South Florida Family Life March 2025 by Point! Publishing

ALL THAT GLITTERS

Winston and Nicole are just your normal parents of three kids. Except that he’s a Grammy-winning music producer—and she’s a former supermodel. They wanted a change of pace and a community that was a good fit for their family. Nicole was unaware of Ave Maria. “But when we pulled in, I was like, ‘oh wow,’” she laughs. “I called my mom and told her we were moving. I hadn’t expected to like small-town living, but we’re able to rest and relax here. We do bike rides, the water park, and all the festivals.”

Winston nods and says, “Ave Maria’s a great place and constantly getting better.”

Glam and fam go hand-in-hand in Ave Maria— A Big Kind of Small Town.

Welcome to Feel-BetterFaster Urgent Care.

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2025

SOUTH FLORIDA SPOTLIGHT

Stay connected with the people, places and events in our community.. This month we feature budget-friendly spring break activities, and Water Matters Day — an event designed to teach water conservation to all ages through educational booths and hands-on activities.

FAMILY TECH

There’s no manual for new moms, but these podcasts can certainly help newbies learn the ropes.

FAMILY FEAST

This recipe for Greek-inspired chicken meatballs will have the whole family go wild for spinach.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Explore a variety of local happenings, from vibrant festivals and outdoor movie nights to live performances and more.

38 WORDS OF WISDOM

True friendship never goes out of style, it’s timeless and always in fashion.

18 GET READY FOR DAY CAMP

Tips to prepare your child –and yourself – for a seamless transition to summer camp.

20 2025 ANNUAL SUMMER CAMP GUIDE

Search our directory of summer camp programs to find the perfect fit for your happy camper.

HOW TO CHOOSE A SUMMER CAMP

What type of summer adventure will your child like?

THE REAL FLORIDA MAGIC IS HERE In Central Florida’s Polk County, you’ll discover local tastes, incredible experiences & unique accommodations. All in a naturally beautiful location that feels a world away, but is just minutes from Orlando’s famous theme parks. Plan a trip at VisitCentralFlorida.com.

LEGOLAND® FLORIDA RESORT :: WINTER HAVEN,

Our mission is to enrich family life in South Florida by offering the highest quality publication and an unparalleled commitment to our readers and our community.

PUBLISHER

Richard Rosser

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Stacey Jacques

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Susan Rosser

ASSISTANT EDITOR

Shannon Pease-Severance

SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGERS

Suzy Miguelez • Sheila Ranson

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Carrie B. Weeks

PRODUCTION ASSISTANT Ken Mitchell

DIGITAL DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Pavel Mohajan

info@southfloridafamilylife.com

For information on where to find South Florida Family Life, or to become a distributor, call 954-299-5592 or e-mail info@southfloridafamilylife.com Comments and suggestions are welcome.

South Florida Family Life is published twelve times per year by Point! Publishing. It is distributed free of charge throughout South Florida. South Florida Family Life is not responsible for statements made by advertisers or writers. We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of information we print, but cannot be held responsible for any consequences arising from omissions or errors. All photography and letters sent to South Florida Family Life will be treated unconditionally, assigned for publication and copyright purposes and are subject to unrestricted right to edit and comment editorially. Re-production in whole or in part without permission is forbidden.

SEAS THE DAY!

SPRING BREAK ACTIVITIES THAT WON'T BREAK THE BANK

HIT THE BEACH. This fan favorite is a Spring Break essential. We really do live in paradise and should take every opportunity to indulge in it as often as we can. Slather on the sunscreen, pile into the car, and head to the ocean early to stake your claim in the sand. Bring enough water, snacks and supplies to settle in for the long haul. Soaking up a full day of sun and fun is something that never gets old.

EYES UP TO THE SKY. Whether you have an astronomy buff in the family, or not, gazing at the night sky through a professional-grade telescope is awe-inspiring. The Fox Observatory at Markham Park in Sunrise is open to the public every Saturday night from dusk to midnight, regardless of the weather. Run by the South Florida Amateur Astronomers Association, there’s always someone there to dial in on the night sky, answer questions, and explain what you are looking at. The Cox Science Center and Aquarium also has an Observatory for night sky viewing (weather permitting). It is open on the last Friday of every month during the Center’s Nights at the Museum event. It is also open for solar viewing on select Saturdays.

