STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. – It's mid-April and that means one thing: In about two months your kids will be home from school on summer vacation. They probably will wake up bright-eyed and ready to face the day by 6 a.m., and once they've exhausted playing with their coloring books and toys, you'll start hearing a not-so-subtle whining that will sound something like: "Mommy, I'm bored! What are we going to do today?"

Well, have no fear, Kids in the City is here to tell you about some pretty great day camps!

These nontraditional camps offer kids unique experiences that are a departure from typical camp activities like kickball and swimming. The best part, these programs are offered on a weekly basis so you don't have to commit to a full two months.

Melissa Chapman-Mushnick is not taking any chances -- she's enrolling her kids in camp for a solid eight weeks and proud of it! Check out her blog for tips when choosing a camp at http://blog.silive.com/kidsinthecity/.

FASHION FRENZY CAMP

Budding fashionistas will learn to sketch, put together a portfolio and render their own designs in an art studio filled with inspiring ball gowns and Latin dresses. They will be under the watchful eye of Staten Island mom, Dee Kanevsky, who studied art and design at the Fashion Institute of Technology.
Address – 42A Courtney Loop, Rosebank.
Time – July 6 to 17 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Two sessions: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or 10 a.m. to noon.
Age appeal –  Seven to 12 years old.
Cost – Half day: $150. Full day: $270. A $25 registration fee is required for both sessions. Discounts available if paid in full by the end of the month.

What kids will go gaga for – Learning about the principles of design, the science of textures and putting their ideas on paper. Full-day students will enjoy designing their own tank tops and modeling them at a camp fashion show.

Parent perks – No needles or sewing machines will be used. Giving their kids the opportunity to really flesh out their fashion ideas.
Drawbacks – Only a limited number of spots are available and full-day campers have to bring their own lunch.
Overall – Kids will get a hands-on introduction to the world of fashion design.

Information –917-754-8957; e-mail AlwaysDee1@aol.com.

iTHEATRICS JUNIOR THEATER ACADEMY

This theater camp offers serious students a taste of the joys and demands of the professional performing arts world, which will culminate with a performance of a new musical theater title after an intensive rehearsal process.
Address – 628 West 52nd Street, Suite 1F, Manhattan.
Time –Each play has different dates and times. Please visit www.itheatrics.com for details.
Age appeal – Grades four through ninth.
Cost –$595, per session. Need-based scholarships are available.

What kids will go gaga for –Honing their acting, vocal and movement chops. Performing new musicals in development, which will be seen by professionals in the creative and educational community.

Parent perks –Students learn from the professionals who've designed and wrote programs for companies like Disney Theatrical Productions and The Jim Henson Company.
Drawbacks –The summer academy events are week-long intensives, expensive and students need to audition to be accepted.
Overall – There are tons of drama "camps" for kids, but iTheatrics promises access to people in show biz, There is a big emphasis on learning and exhibiting life skills like communication, collaboration and professionalism.
Information –To set up an audition, call Lindsay Weiner at 646-467-8090 or e-mail Lindsay@iTheatrics.com.

FASTRACKIDS

This camp program is sort of like school without homework and tests. Its programs encourage campers to explore enriching topics like biology, astronomy and computers as well as arts and crafts and yoga.
Address – 1461 Hylan Blvd., Dongan Hills.
Time – July 6 to Aug. 28. Half day: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. or 1 to 4 p.m. Full day: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Age appeal – Four to 10 years old.
Cost – Weekly half-day rates begin at $189 per week. Full-day rates begin at $299 per week. Early-bird pricing is available until April 30. Sibling discounts are also available.

What kids will go gaga for – Hands-on experiments, role-playing games and projects, exploring week-long themed topics including performing magic tricks and karate.
Parent perks – Children enjoy structured days that include age-appropriate enrichment classes and tutoring sessions; the student-teacher ratio is 8 to 1.
Drawbacks – The camp is fully indoors -- so kids have no time outside.
Overall – An ideal way to keep your child's educational development on track during summer vacation.
Information – 718-351-7333; www.FasTracKids.com.

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