The Abayomi Community Development Corporation is a faith-based, nonprofit organization that provides recreational and educational services, housing and economic development assistance, and health and safety programs for Detroit families.

At Abayomi, meaning "a pleasant meeting place," you'll find afterschool tutoring, computer training, book clubs, mentoring programs for teens, and job training.

The group also runs a youth basketball program, summer camps, and an annual youth retreat.

This is a summer program designed for children with acquired and congenital delays in development. Campers participate in fun, educational, and therapeutic activities that focus on communication, socialization, and gross and fine motor skills development.

Camp is created and run by a team of occupational therapists, physical therapists, and speech/language pathologists.

This program, run by the Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services (ACCESS), offers community youth programs, including soccer training.

Summer programs include a six-week recreational program that includes arts and crafts, recreational sports, reading, and computer instruction; and a two-week "Reading Is Great!" program.

Season tickets start at $799, but the Pistons professional basketball organization offers all kinds of packages, including a half-season ticket plan for $400 and up, a mini plan (10 games) for $198 and up, and a fan's choice plan (5-games) for $88 and up.

Individual game tickets run $10 and up. Children under the age of two are free (provided they sit on your lap).

Those 14 and under can join the Kids Crew for $15 and get an official Kids Crew shirt, a membership card, discounts to up to 10 Pistons regular season home games, four tickets to two Detroit Shock home games, an invitation to the Pistons and Shock Kids Crew parties, a bi-monthly newsletter, a $10 gift certificate to Hoop City Grille, and more.

The Pistons organization also runs a summer basketball camp.

When basketball's in season, check our events calendar or the Palace for game details.

Basketball fans appreciate Basketball City's seven climate-controlled basketball courts, full locker rooms, and a snack bar. Visitors can join in open play for $8, or rent a court for $65 (8 to 12 players).

Basketball clinics are available each Saturday for boys and girls ages six to 17 at a cost of $15/session.

Basketball camps are offered during the summer and over Christmas break. Check the website for details.

Beautiful Minds is a child care provider offering preschool, pre-kindergarten, summer camp and latchkey Programs.

The enrichment programs are designed to provide a safe, secure, and caring atmosphere with a structured curriculum to enhance a child's development and education.

The summer camp program starts in the beginning of July and goes until the end of August and is divided by age (one section for pre-schoolers, another for elementary aged kids).

The before school latchkey program is open from 7am until school starts at 8:05am. A nutritious breakfast is served and various activities are provided to help prepare children for the start of school. The afterschool latchkey program starts when school is out at 3pm and is open until 6pm. An afternoon snack is provided, children receive homework assistance and par take in various indoor and outdoor activities.

Beautiful Minds is a child care provider offering preschool, pre-kindergarten, summer camp and latchkey Programs.

The enrichment programs are designed to provide a safe, secure, and caring atmosphere with a structured curriculum to enhance a child's development and education.

The summer camp program starts in the beginning of July and goes until the end of August and is divided by age (one section for pre-schoolers, another for elementary aged kids).

The before school latchkey program is open from 7am until school starts at 8:05am. A nutritious breakfast is served and various activities are provided to help prepare children for the start of school. The afterschool latchkey program starts when school is out at 3pm and is open until 6pm. An afternoon snack is provided, children receive homework assistance and par take in various indoor and outdoor activities.

Beautiful Minds is a child care provider offering preschool, pre-kindergarten, summer camp and latchkey Programs.

The enrichment programs are designed to provide a safe, secure, and caring atmosphere with a structured curriculum to enhance a child's development and education.

The summer camp program starts in the beginning of July and goes until the end of August and is divided by age (one section for pre-schoolers, another for elementary aged kids).

The before school latchkey program is open from 7am until school starts at 8:05am. A nutritious breakfast is served and various activities are provided to help prepare children for the start of school. The afterschool latchkey program starts when school is out at 3pm and is open until 6pm. An afternoon snack is provided, children receive homework assistance and par take in various indoor and outdoor activities.

Beautiful Minds is a child care provider offering preschool, pre-kindergarten, summer camp and latchkey Programs.

The enrichment programs are designed to provide a safe, secure, and caring atmosphere with a structured curriculum to enhance a child's development and education.

