Summer Camps in West Baton Rouge Parish (2026)

Summer Camp Options in WBR

Finding summer activities for kids in West Baton Rouge Parish is a challenge every parent faces once school lets out in late May. The good news: WBR has more options than you might think, from parish-run recreation programs to church camps, sports clinics, and library programs. The key is signing up early -- the most popular programs fill weeks before summer starts.

This guide covers camps and programs within WBR Parish as well as nearby options in the Baton Rouge area that WBR families commonly use. Ages range from preschool through high school depending on the program.

Parish Recreation Camps

WBR Parish Recreation District Summer Camp

The West Baton Rouge Parish Recreation District runs the most affordable and accessible summer day camp program in the parish. Operating out of the recreation centers in Port Allen and Brusly, these camps serve kids typically ages 5-12 (rising kindergarten through 6th grade).

• Dates: Late May through late July (aligned with WBR school calendar)
• Hours: Monday - Friday, 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM (full day, designed for working parents)
• Activities: Swimming, organized sports, arts and crafts, field trips, playground time, indoor games, and themed activity weeks
• Meals: Lunch and snacks provided through the USDA Summer Food Service Program (free to all enrolled campers)
• Cost: $50 - $75 per week per child (among the most affordable options in the area)
• Registration: Opens in April. Register at the WBR Recreation District office or online. Fills quickly -- do not wait.

Contact: WBR Recreation District, (225) 336-2423

Parent tip: The rec district camp is the best value in the parish. Full-day care, meals included, and structured activities -- all for less than most Baton Rouge camps charge for half-day programs. The trade-off is larger group sizes and less specialized programming.

Brusly Recreation Center Programs

The Brusly Recreation Center offers its own summer programming for Brusly-area youth. Activities include basketball clinics, swimming lessons, arts and crafts, and organized games. Hours and availability vary year to year -- contact the rec center directly for current summer schedules.

Contact: Brusly Recreation Center, (225) 749-2909

Sports Camps

WBR Youth Baseball/Softball Clinics

Local baseball and softball leagues often run summer skills clinics between the spring and fall seasons. These are typically week-long half-day camps focused on hitting, fielding, pitching, and base running. Check with WBR Little League and the recreation district for schedules.

• Ages: 5-14
• Duration: Typically one week, half-day (8 AM - noon)
• Cost: $75 - $150 per week

Basketball Camps

Both the recreation district and local coaches offer basketball camps during June and July. Port Allen High School and Brusly High School coaches frequently run skills camps open to parish youth.

• Ages: 7-17 (typically split into age groups)
• Duration: One week, half-day
• Cost: $75 - $175 per week

Swimming Lessons

The WBR Recreation District offers structured swimming lessons at the Port Allen pool during summer months. Levels range from water safety basics for beginners to stroke technique for intermediate swimmers. These fill extremely fast -- registration opens in spring and spots are gone within days.

• Ages: 4 and up
• Duration: Two-week sessions, daily 30-45 minute lessons
• Cost: $30 - $50 per session

Soccer & Football Camps

Youth soccer and football camps pop up throughout the summer, often organized by local coaches or regional sports organizations. Check the WBR Recreation District Facebook page and community bulletin boards for announcements. Most run for one week in June or July.

Church & Faith-Based Camps

Vacation Bible School (VBS)

Nearly every church in West Baton Rouge runs a Vacation Bible School program during summer. VBS is typically free, runs for one week (Monday-Friday, half-day mornings or evenings), and includes Bible lessons, music, crafts, games, and snacks. Ages 4-12 are most common.

Churches that commonly offer VBS in WBR include:

• First Baptist Church Port Allen
• St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church (Brusly)
• Holy Family Catholic Church (Port Allen)
• Bethel Baptist Church (Port Allen)
• Addis First Baptist Church
• Grace Church (Port Allen)
• Brusly United Methodist Church

VBS weeks are usually in June. Check with individual churches starting in April/May for dates and registration.

Church Summer Day Camps

Some WBR churches offer extended summer day camp programs beyond VBS -- full-day or half-day programs running multiple weeks with Bible study, sports, crafts, field trips, and community service projects. These are typically low-cost ($25-$75/week) and serve as an affordable childcare option for families in the congregation and community.

Library Summer Programs

WBR Parish Library Summer Reading Program

The West Baton Rouge Parish Library runs a free summer reading and activity program every year. While not a "camp" in the traditional sense, it provides structured activities several days a week throughout the summer:

• Reading challenges with prizes and incentives
• Weekly programs including guest speakers, science experiments, craft sessions, and performers
• Teen programs for middle and high school students
• STEM activities including coding, robotics, and science projects
• Movie days and special events

The library program is completely free and does not require advance registration for most events. The main library is at 830 N Alexander Ave, Port Allen.

Contact: WBR Parish Library, (225) 342-7920

Daycare Summer Programs

For parents who need full-day, full-summer care, licensed daycares in WBR offer summer programs that go beyond regular childcare. Many add field trips, themed weeks, swimming, and age-appropriate educational activities during summer months.

Rocking Horse's Adventureland Summer Camp

1953 West Shore Ave, Port Allen, LA 70767

Adventureland, operated by Rocking Horse Early Learning Center, runs the most structured summer camp program in WBR Parish. The 2026 camp runs in two-week sessions from June through July, with themed weeks, field trips, outdoor activities, and enrichment programming. The center is licensed for 135 children and provides bus services to local schools during the school year.

