Grades 1-2

Rising Grades 1-2 Camps

Nine Summer Camps for Rising 1st and 2nd Grade Girls and Boys

Butler Explorers 1 • Butler Explorers 2 • Laurel's Design Craft Camp • Laurel LEGO Camp • Once Upon a Time Camp • Magical Fairy Nature Camp • Broadway Kids Camp Presents Laurel's Production of Aristocats Gators Just Want to Have Fun • Mini Makers Lab

Butler Explorers 1

Ages: Girls & boys entering Kindergarten or First Grade and at least 5 years old*.
Format: Three two-week sessions; campers are encouraged to sign up for multiple sessions.
Location: Laurel’s Butler Campus in Novelty**
Session 1 (2 weeks): June 8 - 18 (no camp June 19) - $765
Session 2 (2 weeks): June 22 - July 2 (no camp July 3) - $765
Session 3 (2 weeks): July 6 - 17 - $850
Session 4 (2 weeks): July 20 - 31 - $850
Time:     9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Calling all nature explorers! Salamanders, spiders, and sparrows await as campers set off on a magical forest adventure at Laurel’s sprawling, 150-acre Butler Campus! This one-of-a-kind outdoor immersion camp is perfect for the youngest nature enthusiasts—designed for kids ages 5 and up who are rising into Kindergarten or First Grade. Each day, Butler Explorers will venture along hidden wooded trails, splash in cool creeks, and watch for birds and wildlife near peaceful ponds. From hands-on nature discovery to cooperative games, arts and crafts, and an exciting off-campus field trip each session, every moment is packed with adventure.

No two days are alike, with camp-wide events adding even more excitement! Rain or shine, our campers thrive outdoors, with cozy yurts ready to shelter them during thunderstorms or high winds. With a cap of only 20 campers per week, this is an exclusive opportunity for kids to connect deeply with nature and make unforgettable memories. Prepare to dive into a world of wonder—just bring your sense of adventure and weather-ready gear!

*In order to attend camp at our Butler campus, campers must be rising Kindergarten AND at least five years old. Campers under the age of five will be removed from the camp.

**Shuttle service from Laurel’s Lyman Campus to the Butler Campus is available for an additional fee.

Once Upon a Time Camp **NEW**

Ages: Girls & boys entering Kindergarten or First Grade and at least 5 years old.
Format: One two-week session
Location: Laurel’s Lyman Campus in Shaker Heights
Session 1 (2 weeks): June 8 - 18 (no camp June 19) - $765
Time:     9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Calling all imaginative readers and performers! In this two-week camp designed for rising Kindergarteners and First Graders, campers will dive into the magical world of storybooks—reading and exploring different versions of the same beloved tales. From classic fairy tales to fun modern twists, each day brings a new adventure as campers bring stories to life through creative dramatics, games, and role-play. In addition to acting and storytelling, campers will enjoy themed crafts, outdoor play, and plenty of time to let their imaginations soar. The session will conclude with a special performance for families, where our storytime stars will take the stage to share their favorite stories come to life!

Gators Just Want to Have Fun Camp **NEW**

Ages: Girls & boys entering Kindergarten or First Grade and at least 5 years old.
Format: One two-week session
Location: Laurel’s Lyman Campus in Shaker Heights
Session 1 (2 weeks): June 22 - July 2 (no camp July 3) - $765
Time:     9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Get ready for two weeks of giggles, games, and unforgettable fun! Gators Just Want to Have Fun! is the perfect day camp for Kindergarten and First Graders who are ready to explore, play, and make new friends. From hands-on activities and creative crafts to outdoor adventures and silly challenges, every day is packed with excitement and laughter. Our enthusiastic instructors ensure a safe, nurturing, and energetic environment where every little Gator can shine.

Come splash, dash, and laugh your way through the summer—because at this camp, the only rule is to have fun!

Magical Fairy Nature Camp

Ages: Girls & boys entering Grades 1-2
Format: Two two-week sessions*
Location: Laurel’s Butler Campus in Novelty**
Session 1 (2 weeks):  June 22-July 2 (no camp July 3) - $765
Session 2 (2 weeks): July 20-July 31 - $850
Time:     9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

This fantastical two-week camp will offer an opportunity to unleash your child's imagination into a world of fairies! We will read fairy chapter books together, make fairy crafts and create nature-based fairy houses and accessories. Campers will explore the most magical areas of our Butler Campus and find the perfect location to set up our fairy village.

*In order to accommodate as many fairies as possible, campers are limited to one session of fairy camp. If a camper is enrolled in more than one session, they will be removed from the session with the bigger waitlist and refunded.

**Shuttle service from Laurel’s Lyman Campus to the Butler Campus is available for an additional fee.

Mini Makers Lab **NEW**

Ages: Girls & boys entering Grades 1-2
Format: One one-week session
Location: Laurel’s Lyman Campus in Shaker Heights
Dates (1 week): July 13 - July 17 - $425
Time:     9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Curious minds, big ideas! At Mini Makers Lab, First and Second graders explore the wonders of science, technology, engineering, and math through hands-on STEM adventures, creative experiments, and playful problem-solving. From building simple machines to exploring how things move, campers will discover the joy of tinkering, teamwork, imagination, and a dash of curiosity, no quest is too big for our mini makers!

