Submitted PhotoDuring the 2017 Lights, Camera, Action Summer Camp, youths perform 'The Beauty and the Beast' at Valdosta High School Performing Arts Center. The camp was hosted by Amanda's Model and Talent. It returns this summer.

VALDOSTA, Ga. — With the 2017-18 school year coming to a close, parents will soon be in search of summer activities for their little ones. 

Organizations have an assortment of upcoming summer camps, ranging from learning about various trades to performing on the main stage.

The Valdosta-Lowndes County Parks and Recreation Authority will be hosting a safari-themed camp for children ages 5-12 at the Mildred Hunter Community Center.

The summer-long camp will be open May 29 through Aug. 7, from 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Registration is $90 per week and includes field trips, lunch and snacks.

Kids will participate in swimming, going to the movie theater and bowling, said Jessica Catlett, VLPRA marketing and public relations director.

The parks and rec authority will host a junior tennis camp, which will consist of two sessions. Session One will be held June 4-8, and Session Two will be held July 16-20. 

It is open to children ages 4-11 and will run 9 a.m.-noon at Harry B. Anderson Tennis Center at McKey Park. The cost is $100 per week or $25 per day.

Tennis instructors will provide group and individual lessons. All tennis players are asked to bring a racket and water bottle, Catlett said.

“Children love it because it doesn’t matter what level of experience a child has,” she said. “They can come into this camp and learn something and have a good time and feel good about the skills learned.”

Registration for both camps can be completed online at vlpra.com. Call (229) 259-3507 for more information. 

Wiregrass Georgia Technical College will host EdVenture Camp, 8 a.m.-4:15 p.m., June 5-7 for fifth through 12th graders.

“These are the ages that kids start developing their interest in what they’re good at, what they’re interested in studying,” Jackie Zeuleman, director of economic development, said. “We want to show them all the work-ready programs that we have.”

During EdVenture Camp, students will explore 22 classroom-specific activities including game design, plasma welding, pizza making, surgery assistance and robotics, Zeuleman said.

“We want to really showcase the great things that are done out here,” she said.

Registration is $70 and consist of class materials. Drinks and snacks are also inclusive in that fee; however, students are asked to pack lunches to avoid food allergies.

There is a $10 discount for siblings after the first enrollment, and registration can be completed at eventbrite.com. Wiregrass EdVenture Camp-Valdosta Campus is the search term. Call (229) 333-2122 for more information.

For young stars, Amanda’s Models and Talent will bring New York to Valdosta with the 15th Annual Lights, Camera, Action Broadway Camp.

Campers ages 5-18 who are interested in singing, acting and dancing will rehearse select scenes from the 2017 musical, “The Greatest Showman.” The fee is $100 per child.

Children will be divided into two age groups, 5-12 years old and 13-18 years old, and will either sing two songs each or act in one of the skits.

Rehearsals will be held 8:30 a.m.-noon, June 11-14, at Valdosta High School Performing Arts Center, 3101 N. Forrest St. The ensemble will perform for parents and friends, 6 p.m., June 14, at the PAC.

Atlanta-based J. Pervis Talent Agency is scheduled to attend, scouting for the agency, said Amanda Kirk, owner of Amanda’s Models and Talent.

There will also be a professional photoshoot for campers to receive headshots, Kirk said.

“I come up with any excuse to give children more confidence, and I think the arts is the best way to do that in my opinion,” she said.

The Broadway camp will offer early drop-off at 8 a.m. and late pickup at 1 p.m. Kids are encouraged to bring snacks.

The registration deadline is June 8 and can be completed on amandasmodels.com. Applications can also be received at Mae Polly’s Bakery and submitted to Kirk. 

Amanda Usher is a reporter at The Valdosta Daily Times. She can be contacted at 229-244-3400 ext.1274.