Hear directly from kids about their favorite Orange County summer camp experiences, featuring theater, science, farm and outdoor fun
Compiled by Rebekah Mann
Center Theater Company
“We build a strong community while putting on an awesome play. I can be myself and be appreciated for that.” – Oliver Pearson, 14
“When I get there, I immediately find or make friends. We get to play a bunch of games, and I love acting, so I really enjoy when we get to learn all the music and choreo. Also, if you’re new to acting, they are really supportive, and it’s a great place to just dip your feet in.” – Juno Wouk, 10
“What I love about Center Theater Company camps is that the camps are a great way for newcomers to introduce themselves and get a feel of what shows are like. The camps still have the same quality as a regular show that would be in the spring or fall, which is impressive considering most camps are only a couple of weeks long. I also love the connections you make during camp.” – Georgia West, 14
Sunrise Community Farm Center
“My brother [Lucas Haymore, 8] and I enjoy the people. Everyone is different, but nobody is treated differently. It’s my second home.” – Leland Haymore, 12
“In my opinion, the best thing is horse riding because it gives me strength, courage and happiness. It’s a lot of hard work, but it’s extremely fun.” – Ella Suttles, 11
“What I like most about Sunrise Community Farm is all of the animals, the people and the different things we do. One thing I really look forward to is being a junior mentor, which includes helping and including others. … I’ve been able to learn about how to care for animals, how to be a leader and how to be a better person.” – Zack Andrews, 10
Morehead Planetarium & Science Center
“What I like about the summer camp is on one of the last days, we get to go to the dome and we can watch the show about outer space. Also, you can explore around the whole planetarium, draw some pictures and you can do detective stuff and find things like dinosaur bones and fossils.” – Natalie Hawkins, 7
“I liked that we got to do science experiments and eat lunch outside. I liked that one year I made elephant toothpaste, and one year I made slime – that was really fun. … I liked to go with my friends, but I also made new ones.” – Cora Poindexter, 8
“My favorite part of [the] summer camp is when you get to watch a movie in the dome. It’s a fun experience, and all the movies I’ve seen have been good.” – Elliott Kreutzer, 10
Carolina Friends School
“I like the themes of the camps. There are a lot of options that you can do, from sports, baking/cooking, creative arts and fantasy. I especially loved the Harry Potter Camp and Ultimate Frisbee.” – Jaxon Stuart, 11
“Sometimes they have Star Wars [themes], nature lab when [we] go out in nature, cooking camps, Legos and more. The teachers are great, and the people are so nice.” – Leo Stuart, 10
“They have really nice counselors, and it’s not like you just sit down to watch a movie: You’ll be active. I love that we went on a mile hike, and at the creek, we find a lot of cool stuff. You don’t ever have to worry about making friends.” – Milo Butchart, 8
For more summer fun, check out our summer camp guide and our picks for the best spots to swim in the Triangle!
