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September 22, 2023

Where Every Family Matters

2023 Top Summer Camps for Kids

HIYC Sail Camp gives kids valuable experiences with sailing!

2023 Top Summer Camps for Kids!

Sign your kids up so they can have a blast this summer with plenty of day and overnight camp options.

The long summer break is rapidly approaching — are you ready with plenty of summer activities for your kids? Plenty of parents scramble to get their kids’ summer schedules in place with valuable learning experiences and fun, so it’s time to get on it. Also, be sure to explore local camps through our online Camp Directories.

Do you want your child to have a fun and memorable summer camp experience? Yes, you do! Read on!

DAY CAMPS

Acting All Around
410 Verandah Lane, Franklin
615-375-3565 | actingallaround.com

Registration for 2023 Summer Camps is now open! You can register online to sign up. We can’t wait to see your student this summer. Summer of 2023 will feature two theater camps : Lets make a Play, starting June 7; and Audition Techniques for older students ages 13 – 18 . Sign up today while we still have spots available.

Adventure Science Center
800 Ft. Negley Blvd., Nashville
615-862-5177 | adventuresci.org

Opening minds to the wonder of science for more than 70 years.  Plan an adventure for the family including the Sudekum Planetarium, Adventure Tower and soundBox, an immersive new exhibit to explore sound and music!

A New Leaf Nashville + Pip and Pickles Farm
7520 Charlotte Ave., Nashville
615-560-1533 | anewleafnashville.org

Play in nature, create art, learn about farming, and embark on adventures across our 10-acre farm. In our three-week sessions, campers ages 5 – 16 develop meaningful connections and a sense of belonging with fellow campers, explore new forms of self-expression, and dig deep in a variety of multifaceted projects inspired by our sprawling landscape. Plant and harvest vegetables for our camper-run farmers market, hike through the forest and cool off in the creek, care for goats and chickens, discover the nuances of ecology, bend your imagination in our exploratorium, and so much more.

AR Workshop Franklin
101 International Drive, Ste. 105, Franklin
615-285-4295 | arworkshop.com/franklin

Kids are crafting an unforgettable experience this summer at AR Workshop! With 13 new themes series, there is something for every artist ages 6  – 17. All projects are designed to promote creativity and hands-on steam learning in a fun and social environment.

Baby Cakes Bakery
819 Main St., Nashville
615-656-3301 | babycakesnash.com

Join us for one of our summer camps and take your child on a journey around the world, learning to bake iconic recipes from each location. Make new friends, create some messes in the kitchen, and have fun with your child while they learn techniques they can take home and share with family.

Bach to Rock, Mt. Juliet
1475 N Mt. Juliet Road, Mt. Juliet
615-903-9658 | mtjuliet.b2rmusic.com

Designed for campers ages 7 yrs. and older, of all levels. Our summer camps are taught by real musicians using the unique B2R method, which will have students playing full songs in no time. We also offer studio and beat making studio camps and other popular themes.

Bach to Rock, Nashville West
6702 Charlotte Pike #105, Nashville
615-637-7242 | nashvillewest.b2rmusic.com

Our camps are a perfect choice for students who love music! Camp themese include Rock City World Tour Camp, Rock Band Camp, Glee Club, DJ Camp, Beat Making, Beat Refining, and more. We offer full- and half-day camps for kids of all ages. Sign up today or come visit us at our Nashville West location.

Battle Ground Academy
336 Ernest Rice Lane, Franklin
615-567-8327 | battlegroundacademy.org

Battle Ground Academy is Williamson County’s No. 1 private K – 12 school, and in the summers, it’s home to a robust camp program for children ages 4 and older. With half- and full-day options available, our on-campus programming includes more than 40 camps, ranging from art and cheerleading to coding and soccer. Students can hone their skills in an athletic camp, enjoy a breadth of activities in Cannon Ball Camp, or explore new passions in our arts and enrichment programs – or DO IT ALL by participating in multiple sessions throughout the summer.

Belmont University College of Sciences and Mathematics
1900 Belmont Blvd., Nashville
belmont.edu/sciencecamps

The Belmont College of Sciences and Mathematics will host five hands-on high school camps in 2023. Jun. 5 – Jul. 7: Research Immersive Summer Experience in Data Science. Jul. 10 – 14: Game Design and Programming (GDP). Jul. 17 – 21: Unlock Advanced Mathematical Problem Solving. Jul. 24 – 28: Applied Physics and Engineering at Work. Jul. 31 – Aug. 4: From Brain to Behavior at Belmont (BBB).

