Enjoying UNLV’s outdoor spaces on your own isn’t the only way to have fun at UNLV this summer. A number of camps and other activities also are being offered  — many of them specifically designed for school-aged children and youths.

Brushing up on your athletic skills shouldn’t be a problem with so many of the university’s coaches offering sports camps.

Among the camps offered are those for baseball, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, football, men’s soccer, women’s soccer, softball, volleyball, tennis, track & field, Rebel Girls, and cheerleading. Don’t delay if you are interested. While registration for most camps still is open, many are filling up.

June 9 is the deadline to register for the Southern Nevada Writing Project's Summer Youth Writing Camps. These are for students who love writing and are eager to try their hands at new types of writing. Students of all skill levels are invited to attend — a passion or interest in writing is the main requirement.  Camps are offered for students in first through 12^th grades.

The Sanford I. Berman Debate Forum, part of the university’s College of Urban Affairs, will host debate camps for middle and high school students on varying dates from July 10-26. Students will work closely with the coaching staff and members of UNLV’s nationally recognized, award-winning debate team. Some of the camps offer a full-immersion experience, giving students the opportunity to live in a UNLV residence hall. The deadline to apply is June 12.

Rebel Academy is a free summer enrichment program that offers students entering 7th, 8th and 9th graders the opportunity to expand their knowledge in English, science, social studies, and math with hands-on activities and collaborative projects working directly with UNLV student teachers. This summer the academy will take place at Somerset Academy Sky Pointe from June 12 to July 7. The deadline to register is June 16.

UNLV has a number of museums and galleries that are open throughout the summer, offering some visual stimulation and an escape from the heat. Be sure to mark your calendar for the  Marjorie Barrick Museum’s free Art and Culture Day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 16. Activities will include storytelling presented by the Las Vegas Clark County Library District, a modern dance performance, and opportunities to try your hand at sculpture, drawing, and mask making. A second Art and Culture Day may be offered later in the summer, so check back on the museum’s website if you are interested.

But even if you miss the event, the museum offers an ongoing Art Bar during all regular museum hours. A variety of materials are provided so that you can create your own works of art.

And for adults looking to learn more about Las Vegas, University Libraries is sponsoring a summer speakers series as part of its Building Las Vegas project. Topics include “A Woman’s Place Is…” and “Turning the Tide: Water in the Desert.”

Maybe Next Year

Some programs offered at UNLV this summer already have closed registration or are available only to students who are nominated by their teachers or who are part of a larger, ongoing program. You might want to look into them for next summer.

Among those are:

• AEOP (Army Educational Outreach Program) UNITE camp.

• Lee Business School Institute, a dual enrollment program between UNLV’s Lee Business School and the Clark County School District (CCSD). Participating students are referred by their CCSD teachers.

• Dawson College Bound program offered through the combined efforts of the Honors College and the Alexander Dawson School.

• TRIO Upward Bound Summer Residential Program, which is available only to students already participating in the Upward Bound program.