Summer in the Shoals is for learning, too

MUSCLE SHOALS — School may be out for summer, but that doesn’t mean the learning stops. Check out the following summer classes and camps for ways to beat the Summer “I’m bored” Blues.

For the musicians

If your teen is an aspiring musician, singer or songwriter, this camp is the perfect summer experience. From July 18-22, incoming ninth- through 12th-graders can learn from some of the folks who put Muscle Shoals on the charts and those who are keeping it there. Instructors from the University of North Alabama School of the Arts, Department of Music and Department of Entertainment Industry will offer classes on everything from digital audio gear to composition to contract negotiation.

Students will tour both Muscle Shoals Sound Studio and Fame Recording Studio as well as the Alabama Music Hall of Fame. Best of all, campers will work together to write and record a song as part of their own band – and perform on stage on the final night of camp!

June 15 is the deadline to apply. For more information, visit https://muscleshoalsmusiccamp.com/, email [email protected] or call at 256-765-4559.

For the artists

Tennessee Valley Museum of Art will hold a Junior Summer Art Camp July 11-15 for students entering third through fifth grades. Campers will learn basic skills while working in a variety of mediums led by veteran artists and art instructors. Visit https://tennesseevalleyarts.org/artcamp/ for more information and to register. The Advanced Art Camp for seventh- through 12^th-graders is full. Call 256-383-0533 to be added to the waitlist.

 The museum also offers Summer Saturdays every Saturday in June, between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Stop by to try out a new technique each week – even grown-ups are welcome! Museum admission is $5 for adults, $3 for students, and free for members of the Tennessee Valley Art Association. A $50 annual Family/Friend membership includes all Summer Saturdays, year-round museum admission, participation in the ArtWorks member show for your whole crew, plus discounts on workshops and camps. Join at the museum or online at this link: https://tennessee-valley-art-association.square.site/

For the athletes

The University of North Alabama offers a plethora of camps this summer, including volleyball, football, women’s basketball, and softball. Visit https://roarlions.com, click on Fan Zone to see more camps and find out how to register.

UAB football players Terrell McDonald and Jackson Bratton, both alumni of Muscle Shoals, are hosting a youth football camp Saturday, June 11 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at James F. Moore Stadium in Muscle Shoals. The camp is for ages 8 and up and the cost is $20. Show up in your cleats or sneakers and bring plenty of water. If your child wants to play quarterback, they will need to bring their own football. Register at

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdHbrHyLQB7smJHK21RmxJTnJN7I-U5rA1R5ziD7RS1JDwJBQ/viewform

For sports fans

On June 13, head out to the UNA Softball field to cheer on the Shoals United Stars in their first adaptive baseball game. This special-needs sports team is for kids & teens in North Alabama. First pitch is at 6:30 p.m. at the UNA complex at 2500 Chisholm Road in Florence. For more information, visit Shoals United Stars on Facebook.