Belong Gaming Arena
1800 Galleria Blvd., #105, Franklin
belong.gg

Every gamer can feel like they’re part of something bigger with Belong! Watch, play, and compete across the country. We offer fun drop-in daily gaming and summer camps at our Cool Springs location.

Bill Taylor’s Bushido School
of Karate
1911 Business Campus Drive
Murfreesboro | 615-890-6755
1820 N.W. Broad St.
Murfreesboro | 615-893-6003
bskonline.com

Let martial arts take your kids to new heights! Bill Taylor’s Bushido School of Karate offers programs in traditional karate for ages 3 – adult. Call now to find out how to get one month free plus a uniform.

Boost Gymnastics
11 Vaughns Gap Road, Nashville
615-352-8533 | boostgymnastics.com

BOOST campers will meet new friends, have new experiences, and most importantly, have a super fun time! Our goal is to provide programs that are convenient for parents and provide them with peace of mind knowing that their child is safe and well cared for. Our summer camps are for Little Campers (ages 3 – 4) and Big Campers (ages 5 – 10). These camps are full of exciting events, special guests, and a whole lot of BOOST fun!

Brentwood Academy
219 Granny White Pike, Brentwood
615-373-0611 | summeratba.com

Brentwood Academy’s camps are an extension of our mission to nurture and challenge each whole person – body, mind, and spirit – to the Glory of God. We offer 9 weeks of programs for your young athlete, arts lover, chef, or engineer! Join BA staff while exploring and making new friends.

Carol’s Homestead
7731 Ridgewood Road, Goodlettsville
615-458-4548 | carolshomestead.org

A grassroots education for children allows them to plant, harvest, and cook outdoors. Lunch, snacks, binoculars, and aprons will be provided. Camps are one week out of a month May 29  – Jun. 1; 4.5 hours a day starting at 9 a.m. $375 per child (each sibling $75 off). Early birds pay by Apr. 1 for $75 off. Parents welcome for an additional $100.

The Caverns – Camp Caverns
555 Charlie Roberts Road, Pelham
615-406-8142 | thecaverns.com/camp-caverns

Camp Caverns is a residential kids camp (ages 8  – 14) like no other on Earth—or below it—in Southeast Tennessee. Camp life is centered around The Caverns property at the base of the Cumberland Plateau where boys and girls sleep in yurts each night. Camp days are filled exploring underground passages, ziplining through the trees, hiking through a lush forest to a swimming hole, and more. Register for Jul. 9 – 15 or Jul. 16 – 22 on our website.

Cheekwood Estate and Gardens
1200 Forrest Park Drive, Nashville
615-356-8000 | cheekwood.org

Engage students in art, history, and botanical gardens with a trip to Cheekwood. Students in grades pre-k-12 can enjoy a self-guided experience, or a curriculum-centered guided field trip here at Cheekwood. We offer school field trips and homeschool field trips. Destination Cheekwood brings families to Cheekwood on a Saturday for a visit filled with art, garden, and historical experiences and activities. Cheekwood GROWS targets third grade students to provide an immersive, multi-faceted experience that teaches them about gardening.

Code Ninjas
1113 Murfreesboro Road, Franklin
615-640-2633 | codeninjas.com

Code Ninjas offers a full slate of summer coding and STEM camps for kids ages 8 – 14. We provide a safe, fun experience while teaching coding through the playing and building of video games. For those that prefer a virtual experience, we have micro camps perfect for introducing you child to coding and game design.

Country Music Hall of Fame
222 Rep. John Lewis Way S, Nashville
615-416-2001 | countrymusichalloffame.org/learn/songwriting-camp

Songwriting Camp at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is an unforgettable experience where budding songwriters ages 11 – 18 can hone their craft, learn from professionals, and make friends. Campers also enjoy access to the Museum galleries and will tour Historic RCA Studio B, located on Nashville’s Music Row.

