There's a lot more to "summer camp" than the traditional fare of horseback riding, marshmallow roasting and braiding plastic lanyards at a sleepaway camp. These days, there's a wide variety of summer day camps, from baseball to sculpting to theater to zoology.

The number of day camps in the U.S. has grown by nearly 90 percent in the last two decades, according to the American Camp Association. And kids aren't just attending one or day camps. The trend is to fill up the summer with them.

Working parents need someplace to send their kids. "Parents are also a bit more protective. They're a little concerned about letting their child go away from home," said Ann Sheets, a past president of the American Camp Association. "Day camp is a first step for younger campers."

How to pick a camp? Start by asking questions.

What's the camp philosophy? "How well does it suit your child's needs and personality?" asked Sheets. "It's important for the child to have input as well, so they're going where they want to go, not just where they're being sent."

What will my child do every day? Will they be outdoors and active, or indoors making crafts and playing games? Will there be field trips?

What if it rains? If it's an outdoor camp, is there shelter? Will the indoor activities be interesting?

Is there a vacation policy? If you sign up for a summer's worth of camp, can you take a couple of weeks off for a family vacation without having to pay?

How many counselors are there? For traditional day camps, the ACA recommends that, for campers ages 4-5, there should be one counselor for every six children. For ages 6-8, the ratio should be 1:8. For ages 9-14, the ratio should be 1:10, and for ages 15-18, the ratio should be 1:12.

What about health care? Is there a first-aid worker on site? What happens if your child is injured? Visit with the camp director about any special medical needs your child has.

Can I apply for financial aid? Yikes, a summer's worth of camp can get expensive. Many camps offer scholarships, as well as discounts for such things as multiple kids from one family, or early registration.

Finally, visit the camp if you can. If you can't visit, get references from other parents. Let your kids talk to other kids who have attended camp.

Above all, don't be overwhelmed by the challenge of getting a kid off the couch this summer. It's worth it, said Sheets. "Kids can discover there's a whole world out there that doesn't require electricity."

The camp quiz

How to tell which of those myriad summer day camps is right for your child? Take this handy-dandy personality quiz to narrow your choices.

1. When shooed into the backyard, your child:

A. Runs and climb the highest tree.

B. Pulls out a magnifying glass and look for bugs.

C. Paints a watercolor of the flowers.

D. Organizes a baseball game.

2. When it comes to getting wet, your child prefers:

A. A dunk out of a canoe.

B. A puddle full of microbes.

C. A hot shower.

D. A regulation swimming pool.

3. Of the following Wii games, your child prefers to play:

A. Cabela’s Outdoor Adventures.

B. Endless Ocean.

C. Max & the Magic Marker.

D. Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games.

4. If handed a blank piece of paper, your child:

A. Folds it into a paper airplane.

B. Works out a math problem.

C. Starts a novel.

D. Sketches out a football play.

5. Your child’s musical taste runs to:

A. Little Bunny Foo Foo.

B. The theme from Star Wars.

C. Opera.

D. Team fight songs.

Scoring

If your answers were mostly:

A: Your child is suited to a traditional summer camp, with hiking, boating, arts and crafts, swimming and other outdoor activities.

B: Experiment and learn about robots or animals with a science or nature camp.

C: You have an artistic child, whose talents can be honed at camps for painting, sculpting, writing or theater.

D: You’ve got a sports nut on your hands. Try out camps for soccer, baseball, football, basketball or volleyball.

Summer Day Camps

Outdoors Camps

Camp Cottaquilla, Anniston

Operated by Girl Scouts, this is a 3,000-acre traditional camp in the foothills of the mountains. Day camp is open to all boys and girls, and resident camp is open to all girls, not just Scouts. The camp has just been recognized as a Certified Wildlife Habitat site, attracting a variety of birds, butterflies and other wildlife. Lake for boating and fishing, swimming pool, new low ropes course, archery and rifle range, rock climbing, crafts, games. Accredited by the American Camp Association. Tour the camp at Open House and Family Fun Fishing, 2-4 p.m. April 25.

• Day Camp for ages 5-12

• June 7-11, June 14-18, June 21-25, June 28-July 2

• 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (drop off begins at 7:30 a.m., pick up ends at 6 p.m.)

• $110 per week, or $400 for four weeks. Add $12 registration for non-Scouts.

• 256-237-2825, www.girlscoutsnca.org Camp Lee, Anniston

This traditional outdoor camp, run by Anniston First United Methodist Church, hosts a day camp with games, crafts, Bible study, swimming, creek walk, natural rock slide.

Grades K-2 (must have completed grades)

• June 7-11, June 21-25

• 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

• $80 per week. Call or email Kevin McDade to make sure spots are available before sending in a reservation form. 256-238-8941, camplee@camplee.org.

