City of Durham Parks and Recreation Department

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Cover of the 2011 Summer Camp Guide. Click to view

Guide to Summer Camp

DPR summer camp programs offer a safe, inclusive environment where all children are encouraged to participate. We are committed to the development of our campers' life skills through group activities and exposure to diverse athletic and educational experiences. Campers in DPR’s summer programs have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of activities including, but are not limited to, swimming, arts and crafts, computer enrichment, environmental education, dance, athletic games, and much more. Campers are encouraged to try new things, work in teams, learn by example and enjoy the process of discovery.

DPR General Summer Camp Information (Spanish)


DPR Summer Day Camp

Monday, June 13 - Friday, August 12 from 7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. (except where indicated)
Age: 5-12 (except where indicated)

Please note: Child cannot turn 13 before camp ends and must have turned five on or before September 1, 2010. Proof of age (birth certificate) is required for all camp registrations.

All camps will be closed Monday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day.

Summer Camp Registration

Saturday, March 19, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. at each program site.

  1. The first week of camp must be paid in full at the time of registration. In order to reserve space in additional weeks of camp, please be prepared to make a 10 percent per week deposit. Fees are as follows:
    • Fees Per Child/Per Week: CR PC, $120; CR NPC, $132 NCR PC, $135; NCR NPC, $152
      Explanation of Fees: CR PC: City Resident with Play More Card; CR NPC: City Resident without Play More Card NCR PC: Non-City Resident with Play More Card; NCR NPC: Non-City Resident without Play More Card
  2. If you want to use DPR’s Sliding Fee Scale to pay for summer camp, a Reduced Fee Application is available at any of our recreation centers, the DPR main office or by calling (919) 560-4355. There is also a Spanish language version of the application.
  3. To complete the registration process, the following documentation is required:
    • Proof of age (birth certificate)
    • Parent/Guardian contact information
    • Emergency contact information (someone other than parent/guardian)
    • Health insurance information
    • Physician and dentist contact information (address and phone numbers)
    • Medical information, including all medications taken by child
    • Any special needs your child may have
  4. Please note: Due to renovations, I.R. Holmes, Sr. Recreation Center at Campus Hills and W.I. Patterson Neighborhood Center will not be open for summer camp in 2011.
  5. Registration for all special programs camps (ArtVentures, Camp Discover, Camp Explore) at Community Family Life and Recreation Center at Lyon Park, 1309 Halley St. Registration for the Pedal, Paddle, Play Adventure Camp will be held at the DPR main office.

Edison Johnson Lottery

Because of the high demand for summer camp slots at Edison Johnson, a lottery is conducted to distribute camp slots.

The Lottery Process ended on Friday, February 11

  • Lottery forms are available on-line and at the DPR main office and other sites beginning Monday, January 24, 2011.
  • Completed forms must be submitted to Edison Johnson by 5 p.m. on Friday, February 11, 2011.
  • The lottery drawing, which is open to the public, will be held on Monday, February 14, 2011 at 6 p.m. at Edison Johnson.
  • Parents who have submitted entry forms will receive a letter or e-mails indicating their status as a result of the drawing by Wednesday, February 23, 2011.
  • Those chosen in the lottery for placement in the camp must still report to Edison Johnson on Saturday, March 5, between 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. to officially register their children. The letter or e-mail they receive will specify a time slot in which to report on that date.
  • Mailed forms must be sent to the DPR Main Office (Attention EJRC Camp Lottery, 101 City Hall Plaza, Durham NC 27701). Forms may be dropped of in person at either the main office, 400 Cleveland St., or at Edison Johnson, 500 W. Murray Ave.

Edison Johnson Recreation Center Lottery Fact Sheet

Edison Johnson Recreation Center Lottery Form

For information about Edison Johnson’s Summer Camp Lottery, call Lucille Patterson at (919) 560-4270.