Creekside Riding Academy and Stables
2359 Lewisburg Pike, Franklin
615-595-7547 | creeksideridingstables.com

We focus on safety, proper riding techniques, grooming, care and tacking horses. All activities are geared to the riders’ level, ability and age. Campers ride each day in lessons, games on horseback and trail rides. Barn activities include scavenger hunts, horse-related arts and crafts, making homemade horse treats and more. Connecting with and caring for these animals gives riders confidence in many areas of life!

Currey Ingram Academy
6544 Murray Lane, Brentwood
615-507-3242 | curreyingram.org/community/summer-programs

CIA’s summer camps are designed to engage all our campers through small camp sizes and personalized instruction. No matter a child’s experience level, we aim to excite, challenge, and bring out the best in every camper.

Dance Academy of Bellevue
8074 TN-100, Nashville
629-888-9954 | danceacademyofbellevue.com 

Dance academy of Bellevue is a safe, and inclusive place for dancers to be themselves. At DAB our dancers learn to instill pride and confidence in self expression and individuality. They learn to appreciate the art of dance through quality instruction. At DAB our core values are creativity, encouragement, teamwork and community. Sign up today for winter/spring classes.

Davidson Academy
1414 Old Hickory Blvd., Nashville
615-860-5300 | davidsonacademy.com

Enrich your child’s summer with Bear Camp 2022 skills-based camps! Week-long athletic, academic, technology, art camps and more are available to rising PreK4 – grade 12 in the Nashville and surrounding communities.

Deer Run Camps & Retreats
3845 Perkins Road, Thompson’s Station
615-794-2918 | deerrun.camp/camps 

Day Camps – Winter, Spring Break, and Summer Camps, age 5 to grade 6. Campers participate in outdoor adventures and unplug from electronics while experiencing archery, pedal karts, climbing tower, and more!

Overnight Camps – One and two-week camps, grades 3 to 10. Your camper will discover strengths, forge friendships, complete challenges, and create lifelong memories enjoying thrilling adventures and recreation.

Family Camps – Get away from routine and create memories, share adventures, and explore nature. Enjoy delicious meals, upscale accommodations, and incredible hospitality. This life-changing staycation/vacation is great for all ages.

E.T.C. Gymnastics
1137 Haley Road
Murfreesboro | 615-867-6900
1932 Almaville Road
Smyrna | 615-617-7644
etcgymnastics.com

E.T.C. Gymnastics is dedicated to bringing a new standard of excellence in gymnastics through Him.  We offer classes in gymnastics for boys and girls ages 2 – 18 years and all ability levels.  We also offer cheerleading and tumbling, as well as competitive teams.  Call and ask about our free trial class.  We also do parties, field trips and parents’ nights out.

Harpeth Hall School
3801 Hobbs Road, Nashville
615-297-9543 | harpethhall.org/summer-camp

Whether it is serving a tennis ball or serving others, catching bugs or catching basketballs, stringing a violin or stringing gemstones, Harpeth Hall summer camps welcome girls in kindergarten through 8th grades for unforgettable experiences in academics, athletics, and the arts. Registration opens in mid-January 2023. Also not to be missed is Harpeth Hall’s premier research-based program, the STEM Summer Institute. Imagine creating hand-washing stations for communities in need or designing a better birthing bed for safer infant deliveries in Kenya. The STEM Summer Institute brings together middle school and high school girls from schools throughout Nashville to address local and global issues in a true integration of STEM learning. To see all that is happening on Harpeth Hall’s campus this summer, visit our website.

Harvest Martial Arts
313 Independence Square, Franklin
615-224-3851 | harvestmartialarts.com

The Harvest Concept opened in 2016, and is long known for its specialty in teaching Han Mu Do, the traditional Korean art of self defense, and is the only Han Mu Do school in the state of Tennessee.  We offer classes for ages 3 through adult. We focus on optimism, balance and harmony, building mental and physical strength through movement and practices, such as martial arts, yoga, and traditional archery.

HIYC Sail Camp
615-260-7405
hiyc.org/sail-camp

Ages 7 – 17, Mon. – Fri., 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (no before- or after-care provided). All levels of experience are welcome. We sail several types of boats, including Optimist Prams, Lasers, RS Zest, and RS Feva sailboats. Sailors will be assigned to boats according to age and skill level. No sailing experience necessary!