VISIT A NATIONAL PARK. There are many National Parks to explore, each with unique offerings. Get in tune with nature – and maybe even spot an alligator – at Everglades National Park; roam the stomping grounds of the Florida panther and black bears at Big Cypress National Preserve; take in the beauty of the clear, serene waters of Biscayne National Park; or explore the southernmost national park in the United States, Dry Tortugas National Park.

SAWGRASS MILLS MALL. Okay, if you keep it strictly window shopping, this activity is completely free. And air conditioned. This mall is a major tourist attraction and happens to be right in our backyard. The immense 2.7-million-square-foot shopping center features more than 350 stores and outlets including a number of high-end retailers and many family-friendly stores like the Disney Character Warehouse. Strolling the mall can easily keep you busy all day, and if you track your walking steps, this is a great way to meet your goal.

SPIN YOUR WHEELS. Bicycling is a great way to get some exercise and fresh air, especially in the spring before the sizzling summer weather settles in. Many of the county parks in the tri-county area have paths for recreational and mountain biking. Brian Piccolo Sports Park & Velodrome in Cooper City even has a bicycle-racing facility. It’s one of three in the southeastern United States, and the only one in Florida.

BACKYARD CAMPING. Don’t underestimate the power of sleeping under the stars. Pitch a tent, light up your fire pit and voila, you are ready for a family-night in the great outdoors. You can add to the fun by telling campfire stories, creating a scavenger hunt, strumming a guitar, and cooking dinner over the fire (there are lots of ideas online). If you have an outdoor projector, level up your glamping game with an outdoor movie night. Don’t forget the s’mores!

Water Matters

ANNUAL EVENT RAISES CONSERVATION AWARENESS

Water: it’s a necessity that doesn’t always get the attention it deserves. But for one day each year, Broward County provides a flood of information to raise awareness about protecting and conserving our water supplies during the Water Matters Day

Taking place this year from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 8 at Tree Tops Park, the event will include more than 50 interactive educational booths and displays, a tree giveaway for Broward residents, a mini BioBlitz, food trucks, children’s activities and more. The day is designed to teach the community about water conservation techniques, smart irrigation and native landscaping,

The day’s schedule also includes award ceremonies for Broward County Schools’ student contests and expert mini-talks from UF/IFAS Broward, National Wildlife Federation, Filthy Organics and BCPS-STEM.

Tree Tops Park is located at 3900 SW 100th Ave., Davie. The park’s entrance fee of $3/ vehicle will be in effect. For more information, visit www.broward.org.

Parenting Podcasts

PROGRAMS FOR NEW MOMS TO TUNE INTO

BY TANNI HAAS, PH.D.

There are few moments more exhilarating – and scary –than the moment you return home with your newborn baby from the hospital and realize that this precious life is now literally in your hands. As you seek advice from family and friends on how to take care of yourself, and your baby, consider another great source of information: podcasts. The thing about podcasts is that you can listen to them whenever you have a spare moment, even when you’re doing other things. (And, yes, you’re going to be very busy.) Here’s a list of some great podcasts for new moms.

MADE BY MAMMAS (Available at: Apple, Audible, Spotify)

Created and hosted by Georgia Dayton and Zoe Hardman, two friends who happened to get pregnant around the same time, Made by Mammas follows their journeys through pregnancy and into the first years of motherhood. Georgia and Zoe talk to various experts about issues relevant to new parents, including how to get your body back in shape after birth and strategies for getting your kids to fall and stay asleep for the night.

MUM’S THE WORD

Mum’s The Word is the brainchild of Dr. Kaz Jaffe, a chiropractor and mom of two young kids who runs a large pregnancy and pediatric chiropractic practice. In line with her medical training, Dr. Jaffe devotes much energy to discussing how women can stay healthy preand post-partum. Recent episodes focus on how to deal with severe nausea during pregnancy and what’s the best exercise regime after birth, including the best ways to maintain pelvic health.

