kate Schaeffer.  “They are unique in organizing the day into different activities that the kids choose based on interest - such as pirates, mad scientist, outdoor cooking and sports,” she added.

Schaefer said the family owned camp operates out of Sandy Point State Park with a bus route available in Crofton, Bowie, Annapolis and Millersville. Shafer added the camp is ideal for working parents because there are sessions beginning the day school gets out until last Friday of the summer."

It’s time to start planning if your child wants to give camp a try this summer.