Recreation SpecialistCommunity Programs & Special Events
Emma Brown
ebrown@desperesmo.org
314.835.6155
Registration Information
All camps require pre-registration, unless otherwise noted. All fees are required at the time of registration. Fees are calculated per session and will NOT be pro-rated. We accept cash, check, AmEx, MasterCard, Visa, and Discover. If the minimum enrollment for a course is not reached five days prior to the first class or by the registration deadline listed, the course will be cancelled To register online, visit wwwTheLodgeDesPerescom and click on 'Online Registration' If you are a current member or a current participant in one of our programs, login with the email address you provided at registration Click the 'forgot password' link if you don't remember your password, and a temporary one will be emailed to you This will ensure you receive the correct rates on programs and avoid duplicating your account New customers can create an account online immediately
Des Peres Parks and Recreation Department invites people with and without disabilities to participate in our programs and events Please notify us when you register or at least three business days in advance of the program/event date if modifications due to disability are needed to facilitate your participation and/or if there are medications or allergies of which we should be made aware If an inclusion support person is needed to assist the program participant with a disability, it may take up to two weeks or more to provide this type of modification If we are unable to meet your needs, there is a grievance procedure available for ADA concerns For assistance in arranging modifications for your participation, or to notify us of medical concerns, please contact Terri Johnson, CTRS/CPRP, Executive Director of Municipal Partners for Inclusive Recreation, at 3148356157, use relay 711 or email her at tjohnson@desperesmoorg to discuss your participation
REFUNDS / CREDIT ARE AVAILABLE UNDER THE FOLLOWING POLICY:
1. A program is cancelled by the Des Peres Parks and Recreation Department
2 A registrant cannot participate due to a change in the program dates or times
3. A registrant cannot participate due to a documented medical issue A doctor's note must be submitted
4 If registrant withdraws from the program before the second class**
5 Camp Refund Policy: Registrant must withdraw by camp by the advertised registration deadline listed in the camp description in order to receive a full refund**Any camp withdraws after the advertised registration deadline are charged a 75% cancellation fee
6.No refunds for memberships, punch cards, private instruction, season passes and childcare passes **There is a $5 processing fee for refund requests
Camp Calendar
Summer Camps Summer Camps
AMERICAN GIRL DOLL CAMP
Bring your favorite American Girl doll and enjoy a summer camp filled with crafts, games, a tea party and a movie/pajama day Each child will come home at the end of the week with lots of handmade items for their dolls! Each week of camp has a unique theme! Bring the doll to camp every day and label your child’s doll and accessories Registration deadline is Tuesday before camp begins.
5-11 | $200/M&R; $240/NR | The Lodge Activity Room
CHESS CAMP
Join us this summer for tons of challenging chess lessons, exciting games, and cool prizes. You'll improve your chess skills, meet new friends, and work out your most powerful muscle - your brain! Our camps include fun team chess games (like Corner Chess), recess time (of course), snacks, tournaments, and puzzles. Each camper receives a T-shirt, trophy, and puzzle folder. We include all the materials necessary for your child to participate. Unleash your brain power and spend part of your vacation with Chess Wizards! Registration deadline is 5/26/25.
Ages 5-11 | $336/M&R; $403/NR | The Lodge Activity Room
HIP-HOP DANCE CAMP
Bust out on the dance floor with the moves from our Lodge da instructors. This high-energy camp will have you dancing like a Learn the latest, edgy moves in several styles of dance and get t-shirt! There will be an all-camp performance on Friday at 10:45 for parents, family and friends Registration deadline is Tuesda before camp begins.
| The Lodge Activity Roo
YUCANDU ART CAMP
Yucandu Art Studio believes everyone is an artist and when you give kids great materials, they make GREAT art! Yucandu is a fun and inspiring program that helps kids create art they will LOVE. Projects will include mosaics, collage, paint and more. Registration deadline is the Tuesday before camp begins.