NEWBIES: NEW MOMS, (Available at: Apple, Audible, Spotify)

Unlike the prior podcasts, Newbies: New Moms,

New Babies focuses exclusively on what happens after childbirth: how moms can best care for themselves and their babies. Produced by Natalie Gross, a journalist, and Kristen Stratton, a doula, with a combined five young kids between them, this podcast explores topics such as how to best baby-proof your home and what young moms can do to cultivate their mental and emotional health.

ONE BAD MOTHER (Available at: Apple, Player FM, Spotify)

Sometimes, as a new parent, you just want to sit down and have a good belly laugh about it all. When the mood strikes you, listen to One Bad Mother. Co-hosted by Biz Ellis and Theresa Thorn, two moms who both work in the comedy business, this podcast pokes fun at all the crazy, silly things that babies do every day and that moms have to deal with. If you enjoy their podcast, get a copy of their equally funny book You’re Doing a Great Job

THE MOMFORCE (Available at: Apple, Libsyn, Spotify)

Vanessa Quigley, the creator of The MomForce, knows a thing or two about how to take care of yourself while also taking care of your baby. The mom of seven kids, she’s managed to establish a successful photo book company by the name of Chatbooks. On her podcast, she explores topics like how to maintain a positive body image after birth, how to make new friends in your community, and how to cultivate a deep and meaningful relationship with your partner.

THE MOM HOUR (Available at: Apple, Spotify)

Like The MomForce, The Mom Hour is a great source of information and inspiration on how to take of yourself as a new mom. This long-running podcast (it began in 2015) was founded by Meagan Francis and Sarah Powers, two experienced media and communications professionals with a combined eight kids (Meagan, five; Sarah, three). On their podcast, Meagan and Sarah cover topics such as what to eat for optimal well-being and how to avoid excessive worrying.

THE PEDSDOCTALK (Available at: Apple, Spotify)

Finally, take a listen to The PedsDocTalk, the popular parenting podcast founded by pediatrician and mom Dr. Mona Amin. On her podcast, Dr. Amin talks to other experts in the fields of child development and health and answers questions submitted by parents. Recent episodes explore topics such as how to deal with problems with breastfeeding, how to detect hearing loss in babies, and how to prevent your kids from becoming picky eaters.

Tanni Haas, Ph.D. is a Professor in the Department of Communication Arts, Sciences, and Disorders at the City University of New York – Brooklyn College.

Spinach Surprise!

Greek-inspired chicken meatballs that even spinach skeptics will love

I love a good meatball. And while the classic Italian version will forever be the OG of meatballs, so many classic dishes can be “meatballed.”

This recipe is inspired by one I found on the Daley Plate — with a few modifications. They take their cue from the Greek spanakopita (spinach pie.)

If you’re looking for ways to get some greens into the family diet, these meatballs are an ideal delivery method. Yes, the spinach is front and center, but these meatballs are so flavorful that even the staunchest spinach cynic will be converted. Serve them with fresh and crisp veggies, Greek olives, warm pita and tzatziki for a winner dinner.

Recipe Adapted from Daley Plate

Photo by Susan Rosser

Greek Meatballs

Ingredients

FOR THE MEATBALLS

6 cloves garlic, grated

3 scallions, finely chopped

1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

2 cups fresh spinach, chopped

Zest of 1 medium lemon

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (or more for cheese fans)

1 medium egg

1 pound ground chicken

Olive oil for roasting

FOR THE TZATZIKI

3 Persian cucumbers

2 cups plain whole-milk Greek yogurt

2 tablespoons finely chopped dill

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 garlic clove, minced

Salt and pepper

FOR SERVING

Sliced Persian cucumbers

Halved grape or cherry tomatoes

Kalamata olives

Sliced red onion

Lemon wedges

Pita bread

Tzatziki

Preparation

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a sheet-pan with parchment paper.

TO PREPARE THE TZATZIKI

Grate the cucumber on a box grater and squeeze out the extra water with your hands. Add yogurt, dill, lemon juice and garlic. Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to combine. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.