Horton Haven Christian Camp
3711 Reed Harris Road, Lewisburg
931-364-7656 | hortonhaven.org

We are OPEN this summer!  Overnight camps and day camps are running as scheduled.  We will be operating with fewer campers and new procedures for cleaning and sanitizing.  It’s time to get outside!  Register on our website.

Kools Kids Voice Acting
2465 Old Charlotte Pike, Franklin
646-397-3553 | koolkidsvoiceacting.com

Fun and unique voice acting education for kids of all ages that enables them to experience success in the industry and success in life. Sign up now for Summer camps or classes.

Leadership Academy Camps
615-856-4772 | nashvilledaycamps.com

Leadership Academy Camps connect children to nature, make friends, and develop outdoor skills for children ages 5 – 17. We believe that play and outdoor exploration increases creativity, confidence, social intelligence, and grit. Our goal is to get children outside, exploring, learning, playing, and having fun so that they develop a strong sense of self and a deeper connection to nature. Our camps are Camp Twigs, Nashville Sail Camp, Mountain Bike Camp, and Teen Leaders.

Little Art House
2106B Acklen Ave., Nashville
615-933-9644 | littlearthousenashville.com

We have a number of locations where we’ll be offering classes and camps! We feature art classe for kids of all ages starting with our popular Mini Makers, ages 1 – 4 years up to Advanced Art Class for grades 3 – 6. Visit our website for a camp near you.

Mathnasium
18 Cadillac Drive, Brentwood | 615-942-2629
539 Cool Springs Blvd., #105, Franklin | 615-465-6523
3411 Memorial Blvd., Ste. 3, Murfreesboro | 615-890-6284
505 Burkitt Commons Ave., Nolensville | 615-762-3820
mathnasium.com

Children out of school lose more comprehension in math than in any other subject. And with so many weeks of missed school, now is a critical time in your child’s education. We pinpoint the gaps in learning sustained during COVID. With custom-built learning plans and face-to-face instruction, we help reverse the “COVID slide” so they can be on track for the fall. Our live online tutoring service, Mathnasium@Home, is the same live instruction as our learning center but in the comfort of your home.

Mr. Bond’s Science Guys
615-573-2702 | mrbondscienceguy.com

Our winter, spring and summer camps inspire a lifelong enthusiasm for science and learning, teaching creative problem-solving skills, teamwork and perseverance in an entertaining, kid-friendly setting.  The camps are full- or half-day and are excellent for ages 5 – 12. Sibling discounts are available.

My Gym of Brentwood
330 Franklin Road, Brentwood
615-371-5437 | mygym.com/brentwood

Creating Moments That Matter! From first steps to handstands My Gym grows with your child. My Gym was born out of our passion to teach children in a fun, physically engaging environment. We delight in seeing children’s eyes light up for all those incredible milestones, from the tentative first steps to tumbling down soft mats. Sharing the parents’ excitement with their children’s accomplishments is the high point of our day.

Montgomery Bell Academy, Summer @ MBA
4001 Harding Pike, Nashville
615-298-5514 | montgomerybell.edu/camps

More than 100 sports, enrichment and academic camps and classes allow rising first graders to high school boys and girls to fill their summer with activities. Offerings include sports, outdoor adventure, art, leadership, study skills, science, crafts and computer. MBA faculty, staff and students work with campers, providing families a glimpse of the MBA community.  Visit our website and click on the “Camp” tab.

Music City All Stars
215 Gothic Court, #102, Franklin
615-915-1047 | musiccityallstars.com

Jump into our exciting world or summer camps in 2022. This summer we will feature four weekly themed dance camps for kids of all ages starting June 14th with our popular princess tea party camp, then Mermaid Magic, our Unicorn camp and the brand new Circus Camp. All special,  unique and most importantly fun! We are open and following the Safer Studio™ guidelines to keep our dancers and staff safe.

Nashville Children’s Theatre Drama School
25 Middleton St., Nashville
615-297-2966 ext. 910 | nashvillechildrenstheatre.org

At NCT we believe that theatre skills are life skills.  We celebrate each student’s individuality.  We believe in the power of ‘play’ and the greater learning that is derived from it. It is important to us for every young person to feel heard, celebrated, and uplifted.  We currently offer fall, spring, Saturday classes and camps.