Ages 5-11 | $275/M&R; $330/NR | The Lodge Activity Room
- 3:30
- 11:30 a m 12:30 - 3:30 p m
MINECRAFT MASTERMINDS
Join us on an exciting journey into the creative world of Minecraft & Robotics! In this unique program, you'll not only play but also take your adventures to the next level by learning how to code with Minecraft to create and design new worlds Customize your gameplay with new dimensions and challenges with engineering through LEGO Robotics This opens windows to endless creativity! Your learners will be exposed to digital design projects with Scratch and Scratch Jr; both encourage creative thinking, systematic reasoning, and collaborative work
Rest assured that your learners will not be engrossed with digital screens as we incorporate "Unplugged Activities" into our curriculum as well to ensure a healthy balance between coding and off-screen engagement. With guidance from our experienced instructors, you'll be able to design your own Minecraft world and Robotics like never before! Registration deadline is 6/23/26.
Ages 5-11 | The Lodge Activity Room | Wize Academy
$395/M&R; $425/NR (Full Day)
$275/M&R; $305/NR (Half Day)
June 29 - July 2
June 29 - July 2
- Thursday
- Thursday
CRAYOLA IMAGINE ARTS ACADEMY: ARTBLAZERS
Children discover inspiring masterpieces and artists who have changed the world of art and the world as we know it, from Frida Kahlo to Keith Haring Children design a different, unique, artistinspired creation each camp day We encourage them to create the change that they want to see in the world! Campers must bring their own water bottle and nonperishable sack lunch. Registration deadline is 8/4/26.
Children embark on an around-the-world cultural adventure They explore far-off places and learn about the people who live there, from the Americas to Polynesia, from the city to the countryside They make different masterpieces in each project, such as drums, masks, canvases, prints, buses, and more! Campers must bring their own water bottle and nonperishable sack lunch. Registration deadline is 7/21/26.
The Counselor in Training (CIT) Program is an intense look into wha it takes to become a counselor at our summer camp During this three-week program, CITs will work alongside our camp counselor to lead activities that they have prepared while still receiving more hands-on training
This is a highly rigorous program and all interested teens must meet with the Recreation Specialist for an interview and have at least two letters of recommendation, one must be from a teacher, prior to registration All CITs must attend a CIT Training the first week in June. If you have an interested teen, please contact Emma Brown at ebrown@desperesmo.org to schedule an interview
Ages 13 - 14 | $550/M&R; $660/NR
DATE DAYS
–
p m
p m
#5253
#5254
#5210
#5211
Camp Des Peres Camp Des Peres
Get ready for a summer packed with non-stop fun and adventure at Des Peres’ very own day camp! Camp Des Peres offers the classic summer camp experience with the bonus of a close-knit, small-group atmosphere Campers will enjoy a wide variety of themed activities led by our trained and enthusiastic staff.
Each week includes swimming at The Lodge, fishing at the Des Peres pond, special shows and entertainment, classic camp games, and during two select weeks exciting field trips to the zoo and the science center.
Campers should bring a sack lunch and a water bottle each day This primarily outdoor camp also provides access to indoor spaces during extreme weather Campers meet at the Des Peres Park Pavilion each morning and will be transported by bus to The Lodge on Fridays and to all field trip destinations.
Ages 5-11 (completion of kindergarten required)
Bricks
Bricks
DISNEY CHARACTERS & STAR WARS
Build lots of motorized Star Wars models for both the Rebel forces and the Dark side. If you’re a Disney fan, we have lots of Princesses, Mickey, and Donald too! Come experience this stellar, Magical adventure! All campers take home a custom-made mini figure Registration deadline is 6/29/26.
Are you ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Put on your hiking boots and camouflage… you’re about to enter Jurassic Brick Land! Campers build a world that comes to life with gentle Brontosaurus, ferocious Velociraptor, terrifying T Rex, and more! We’ll learn about amazing dinosaurs that lived during the Jurassic period, and other extinct, prehistoric animals that roamed the earth and swam the seas during that era and millions of years later Show us your building skills using our specialized project kits All campers take home a custom-made mini figure Registration deadline is 6/8/26.