Summer Day Camp Sites

Community Family Life and Recreation Center at Lyon Park

1309 Halley St. - (919) 560-4288

The Lyon Park Performing Arts Camp will specialize in performing arts such as dance, step, theater, runway modeling, and music composition along with other camp activities. Campers will showcase their new talents at the neighborhood centers’ Funfest event, the Lyon Park Camp vs. Camp basketball game and the Welcome to Lyonwood talent show. The camp program will also include a visit to the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro.

East Durham Neighborhood Center

2615 Harvard Ave. - (919) 560-4278

East Durham Sports Fantasy Camp will promote healthy living and encourage daily exercise. By being active in sports kids can gain a sense of belonging, build social skills, and learn team building. Youth will learn the basic skills and drills of a variety of sports including lacrosse, soccer, basketball, football and tennis. The camp program will also include a visit to the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro.

Edison Johnson Recreation Center (Registration through lottery)

500 W. Murray Ave. - (919) 560-4270

Edison Johnson Recreation Center Summer Camp provides a high-quality, diverse, inclusive, and educational environment. The center has a variety of activities for children, which include computer learning, guest speakers, gardening, group games, and "Club Time." "Club Time" is conducted in two-week intervals, and allows staff to share their personal knowledge, passion, skills, and talents with the campers. Children are permitted to select the "club" of their choice for each interval. Club topics include: sports, drama, performing arts, music, science, and modeling. With "Club Time," campers receive an in-depth study of a particular subject, with specific learning objectives. At the end of the camp, children participate in the Edison Johnson "Extravaganza" production, performed for parents and friends. This is a musical variety show in which campers display the skills and talents they have acquired throughout the summer. The camp program will also include a visit to the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro.

Holton Career and Resource Center

401 N. Driver St. (919) 354-2750

Campers at Holton’s Summer Camp will participate in activities such as swimming, arts and crafts, adventure programs, environmental education programs, local field trips, sports and games. Emphasis is placed on providing new experiences, teamwork and the process of discovery. The camp program will also include a visit to the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro. (age: 6-12)

Campers in at Holton’s Teen and Youth Summer Camp will participate in activities such as swimming, arts and crafts, adventure programs, environmental education programs, local field trips, sports, and games. Emphasis is placed on providing new experiences, teamwork, and the process of discovery. The camp program will also include a visit to the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro. (age: 13-16)

T.A. Grady Neighborhood Center

531 Lakeland St. - (919) 560-4280

T.A. Grady’s Blowin’ It Up with Science Camp will provide hands-on learning experiences that will excite youth about science. Youth will learn how to use science experiments to create mesmerizing art, become a detective to work a crime scene, learn how to make soda, and put common questions to the scientific test. The camp program will also include a visit to the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro.

W.D. Hill Recreation Center

1308 Fayetteville St. - (919) 560-4292

W.D. Hill’s Summer Camp provides weekly themes that allow campers to get a fulfilled and enjoyable camp experience. Examples of themes are: athletics, science, water play, and scavenger hunts. Other camp features include a guest appearance from a magician and a visit from a local college football team. Campers will also learn about gardening and how to plant and nourish seeds. The camp program will also include a visit to the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro.

Walltown Neighborhood Center

1308 West Club Blvd. (919) 560-4296

The Walltown Teen and Youth Mind and Sports Academy will focus on teaching participants how the mind and body work together to make the perfect athlete. This camp fuses the fundamentals of sports with academics. Participants will be introduced to a wide variety of sports while learning the value of mathematics, science, and literature for each. This camp will create the perfect athlete both on and off the field! The camp program will also include a visit to the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro.

Walltown Youth Fit for Life Camp aims to educate youth about the importance of building a healthy lifestyle that supports a balance between physical fitness and nutrition. Campers will participate in a variety of weekly physical activities and cooking classes. Participants will learn to make sugar-free desserts, healthy after school snacks, and much more! The camp program will also include a visit to the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro.