TO PREPARE THE MEATBALLS

Line a sheet-pan with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine the garlic, scallions, parsley, spinach, lemon zest, kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, feta cheese, egg and chicken. Mix gently with your hands until everything is well combined. Form into meatballs about the size of a golf ball. Place the meatballs on the sheet pan. Brush with olive oil and roast for about 30 minutes until they are cooked through. (Alternatively, you can pan fry the meatballs in olive or neutral oil and finish them in the oven, baking for about 8 – 10 minutes.)

TO SERVE

Remove the meatballs from oven and serve with the vegetables, pita and tzatziki.

CAMP connections

YOUR GUIDE TO SUMMER FUN

Explore these outstanding options and target the perfect summer program for your kids

HAPPY CAMPER

It’s official! Your child is registered for summer day camp. This is going to be such a great experience for your little one! But now you’re wondering, “What do I have to do to prepare my child, and myself, for the first day?”

When heading to camp for the first time, kids are often nervous about trying new activities, making friends and separating from their parents, says social worker Heather McCarthy. She recommends addressing these fears by asking your child about his or her anxieties. “Most kids are anxious going into new situations,” she says. “Parents can validate these feelings by letting them know it’s normal.”

To prepare your child for an easy transition, camp experts have suggested running the following errands and having basic conversations before the first day:

Go shopping with your child. Most camps provide a list of items needed for different activities like a towel, sunscreen and a bathing suit for swimming. Take your child to the store with you. Allowing him to pick out these items will help him to feel excited about embarking on a new adventure. “Involving kids in the camp preparation by shopping together helps give them ownership and confidence about the experience and lessens their anxieties,” says Sarah Wilson, director of travel communications for The Family Backpack.

Discuss the camp schedule and activities. While you’re shopping, you can tell your child all about the fun activities she will get to participate in at camp. If you get her group’s schedule in advance, you can go through the specific activities you are buying supplies for. If not, most camps have team-building activities, sports, swimming and art classes that you can describe to your child. Then ask which activity she is most excited about.

Talk about how to make friends. Making friends is a skill that can be difficult for some kids. By role-playing with your child on different ways to start conversations with kids his age, you will give him the confidence to try it. You can also get books from the library about making friends and going to camp: How Do Dinosaurs Play with Their Friends by Jane Yolen, Little Lonely Leigh by Sally Huss, and Making Friends Is an Art by Julia Cook are great ones to check out.

Label everything. Anything that goes to camp with your child, like clothing, goggles and other supplies, should have their name on it. This will help you keep track of their belongings throughout the summer. Your child will be moving to different activities and changing clothes for swimming, which means things can easily get lost. Use a fabric marker or iron-on labels for clothing and a Sharpie for goggles and other accessories.

Visit an open house or orientation. An open house or orientation is a way for your child to become familiar with camp life for a few hours. McCarthy recommends attending the open house to help ease children’s anxieties. “If a parent attended camp as a child, they can talk about their own positive camp experiences while visiting the camp. An open house enables a child to know what to expect which can help them feel confident.”

During the open house, you can walk around the camp with your child and let her see where the activities are held. It is also a time to ask questions and meet the counselors and other campers.

Talk to previous or current campers. If your child is unable to attend orientation, you could ask the camp director if he can connect you with another camp family so your child could meet or speak to a camper before the start of camp. Ideally, this camper would be in your child’s group, so he’ll have a familiar face on the first day. But even if not, this camper can give a first-hand perspective of how fun camp can be to make your little one feel at ease to go somewhere new without you.

7

Teach sunscreen application and safety. Most camp activities are outdoors, so your little one will be exposed to the damaging ultraviolet B (UVB) rays that cause sunburns. By teaching your child proper sunscreen application and safety, you won’t have to rely on the busy camp counselors to assist them. You should apply sunscreen to your child before camp, but also send her with SPF 15 or higher so she can apply it herself, or with the help of her counselor, before outdoor activities. If your child is particularly sensitive to the sun, consider sending them to camp with a rash guard with built-in UV protection.