Ages 5 - 11 | $186/M&R; $216/NR | The Lodge Activity Room DATE
-
15 - 19
- 3:30 p m
#5215
MINECRAFT BRICKS
Enjoy a week of building Minecraft characters with LEGO bricks, amateur LEGO robotic motorized builds, and playing the real Minecraft computer game No experience necessary Two great things that go great together - Minecraft and LEGO bricks! All campers take home a custom-made mini figure Registration deadline is 7/6/26.
Discover the world around you as you investigate everything from the earth below to the skies above. Explore nature around you and find out how science can help us to protect our planet. Contemplate communication as you converse in codes Experience how Newton's laws are at work in your favorite sports and join the ranks of space scientists examining the mysteries of the solar system! Registration deadline is 6/16/26.
Get ready to blast off into the world of rockets and discover the amazing science behind them You'll become a rocket safety superstar by learning all about the model rocket safety code You'll also uncover the secrets of how rockets soar through the sky, stay perfectly balanced, and return safely to Earth
Each day, you'll get to build a different kind rocket from a sleek and awesome Mad Science rocket kit to a rocket made of toilet paper tubes – how cool is that? You'll also be part of a real launch team! Imagine working together with your new friends as altitude trackers, launch preparers, and launchers Every day, you'll watch in awe as we send a rocket soaring high into the sky Registration deadline is 5/26/26.
The following camp description is classified as TOP SECRET: Ever dream of becoming a secret agent? We'll start with the basics: Step into the shoes of a detective as you uncover the science involved in evidence gathering and analysis! From decoding messages to metal detectors to lasers, campers have the opportunity to check out spy tech equipment and take-home lots of gadgets! Figure out the science of forensics in a hands-on look at crime scenes! Become a super spy and learn clever ways of performing tasks as we take a hands-on investigation of the science that spies use! Campers must bring their own water bottle and nonperishable sack lunch. Registration deadline is 7/28/26.
Founded by former NBA player Larry Hughes, LHBA focuses on growing individual skills, basketball IQ, character development and leadership training Athletes get the opportunity to practice and perfect their basketball skills by participating in station work that includes ball handling, shooting, defense, moving without the ball and other important topics Athletes will get to put their new skills to work in competitions like shooting contests, simulated games, 3v3 and 5v5
Join us for a weeklong camp experience and receive expert training from former National Egyptian Coach, Hossam Hassan He currently holds certifications from the International Olympic Committee and the French Fencing Federation Training will include stretching, drills, supervised fencing bouts, games and other fun activities Participants will learn footwork techniques, blade work, elements of distance and timing, and be introduced to the three weapons Wear loose, comfortable clothes, long pants and athletic shoes All other equipment will be provided #5239 #5240
Ages 5-16 | $200/M&R; $240/NR | The Lodge Gymnasium
DATE DAYS TIME SESSION
June 22 - 26
Aug 10 - 14
DATE DAYS TIME Make it a full-day camp by adding another half-day camp and Lunch Bunch!
- Friday Monday - Friday 8:30 - 11:30 a m 8:30 - 11:30 a m
CHALLENGER SPORTS INTERNATIONAL SOCCER
Challenger Sports International Soccer Camps offer your child the chance to play soccer and learn new skills, moves and techniques in a fun, safe and rewarding environment All of our coaches are from various parts of Europe and are experienced, qualified soccer coaches who will ensure your child has a great time! Campers will also receive a soccer ball Registration will only be taken on Challenger Sports’ website.
A.M. HALF-DAY CAMP $210 | Des Peres Park, Soccer Field 2
P.M. HALF-DAY CAMP $180 | Des Peres Park, Soccer Field 2
- Friday July 27 - 31
TINY TYKES CUBS $135 | Des Peres Park, Soccer Field 2
FULL-DAY CAMP $260 | Des Peres Park, Soccer Field 2
ST. LOUIS SCOTT GALLAGHER SOCCER
St Louis Scott Gallagher Soccer Club will be hosting a Summer Soccer Camp in Des Peres Park! SLSG has emerged as a national leader in youth soccer. Building on a proud history of on-field success and a historic soccer culture, the organization has worked tirelessly to fulfill its mission: to be the best club in the country, positively impact the development of our players on and off the field and positively impact our community Through soccer, our curriculum encourages physical and social development, all within a fun learning environment Each camper will receive an SLSG T-Shirt Registration deadline is the Tuesday before camp begins.
