Camp-A-Palooza Camps | Camps & Events | Kids First Sports Center
Camp-A-Palooza Camps
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Camp-A-Palooza Camps


2022 Summer Camp Brochure

2024 Summer Camp Brochure!

 


CAMP-A-PALOOZA is Greater Cincinnati’s most talked about summer camp experience!

Why? Four words: Kids First Sports Center... 108,000 square feet of kids sports heaven! Imagine a summer camp taking place in the country’s largest children’s activity center with exceptional instruction in the most popular children’s recreational pursuits:

  • Swimming
  • Gymnastics
  • Dance
  • Taekwondo
  • Soccer
  • Basketball
  • Volleyball
  • Cheer
  • Ninja
  • Trampoline & Tumbling
  • Fencing
  • Abrakadoodle art classes

But that’s just the beginning! We also feature over an acre of outdoor fun created especially for the kids of Camp-a-Palooza:

  • Rock climbing wall!
  • Two story climbing playground!
  • “Slip n’ Slide Mountain” giant water slide!
  • Horticultural planting station!
  • Covered pavilion for lunches and crafts!
  • Enclosed Dodge Ball Court!

 

OUR STAFF

Ask any camper! Camp-a-Palooza counselors are special people chosen for their compassion and love of children. And they’re just plain fun! The majority of camp staff are college–bound to college graduates. All are deeply committed to the care and development of each and every camper. We don’t cut corners in our training. Camp-a-Palooza counselors are American Red Cross CPR and Standard First Aid certified and attend courses in Character Development and Leadership Training.

If you know someone that you feel would be a great fit for our staff, please encourage them to apply! We typically hire staff beginning in February thorough April. For more information, click here. 


2024 SUMMER WEEKLY THEMES

Week 1: May 28-May 31 - Summer Fun Fair! (Field Trip: Castle Skateland) 4 days $375
 
Week 2: June 3-7Animals Gone Wild! (Field Trip: Cincinnati Zoo)

Week 3: June 10-14 - In The Game! (Field Trip: Entertrainment Junction, K-1st Gr & Main Event, 2nd-7th Gr)

Week 4: June 17-21 - Under the Big Top! (Field Trip: Kings Island)

Week 5: June 24-June 28 - Summer Camp Olympics! (Field Trip: Boonshoft Museum, K-1st Gr. & Reds Game, 2nd-7th Gr.)

Week 6: July 1-5 Pajama Party in the USA (Field Trip: COSI) No camp July 4th - 4 days $375

Week 7: July 8-12 - An Array of Art! (Field Trip: Young’s Jersey Dairy)

Week 8: July 15-19 - Color Wars! (Field Trip: Kirkwood Adventures)

Week 9: July 22-26 Lab Explorers! (Field Trip: Cincinnati Museum Center, K-2nd Gr & Air Force Museum Center, 3rd-7th Gr)

Week 10: July 29-August 2 Polynesia-palooza (Field Trip: Newport Aquarium K-3rd Gr & Morgan Canoeing, 4th-7th Gr))

Week 11: August 5-9 - Fairy Tales and Fiction (Field Trip: The WEB)

Week 12: August 12-16 Adventures Unlimited! (Field Trip: In-House Inflatables)
 
+ Kona Ice comes to camp every Friday!
+ Field trips may be rescheduled/cancelled based on availability and state guidelines. In cases of cancellation, alternate field trips or instructional classes at Kids First will be scheduled. No refunds will be offered on the basis of field trip cancellation. 

2024 CAMP HOURS & PRICING

No add-on surprise costs! Includes all field trips, lunches and sports classes! All inclusive!

  • Times: 9am-4pm weekdays

Extended Hours:

7:00-9:00 am Before Care
$10 per week (Includes AM Snack at 7:45am)

4:00-6:00 pm After Care
$10 per week (Includes PM Snack at 5:00pm, indoor/outdoor games, movies & fun!)
 
Camp Only Participant
  • $469 per week
  • $111 daily rate (2 day minimum)
 
Registration Payment includes $25 per week non-refundable, non-transferable deposit for each week registered per child. The deposit is due at the time of registration and will be deducted from your weekly fee.  The remaining fees will be charged to the credit card on file each Thursday for the upcoming week. 

Email camp changes or cancellation to campinfo@kidsfirstsports.com.  Changes and cancellations must be emailed by 9pm on the Wednesday before the week you are attending.  Changes and cancellation received after this time will not be refunded.

