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Lil’ Angels Kids Spa Camp

(Newark, Delaware)

Activities: Etiquette, modeling, mani/pedi, and facial skills in a “magical milieu.” Plus: “Limousine field trips every week—because only the best will do!”

What to Pack: Mommy’s platinum American Express card American Idol Camp

(Lake Arrowhead, California)

Activities: Singing, dancing, developing “personal style.” Includes “master classes” by past Idol finalists such as Vonzell “Baby V” Solomon, but no guarantee that you’ll end up on the show.

What to Pack: A thick skin

Wagon Train Junior Camp

(Hume, California)

Activities: Discipleship in a Wild West setting. Campers sleep in covered wagons, eat at the Outpost, and study the Good Book with counselors like Wagonmaster Shep and Pancho Peet.

What to Pack: “Praise the Lord and Pass the Ammo” T-shirt

Food Allergy Summer Camp

(Edmonton, Alberta)

Activities: Dietary restriction-themed storybooks at bedtime. Milk-free, egg-free, and nut-free cinnamon buns!

What to Pack: EpiPen…just in case

Scientology Camp

(Sheridan, Oregon)

Activities: With L. Ron Hubbard’s study program, “the world of knowledge becomes fully accessible and a young person with abilities and interest discovers his unlimited potential for success.” Plus: Tom Cruise’s kids are rumored to go there.

What to Pack: Solar E-Meter

Spy Camp

(Lake Como, Pennsylvania)

Activities: “Martial arts, code breaking, surveillance techniques and undercover maneuvers.” Plus evasive driving and paintball.

What to Pack: Spy camera (boys); camera-jamming device (girls)

Summer Explosives Camp

(Rolla, Missouri)

Activities: Blowing stuff up. To attend, kids write an essay titled “Why I Am Interested in a Career Focusing on the Application of Explosives.”

What to Pack: atf waiver