Nashville Shakespeare Festival Elf & Fairy camp
615-255-2273 | nashvilleshakes.org

Elf & Fairy Camp is a week-long, after-school experience that will have campers learning, playing, rehearsing, and performing! We’ll study a sonnet, create our own magical characters using Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream as inspiration, and learn a song and dance to be performed before Twelfth Night.  Taught by NSF Apprentice Company members and Teaching Artists, the camp will take place after-school from 4 – 6:30 p.m. Mon., Tue., and Wed. Then, Thu. – Sun. evenings during the Summer Shakespeare Festival, campers will be on stage as part of the Apprentice Company’s Green Show!

Nashville Skating Academy
Nashville and Nolensville Locations
615-928-7977 | nashvilleiceskate.com

NSA has been introducing families to the world of skating for 17 years. NSA’s mission is to foster a love of skating for Nashville’s youth and adults through programs such as Learn to Skate USA, figure skating group classes, summer camps, private instruction, and various specialty programs. Whether your future skater’s dream is to play in the NHL, be a competitive figure skater or to just learn to skate, NSA has a program designed to help them reach their goals.

Providence Christian Academy
410 DeJarmette Lane, Murfreesboro
615-904-0902 | providencechristian.com

We are an inter-denominational Pre-K – grade 12 school. Offering a classical education with a Christian worldview and parental involvement.  As our mission statement says, “We are teaching students to seek God’s truth and equipping them with the tools for a lifetime of learning.”  We are fully accredited by ACSI, the Association of Christian Schools International, and by AdvancED.

Southern Stars Preschool
910 Wedgewood Ave., Nashville
615-509-9423 | southernstarsmontessori.net

Our curriculum allows you and your child to grow at an individual pace. While many preschools focus on a singular facet of learning, we focus on every facet of learning, including: gross motor skills, fine motor skills, social skills, verbal skills, concentration and focus skills, literacy skills, match and history skills, art, music, and dance skills, and play-based learning.

Spartan Soccer Academy
615-633-5967 | spartansoccer.org

Spartan Development Academy is a skills based training league for children ages 5 – 13.  The program is designed for players looking for more than recreational soccer but not ready to commit to travel soccer. Check out our sibling discount and referral program with Mini Spartans and Spartan Development Academy. Join us anytime! 

St. Henry School Camp Tiger Town
6401 Harding Pike, Nashville
sthenryschool.org/summer-camp

Saint Henry School is excited to offer day camps for students in rising Pre-K3 through 8th grade in Summer 2023!

Sugar Drop Cooking Classes
574 Franklin Road, Franklin
629-202-6949 | sugardrop.com

Ever have sweet dreams of being a Sugar Artist? No one likes to play with their food better than we do! Our trained instructors have taught thousands of students ages 3 and up over the past five years. From special camps and cookie classes to fondant and Buttercream Bootcamp, we keep a full calendar of sweet fun to help inspire you on your sugar journey!

Tracy Equestrian
10555 Patterson Road, Rockvale, TN 37153
615-429-0975 | tracyequestriancamp.com

Saddle up and ride! At Tracy Equestrian — formerly Peachtree Farms — we offer summer camps that improve all aspects of horsemanship for riders of every age and skill level. Our accredited trainers will work alongside each and every rider to provide clear instruction in a safe and fun environment. We have hand selected and trained our horses to be good mannered and well-tempered. We have 30 plus acres of premier riding land with clean and modern stables to accommodate all of our campers. Riders can expect a week of exciting and educational lessons that will leave an impact. Bring your lunch for a fun filled day of riding and barn management. Beginner riders will learn the foundations of barn management and how to properly tack up their horse, while advanced riders will be taught horse management and mounted training.

University School of Nashville
2000 Edgehill Ave., Nashville
615-277-7377 | usn.org/summer

Led by faculty bringing their experience and passion, camps offer diverse programming in sports, academics, arts and technology. Flexible morning and afternoon sessions allow either whole- or half-day experiences of fun and learning. After-care until 5 p.m.

Willow Springs Day Camp
508 Franklin Road, Franklin
931-797-3660 | willowspringsdaycamp.com

Willow Springs Day Camp believes camp can build independent, resilient, and flexible children through the magic of playing outdoors. By having free choice and autonomy in their daily schedules, campers in grades 1 – 6 spend their day exploring the creek and outdoor spaces as well as crafts, games and more! Join us at the newest day camp in Franklin!

