Remember going to summer camp? The parents would happily pack us up, give us a kiss, and send us off to a wooded, dusty campground with fellow Girl Scouts or Sunday School buddies for a week of hiking, digging latrines, swatting bugs, and singing every known Bible song known to mankind.

Please, please don't get me wrong; these are some of the most wonderful memories I hold deeply inside, and I'm sure many others do as well. But summer camp these days isn't always about keeping the gnats away, or roasting those gooey marshmallows over an open flame.

How about a chance to go to camp where the arts flourish and the fun is under a roof? How about camp where music swells from a jazz band, or theatre stage craft is taught?

For young performers out there who want to spend time this summer learning music and theatre, local organizations and music schools have something just for you.

The East Derry School of Music is gearing up for a big summer camp season in 2009 with its "Let's Play Music Camp" beginning in July. The camp sessions are for ages 6-10, and 10-16 and include small classes, individual attention and instruction and a chance to learn many instruments like percussion, guitar, recorder, harmonica, and handbells. Vocal training is even included.

No prior musical experience is necessary and students who already play instruments or sing are welcome to attend.

In addition to the "Let's Play Music Camp," East Derry School of Music offers a "Sound Technology and Recording Camp for ages 9-16. Students will learn how to write and record music, and use midi and notation software. No prior music experience is required.

One more summer camp offering is the "Rock, Blues and Jazz Camp" offering a fun time learning to play rock, blues and jazz music in a band setting for ages 9-16. To learn more about East Derry School of Music's summer camp offerings, call the school at 425-7575 or visit online at www.eastderryschoolofmusic.com.

How about a taste of theatre for a summer treat? Kids Coop Theatre offers a summer full of performance fun — dancing, acting, singing, and theatre games — in two, one-week sessions.

Week 1 is "Hollywood on Broadway" and runs August 3-7. This week you will bring the glamour of Hollywood right to downtown Derry.

Week 2 is "Magic to Do" and runs August 10 -14. During this week, participants willl bring the magic of musical theatre to life.

Each week is limited to 40 campers and includes a Friday evening performance to showcase everyone's talents and what they learned during the week. For more information and to sign up for one or both weeks visit www.kids-coop-theatre.org

If any of these camps sound like something fun to do this summer, why not give a call and find out more? Learning about music and the arts while off on school vacation is a sure-fire way to beat the heat this summer.

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Julie Huss is a staff writer for the Derry News. Her column focusing on the local arts scene appears weekly. To contact her, call 421-3847 or send an e-mail to jhuss@derrynews.com.