 

DISCOUNTS:

PRIMARY DISCOUNTS
(Only one primary discount can be used per week)

  1. Every third full week attended is 20% off! Attend three full weeks, and your third is 20% off! This discount is automatically applied on your 3rd, 6th, and 9th full week.
  2. 10th, 11th and 12th full weeks attended -Attend 9 full weeks of camp? The following discounts apply:
    10th full week: 40% off
    11th full week: 40% off
    12th full week: 40% off


SECONDARY DISCOUNTS
(Can be applied to any week in combination with primary discounts)

1. Sibling Discount -  First child pays full fare.

20% off second child’s tuition.
30% off third child’s tuition.
40% off fourth child’s tuition.
No sibling discount greater than 40% off.

2. Early Bird Discount - (These discounts apply to campers who sign up for camp by March 10, 2024. 

$25 off full week rate 


Specialty Camps: Experience Hands-On Learning!

*No sibling discounts nor multi week discounts applicable*

Camp-A-Palooza Specialty Camp Programming offers half-day camps for those wishing to expand their knowledge in a specific area or discipline including technology, science, art, among others!

These half-day specialty camps can be done stand alone or combined with our full day Camp-A-Palooza programming for working parents or just for a full day experience!

 

June 3-7 - Artsy City Builders! STEAM Camp

Presented by Abrakadoodle- Calling all creative minds! We are planning a city! Let’s use arty tools to design skyscrapers, bridges, community pools, houses, bistros, airports and even museums. Create an artsy garden with trees and sculptures. Paint your own urban skyline inspired by Van Gogh. Use art skills to turn STEAM concepts into 3D masterpieces. Join us on the road to fun! Materials included.

9am-12pm - K-3rd grade
1-4pm - 3rd-7th grade
$257 - Specialty Camp Only
$489 - Full Day - Specialty Camp & Camp-A-Palooza


June 10-14- Dino Discoveries Camp

Presented by: The STEM LabExploration and adventure come alive in this new week long summer camp! Jr. Paleontologists will excavate to uncover bones then make plaster fossil impressions and rubbings while learning about these prehistoric beasts and their time periods. We'll make volcanoes, dino slime, and go creative with art.

9am-12pm : Grades 1st - 3rd
$299 - Specialty Camp Only
$499 Full Day - Specialty Camp & Camp-A-Palooza


June 10-14- Cooking Camp - Brunch Favorites

Presented by: New Leaf Kitchen  Includes all supplies, ingredients (sourced locally and organically - no nut, peanut, animal*, or dairy used), and a laminated recipe card after each class. *exception: honey

Recipe examples: Banana Loaves, Apple Turnovers, Waffles, Pancakes, Fruit Salads, Smoothies, Fresh Homemade Juices, and more!

1-4pm : Grades 1st - 7th
$350 - Specialty Camp Only
$575 - Full Day - Specialty Camp & Camp-A-Palooza

June 17-21- World Travel 3D Art Camp

Presented by Abrakadoodle Travel with us on this creative journey and create 3D masterpieces inspired by world cultures. Create art using a variety of materials, play games and understand that through art we can connect with people from all over the world. Materials included.

9am-12pm - K-3rd grade
1-4pm - 3rd-7th grade
$257 - Specialty Camp Only

$489 - Full Day - Specialty Camp & Camp-A-Palooza

  

June 24-28 - Biology Science Camp

Presented by: The STEM Lab For the outdoor campers! In this new camp, campers will investigate bugs and plant anatomy, perform two dissections, extract plant DNA, and more. We'll finish the week with a fun quick dirt pudding for snack.

9am-12pm : Grades 5th - 8th 
$320 - Specialty Camp Only

$520- Full Day - Specialty Camp & Camp-A-Palooza


June 24-28— ON-THE-GO LUNCHES!

Presented by: New Leaf Kitchen Includes all supplies, ingredients (sourced locally and organically - no nut, peanut, animal*, or dairy used), and a laminated recipe card after each class. *exception: honey

Recipe examples: Hummus Wraps, Tempeh Sliders, Salad Shakers, Black Bean Burgers, Paninis, Sunbutter Granola Sandwiches, Sushi, Fried Rice, and more!

Calling 1-4pm : Grades 1st - 7th

$350 - Specialty Camp Only

$575- Full Day - Specialty Camp & Camp-A-Palooza

 

July 8-12 - BIG Abrakadoodle® CIRCUS CAMP!

