Words by Jenny Lynn Davis | Images by Ryan McGill
As summer approaches, parents are often on the lookout for activities to keep their children engaged, learning, and having fun. Jasper offers a variety of programs and camps designed to provide enriching experiences for kids of all ages. Here’s a roundup of some great local opportunities:
Jasper Public Library Summer Reading Program
Details: This program encourages kids to embark on reading adventures!
Theme: Adventure Begins at Your Library
Age Groups: 5-11, 12-15, and 16+
Schedule: Fridays at 10 AM starting June 14
Location: Jasper Civic Center, 204 19th St E #100, Jasper, AL 35501
Registration is now open, and spots are limited. Visit the library (98 18th Street East, Jasper, AL 35501) to register and secure your child’s place.
The Willow Project Summer Camps and Creative Arts Opportunities
Details: The Willow Project offers a wide range of creative arts opportunities for children. Whether your child is interested in music, art, or crafts, there’s something for everyone.
Activities
– Music lessons: piano, drums, flute, guitar, ukulele, bass, and voice
– Sewing Class
– Art Class
– Preschool Little Artist Summer Camp (ages 3-6)
Registration: Complete the interest form here to get started.
Athletic Arts Center Summer Camps and Programs
Details: Offering a diverse range of physical and creative activities, Athletic Arts Center is perfect for kids looking to try something new or improve their skills.
Activities
– Dance Classes: Ballet, Hip Hop, Lyrical/Jazz, Tap (classes for students aged 6+)
– Gymnastics Classes: Cheernastics, Tumbling (classes for students aged 18 months+)
– Musical Theatre Camp (ages 6+)
– Princess Camp (ages 3+)
– Fitness classes for all ages: yoga, pilates, tap, and barre fit
How to Register: Click here for more information and to register.
Location: Athletic Arts Center, 401 10th Ave, Jasper, AL 35501
Kids Bowl Free at Jasper Bowling Center
Details: As part of the Kids Bowl Free Program, more than 1,500 bowling centers globally provide 2 FREE games of bowling each day to kids during the Spring and Summer. This program is designed to offer a fun, safe, and secure way for kids to spend their summer. It’s a fantastic way for kids to stay active and socialize!
Schedule: Monday through Friday, now through August 29
How to Register: Sign up online here.
Location: Jasper Bowling Center, 270 AL-5, Jasper, AL 35503
Memorial Park Natatorium Open Swimming
Hours Beginning Tuesday, May 28:
Monday-Thursday, 1 PM – 4 PM
Friday-Saturday 11 AM – 4 PM
Cost to Swim:
Ages 11 and Under: $3
Ages 12 and Up: $5
Please Note: Ages 11 and Under MUST be accompanied by a person age 15 or older.
Ages 12-14 can be signed in and out by an adult.
Ages 3 and under MUST wear a swim diaper.
All swimmers MUST wear a swim suit.
Call Memorial Park Natatorium at (205) 384-9617 with any questions.
Location: Memorial Park Natatorium, 610 10th Ave, Jasper, AL 35501
Memorial Park Natatorium Summer Swim Lessons
Details: Swimming is a valuable skill and a great way for kids to stay cool during the summer. These lessons cater to different skill levels, ensuring every child can progress at their own pace.
Ages: 4 and up
Sessions
– Session 1: June 3-13
– Session 2: June 17-27
– Session 3: July 8-18
Cost: $80 per session
How to Register: Call Memorial Park Natatorium at (205) 384-9617 for more details.
Location: Memorial Park Natatorium, 610 10th Ave, Jasper, AL 35501
Jasper High School Danceline’s Cheetah Girls Kids Camp
Details: This exciting camp offers young dancers the chance to learn from the talented JHS Danceline team and perform during a football game once the school year begins.
Schedule: June 25-27
Ages: 5-12
Cost: $50 (includes camp t-shirt and performance with JHS danceline during football season)
How to Register: Email kelliemjhsdance@gmail.com for more information.
Location: Jasper High School, 1501 Viking Dr, Jasper, AL 35501
Art and Soul Studio Summer Art Camps
Details: Splatter Art, Sculpture, and Mixed Media art classes for children starting at age five!
Schedule: June 3-5, 7-10, 12-15
Ages: Age 5-2nd Grade; 3rd Grade and Up
Cost: $99 per camp (includes project materials and a snack each day)
How to Register: Click here
Location: Art and Soul Studio, 1600 Hwy 78 E, Jasper, AL 35501
Jasper City Schools MADE Camps
Details: Thanks to the Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs Foundation, Jasper City Schools will host numerous Manufacturing, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship Camps this summer, featuring field trips, guest speakers, and real world projects. Secure your spot now—space is running out!
Ages: High School (Incoming 9th-12th Graders), Junior High (Incoming 7th-8th Graders), Intermediate (Incoming 4th-6th Graders)
Schedule: June 3-20 (Multiple Sessions)
Cost: $60 for Jasper City Students, $80 for non-Jasper City Students; scholarships available
How to Register: For more information and to register, click here.
Location: Jasper High School and Jasper Junior High School [1501 Viking Dr, Jasper, AL 35501] ; Maddox Intermediate School [1410 Panther Trail, Jasper, AL 35501]
Jasper Parks and Recreation Youth Summer Archery Programs
Details: Clinics for Beginner and Intermediate Archers will led by NASP Certified instructors. Equipment will be provided. Participants are welcome to bring their own Genesis Bow if they prefer. Closed toe shoes are mandatory.
Ages: Grades 4-12
Schedule: Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning July 9 [9AM-10 AM for beginners, 10AM-11AM for intermediate]
Cost: $50
How to Register: Click Here
Location: Swann Gym, 1020 Kiker Ln, Jasper, AL 35501
Cub Scout Day Camp
Details: Activities include outbound games, arts and crafts, special guests, camp songs, and shooting sports; participants should bring a water bottle and sack lunch; volunteers are welcome (one or both days); wear comfy clothes and shoes (no flip-flops or Crocs).
Ages: For Kindergarten to 4th Grade boys and girls
Schedule: June 7-8, 9AM-2PM
Cost: $45 for registered scouts; $85 for unregistered child
How to Register: Click here
For more information, contact Darren Hix at Darren.hix@scouting.org or call 205-388-2660
Location: Camp O’Rear, 2180 Curry Hwy, Jasper, AL 35503
