Family camp brings all ages together

Revisit your youth and join the kids at a family camp. Here are three places where you can explore together.

1. GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS INSTITUTE AT TREMONT, Townsend, Tenn.

Join other like-minded families for a week of outdoor adventure July 2-7 at Smoky Mountains Family Camp. Hike in the upper reaches of the national park, swim in the Middle Prong River, stargaze and get creative with arts and crafts. Participate in bird-banding and other environmental projects. End each evening with song and stories around the campfire. For children 6 and older.

INFO 865-448-6709; gsmit.org

2. OHANA FAMILY CAMP, Fairlee, Vt.

Disconnecting from the 'real world' for seven days was both scary and exciting," commented one mom who chose to tune in to her family during a weeklong stay at this Vermont retreat, where they slept in rustic cabins and woke to the breakfast bell.

They joined other families for lake-centered activities such as canoeing, kayaking and sailing as well as basketball, tennis and volleyball. Guests also enjoy time around the campfire, arts, crafts, music and the chance to join in a talent show.

INFO 802-333-3400; alohafoundation.org/ohana

3. ATLANTIS CAMPS, Paradise Island, Bahamas.

The folks from the "World's Best Scrapbook Club" have teamed with this popular Caribbean resort to offer a storytellers camp (July 30-Aug. 3) intended to inspire both digital and traditional scrapbookers. For those 13 and older, the workshops offer insight into how to enhance memories with photography, jewelry-making and custom papers. Mix the projects with resort-style fun, including dolphin encounters, and complete your vacation scrapbook before you return home. Ask about summer specials.

INFO 800-285-2684; atlantis.com/camps/2012/storytellerscamp.aspx