Presented by Abrakadoodle Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls... welcome to the greatest camp on earth! The circus is coming to town, Abrakadoodle style! Stretch your creative muscles as you design out of this world costumes. Clown around with circus paintings and circus faces. Tame clever circus animal sculptures. Swing along to create a balancing trapeze artist! Be the ringmaster of your own imagination at the Big Abrakadoodle Circus complete with carnival games, costumes, laughter, oohs and aahs and spectacular fun! Materials included.

9am-12pm - K-3rd grade
1-4pm - 3rd-7th grade
$257 - Specialty Camp Only

$489- Full Day - Specialty Camp & Camp-A-Palooza

 

July 15-19- Engineering Exploration Camp

Presented by: The STEM Lab  Students will explore multiple or specified areas of engineering (civil, architectural, electrical, etc.) to enhance their understanding of the engineering process through hands-on learning. Problem-solving, critical thinking, and the Engineering Design Process are the basis for this program. A team project will be worked on daily to showcase at the end of the week.

9am-12pm : Grades 3rd - 6th 
$299 - Specialty Camp Only

$499 - Full Day - Specialty Camp & Camp-A-Palooza

July 15-19 - PASTA EVERYWAY (including homemade!)

Presented by: New Leaf Kitchen Includes all supplies, ingredients (sourced locally and organically - no nut, peanut, animal*, or dairy used), and a laminated recipe card after each class. *exception: honey

Recipe examples: Italian Pasta Salad, Homemade Gnocchi, Lasagna Roll-Ups, Sesame Udon Noodles, Italian Sodas, and more!

1-4pm : Grades 1st - 7th
$350 - Specialty Camp Only

$575- Full Day - Specialty Camp & Camp-A-Palooza

July 22-26 - Kick, Catch and Splash! Art Camp

Presented by Abrakadoodle Kickstart your imagination, catch your arty tools and join us to make a splash! Learn about athletes who make striking artwork. Get inspired by artists who create visual effects, transforming sports into a form of art. Join us for Olympic-sized fun while you create whimsical artwork, play games and listen to stories! Materials included.

9am-12pm - K-3rd grade
1-4pm - 3rd-7th grade
$257 - Specialty Camp Only
$489 - Full Day - Specialty Camp & Camp-A-Palooza

 

July 29-Aug 2 - Cooking Camps

Presented by: New Leaf Kitchen Includes all supplies, ingredients (sourced locally and organically - no nut, peanut, animal*, or dairy used), and a laminated recipe card after each class. *exception: honey

9am-12pm: K- 7th - BAKE-A-THON
Recipe examples: Cookies, Muffins, Cupcakes, Homemade Bread, Brownies, Roastatas, Beet Balls, Pizza, Graham Crackers, and more!

1pm-4pm: K- 7th - ENERGY PACKED SNACKS AND BEVERAGES
Recipe examples: Granola Bars, Energy Balls, Smoothies, Fresh Juice Blends, Fruit/Veggie Snack Kabobs, Raw Cookie Dough, and more!
$350 - Specialty Camp Only

9am-12pm: K- 7th - BAKE-A-THON

1pm-4pm: K- 7th - ENERGY PACKED SNACKS AND BEVERAGES

$350 - Specialty Camp Only
$575- Full Day - Specialty Camp & Camp-A-Palooza

 

August 5-9- Cooking Camps

Presented by: New Leaf Kitchen Includes all supplies, ingredients (sourced locally and organically - no nut, peanut, animal*, or dairy used), and a laminated recipe card after each class. *exception: honey

9am-12pm: K- 7th - ALL DAY DESSERTS
Recipe examples: Parfaits, Banana Oat Pie, Key Lime Pie, Popsicles, Ice Cream, Cookies, Cakes, Brownies, Milkshakes, and more!

1pm-4pm: K- 7th - PARTY DIPS AND TREATS
Recipe examples: Hummus, Guacamole, Salsa, Bean and Corn Dip, Spinach/Artichoke Dip, Cauliflower Nuggets, Fizzy Drinks, Hummus Pinwheels, and more!

9am-12pm: K- 7th - ALL DAY DESSERTS

1pm-4pm: K- 7th - PARTY DIPS AND TREATS

$350 - Specialty Camp Only
$575 - Full Day - Specialty Camp & Camp-A-Palooza

 

 Venture Camps

Not available at this time.


 
Lunches
Included in our camp price!
-Pizza Mondays
-Chick-Fil-A Fridays

Lunches menus will be available in May 2024. Our Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday lunches are from our in-house cafe, Book Bums. Past lunches have included: tacos, sloppy joes, BBQ sandwiches, spaghetti, chicken nuggets, fish sticks & mac-n-cheese.

