Summer Fun in the Land of Steel

Written By Grace Marsiglio

Summer in Mississippi County is all about sunshine, community and unforgettable experiences for kids and teens. Whether your child dreams of scoring a soccer goal, starring in a play or tumbling their way to new skills, there’s a camp here for them. As the Land of Steel continues to grow, so do the opportunities for families to learn and play locally.

Here’s a roundup of some of the exciting options available this summer, with more to come!

Missoula Children’s Theatre at the Ritz Civic Center – Blytheville

The curtain is rising at the Ritz Civic Center, where the Missoula Children’s Theatre returns for another exciting season of creativity and self-expression. This year’s production is Hansel & Gretel, and every child who auditions will receive a role.

  • Dates: July 21–26

  • Ages: 5 and up

  • Experience: Acting, singing, dancing and stagecraft

  • Location: Ritz Theatre, Blytheville

No prior experience is required, just a love of storytelling and imagination. It’s a week of hard work and big fun, culminating in a performance that parents won’t want to miss.

NSF Cheer & Tumbling Summer Camps – Manila

For kids who love high energy and flipping through summer, NSF Cheer & Tumbling in Manila has multiple camps designed to build confidence, coordination and teamwork.

Spy Kids Camp

  • June 9–11, 9 a.m.–noon

  • Ages 4–12
    This three-day camp teaches kids to crack codes, use spy gadgets and complete daily missions while building teamwork and problem-solving skills.

Bluey Camp Meet & Greet

  • June 13, 9:30–11:30 a.m.

  • All ages (children 3 and under must be accompanied by an adult)
    Includes a Bluey character meet-and-greet, craft activity, snack and open play. Adults are free.

CheerNastics Camp

  • June 23–25, 9 a.m.–noon

  • Ages 4–12

  • A blend of cheerleading and gymnastics, this camp focuses on tumbling, jumps, stunts and a short performance routine.

Stitch Camp Meet & Greet

  • June 27, 9:30–11:30 a.m.

  • All ages (children 3 and under must be accompanied by an adult)

  • Includes a Stitch character appearance, craft-making, snacks and open play. Adults are free.

Messy Kids Camp

  • July 7–9, 9 a.m.–noon

  • Ages 4–12

  • A hands-on, creative camp filled with slime, paint, outdoor experiments and all things messy without the cleanup at home.

ESPN Kids Sports Camp

  • July 21–23, 9 a.m.–noon

  • Ages 4–12

  • This multi-sport camp introduces kids to various athletic skills and activities through teamwork, games and movement-focused fun.

Mr. and Mrs. Mouse Camp Meet & Greet

  • July 25, 9:30–11:30 a.m.

  • All ages (children 3 and under must be accompanied by an adult)

  • Features character appearances, crafts, snacks and open play. Adults are free.

Kids Kitchen Kamp

  • Aug. 4–6, 9 a.m.–noon

  • Ages 4–12

  • A three-day cooking camp where kids learn kitchen safety and basic skills while preparing fun recipes and taste-testing their creations.

More details are available at nsfcheerandtumbling.com/summer-camps. Spots go fast, so early sign-up is encouraged.

Osceola Summer Soccer Skills Camp – Osceola

The NEA Soccer Club is offering summer sessions to help young players grow their game and stay active. This camp focuses on teaching foundational soccer skills in just one week.

  • Date and Time: June 16–20, 9 a.m.–noon

  • Location: Osceola Community Center

  • Ages: Boys and girls ages 7–10

  • Cost: $30

To register, email Ray Fulmer at EastArkSoccer@gmall.com or text 479-522-1150 with the following information:

  • Player’s name, age, gender and shirt size

  • Parent's name and cell phone number

Dance, Theatre & More at Studio 42 – Blytheville

Studio 42 Performing Arts is offering a full lineup of summer programming, from princess dance camp to stage makeup workshops. This summer will include:

  • Art Camp

    • June 14

    • 9:30–11:30 a.m.

