Summer 2026 Camps
100% Free — Every Camp, Every ChildFree camps running June 1 through July 24. Athletics, academics, life skills, and unforgettable experiences for the youth of Cartersville–Bartow County.
Why Parents Choose ELW
Families choose the ELW Summer Camp because of our long-standing commitment to youth, quality programming, and a safe, supportive environment.
Serving the Cartersville-Bartow County community since 1989
Proudly serving third and fourth generation families
Removing financial barriers for families
Education, social development, and athletics
Dedicated instructors passionate about youth development
Strong supervision with trained team members
Building confidence, life skills, and relationships
ELW is more than a summer camp it is a trusted community program where youth grow learn and thrive.
Summer 2026 Lineup
Kids in Action Camp
Jump, move, and get in the action!Kids in Action Camp keeps youth active while building coordination, balance, and confidence. Activities include jump rope, agility drills, basketball dribbling, and speed stacking, helping improve focus, reaction time, and overall fitness.
Instruction is provided by a certified Physical Education teacher, ensuring a structured and engaging experience.
Weekly Programs
Swim Lessons
ELW will offer free swim lessons for registered campers in partnership with the Cartersville Aquatics Department.
Details, including age group placement and lesson times, will be shared with interested families during the mandatory Parent Meeting on May 24 at 3:00 p.m. at JH Morgan Gym. Additional registration information will be provided directly to participating families.
Fun Fridays
On Fun Fridays, there will be no regular camp sessions. Campers participating in swim lessons will attend from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., followed by open swim for all campers until 2:00 p.m.
Campers who choose not to participate in swim activities will have the opportunity to enjoy games and other supervised activities during that time.
Parents/guardians must complete a permission form for their child to participate in any swim activities.
Geography & World Awareness Camp
Are we there yet?Youth explore geography concepts and real-world map skills through engaging, hands-on activities. Participants learn map reading, map scale, states and continents, distance estimation, and travel time calculations using math.
This camp is guided by an experienced educator and includes a special field experience, where participants apply what they have learned in a real-world setting.
STEM Camp
Code it. Create it. Bring it to life!Youth ages 6–15 explore science, technology, engineering, and math through hands-on activities with a focus on coding. Participants build digital literacy, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills while bringing their ideas to life.
Participants engage in learning facilitated by experienced STEM instructors, culminating in a STEM Fair and a field trip that connects learning to real-world exploration.
Basketball Camp Rotation
Basketball Fundamentals Camp
Dribble, pass, and shoot with confidence!This camp focuses on developing strong fundamentals through drills that build ball handling, passing, dribbling, shooting, and proper form.
Participants are guided by experienced basketball instructors with high-level playing backgrounds.
Come ready to work hard, have fun, and improve your basketball skills.
Read Write Now Camp
Unlock your creativity through reading and writing!Reading and writing skills are strengthened through engaging activities such as creative writing, journaling, and cursive practice.
Participants are supported by experienced educators as they build confidence and express their ideas.
This camp is part of our basketball camp rotation, alongside Money in the Bank Camp.
Financial Literacy Camp — Money in the Bank
Build smart money habits early!Participants explore saving, goal setting, and needs versus wants through interactive activities guided by banking professionals.
This camp is offered as part of our basketball camp rotation, alongside Read Write Now Camp.
Sports & Play
Soccer Camp
Kick, pass, and score!Participants learn the fundamentals of soccer, including dribbling, passing, shooting, and ball control, while gaining an understanding of field positioning and player roles.
Instruction is supported by a high school soccer player, providing relatable guidance in a fun and structured environment.
Kickball Camp
Kick it and run!Participants learn the fundamentals of kickball, including kicking, base running, catching, and throwing, while also learning field positions and game structure.
The camp emphasizes teamwork, coordination, and confidence through fun and active play.
Fitness & Mindfulness
Let's Move!! Camp — Fitness & Wellness
Move more. Get stronger. Feel your best!Participants build strength and confidence through proper exercise techniques and movement, while learning healthy habits that support an active lifestyle.