Lunches will include:
-An entree
-2 side dishes
-Water
 
 
Food Allergies & Lunch Discounts
Children with severe (life-threatening) food allergies or picky eaters are recommended to bring their own snacks and lunches. A lunch discount will be provided. Please contact the Camp Director with any severe food allergy questions. No alternative lunches will be provided.
 
What To Bring Each Day
+ A swimsuit and towel every day!
+ Comfortable clothes for active camp events
+ Shoes appropriate for running, jumping and hiking
+ No open-toed shoes please!
+ Waterbottle (labeled with name)
+ An extra change of clothes

Tax Information

If more than one party is sharing program payment responsibilities for child/children and for tax purposes, you need the tax statement to reflect separate payments made by each party, you must communicate this in advance. Separate billing accounts can be set-up upon registration. We cannot separate accounts to reflect payments made by different parties for a child/family after your child starts the program.

Many parents claim camp expenses on their taxes or get reimbursed through flexible spending or child care reimbursement accounts. If you need the Tax ID number for any reason, please email Julie at jhalusek@kidsfirstsports.com.


LIT - Leaders In Training Program

The Leaders in Training Program is a leadership development program designed to provide teens with the skills and knowledge to interact and communicate successfully with individuals and lead groups of all ages.

For complete information, click here >>


For more information or specific questions on Summer Camps or LIT, please contact Julie Halusek - 513-489-7575 | jhalusek@kidsfirstsports.com


Testimonials

I just wanted to take a moment to let you both know what an incredible experience Daniel had this summer in the LIT program.  He developed skills, refined others and learned a lot about himself during the 6 weeks he was an LIT.  Daniel had only positive things to say about the people, the program, the choices and activities.  Your approach with the teens was ideal and Daniel had a great deal of respect for your staff.  He felt comfortable talking with you if he had any concerns or suggestions and was sure his voice was being heard.  He was part of true team and loved being a role model for the younger campers. Daniel is looking ahead and wants to complete the CIT program in the future, possibly another year of LIT too! 
We want to thank you both for providing such a quality experience for young teens.  There are few programs that offer everything a young teen needs and the LIT program is a gem.  By combining instruction & education, opportunities for fun, spending time with peers, giving back to others and mentoring younger campers, you have created an inspiring blend.  Thanks again for a wonderful summer!  - 08/26/2014 -

I wanted to thank you overall for what a great job you've all done to put this camp together.  My daughter usually takes a while to warm up to new things, but she LOVED her first day at camp.  She couldn't stop talking about all the activities and can't wait to see what's next.  I can't tell you what a relief it is to know that she is happy, trying new things, and in great hands. ~S.Z.

I wanted to let you know how much my son has enjoyed his time at Kids First this summer.  He will be back for some more fun next summer! I also wanted to say thanks to you and your team for accommodating my older son (with some special needs) as well.  I really appreciate the opportunity for him to be involved, though he is hard to persuade to participate in some things, it still means a lot to him and me that he can come. ~S.A.

Cooper really enjoyed the time he's had a camp.  I just wanted you to know that your counselors have been amazing.  Cooper had a particularly great time with Cullan and Eric.  He talked non-stop about how much fun and how awesome they were.  This was his first time attending anything like this, so thank you so much for making this such a fantastic experience. Thanks again for such a wonderful experience!!  We look forward to attending again next summer!  smiley~K.B.


Department Leader

Julie Halusek

Julie will be overseeing our camp department as well as coordinating the Virtual Academy that will be beginning for Kids First families at home.

Julie joins the Kids First team after serving at the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati for the last 10 years and Mercy Healthplex in the years prior. She graduated from Miami University with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology. She has worked in the recreation field for the last 20 years running sports, camps, aquatic, fitness and membership programs.

Julie is happily married to her husband of 18 years and they have three sons, ages 15, 11 and 9. They all three enjoy playing sports including lacrosse, soccer and baseball. Her children were participants in Tumble Bees when they were little. Julie says, "I love the memories that we made at Kids First. I want to be a part of making memories for other children and their families."

Julie also said, "I want to make summer camp a great experience for kids and parents. I want kids to walk away learning something new and wanting to come back each day excited to be here. I want them to have a friend and feel welcome each day at camp." We are so happy to have Julie joining our team! When you see her for the first time, stop and say hello! smile

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