• www.camplee.org YMCA Camp Hamilton, Anniston

Outdoor camp features swimming, hiking, canoeing, crafts, games, archery, team building, sports and outdoor adventure.

• Ages 6-12

• June 1-Aug. 6, 6 a.m.-6 p.m.

• $95 per week for YMCA facility members, $125 per week for YMCA program members

• 256-238-YMCA or 256-832-YMCA, www.ymcacalhoun.org

Day Camps

YMCA Kinder Camp, Anniston

Day camp at the YMCA in downtown Anniston features swimming, crafts, games, team building, sports and outdoor adventure.

• Ages 4-5

• June 1-Aug. 6, 6 a.m.-6 p.m.

• $95 per week for YMCA facility members, $125 per week for YMCA program members

• 256-238-YMCA or 256-832-YMCA, www.ymcacalhoun.org City of Anniston day camps

Swimming (where available), arts and crafts, contests, games, sports and field trips, offered at three local community centers: Lenlock Community Center, 2 Museum Drive, 231-7626. Norwood Hodges Community Center, 3125 Spring Valley Rd., 231-7627. Wiggins Community Center, 2202 W. 17th St., 231-7628.

• Ages 5-12. 5-year-olds must have completed kindergarten during the 2009-10 school year.

• June 1-Aug. 6 (no camp July 5). 7 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

• $20 registration fee. $45 a week for residents/$50 non-residents. $12 daily.

• www.annistonal.gov

Nature/Animal Camps

Anniston Museum of Natural History

Younger kids discover and explore nature. Some off-site trips.

• Entering 1st-3rd grades

• June 15-18, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

• $100 for museum members, $115 non-members. Register by June 4. 256-237-6766, exts. 116 or 114.

• www.annistonmuseum.org

Older kids discover and explore nature, with travel to various science and nature centers.

• Entering 4th-6th grades

• July 13-16

• 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

• $130 for museum members, $140 non-members. Register by July 2. 256-237-6766, exts. 116 or 114.

JSU Field Schools

JSU Canyon Camp: Hands-on environmental education camp at Little River Canyon Center in DeKalb County. Outdoor fun, arts, exploration of nature. Each participant builds a memory journal.

• Ages 7-9

• June 8-11, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

• $200 (includes lunch) Pre-registration required; camp is limited, register early.

• 256-782-8010, www.fieldschool.jsu.edu JSU Nature Camp

Hands-on environmental education camp at Martin Hall on the JSU campus, with some off-site travel. Animals, crafts, games.

• 7-9 years

• June 22-25

• 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

• $200 (includes lunch). Pre-registration required. At press time, camp was almost full, with only a few slots available.

Arts Camps

Star Camp for Kids, Ashland

Acting, pantomime, puppets, theatrical makeup, improv, technical theater, directing, stage lighting and sound, movement and how to audition, held at Historic Ashland Theatre, a restored movie house-turned-stage.

• June 7-11

• 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

• $80. For registration, email robin@theashlandtheatre.com.

• www.theashlandtheatre.com.

Arts Camp, Heritage Hall Museum, Talladega

Study visual art, pottery, dance and music/theater. Teachers will be Jim Gasser, pottery; Beth Payne, visual art; Abby Moorehead, dance; Susannah Herring, music and theater.

• Ages 6-13

• June 7-11, July 12-16, 8 a.m.-noon

• $100 per camp

• 256-761-1364, heritagehallmuseum.org

Summer Odyssey, The Donoho School, Anniston

• Entering grades 4-6

• June 7-11, 9-11 a.m.

• $125; register by May 22.

• 256-237-5485, www.donohoschool.com

The Donoho School

The Donoho School, Anniston, 256-237-5485, www.donohoschool.com. Must register by May 22. Children must be entering grades indicated this fall.

Study Skills for Success

Entering grades 7-11

June 7-11, 1-3 p.m.

$125; register by May 22.

PSAT Preparation Camp

Entering grades 9-11

June 7-11, 10 a.m.-noon

$125; register by May 22.

ACT Preparation Camp

Entering grades 10-12

June 7-11, 1-3 p.m.

$125; register by May 22.

Volleyball camp

Entering grades 5-9

June 7-11, 8:30-10:30 a.m.

$85; register by May 22.

Karate for Kids

Entering grades K-3

June 14-18, 8:30-11 a.m.

$100; register by May 22.

Boys & Girls Basketball Camp

Entering grades 2-6

June 14-17, 8:30-10:30 a.m.

$85; register by May 22.

Girls Basketball Camp

Entering grades 7-12

June 14-17, 1:30-3:30 p.m.

$85; register by May 22.

Boys Basketball Camp

Entering grades 7-12

June 21-24, 9-11 a.m.

$85; register by May 22.