• Sessions: Session 1: June 1-12 | Session 2: June 15-26 | Session 3: July 6-17 | Session 4: July 20-31
• Hours: Opens 6:30 AM
• Ages: School-age children
• Website: rhelc.com/summer-camp

Parent tip: Adventureland is run by the same family that operates Rocking Horse Early Learning Center, the top-rated daycare in WBR. If your younger children are already at Rocking Horse, Adventureland is a natural choice for your school-age kids during summer.

Other daycares with structured summer programs in WBR include:

• Rocking Horse Early Learning Center (Port Allen) -- Full-day summer programs for infants through pre-K at 2253 American Way. rhelc.com
• Kidz Zone Learning Center (Port Allen) -- Full-day summer program with weekly themes, field trips, and water play days
• Bright Beginnings (Port Allen) -- Structured summer curriculum for preschool and school-age children
• Little Scholars Academy (Brusly) -- Academic enrichment mixed with summer fun activities

Expect to pay $125-$200 per week for full-day daycare summer programs. Most require enrollment for the full summer or large blocks (minimum 4-6 weeks). See our WBR daycare guide for more details on licensed facilities.

Important: Daycare summer slots fill fast. If you need full-summer coverage, start calling in February or March. Many facilities maintain waitlists that are already full by the time school ends.

Nearby Camps (Baton Rouge Area)

WBR families frequently use camps in Baton Rouge, especially for specialized interests. The drive across the I-10 bridge is 15-20 minutes from Port Allen. Popular options include:

LSU Summer Sports Camps

LSU offers week-long camps in nearly every sport -- baseball, softball, basketball, football, soccer, volleyball, swimming, gymnastics, and more. Run by LSU coaches and staff on the LSU campus. Higher cost ($200-$500/week) but elite instruction and the thrill of playing on college facilities.

BREC Summer Camps

The Baton Rouge Recreation Commission (BREC) runs extensive summer camp programs across dozens of parks. Options include nature camps, sports camps, arts camps, adventure camps, and general day camps. While technically for East Baton Rouge residents, availability sometimes extends to non-residents at a slightly higher fee.

Science & STEM Camps

• Louisiana Art & Science Museum -- Week-long science and art camps for ages 4-12
• Code Ninjas -- Coding and game design camps for tech-interested kids
• Baton Rouge STEM camps -- Various organizations offer robotics, engineering, and technology camps

Overnight/Residential Camps

For older kids who want the traditional "away camp" experience:

• Camp Istrouma (North of Baton Rouge) -- A classic Louisiana overnight camp with cabins, lake activities, archery, climbing, and campfires. Weekly sessions throughout summer.
• LSU 4-H camps -- Louisiana 4-H offers residential camps with outdoor education, leadership, and recreation. Available through the WBR AgCenter extension office.
• Church camps -- Various denominations run overnight camps at retreat centers around Louisiana (Camp Highland, Dry Creek, etc.)

How to Choose the Right Camp

Questions to ask before enrolling:

1. What are the staff-to-child ratios? Lower is better, especially for younger kids. Look for 1:8 or better for ages 5-8, 1:10 for ages 9-12.
2. Is the facility licensed? Daycare-based camps must be licensed by the Louisiana Department of Education. Recreation programs may have different oversight.
3. What is the daily schedule? Good camps have structured time with variety -- not just free play all day.
4. What is the cancellation/refund policy? Life happens. Know what you get back if your child gets sick or plans change.
5. Are meals and snacks included? Factor this into cost comparison. A $75/week camp with meals included may be cheaper than a $50/week camp where you pack lunch daily.
6. What is the pickup/dropoff process? Safety matters. Look for sign-in/sign-out procedures, ID checks, and authorized pickup lists.
7. How do they handle discipline and conflicts? What is their approach when kids misbehave or conflicts arise?
8. What happens in bad weather? Louisiana summer means afternoon thunderstorms daily. Good camps have indoor backup plans.

Cost Guide

Many camps offer sibling discounts (10-20% off second child). Some offer financial assistance or scholarships -- ask directly, as these are often not advertised.

Tips for Parents

• Register early. WBR camp spots fill fast. Mark registration dates on your calendar in March/April and sign up the day registration opens.
• Mix and match. Many parents piece together summer coverage from multiple programs: rec camp for 4-6 weeks, VBS for one week, sports camp for one week, grandparents for a week. A patchwork approach is normal and often the most affordable.
• Pack sunscreen daily. Louisiana summer sun is no joke. Send sunscreen (SPF 30+) even if the camp says they provide it. Apply before dropoff.
• Label everything. Water bottles, lunchboxes, towels, goggles -- if it goes to camp, put your child's name on it.
• Ask about water safety. If the camp includes swimming, confirm there are certified lifeguards on duty and ask about their water safety policies.
• Plan for the gaps. Most camps do not run the entire summer. WBR schools let out in late May and resume in early August -- that is 10-11 weeks. Most individual programs run 4-8 weeks. Plan for the in-between weeks now.
• Talk to other parents. The best camp recommendations come from families who have actually used them. Ask at school pickup, sports practices, or church.