Laurel Design Craft Camp **NEW**

Ages: Girls entering Grades 1-2 
Format: One one-week session
Location: Laurel’s Lyman Campus in Shaker Heights
Dates (1 week): July 6 - July 10 - $475
Time: 9:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.

A week of imagination, creativity, and hands-on fun! Join us for an exciting week of crafting and creating! Campers will explore a variety of creative projects that blend art, design, and a touch of modern technology. 

Throughout the week, they’ll experiment with colorful crafts, design personalized creations using innovative tools, and bring their ideas to life in fun and unexpected ways. Campers will have the chance to design unique pieces with a 3D printer, personalize special keepsakes with a laser engraver, and complete hands-on art projects they can take home at the end of the week. From designing their own names and custom shapes to assembling puzzles and decorating useful items, every day offers something new to make and discover. 

At the end of the session, campers will gather all of their one-of-a-kind creations in a special tote bag—a perfect reminder of their week filled with creativity, learning, and fun!

Butler Explorers 2

Ages: Girls & boys entering Grades 2 and 3
Format: Three two-week sessions; campers are encouraged to sign up for multiple sessions. 
Location: Laurel’s Butler Campus in Novelty*
Session 1 (2 weeks): June 8 - 18 (no camp June 19) - $765
Session 2 (2 weeks): June 22 - July 2 (no camp July 3) - $765
Session 3 (2 weeks): July 6 - 17 - $850
Session 4 (2 weeks): July 20 - 31 - $850
Time:     9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Get ready for an epic adventure! Set across 150 acres of beautiful forests, winding creeks, and tranquil ponds, Laurel's Butler Campus is the perfect setting for experienced Explorers entering Second and Third Grade. This is where young adventurers dive deep into nature, discover new trails, and experience the world around them in thrilling new ways.

With specialized programming designed just for them, campers will uncover fascinating aspects of the natural world. They'll learn about local wildlife, discover diverse ecosystems, and get hands-on with nature through activities that go beyond traditional exploration. Throughout the week they'll create, engage in cooperative games, and take part in exciting camp-wide events. The highlight of each session are exciting off-campus field trips to further their exploration!

Rain or shine, the adventure never stops! The Reid Lodge is ready to host all activities during any sudden thunderstorms or high winds.
With registration limited to just 20 campers per week, this is a unique opportunity to bond with friends, embrace the wild, and make unforgettable summer memories. Just bring your curiosity, spirit of teamwork, and weather-ready gear for a summer adventure like no other!

*Shuttle service from Laurel’s Lyman Campus to the Butler Campus is available for an additional fee.

Laurel LEGO Camp

Ages: Girls & boys entering Grades 2-5 
Format: One one-week session
Location: Laurel’s Lyman Campus in Shaker Heights
Dates (1 week): July 27 - July 31 - $425
Time:     9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
 
Unleash your creativity and engineering skills at Laurel LEGO Camp, a fun-filled one-week adventure for aspiring architects, inventors and creators! Each day, campers will tackle exciting LEGO challenges designed to inspire problem-solving, teamwork and innovation. From constructing towering skyscrapers to designing intricate mazes or vehicles, every challenge will test their imaginations and critical thinking.

In addition to the challenges, campers will have dedicated free-building time to bring their own visions to life, whether it's crafting their dream house, building a robot, or creating fantastical worlds. With endless possibilities and encouragement from our supportive staff, campers will explore the limitless potential of LEGO bricks in a fun, collaborative environment.

Join us for a week of creativity, learning, and endless building fun!

Broadway Kids Camp Presents Laurel’s Production of "The Aristocats KIDS"

Ages: Girls & boys entering Grades 2-8
Format: One, two-week session; culminating in a performance
Location: Laurel’s Lyman Campus in Shaker Heights
Session (2 weeks): June 8 - June 18 (no camp June 19) - $800
Time: 9:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.

Based on the beloved Disney animated film, and featuring a jazzy, upbeat score, Disney’s The Aristocats KIDS is a non-stop thrill ride of feline fun, complete with unbelievable twists and turns.

In the heart of Paris, a kind and eccentric millionairess wills her entire estate to Duchess, her high-society cat, and her three little kittens. Laughs and adventure ensue as the greedy, bumbling butler pulls off the ultimate catnap caper. Now it's up to the rough-and-tumble alley cat, Thomas O'Malley, and his band of swingin' jazz cats to save the day. 

This enriched program is designed for campers to promote independence and self-confidence all while making new friends and learning exciting new skills. This performance program is for theater enthusiasts who want to experience the production of a play from beginning to end. In the mornings, campers take music, dance, improv, and acting classes, and in the afternoons they rehearse their full-scale production of Aristocats, as a result it is imperative that campers attend camp every day.

Disney’s The Aristocats KIDS Music & Lyrics by Richard M. Sherman, Robert B. Sherman, Al Rinker, Floyd Huddleston & Terry Gilkyson. Music Adapted & Arranged by Bryan Louiselle. Book Adapted & Additional Lyrics by Michael Bernard

Disney’s The Aristocats KIDS is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.