Soccer Camp

Entering grades 3-6

July 5-9, 8-10 a.m.

$85; register by May 22.

Football Camp

Entering grades 2-6

July 5-9,.8:30-10:30 a.m.

$85; register by May 22.

Football Camp

Entering grades 7-12

July 5-9, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

$85; register by May 22.

Soccer Camp

Entering grades 7-12

July 12-16, 8-10 a.m.

$85; register by May 22.

Cheerleading

Entering grades K-6

July 19-23, 1-3 p.m. July 19-22; 8:30-10:30 a.m. July 23

$85; register by May 22.

Creative Writing, Illustration & Book Binding: Write, illustrate and make your own book.

Entering grades 4-6

June 14-18, 10:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.

$95; register by May 22.

Creative Writing Workshop

Entering grades 7-12

June 14-18, 1:30-3:30 p.m.

$85; register by May 22.

Creative Clay: Sculpt, glaze and fire a variety of works from clay.

Entering grades 2-6

June 15-18 and June 21, 1:30-4:30 p.m.

$155; register by May 22.

Let’s Act Up: Learn how to put on a play.

Entering grades 1-3

July 12-16, 9:30 a.m.-noon

$85; register by May 22.

Etiquette and Manners

Entering grades 3-7

July 5-9, 1-3 p.m. July 5-8; 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. July 9.

$125; register by May 22.

Mary G. Hardin Center for Cultural Arts, Gadsden

• 256-543-2787, www.culturalarts.org Extreme Team Ace of Baking Challenge: Teams will spend the week baking foods from appetizers to desserts. They will end the week with a Take the Cake Challenge.

• Ages 6-9, 10-12, teens

• July 5-9, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

• $175 for non-members, $155 for members

International Extreme Team Cooking: Work with a real chef, learn kitchen safety and face off in the Jr. Fusion Challenge at the end of the week.

• Ages 6-9, 10-12, teens

• June 21-25, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

• $175 for non-members, $155 for members

Wee Cook Camp: Learn basic nutrition, measurements and chemical reactions while preparing favorite foods. Food-related field trips, such as a trip to the ice cream factory.

• Ages 3-5

• June 21-25, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

• $175 for non-members, $155 for members

RoboCamp: Design, build, program and control robots.

• Ages 9-12, teens

• June 14-18, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

• $175 for non-members, $155 for members

Splash on the Wild Side: Enjoy water parks and other outdoor fun and go on a safari ride. Ages 3-5 will learn the basics of clowning.

• Ages 3-5, 6-9, 10-12

• June 28-July 2, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

• $175 for non-members, $155 for members

Splash Art Adventures: Local artists teach visual and performing art techniques, stained glass making, pulled glass jewelry, metal arts, theater arts, dance, film, painting – plus swimming to cool off.

• Ages 6-9, 10-12, teens

• July 12-16, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

• $175 for non-members, $155 for members

SurvivorKid Camp: Basic survival skills including first aid, plant identification, archery, rock climbing, fishing, cave explorations, camping, compass-reading and safety.

• Ages 9-12

• June 7-11, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

• $175 for non-members, $155 for members

SurvivorTeen Camp: Advanced survival skills, ropes course, zip-line, starting a fire without matches, designing the SurvivorKid Flashlight Scavenger Hunt.

• Ages: Teens

• June 7-11, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

• $175 for non-members, $155 for members

JSU Continuing Education

• Jacksonville, 256-782-5871, www.jsu.edu/coned Easy as ACT: Study the four components of the ACT college entrance exam, plus test-taking strategies.

• Ages 15-17

• June 7-10, 9-11 a.m.

• $75

Youth Beginner 1 Sewing: Hand designed pillow.

• Ages 8-12

• June 1-4, 1-4 p.m.

• $69

Teen Beginner 1 Sewing: Alphabet pillows.

• Ages 11-18

• June 1-4, 9 a.m.-noon

• $79

Youth Basic Sewing Skills: Hand and machine sewing.

• Ages 8-12

• June 8, 9 a.m.-noon

• $39

Teen Basic Sewing Skills: Hand and machine sewing.

• Ages 12-18

• June 8, 1-4 p.m.

• $39

Teen Sewing: The Fashion Handbag

• Ages 12-18

• June 29, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

• $59

Mosaics for Children: Working with pre-cut and sanded glass, children will make a sun catcher. $10 supply fee.

• Ages 6-8

• June 14-17, 8-9:45 a.m.

• $39

Mosaics for Children: Working with pre-cut and sanded glass, children will make a sun catcher. $10 supply fee.

• Ages 9-12

• June 14-17, 10:15 a.m.-noon

• $39

One Stroke Painting: Paint a birdhouse with flowers, a picture frame with fish, a canvas with your initial on it, a lap desk with your name on it. $10 supply fee.

