STEUBENVILLE — The Sycamore Youth Center is inviting local families to take part in its annual faith-inspired summer camp. There will be 18 free camps offered to area children, and designed to help them grow in the areas of creativity, character and confidence, according to Sycamore Executive Director Bobbyjon Bauman. With programs that are rooted in biblical values and designed to nurture talent and purpose, the camps offer a meaningful way for youth to stay active, inspired and connected throughout the summer months, Bauman noted.

“From art and music to leadership and life skills, the camps are open to all area students,” Bauman commented. “All of the camps are free of charge, thanks to the support of generous community partners.”

There are limited spots available for each camp. Families are encouraged to register as soon as possible by visiting the website sycamorecenter.com/summer-camp-sign-ups.

The following is a list of the camp schedule in chronological order. A children’s ballet camp for those ages 5 through 10 will take place from 3 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. May 12-16; a youth ballet camp for children between the ages of 11 and 18 is scheduled from 4:15 p.m. to 5 p.m. May 12-16; a jazz and contemporary dance camp for children 8 through 16 will be held from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. May 19-23; and a pottery camp is planned for children 12 to 18 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. May 27-30. The Indian Creek Middle School Sycamore Stars will hold its Summer Fun Camp for those in fifth through eighth grades, from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. May 30 to June 13.

A historic homes and architecture camp is planned for children 6 to 12 years of age from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. June 2-6; Sycamore’s gardening camp will be held for those 10 through 18 years of age from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. every Friday from June 6 to August 8; and an Irish dance camp for youth 6 to 12 years of age is planned from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. June 10-13. Sewing camp returns for children ages 8 to 18 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. June 9-13. The Arise and Shine Girls’ Affirmation Camp is slated for those in fifth through eighth grade and will run from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. June 9-13.

An orchestra camp for children 10 to 18 years of age is set from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. June 9-13; the Sycamore Sacred Art Camp will be held for children ages 12 through 18 from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. June 9-13; the Sycamore Drama Camp will be held for those 7 though 11 years of age, beginning at noon through 3 p.m. June 16-20; an FCA Leadership Camp for ages 12 to 18 is set from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. June 16-20; a Sycamore Drama Camp for 12 to 18 year olds is slated from noon to 4 p.m. June 23-27; the Sycamore beginners folk dancing camp for those ages 6 to 18, is set from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. July 7-11; the Sycamore experienced folk dancing camp for anyone 6 to 21 years of age is planned from noon to 1:30 p.m. July 7-11; and the Sycamore Summer Fun Camp for kindergarteners through eighth-graders, is set from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 4-8.

“These camps are more than just activities — they are opportunities to pour love, hope and purpose into the lives of young people,” Bauman stated. “We want every child to know they are gifted by God and capable of doing great things with their lives.”

Each camp will be led by skilled instructors and volunteers who share a heart for service and a desire to help children thrive within a safe, encouraging and Christ-centered environment, Bauman concluded. Parents are encouraged to sign their child up as soon as possible and help them experience a summer filled with creativity, growth and joy.