The summer camp program starts in the beginning of July and goes until the end of August and is divided by age (one section for pre-schoolers, another for elementary aged kids).

The before school latchkey program is open from 7am until school starts at 8:05am. A nutritious breakfast is served and various activities are provided to help prepare children for the start of school. The afterschool latchkey program starts when school is out at 3pm and is open until 6pm. An afternoon snack is provided, children receive homework assistance and par take in various indoor and outdoor activities.

The Beverly Hills Club offers a wide variety of programs for families. The club has an indoor pool, tennis courts, fitness room, and a children's section with a play structure, moonwalk, video games, and more.

Kids' classes are offered in aerobics, baseball, basketball, dance, football, martial arts, swimming, tennis, and yoga. Parent/tot classes are also available.

A latchkey program offers the chance for supervised afterschool fun. Day camps give kids a great place to hang out during the summer and on vacation days.

Both members and nonmembers may hold a party at the BHC.

Hours are seasonal:

Labor Day to Memorial Day: Mon-Thu 5:30am-11pm; Fri 5:30am-10pm; Sat 6:30am-9:30pm; Sun 7am-8:30pm.


Memorial Day to Labor Day: Mon-Fri 5:30am-11pm; Fri 5:30am-11pm; Sat 6:30am-8pm; Sun 7am-7pm

The Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center offers more than 500 classes to children ages three and up and adults. The center has four exhibition galleries and a gallery gift shop. Art camps are offered every spring and summer.

Building Blocks offers a fun-filled summer arts program in which children ages six to 10 can express their ideas, feelings, and dreams through creative movement, music, and short plays. Participants explore a variety of media, including clay, paints, drawing, sculpture, wire, print making, photography, and more. They also learn about artists, past and present, from all corners of the globe.

Serving both boys and girls ages five to 18, Camp Fire USA is one of the nation's leading youth development organizations. The group's mission is to "build caring, confident youth and future leaders."

Youth Programs: The organization provides curriculum and support to parents, school, and church groups that are interested in implementing youth programs designed by CampFire USA. In addition, summer day camps are offered in July for students in grades K-6.

Serving both boys and girls ages five to 18, Camp Fire USA is one of the nation's leading youth development organizations. The group's mission is to "build caring, confident youth and future leaders."

Youth Programs: The organization provides curriculum and support to parents, school, and church groups that are interested in implementing youth programs designed by CampFire USA. In addition, summer day camps are offered in July for students in grades K-6.

Let your children's imaginations run wild this summer at Camp Invention, a weeklong day camp offered in elementary schools across the country. Check online for a location near you.

Kids in the first through sixth grades participate in fun, hands-on activities that enhance their understanding of the arts, sciences, history, and math.

Created by the National Inventors Hall of Fame Foundation in partnership with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Camp Jam is a summer program that brings together young musicians and teaches them band dynamics, secrets of the trade, performance skills, and rock history, and provides them with the opportunity to interact with industry professionals.

Camp Jam Rock 'n' Roll Summer Day Camp, for kids ages 11 to 17, provides a place for teens to convene with other aspiring musicians, bands, and vocalists. Participants can hone their musical chops by learning from - and performing with - professional musicians with experience in the music industry, in an environment that promotes skills such as teamwork and communication. The five-day camp offers instruction in guitar, bass, keyboard, drums, and vocal performance, as well as a songwriting clinic, an open mic showcase, a class on performance skills, and a course in audio engineering and production.

Camp Jam Kidz is for pint-sized rockers ages seven to 10. This unique program offers a fun, interactive musical experience for younger kids, giving them the chance to play the instrument of their choice under the watchful eyes of the camp counselors. Camp Jam Kidz offers an experience that's similar to that of older campers, but with a more hands-on focus from instructors. Participants play their very first gig at the end of the week, performing on stage with a real rock band.

After-camp care is available until 5:30pm for an additional $20 per week. Advance registration is required and discounts are available for early registration and multiple session enrollment. Registration forms are available online.

The northern Oakland County Kingsbury School offers traditional summer camps, those involving athletics like basketball and soccer, and those involving more unique topics like model rocketry and Shakespeare.