8 Ways To Get Your Child Ready For Summer Camp

BY CHERYL MAGUIRE

8Drop off medication with the camp nurse. If your child uses prescription or over-the-counter medications such as preventative care for seasonal allergies, talk to the camp nurse about the medication protocols. Some camps require medications to be locked in the nurse’s office and dispensed only by the nurse. If your child requires an Epi-Pen or asthma inhaler that needs to be with them, check to see if a counselor can be responsible for carrying it throughout the day. And, don’t forget to mentally prepare yourself for the first day Your child may be sad to leave you when he gets on the bus or first joins his group. Says one camp supervisor: “It’s completely fine to leave an upset camper; the counselors are prepared for it. Normally, the camper calms down within minutes of being dropped off and is having fun at their first activity.”

General Day Camps

AMERICA’S LEADERS

FORGEnew paths

Summer Camp is an opportunity for kids

to explore, learn and grow. From day camps and sleepaway adventures, to specialty themes like science, performing arts, sports and STEM, our guide offers a variety of South Florida programs to choose from.

North Broward 954-748-5977

www.americasleaders.co

All girls cheerleading program with dance, leadership and more. Ages 5-12.

BOYS AND GIRLS CLUBS

Various locations in the tri-county area

Broward www.bgcbc.org

Miami-Dade www.bgcmia.org

Palm Beach www.bgcpbc.org

Children participate in summer enrichment programs that focus on social and cultural experiences, recreation, team building and educational activities.

BROWARD COUNTY PARKS & RECREATION

954-357-8100

www.broward.org/parks

Broward County Parks hosts various summer camp options at a number of county park locations. Check the website for 2025 updates.

CAMP CHAMELEON

Markham Park, 16001 State Rd. 84, Sunrise 954-815-9054

www.campchameleon.com

Kids can enjoy playful summer days participating in activities that include non-competitive sports, art, aquatics and more for ages 6-15.

CAMP EMBARK

Miramar Country Club Ranches, 4700 Indian Trail, Miramar 954-654-4091

www.campembark.com

Children ages 5-14 can have fun while embarking on a journey to discover nature, science, leadership and self-empowering life skills.

CAMP KADIMA AT THE DAVID POSNACK JCC

5850 S. Pine Island Rd., Davie 954-434-0499

www.dpjcc.org

Camp Kadima offers a camp experience for interests including sports, arts, adventure, travel, tech and more. Open to all. No membership required.

CAMP KESHET AT TEMPLE BETH

1351 South 14 Ave., Hollywood 954-921-7096

www.templebethelhollywood.org

Camp for kids 3 months to Kindergarten with weekly themes and activities.

CAMP LIVE OAK

Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, A1A & Sunrise Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale

www.campliveoakfl.com

ACA accredited day camp includes a variety of activities and specialty camps, such as a Day Camp, Salty Anglers and Ocean Quest.

CAMP SAGEMONT

1570 Sagemont Way, Weston 954-799-6107

www.sagemont.com

Camp Sagemont provides the opportunity for lifelong friendships and valuable, unforgettable experiences. Campers build new skills through day camp, specialty camps, a swim program and more.

CHESTERBROOK ACADEMY

5520 Alexandria Blvd., Coconut Creek 877-959-3740

www.chesterbrookacademy.com/ camp

School-Age Summer Camp features academic and specialty camps with sports, games, STEM activities, performing arts, music and more.

CHILDREN’S SERVICES COUNCIL (CSC)

www.cscbroward.org

Various locations throughout Broward County CSC funded summer programs provide a safe, positive environment for elementary school children.

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY PARKS & RECREATION

305-755-7800

www.miamidade.gov/parks

The county park system offers a variety of fun-filled summer camp choices including sports, nature, performing and fine arts and more. Visit website for details.

SUNSHINE CHILD PROGRAMS

954-236-8850

www.sunshinefl.com

Offers a variety of camp options and activities at convenient locations throughout Broward County.

