My children's school gets out so early--any ideas for camp in June for a week or two? I have two boys, ages 7 and 9. Thanks.

–Deb

Sure thing--try Mohr's Explorers (fun outdoor program), Pier 40 Baseball Camp, Columbia Lions (sports camp up at Columbia), or skateboarding camp at Friends Seminary. All fun and different options in the city.

I know about that School of Rock but someone told me about one that's specifically for girls. No idea what the name is, help!

–Alicia

Check out Willie Mae Rock Camp for girls. They have a couple of one-week sessions during the summer that are all about music, empowerment, respect, and education. And, of course, we hear it's a blast. Take a look at their Ladies' Rock Camp, which has two summer weekend sessions. We are strangely tempted to break out of our comfort zones...

My 9-year-old daughter wants to do some kind of art camp this summer for a few weeks. What are some options in the city?

–Kara

We've always heard amazing things about the Art Colony at the Children's Museum of the Arts in Soho. And this summer, they're also offering camp on Governor's Island. The courses range from animation, painting, cartooning, textile arts, claymation, and filmmaking to ceramics, sculpture, and architecture. A big word of advice...SIGN UP EARLY because they fill up fast!

I'm looking for summer programs for 8th-9th grade girls in NYC. Could be art, academic, sports--even for just a few hours a day. Any ideas?

–Sheila

There are tons of programs to choose from. Most of those listed below are a week at a time so you could cobble together an entire summer's worth of activities. A few of these don't have their summer programs up on their sites yet so they might require a few calls.

Young Playwrights

Basketball City

Knicks Basketball Camp

id Tech Camp

Writopia Lab

New York Film Academy

Day Jams

Parsons School of Design

Fashion Institute of Technology

Teen Entrepeneur Boot Camp

Manhattan Yacht Club

Japan Society

International Center for Photography

Where can I get a hard camp trunk?

–Victoria

Last year a friend ordered from Trunk Outlet with great success and we've also had positive feedback about Everything Summer Camp. Both sites have a range of colors and sizes, though Everything Summer Camp has a special tye-dye version that's very tempting.