Camp Mirage is a summer day camp program that offers 29 different sessions, from flag football, babysitting and cheerleading, to street hockey, girl power, and wilderness trek. Children can be signed up for one week or the whole summer. A junior camp program is available for kids ages four to six.

Sessions run from mid-June to the end of August. Before and after care is available.

Camp Fire USA's annual Camp Oweki offers boys and girls a week-long summer day camp experience three times each season. Campgoers can choose from a variety of activities, including swimming, fishing, boating, hiking, crafts, cookouts, archery, and more.

Extended care is available in the mornings, starting at 7:30am.

The Carls Family YMCA offers a variety of services to members of the community. Opened in 2002, this is a state-of-the-art facility located in the heart of downtown Milford. There is an indoor pool, fitness center, and gymnasium. This branch of the Y also has a childcare program.

Classes are offered in aerobics, aquatics, basketball, gymnastics, martial arts, pilates, and yoga. There are numerous opportunities for homeschoolers and also the preschool set, including parent/tot classes.

There are several birthday party packages at this Y, including a standard party package, a gym party, and a pool party.

Casa de Unidad is an Hispanic/Latino cultural and arts education center located in southwest Detroit.

Offers art exhibits, films, dance classes, and workshops. Holds a summer Latino arts program for children ages eight to 11.

The Family Aquatic Center in eastside Detroit's Chandler Park features two water slides and a water play area for smaller children. There are concesssions and a gift shop.

The center offers weekday swim classes, and an aquatic summer camp is held June through August.

The non-profit community center features a gymnasium, classrooms, computer labs, and a dining hall in which the center provides services such as after-school tutoring, a youth basketball league, self-defense classes, a summer camp, and other activities throughout the year.

The Clark Park Recreation Center offers youth recreation, tutoring, and group counseling. There is an after-school program and summer day camp.

Sports programs include basketball, baseball, golf, hockey, soccer, softball, and tennis. The center also offers computer training, indoor games, and arts and crafts workshops.

In the winter, there is intramural ice hockey and an ice skating program.

SCAMP is a six-week summer daytime program for special needs children and young adults. Campers typically have one or more disabilities, such as autism, mental and/or emotional impairment, speech and language delay, or a physical handicap.

There are talent shows, dances, puppet shows, and a carnival. The facilities at Independence Oaks County Park is used for boating, fishing, hiking, and swimming.

The Community Theatre of Howell presents two main stage musicals and two youth theater productions per season. The group also offers educational workshops, summer youth camps, and equipment rentals.

Compuware Arena is a large ice arena in the far western Detroit suburb of Plymouth. The facility is home to the junior hockey club the Plymouth Whalers, the Detroit Compuware AAA Youth Hockey Club, Detroit Catholic Central High School hockey team, among others.

Kids' sports opportunities abound at the arena: there is a noncompetitive hockey league for children ages four to 10, figure and hockey ice skating lessons, and skating camps and clinics offered by the Plymouth Whalers hockey staff and players.

Parties: Compuware Arena offers several party options (for a minimum of eight people) that include food and beverages (choices include pizza, chicken strips, or hot dogs with fries or chips), plates, cups, and napkins. You may bring in your own cake or cupcakes. A $25 nonrefundable deposit is required.

Throw an Open Skate Party during any open skate time for $10/person ($6 for nonskaters), which includes the items listed above plus skate admission, skate rental, and 2 1/2 hours in a viewing area. The birthday child gets two skate rentals and two open skate passes for future use.

Have a Whaler Game Party for $14/person, which includes the items listed above plus an executive reserved game ticket and a visit from Shooter, the Whalers mascot. The birthday child also receives four passes to a future Whalers game. The party begins 1 1/2 hours before the start of the game.

The full-service restaurant Ginopolis' on the Ice is located in the arena and offers banquet facilities for larger parties.

May through September, the Arena turns its parking lot into a three-screen drive-in movie theater.

Part of an internationally renowned center for art, education, and science, the Cranbrook Institute of Science is a natural history and science museum designed for families.

There are so many delightful features to experience - from a full-sized T-Rex to gorgeous crystals to a hands-on kids' area in the lower level. In the center's planetarium, kid-centric astronomy and laser shows result in wide-eyed amazement.