OVERNIGHT CAMPS

Camp Arrowhead for Boys
1415 Cabin Creek Road, Zirconia, NC
828-435-0591 | camparrowhead.com

Since 1937, Camp Arrowhead for Boys has served families from all over the world. Arrowhead has 217 acres of beautiful woodlands, waterfalls, streams, and meadows in which boys can grow, lead, explore, and create. Sessions are 1 – 4 weeks long, for campers rising grades 1 – 11. Activities include archery, blacksmithing, bushcraft, riflery, and woodworking.

Camp Woodmont
381 Moonlight Drive, Cloudland, GA
423-472-6070 | campwoodmont.com

Camp Woodmont on Lookout Mountain in northwest Georgia is a traditional, overnight camp for boys and girls ages 6 – 14. Just 30 minutes from Chattanooga. Features horseback riding, high-ropes/climbing, sports, dance, crafts, canoeing, archery and more! Founded on Christian principles in 1981, it’s the perfect place to build lifelong friendships and memories.

Horton Haven Christian Camp
3711 Reed Harris Road, Lewisburg
931-364-7656 | hortonhaven.org

We are OPEN this summer!  Overnight camps and day camps are running as scheduled.  We will be operating with fewer campers and new procedures for cleaning and sanitizing.  It’s time to get outside!  Register on our website.

Riverview Camp for Girls
757 CR 614, Mentone, AL
800-882-0722 | riverviewcamp.com

Voted best sleep-away camp more than six times in the Best of Parenting reader’s poll. One- and two-week sessions.  Ages 6 – 16. Member of Christian Camping International and accredited by AEE and ACA. Traditional camp activities. Facilities include a heated pool, tennis courts, climbing tower, horseback riding, bathrooms and showers in all cabins. Campers select six activities daily. 5:1 camper-to-counselor ratio. Riverview is embraced by tall graceful pines and billowing hardwoods, nestled into a bend of Little River atop Lookout Mountain. Beautiful flower gardens grow along the pebble pathways and building entrances throughout the campground. Girls live in simple yet lovely rustic cabins with the modern conveniences necessary to make camping comfortable.

Valley View Ranch Equestrian Camp for Girls
606 Valley View Ranch Road, Cloudland, GA
706-862-2231 | valleyviewranch.com

Located a’top beautiful Lookout Mountain. We offer several riding programs and encourage each camper to participate in all of them: English and Hunt Seat; Western Stock Seat and Barrels (Gymkhana); and Vaulting. Each girl can spend as much time as she likes with her favorite horse during her stay.   Enrollment is limited to 50 girls and is open to ages 8 – 17.

The Webb School Camp Day & Boarding
319 Webb Road E., Bell Buckle
931-389-6003 | thewebbschool.com/academics/summer-program

Art, outdoor adventure with zip line, robotics, science and more! Co-ed, current grades 2 – 8. Bus service from Murfreesboro and Tullahoma, $50 per week. Overnight Camp: Check in Sunday at 5 p.m. Cost: $750 ($50 off each additional week).

The Webb School Sports Camp
319 Webb Road E, Bell Buckle
931-389-6003 | thewebbschool.com/academics/summer-program

Co-ed, current grades 2 – 8. Day Camp: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Cost: $250. Bus service from Murfreesboro and Tullahoma, $50 per week. Overnight Camp: Check in Sunday at 5 p.m. Cost: $750.

YMCA Camp Ocoee
111 YMCA Drive, Ocoee
423-338-5588 | ymcacampocoee.org

Located in the mountains of Southeast Tennessee, YMCA Camp Ocoee has been providing children with wilderness adventures since 1923. One-week sessions for boys and girls ages 7 – 15. 4:1 camper to staff ratio. Strong Christian environment. Activities include horseback riding, white-water rafting, kayaking, climbing, mountain biking, camp-outs and more.

 

 

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About the Author

Susan Swindell Day

Susan Day is the editor in chief for this award-winning publication and all-things Nashville Parent digital creative. She's also an Equity actress, screenwriter and a mom of four amazing kids.