• Ages 9-12

• June 14-17, 8-9:45 a.m.

• $39

One Stroke Painting: Paint a birdhouse with flowers, a picture frame with fish, a canvas with your initial on it, a lap desk with your name on it. $10 supply fee.

• Ages 6-8

• June 14-17, 10:15 a.m.-noon

• $39

All About Art: Paint, make clay sculptures, create collages, learn about early photography. $20 supply fee.

• Ages 8-12

• June 7-11, 9 a.m.-noon

• $34

All About Art: Paint, make clay sculptures, create collages, learn about early photography. $20 supply fee.

• Ages 8-12

• July 12-16, 9 a.m.-noon

• $34

Digital Photography Class. Learn the basic vocabulary of photography, rules of composition and how to put together a scrapbook with images shot during the class. $10 supply fee.

• Ages 12-16

• June 21-25, 9 a.m.-noon

• $49

JSU Athletic Camps

• Jacksonville, 256-782-5871, www.jsu.edu/coned Boys Basketball

• Grades 5-8

• June 1-3

• 1-4 p.m.

• $75

Boys Basketball

• Grades 1-4

• June 1-3

• 9 a.m.-noon

• $75

Boys and Girls Speed and Explosion

• Grades 9-12

• June 4

• 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

• $125

Baseball Little League

• June 7-10

• 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

• $165

Boys Basketball

• Grades 8-12

• June 7

• 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

• $40

Boys Strength and Conditioning High Performance

• Grades 9-12

• June 11

• 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

• $125

Softball Fundamentals

• Grades 1-6

• June 14-16

• 9 a.m.-noon

• $100

Softball Advanced Pitching

Four or more years pitching experience

• June 17-18

• 9 a.m.-noon

• $90

Softball Advanced Fundamentals

• Grades 7-12

• June 21-23

• 9 a.m.-noon

• $100

Softball Beginnings Pitching

• Less than three years pitching experience

• June 24

• 9 a.m.-noon

• $50

Softball Hitting

• June 28-29

• 9 a.m.-noon

• $90

Volleyball Advanced Skills

• Must have mastered basic skills

• July 6-8

• 9 a.m.-noon

• $100

Volleyball General Skills

• Introductory skills

• July 6-8

• 9 a.m.-noon

• $100

Boys Strength and Conditioning High Performance

• Grades 9-12

• July 9

• 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

• $125

Volleyball Position

• July 9

• 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

• $70

Football

• Rising grades 7-12

• July 12-13

• 8 a.m.-9 p.m.

• $200

Cocky Kid Camp: Introduction to football fundamentals

• Rising grades 1-6

• July 15-16

• 7:30 a.m.-noon

• $50

Boys and Girls Speed and Explosion

• Grades 9-12

• July 16

• 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

• $125

Gamecock Day Soccer Camp

• Ages 7-13

• July 26-30

• 8 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

• $65

Boys Strength and Conditioning High Performance

• Grades 9-12

• July 30

• 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

• $125

British Soccer Camps

• www.challengersports.com Anniston Sports Complex: First Kicks, Mini-Soccer, half-day and full-day. Sponsored by Anniston Parks & Rec, 256-236-8221.

• Ages 3-4, 4-5, 6-9, 10-16, 10-17

• June 21-25

• Times vary

• $75-$176

Pell City Sports Complex: First kicks, Mini-Soccer, Half Day Super Skills Camp, Half Day Advanced Competition Camp. Sponsored by Logan Martin Soccer Association.

• Ages 3-4, 5-6, 7-10, 10-16

• June 14-18

• Times vary

• $75-$120

Gadsden State Soccer Fields: Mini-Soccer, half-day and full-day. Sponsored by EYSA.

• Ages 4-5, 6-9, 10-16

• June 21-25

• Times vary

• $90-$175

Heflin City Football Field: First Kicks, Mini-Soccer, half-day. Sponsored by Heflin Parks and Rec.

• Ages 3-4, 5-6, 6-12, 10-16

• July 5-9

• Times vary

• $65-$105

Jacksonville Parks and Rec: First Kicks, Mini-Soccer, half-day. Held at Frog Town Soccer Complex.

• Ages 3-4, 5-6, 6-10, 10-14

• July 26-30

• Times vary

• $70-$110

Talladega Parks and Rec: Mini-Soccer, half-day, full-day. Held at Ben Burner Sports Complex.

• Ages 3-5, 6-9, 7-9, 10-16

• July 26-30

• Times vary

• $88-$153

Jacksonville Parks & Rec

• 256-435-8115, www.jacksonvillerecreation.com Girls Volleyball Camp

• Grades 5-6

• June 14, 15 and 26

• 9 a.m.-noon

• Call for cost