YMCA OF SOUTH FLORIDA

www.ymcasouthflorida.org

Locations in Broward and Miami-Dade

Kids can make new friends and have summertime fun while participating in sports, aquatics, arts, science, cooking, fitness, performances, leadership training and more.

Specialty Camps

CAMP EXPLORER

Multiple locations

www.creativechildlearningcenter.com

Themed camps for children in kindergarten through fifth grade include STEM, cooking, preschool and more.

DEERING ESTATE

16701 SW 72 Ave., Miami 305-235-1668

www.deeringestate.org

Campers ages 6-14 will dive into the world of marine biology while exploring the many habitats of Deering Estate during the venue’s seasonal camps including Spring (March 24-28) and Summer.

FAIRCHILD TROPICAL

BOTANIC GARDEN

10901 Old Cutler Rd., Miami 305-667-1651

www.fairchildgarden.org

Camp Discovery at Fairchild provides a nature-based, fun-filled educational adventure.

GERMAN SUMMER CAMP

4200 N. 65 Ave., Davie 954-288-7599

www.germanschoolfl.com

Full immersion German summer camp for children ages 1-9.

MIAMI CHILDREN'S MUSEUM

980 MacArthur Causeway, Miami www.miamichildrensmuseum.org

Kids ages 5-10 can participate in Explorer's Camp, while campers ages 11-14 can take part in a Leaders in Training Program. A Spring Camp is also offered for children ages 5-10 from March 24-28.

JOIN OUR SUMMER INTENSIVE PROGRAM

MUSEUM OF DISCOVERY AND SCIENCE

401 SW Second St., Fort Lauderdale 954-713-0930

www.mods.org

Daily and weekly camps are designed to provide children entire days filled with exploration and hands-on learning through a variety of different themes.

PHILLIP AND PATRICIA FROST MUSEUM OF SCIENCE

1101 Biscayne Blvd., Miami 305-434-9560

www.frostscience.org

Children ages 5-15 can explore the wonders of science through hands-on activities during week-long themed camps. A Spring Camp is offered March 24-28.

ZOO CAMP

12400 SW 152 St., Miami 305-251-0400

www.zoomiami.org/zoo-camps

Kids ages 5-12 can dive into the wonders of aquatic life during Zoo Miami's Spring Break Camp March 24-28.

Creative Arts

CORAL SPRINGS MUSEUM OF ART

2855 Coral Springs Dr., Coral Springs 954-340-5000

www.coralspringsmuseum.org

Kids can explore art and have some fun through a range of camp activities.

YOUNG AT ART SUMMER ART CAMP

Located inside the Westfield Mall, 8000 W. Broward Blvd., Plantation 954-424-0085

www.youngatartmuseum.org

Kids can explore their creative side through painting, drawing, visual arts and more.

Performing Arts

AREA STAGE

5701 Sunset Dr., Miami 305-666-2078

www.areastageconservatory.org

Children ages 6-14 can hone their singing, dancing and acting skills through week-long intensives that focus on a specific musical. A Spring Break Broadway Bites Camp is also offered March 24-28.

BROADWAY KIDS STUDIO

9042 W. State Road 84, Davie 954-693-7500

Broadwaykidsstudio.com

Dancers and performers ages 5-18 can learn skills, increase techniques and participate in a

BROWARD CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

• Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 SW Fifth Ave., Fort Lauderdale

• Nova Southeastern University/ Miniaci Performing Arts Center, 3100 Ray Ferrero, Jr. Blvd., Fort Lauderdale

• Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, 3385 NE 188 St., Aventura Visit www.browardcenter.org to reserve space in any of the camps. Sessions are offered for different age groups at each of the three locations. The camp provides both an onstage and behind the scenes theater experience. The program culminates with campers performing live on stage.

FANTASY THEATRE FACTORY AT SANDRELL RIVERS THEATER

6103 NW Seventh Ave., Miami 305-284-8872

MIRAMAR CULTURAL CENTER

2300 Civic Center Place

954-602-4534

www.miramarculturalcenter.org

Children ages 6-13 can learn the fundamentals of performing arts during this Little Broadway Summer Camp that focuses on visual art, dance, singing, acting/musical theater and percussion. A Spring Break Arts Camp is also offered for children ages 5-12 March 24-28.