Participants will learn how to fuel their bodies through hydration and healthy choices to stay energized during and after activity, guided by a certified fitness trainer.
This camp is part of a rotating experience with Yoga Camp and Agility in Motion Camp.
Yoga Camp
Stretch, breathe, and find your balance!Participants are introduced to yoga through basic poses such as Downward Dog, Tree Pose, and Child's Pose, along with breathing techniques and mindful movement that support flexibility, balance, and focus.
Instruction is provided by a certified yoga instructor in a calm and supportive environment.
Offered in rotation with Let's Move!! Camp and Agility in Motion Camp.
Agility in Motion Camp
Move fast. React quick. Build confidence!Participants improve speed, coordination, and reaction time through structured drills and movement-based activities.
Rotates with Let's Move!! Camp and Yoga Camp.
Finish Strong
Basketball Game Time Camp
Put your skills into action!Participants apply basketball skills through scrimmages and game play, learning rules, positioning, and teamwork.
Baseball Camp
Step up to the plate and swing!Participants learn the fundamentals of baseball including hitting, throwing, catching, and understanding the rules of the game, while also learning field positions and player responsibilities.
Opportunities to practice in a batting cage help build confidence and skill development.
Instruction is provided by experienced youth baseball coaches in a fun and supportive environment.
Special Experiences
Throughout the summer, campers will enjoy special guest visits and fun surprises that enhance their overall camp experience.
Tellus Science Museum
Science exploration
Phoenix Air Field Trip
Aviation experience
Bartow County Sheriff Department
Swim Lessons at the Aubrey Street Pool
Water safety skills
Bookmobile Visits
Reading access
National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM)
General Camp Information
Meals & Personal Items
Lunch and snacks will be provided daily. Campers are encouraged to bring a labeled water bottle.
Personal Belongings
Backpacks and personal bags will be placed in a designated, secure area during camp hours.
All personal items must be clearly labeled. We strongly encourage campers not to bring valuables, as ELW is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
Cell Phones & Electronics
If a camper brings a cell phone or electronic device, it will be collected at the start of camp and stored in a secure location. Items will be returned at the end of the day. Campers will not be permitted to use these devices during camp hours.
Prohibited Items
For the safety of all participants, vaping devices, tobacco products, and other prohibited items are not allowed at camp.
Medical & Medication Policy
Any medications, including inhalers, EpiPens, or other required medical items, must be clearly labeled and submitted with the appropriate completed forms.
Parents/guardians are responsible for completing all required medical and authorization forms prior to participation.
Extended Care
Supporting Our Working Families
In support of our working families, the ELW Youth Association, Inc. offers optional extended care during our summer program, June 1 through July 24.
Regular Camp Hours
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Monday through Friday
Extended Care Schedule
Available Monday through Friday
Morning: Begins at 8:00 AM
Afternoons: 2:00 p.m. until 5:30 p.m.
Please Note
- In June, Friday extended care is morning only. All participants must be picked up at 2:00 PM.
- In July, no extended care is available on Fridays.
- Extended care is not available during the week of the Fourth of July.
Questions about extended care? Reach us at:
infoelwyouth@gmail.comYouth Support Services
ELW provides Youth Support Services to help ensure every camper has a positive and inclusive camp experience. A trained Youth Support Specialist is available during core program hours to assist youth who may benefit from additional guidance.
Support services are available during camp hours from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Our Commitment to Safety
Safety & Training
All program instructors and individuals working with participants will complete CPR and First Aid training prior to the start of summer camp.
Safety & Supervision
The safety and well-being of our participants is a top priority. Our program maintains trained supervision at all times, including a dedicated team member with a background in public safety who helps support a safe and positive environment.
Enroll for Summer 2026
Every camp is 100% free. All youth are welcome. Open registration begins April 15 for the Cartersville–Bartow County community.