Summer brings back memories of hot cement under bare feet during swimming lessons and the smell of bug spray at summer camp.

For children craving an alternative sensory experience, the Lawrence Arts Center is getting ready to kick off its summer arts programs.

For 10 weeks starting June 7, the center will offer weekly programs and classes for children in kindergarten through ninth grade,

“We have such wonderful art programs in the schools,” says Margaret Morris, the center’s art education program director. “We try to bolster what the schools do during the summer.”

Children can choose from a variety of activities, such as painting, jewelry making, theater and even pottery.

“We are the only program I have heard of that lets kids use the pottery wheel in the third grade,” Morris says.

The most popular summer program has been the HogwARTS academy camp. Based on the Harry Potter novels and movies, kids create “magic potions,” invisibility cloaks and design their own wands.

For younger children, Morris says the Imagination Station camps are popular. This year the center will have a “Caribbean Pirates” camp. Children are encouraged to use their imaginations to create an entire pirate world.

“We try to bump it up a notch during the summer so that maybe things (kids) can’t do during the school year they can do here,” Morris says.

The camps are unique because children are given the opportunity to work with real artists’ tools and are taught by professional art instructors, artists and actors.

The center also will try something new this year by bringing in artist-in-residence Laura Brzozowski for the duration of the camps. She brings to the table a bachelor of fine arts in ceramics and a bachelors of science in art education.

Along with the many art camps that are offered, there is also a drama program available for children. The Summer Youth Theatre program celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. Children in the theater program have the chance to be involved in every aspect of the plays — from acting to creating the scenery, costumes and lighting. An alumni banquet will be Aug. 2 and will end with a talent show.

“We have a lot of people who have done Summer Youth Theatre and have gone on to do theater in Los Angeles and New York,” Morris says.

Enrollment is open and will continue throughout the summer. Morris says the weekly camps are flexible enough to accommodate any number of other summer activities.

To enroll in a summer camp stop by the center, 940 N.H., or call 843-2787.

Although children can enroll up until the camps start, Morris encourages parents to sign their kids up early because some classes fill up fast.

A complete course catalog in available online at www.lawrenceartscenter.org.