SOUTH FLORIDA YOUTH SYMPHONY

Pawley Creative Arts Center at Miami Dade College North Campus

11380 NW 27 Ave., Miami

www.sfysmusic.org

The Summer Music Academy is a 19-day program designed for beginners through advanced students in all areas of music skills development.

Special Needs Camps

ATLANTIS ACADEMY MIAMI

9600 SW 107 Ave., Miami

305-271-9771

Camp Atlantis is designed to be an enjoyable activity-based learning opportunity for all students in line with their unique ability levels.

DIVERSE ABILITIES

13900 Griffin Rd. Southwest Ranches

954-401-2024

www.teachdiverseabilities.com

A recreational and social Intensive Summer Program is offered to children with autism and related disabilities.

EASTERSEALS SOUTH FLORIDA

305-325-0470

www.easterseals.com/southflorida Offers a variety of free summer camp programs for children and adolescents with autism and other related disabilities.

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY

PARKS & RECREATION DISABILITY SERVICES CAMPS

305-755-7848

www.miamidade.gov/parks Children and young adults with disabilities are offered enriching camp experiences in sports, swimming and arts and crafts at a variety of Miami-Dade County Parks & Recreation locations.

THE CHILDREN’S TRUST

305-571-5700

www.thechildrenstrust.org

This organization offers a wide range of services, programs and camps for children with special needs.

Sleep Away Camp

CAMP SAGINAW

740 Saginaw Road. Oxford, Pennsylvania 888-477-CAMP

www.campsaginaw.com

Since 1927, Camp Saginaw has been recognized as a premier summer camp for children. Campers come from all over the world to experience Saginaw, a camp that is rich in tradition and well-respected in the industry. Each summer, approximately

200 boys and 200 girls, ages six to sixteen, attend Saginaw to enhance their athletic skills, develop their artistic talents, make new friends, and most importantly, have fun.

VALLEY VIEW RANCH

EQUESTRIAN CAMP

606 Valley View Ranch Rd., Cloudland, Georgia

706-862-2231

www.valleyviewranch.com

A horse lovers’ paradise since 1954 on 600 acres. A’top Lookout Mountain, for 50 girls ages 8-17, includes English and Western for beginner to advanced riders.

CAMP WALDEN

429 Trout Lake Road, Diamond Point, New York

201-750-6767, 518-644-9441

www.campwalden-ny.com

Camp Walden is a co-ed overnight camp in the Adirondack Mountains in New York. Walden offers everything under the sun for summertime fun — from athletics, to arts, to aquatics, to adventure. Fun is at the heart of a Walden summer and they incorporate it into all they do.

NOTICE

We regret to inform you that the 2025 Camp Connections & Family Fun Fest, originally scheduled for March 16, 2025, has been canceled due to an unforeseen scheduling conflict. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding.

While we’re disappointed that we won’t be able to bring you this exciting event this year, we’re already looking ahead to 2026! Stay tuned for details about next year’s Camp Connections & Family Fun Fest, which promises to be bigger, better, and packed with fun for the whole family. Thank you for your support, and we can’t wait to see you there!

adventure AWAITS

WHAT TYPE OF SUMMER CAMP WILL YOUR CHILD LIKE?

BY CHERYL MAGUIRE

When I was younger, I only had one choice for summer camp – the town camp. The town camp was a traditional all-day six-hour camp with a heavy emphasis on sports. I was more of a bookworm than an athlete, so this type of camp was not a good match for my personality. I remember coming home every day complaining to my mom, “It was so hot and all we did was play (fill in a sport). Do I have to go to camp tomorrow?” By the end of the summer, I’m sure my mom wished there were other options for me.

Now there are so many choices it can be overwhelming to figure out what type of camp would be a good fit for your child. Hopefully, the descriptions on the next page will help you to match your child with the correct camp so you will hear your child say, “Camp was so much fun today,” instead of what my poor mother dealt with daily.