    • Grades 2–6

    • Manila First Assembly of God Church

    • Tuition: $25

  • Princess Dance Camp

    • June 20

    • 9:30–11:30 a.m.

    • Potty Trained To Age 7

    • Manila First Assembly of God Church

    • Tuition: $35

  • Stage Makeup Camp

    • June 20

    • 9:30–11:30 a.m.

    • Ages 12–18

    • Manila First Assembly of God Church

    • Tuition: $40

  • Wizard of Oz Theater Camp

    • June 27

    • 9:30–11:30 a.m.

    • Grades K–6

    • Melody Theater

    • Tuition: $30

More details and registration can be found here.

Axolotl Art Camp – Dell

This fun and engaging art camp invites young artists to get creative while learning about one of nature’s most curious creatures.

  • July 16–17, 9–11 a.m.

  • Finished kindergarten through fourth grade

  • $40 per participant

  • Hosted at the Dell Gymnasium by Mrs. Aguilar and Mrs. Cole, this two-day camp includes a 11x14 canvas painting, small sculpture project and snack. 

To reserve a spot, text 870-897-3586 or 870-243-7815 by July 1.

Arkansas Northeastern College – Various Locations

ANC is offering a wide variety of enrichment camps across its campuses and partner locations this summer. From sports and science to bees and music, these camps are designed to inspire learning and creativity for students of all ages.

Find the full details and registration here.

  • Imagine That! Science Camp – Blytheville

    • June 16–18

    • 1–3:15 p.m.

    • Ages 7–12

    • ANC Blytheville

  • Bee Camp

    • June 20

    • 10 a.m.–3 p.m.

    • Ages 8–18

    • ANC Wilson

  • Imagine That! Science Camp – Osceola

    • June 23–25 

    • 1–3:15 p.m.

    • Ages 7–12

    • ANC Osceola

  • Intro to Golf Skills

    • June 23–25

    • 9 a.m.–noon

    • Grades 4–6

    • Osceola Municipal Golf Course

  • STEM Camp

    • July 8–9

    • 9 a.m.–noon

    • Ages 5–18

    • ANC Wilson

  • Jumpstart Music Camp

    • July 14–18

    • 9 a.m.–noon

    • Grades 3–12

    • Rivercrest High School

  • Ninja Warrior Skills – Ages 4–6

    • July 24–25

    • 9–10:30 a.m.

    • Ages 4–6

    • Kicks Martial Arts

  • Ninja Warrior Skills – Ages 7–12

    • July 24–25

    • 10 a.m.–noon

    • Ages 7–12

    • Kicks Martial Arts

  • Football Skills and Drills

    • July 28–30

    • 9 a.m.–noon

    • Grades 3–7

    • Rivercrest High School

Looking for a One-Day Adventure?

Sometimes you just want a fun, meaningful way to get out of the house for the day. Thankfully, Mississippi County offers plenty of single and half-day programs designed to spark creativity.

Arkansas Northeastern College hosts Monday Fundays throughout the summer, with rotating themes like Dragonflies and Ladybugs, Fitness Fun and Smoothies, Summer Solstice, All About Butterflies and All About Watermelons. These sessions offer engaging, hands-on activities that introduce kids to science, nature, movement and more—all in a fun and accessible format.

The Mississippi County Library System is bringing its “Color Our World” Summer Reading Program to life with weekly storytimes, crafts, themed events and teen programming at all five branches—Blytheville, Osceola, Leachville, Wilson and Keiser. With special guests, animal encounters, magic shows, and plenty of crafts, the library’s summer schedule is packed with opportunities to drop in and discover something new.

Why Choose Local?

Summer camps in the Land of Steel do more than fill schedules; they enrich lives. Whether it’s finding a new passion, learning from inspiring mentors or making lasting friendships, these programs are rooted in community and designed to grow with your child.

For more family resources, events and ways to stay connected in Mississippi County, visit www.landofsteel.com.

Grace Marsiglio
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