Ages 5 - 12 | $200/M&R; $240/NR | Des Peres Park, Soccer Field 2 DATE DAYS TIME SESSION
Each session runs three hours per day for four consecutive days At the beginning of each camp players are divided by age groups Each day will start with a fun dynamic warm-up After warm-ups players begin station rotations that focus on specific skill sets such as hitting, fielding, agility, bunting, cut-offs, rundowns or base-running After station rotations, the group will break into an instructor pitch game each day Requests to be with groups, teammates and friends can be accommodated Grab your gear and meet us for a fun-filled, action-packed program over the summer! To register, call 636.394.2255 or visit the Balls-N-Strikes website.
Ages 5 - 12 | $159 | Des Peres Park Ball Diamonds
PICKLEBALL CAMP
Pickleball is a fun sport that combines many elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong This camp will focus on instructional drills, fun games and interactive activities The camp is designed for participants to learn the fundamentals of Pickleball including the rules of the game, the different parts of the court, serving, scoring and the basic forehand shot All equipment for the camp will be provided Registration deadline is the Tuesday before camp begins.
This camp is perfect for the beginner tennis player or those who are currently competing in USTA Jr. Tennis Tournaments. Participants will take part in drills, games and instruction throughout the week Skills taught include: serve, volley, backhand, forehand, beginning strategies, scoring and court etiquette. Campers will receive expert coaching from Des Peres Tennis Academy Staff Come join us for an exciting week of tennis! Registration deadline is the Tuesday before camp begins.
Ages 6 - 16 | $200/M&R; $240/NR | Des Peres Park, Tennis Courts 1-3
All aspects of the game are taught through drills and exercise that focus on passing, setting, hitting and serving This co-rec camp is designed for the beginner to intermediate player and will incorporate essential life lessons such as teamwork and sportsmanship Our volleyball staff will assist each athlete in developing the fundamental skills of the game through game-based drills and scrimmages aimed at developing the whole player Come out and join us for a fun-filled week! Registration deadline is the Tuesday before camp begins.
AQUA ADVENTURE CAMP
Join us for some summertime fun at the pool! Aqua Adventure Camp is sure to make a splash with your aquatic kiddo Campers will participate in swimming lessons during the first 30 minutes of camp, followed by age-appropriate water games, crafts, some dry land games and free swim Our swim instructors will serve as camp counselors and lead the campers through aquatic-themed days
Campers will be divided into smaller groups based on their age and swimming ability on the first day of camp Please have your camper eat lunch prior to camp; lunch is not provided Pack a non-perishable snack and send a full change of clothes with tennis shoes Registration deadline is the Tuesday before camp begins.
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a Lodge Lifeguard? Stop wondering and give it a try at our Junior Lifeguard Camp! You will learn basic water rescues, valuable CPR, First Aid skills and much more about the many roles of the Professional Lifeguard Prerequisites: ability to swim 100 yards continuously using freestyle and breaststroke; must be able to tread water for a minimum of 1 minute; must be able to retrieve a 10-pound dive brick from the deep end of the pool Registration deadline is 5/27/26.
For your convenience, your child can bring his/her lunch and eat with a counselor between camps held at The Lodge Register for a camp in the morning and another camp in the afternoon and stay all day at The Lodge. Counselors will collect campers from their morning camps, eat lunch together, enjoy downtime and then make sure they get to the next camp on time
Be sure to bring a sack lunch and drink (food not provided) Lunch Bunch is only offered to participants who registered for both a morning camp and an afternoon camp located at The Lodge Pre-registration is required online Registration deadline is the Tuesday before camp begins.
Ages 5 - 10 | $200/M&R; $240/NR | Indoor Pool Concession Area
July 20 - 24 11:30 a m - 12:30 p m 11:30 a m - 12:30 p m 11:30 a m - 12:30 p m 11:30 a m - 12:30 p m 11:30 a m - 12:30 p m 11:30 a m - 12:30 p m 11:30 a m - 12:30 p m
