At home with ‘nothing’ to do? Check out the programs offered in Merced this summer
Summer break is right around the corner and instead of seeing their children cooped up inside all day with nothing to do, here is a list compiled of some summer programs in Merced that parents might be interested in.
Programs range from medieval contests to STEM academies, providing activities for all ages. There are one-day camps or even summer-long programs. All details are listed below.
Merced County Library Summer Reading
The Merced County Library reading program “Read, Renew, Repeat” challenges children on the number of books read. Participants can earn prizes.
June 1-Aug. 3
Ages: 0-18+
Details and registration here.
Summer Session at UC Merced
UC Merced is offering high school students who have finished their sophomore year access to summer courses. Students must submit an application and a letter of recommendation from their principal or counselor. The application deadline for session B is June 3, and June 17 for session C. Fees are due June 10. A discounted program is available for up to 10 credits, $210 per unit.
Session B: June 17-Aug. 9.
Session C: July 1-Aug. 9
Discount application here.
Boys and Girls Club of Merced County
The Boys and Girls Club will be hosting a kids summer camp. Kids will participate in activities like science, technology, recreation, engineering, arts, math, and much more. Breakfast, lunch, and a snack will be provided.
Contact the Boys and Girls Club at (209)-722-9922 to register and for any additional information.
June 10-August 2, from 7:30 am-5:30 pm
Cost: $75 per week, and a one-time membership fee of $20 for non-members.
Ages: 5-17 years old
Merced College
Merced College is offering its annual “College for Kids” summer program. Children will have access to several different safe activities. Each class offers one to four sessions which allows for children to learn different skills throughout summer. Sessions range from one to two weeks. Check out the College for Kids brochure to find all the classes offered and information about registering.
Classes offered include:
Parent & Me aquatics class for children 2 years old. and under Also aquatic classes for kids ages 3 to 8+.
Hula for children ages 5 to 12. (Only offered once).
Streetwise Self Defense for children 7 to 14.
Build and Fly a Drone for children ages 12 to 17.
June 10-Aug. 1
Cost: From $65 to $250 (Class descriptions in brochure provide exact cost).
Ages: Ranges from 2-17 years old (Class descriptions in brochure provide exact age ranges).
STEAM Summer Camp
Kids Discovery Station in Merced is hosting a STEAM summer camp filled with science, technology, engineering, art, and math. Lunch and water will be provided.
June 10-Aug. 2
Cost: $150 non-members, $135 members (per week)
Ages: 6-10
Registration and additional details here.
Into the Wild Summer Wilderness Camp 2024
The City of Merced is offering a wilderness camp. Sessions are a week long and include nature-based activities like bird watching, flora and fauna education with zoo keepers, learning survival skills, and much more. Hosted at the Rossotti Ed-Zoo-Cation Center, lunch is provided.
June 10-Aug. 2
Cost: $50 per week
Ages: K-6th grade
Register in person at 632 W 18th St. Online application here to print.
Gateway Children’s Ministry
Gateway is hosting their 16th annual summer camp. Children will learn how to live their faith courageously as well as STEAM programs, reading challenges, daily worship rally, and more from 7:30 am - 5:30 pm. Kids can commit to one week or all nine. For more information and registration check it out here.
June 10-Aug. 9
Cost: $25 registration, $130 tuition per week
Ages: K-6th grade
Movies in the Park
Merced City Parks and Community Services will host “Movies in the Park” starting June 14. Movies will be at different parks and locations throughout Merced through Sept. 27.
Details, including movie titles: here.
Yosemite Church Vacation Bible School
Yosemite Church will be hosting “Camp Firelight”. This is vacation bible school that will be filled with worship, games, crafts, snacks, and more.
Registration and details found here.
June 17-21, 6-8:30PM
Cost: $55 for one child, any additional siblings $50
Ages: entering K-6th grade
Bobcat Summer STEM Academy
UC Merced is offering STEM academy workshops in person Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Lunch and snacks are provided.
Students also have access to scholarships that are limited to one per child and can only be used for one workshop.
Each workshop is limited to 24 spots. Details: here.
June 17-Aug. 2
Cost: Two-day $60, three-day $90, and week long academies $150 per workshop.
Age: 1st-12th grade
UC Merced Youth Soccer Camp
Boys and girls have access to two soccer camps hosted by UC Merced. Camps will focus on individual and team skill development on top of fun games. Both camps are four-days long from 9 a.m-12 p.m. at Bobcat Field. Participants are expected to bring a soccer ball, shin guards, sunscreen, snacks, and a water bottle. Registration here.
Camp #1: June 17-20; Camp #2: July 22-25
Cost: $75 per camp
Age: 4-12 years old
City of Merced Youth Sports
Free sports programs are being offered by the City of Merced for children as young as 5 years old. Sports include: baseball, tennis, teal top hockey, and pickleball. These programs start around early June and end late July.
Registration and details: here.
Other summer programs
The Merced Union High School District has a variety of college summer programs. Check out the list here. Some registration deadlines have passed.
Discovery Days
Kids Discovery Station offers Discovery Days every last Sunday of each month. Museum access is free to all from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The next Discovery Day is June 30.