Weaver Street Recreation Center

3000 E. Weaver St. - (919) 560-4294

Participants at Weaver Street’s Fashion Institute will explore different aspects of fashion. They will be introduced to a variety of clothing, headgear, jewelry, and more, from a variety of cultures. Participants will also explore basic sewing, knitting, crocheting and stitching skills. Campers will have the opportunity near the conclusion of camp to showcase their extraordinary accomplishments during the "Weaver Street Fashion Showcase" where their creative designs will be viewed by parents/guardians. The camp program will also include a visit to the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro.

 

Eno Discovery Camp (Ages 6 - 12)

Monday - Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. (except where indicated)
Ages 5-8: June 13 - 17, June 27 - July 1, July 11 - 15, July 25 - 29
Ages 9-12: June 20 - 24, July 5 - 8, July 18 - 22, August 1 - 5
No Camp: Monday, July 4

Eno Discovery is a full day camp held at West Point on the Eno City Park, 5101 N. Roxboro Road. This camp focuses on age-appropriate learning and exploration of the Eno River and the surrounding landscape. The children will discover the world of plants, insects, and animals in and around the Eno River. This camp is mostly outdoors and has limited indoor time. Space is limited to 15 campers per week. Cost is $120 (CR PC), $132 (CR NPC), $135 (NCR PC), $152 (NCR NPC) per week. Camp meets at the EE Center at West Point on the Eno.

Registration begins on Saturday, March 19, from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. at West Point on the Eno. Registration will continue on March 21 at West Point and the Parks and Recreation administration office. For information about this camp or to schedule a registration time, call (919) 471-1623, option 2. The camp program will also include a visit to the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro.

Pedal, Paddle, Play Adventure Camp (Age: 12-15)

June 13 - June 17
M-F 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Lake Michie Recreation Area

Join DPR Adventure Programs for a week of fun and excitement in the great outdoors! We will camp under the stars, mountain bike, paddle, and explore the world around us. Space is limited, register early!
Registration Starts: Saturday, March 19 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the DPR main office
CR PC $150; CR NPC $165
NCR PC $170; NCR NPC $185

Special Program Camp Options

The Durham Parks and Recreation (Special Programs/Inclusion unit) offers inclusion support for all summer camp programs, to assist and support children with disabilities to fully participate in the programs and events. Parks and Recreation also offers camps designed specifically to meet the needs of campers who need a special environment in which to learn and grow.

Camp Discover

Discover 1: youth ages 5-12
Weaver Street Recreation Center
3000 E. Weaver St. - (919) 560-4294

Discover 2: youth/teens ages 11-21
Community Family Life and Recreation Center at Lyon Park
1309 Halley St. - (919) 560-4288

Camp Discover is an exciting summer camp serving children with disabilities who need a special environment in which to learn and grow. This program offer participants the opportunity to gain the full summer camp experience in a supportive environment with a 1:3 staff to participant ratio. Campers will be encouraged to utilize existing skills as well as develop new ones. If a camper requires individualized support at a 1:1 ratio, the family may be required to provide additional care.

Holton Career and Resource Center

401 N. Driver St. (919) 354-2750

Camp Explore serves adolescents ages 13-21 with disabilities. Typical camp activities will be incorporated into the overall theme of "Around the World" in which participants will have a chance to "travel" to different locations and experience the taste, sights, and sounds of various cultures. Campers will be given the opportunity to develop life skills and expand their leisure interests in a supportive environment at a 1:4 staff to participant ratio. If your adolescent is relatively independent and you believe inclusion is not the best option, or if he/she is older than 16 (the maximum for inclusion in other programs), we welcome you to register for this camp.

Holton Career and Resource Center

401 N. Driver St. (919) 354-2750

ArtVentures is a theater-based program for youth/teens age 10-21 with and without disabilities. This specialty camp provides an encouraging environment in which to explore various components of the arts such as visual arts, dance, singing, and acting. Throughout the course of this 3-week camp, participants, volunteers, and staff will work together using the skills they have learned to create a live theater production to be performed at the conclusion of camp.