Just because this school year ends in about a month, that does not mean area children have to take the summer off from their education. There are options during the summer that allow children to keep their minds active, learn new things and have fun doing it.

There’s Critter Camp, a partnership between the Beaufort County 4-H program and Goose Creek State Park. Critter Camp is designed to teach the basics of nature to area children. Subjects range from animal habitat to recycling. There are nature hikes, where children see animals and plants in their habitats.

This year’s Critter Camp is June 29 through July 1.

The Beaufort County Arts Council has had its annual summer art camp. The art camp, one of the Beaufort County Arts Council’s signature events for children, provided children an outlet for the creative forces. This year, there are some new offerings.

This year, the organization offers “Let’s Make a Movie” Youth Camp the week of June 15-19 for children ages 6 to 12. It offers “Let’s Put on a Play” Youth Camp the week of June 22-26 for children ages 6 to 12. It offers Broadway Kids Camp from July 13 through Aug. 1 for first-graders through 10^th-graders.

On June 12, instructor Steve Myott teaches students about the different types of theatre masks and puppets. Each student will create a mask. Students will develop an original performance that will be staged for their parents and others.

Camp Wannagoma, entering its 28^th year this summer, provides a unique day-camp experience for area youth. Camp Wannagoma is all about environmental education, mixed in with fun activities such as canoeing.

The 2015 version of Camp Wannagoma, offered by the 4-H, is set for July 13-16.

The Purpose of God Annex Outreach Center offers a summer program that provides children a healthful balance of learning and recreation.

The summer program targets at-risk youth. Participants hone their skills in mathematics, language arts, science and other areas. They use microscopes. The make excursions to places like the Children’s Museum and Science Center in Rocky Mount.

All of these programs and camps help produce well-rounded children who begin a new school year ready to use what they learned during the summer. These programs and camps prepare our children to become productive adults.

For more information about these programs, contact the appropriate organization. Purpose of God Annex Outreach Center, 974-1484; Beaufort County 4-H, 946-0111 and Beaufort County Arts Council, 946-2504.