The museum has a kiddie play area with puzzles and games. Reflections Cafe serves sandwiches, salads, and beverages. A gift shop has some neat - but pricey - items. Find the restrooms, with changing stations, on the lower level.

Planetarium: A good variety of kid-focused shows are held in the planetarium. This is a small, intimate theater; your busy toddlers might not do well. And if you leave during a show, you can't return. Price is $1 for kids under two and $4 for ages two and up.

Bat Zone: The bat house is a particularly popular stop for kids. Just try to keep your little ones from causing too much fuss - they'll likely want to stir up the winged mammals, but bats are fragile creatures. Stink warning! Live animals have an odor, and this is a small house. Shrug it off as cool.

Classes and Camps: Preschool and homeschool programs are available, as are Scout outings. Cranbrook runs summer camps (they fill up fast) and has periodic workshops for adults.

Annual family membership is $65.

Grades: PreK-12

Enrollment: 1,620

Teacher/Student Ratio: 1:9


Cranbrook is an independent day and boarding school that has programs for pre-kindergarten through high school students. The institution is known for its challenging academic, arts, and athletics programs - and for its beautiful 315-acre campus, which in 1989 was designated as a National Historic Landmark.

On the grounds are the Cranbrook Art Museum, the Cranbrook Institute of Science, and the Cranbrook House and Gardens.

Cranbrook offers a good number of summer opportunities, including a baseball camp, lacrosse camp, soccer academy, theatre school, art studio camp, volleyball camp, and young authors camp.

On campus is an indoor swimming facility used by the competitive Speedsters swim team and also open to the public (purchase a membership or pay a daily fee). Swim camps, leagues, and lessons are offered, as are aqua aerobics and S.C.U.B.A. classes. Rent the facility for birthday parties or other gatherings.

The school's Wallace Ice Arena is open to the public as well as for use by Cranbrook's students and faculty. The cost for public skating is $5 for adults and $3 for children and seniors. Open skate times vary by season.

DayJams is a rock music day camp program for beginners and experienced musicians ages nine to 15. Participants write an original song and perform it live; record a CD; design a poster, t-shirt, and CD cover for their band; make a music video; and, yes, spend a little time pursuing outdoor activities as well.

The materials fee per week is $35 and includes books, CDs, art supplies, and, in some cases, access to classroom instruments.

Applications should be sent to the main office (not the host schools):

DayJams

P.O. Box 222

Lakeside, CT 06758

The Delray Neighborhood House offers afterschool recreation programs such as basketball and volleyball, weight training, and free play in its play yard.

There is a game room with foosball, board games, and a piano. Every Friday, the Detroit Public Library brings a bookmobile to the center.

The Downriver Family YMCA in Southgate offers a variety of services to members of the community. There is a pool, fitness center, and gymnasium with climbing wall. This branch of the Y also has a childcare program.

Classes are offered in such areas as art, drama, aerobics, aquatics, basketball, dance, gymnastics, martial arts, and the Spanish language.

The Farmington Family YMCA offers a variety of services to members of the community. There is a pool, fitness center, and gymnasium. This branch of the Y also has a child care and preschool program. Day camps are available for those age three and older.

Classes are offered in such areas as aerobics, aquatics, basketball, gymnastics, indoor soccer, and yoga. There are also basketball and racquetball leagues.

YMCA Adventure Guides Program: Formally Indian Guides, this program is for boys and girls in kindergarten-3rd grade. Parents and their children participate in group activities that include camping trips and other fun outings.

Winter vacation camps are available for kids from kindergarten-5th grade during winter and spring breaks.

The Farmington Gymnastics Center has been providing gymnastics instruction to children for over 20 years. The center offers parent and tot classes, classes especially for preschoolers, and cheerleading sessions. The center's 18,500 square foot, air-conditioned facility has separate areas for its preschool, recreational, and team programs.

A gift shop features gymnastics, dance, and cheer gear.

Supervised gymnastics parties start at $175 for up to 10 children. The package includes an hour of tumbling, obstacle courses, balance beam, vaulting, uneven parallel bars, and parachute, and an hour for refreshments and gift opening. Food and beverages may be brought in.