2018 Summer Camp Guide

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TAMPA BAY TIMES SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION Tampa Bay Times | Friday, March 16, 2018 |

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The Match Game

How to pick the best summer camp ever for your kids

By Virginia Pelley, Times correspondent Summer sneaks up before you know it. So you might find yourself scrambling to meet registration deadlines for a safe camp that will stimulate and enrich your child or children. But don’t panic – you can make it happen with some thoughtful prep work that’ll make the process easier, says Tom Rosenberg, president and CEO of the American Camp Association (ACA), an organization that educates parents and camp professionals about best practices and also offers a comprehensive camp accreditation program.

“The government doesn’t regulate camps like it regulates schools, and in many jurisdictions, there’s little oversight,” Rosenberg says.

So it’s up to parents to vet camps on their own. Check out the helpful resources for parents at ACACamps.org and MyFLFamilies.com, and these tips to help whittle down your choices for your child’s best summer ever.

Keep logistics realistic It’s tough when your kid is champing at the bit to go to a particular camp that just isn’t convenient enough for you to make it work. But if a camp won’t fit with your schedule due to time or distance, it needs to be kicked off your list of potential camps. Many camps offer early drop offs and late pickup times, however, so make sure you discuss your scheduling needs with camp directors.

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| Friday, March 16, 2018 | Tampa Bay Times

Consider kids’ personalities and comfort levels You might have adored theater camp as a kid, but your child might be much happier solving math problems or playing lacrosse. It’s essential that you be brutally honest when considering whether a camp meshes with your child’s personality, Rosenberg says. Will she be a quieter camper – or a behavioral handful – who might do better with a smaller kid-to-counselor ratio? Would he or she be happier with a number of activity options to choose from daily, or would a camp with more focus and structure be a better fit? Does he or she seem terrified at the idea of a three-week sleepaway camp or act like they can’t wait to go?

“Every child is different and needs different things in a camp,” Rosenberg says.

Connect with the camp Online research is a good initial tool, but is just a start in choosing a camp, Rosenberg says. Internet marketing copy and slick promotional videos might not give you an accurate picture.

“We really encourage families to visit first and see what the facilities, program and daily schedule look like,” he says.

Camp visits are also great for putting kids at ease and getting them excited about attending, he adds.

Schedule a tour or plan to attend orientation presentations that many camps offer, Rosenberg advises – and a year in advance, if possible. Some experts recommend scheduling a tour during the week, when staff is less busy with other visiting parents than they are on weekends. Watch for kids wandering about unsupervised and observe whether the staff notices and seems effective at keeping campers engaged as much as possible.

If an in-person visit isn’t feasible, call and talk to directors about whether your child would be successful at the camp.

They should give you feedback about whether they think their camp is a good fit.

What camps should be asking you Camp directors should want to know everything about their campers, says Rosenberg, who was a camp director for more than 25 years. Many ask parents to fill out personality profiles to help directors learn about their kids. They might ask what kids are afraid of, what they’re excited about and what they hope to gain from camp, as well as whether they have learning or behavioral challenges. Top-quality camps will often call parents after they receive these forms to follow up as well.

Rosenberg says: “Directors want to partner with parents, so if they dial in to that level, that’s a good sign.”

Tampa Bay Times | Friday, March 16, 2018 |

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| Friday, March 16, 2018 | Tampa Bay Times

Tampa Bay Times | Friday, March 16, 2018 |

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Crucia� CAMP QUESTIONS

Save this camp question cheat sheet and make sure to probe camp directors with these queries before you register:

1. “How would you describe the camp culture?”

It might sound likely to generate a canned marketing response, but how directors describe their camps in a couple of sentences tells you a lot about its philosophy, focus and atmosphere. Does he or she emphasize free expression or discipline or excellence in sports performance? Consider whether the response suggests your child will feel at home there, because that’s ultimately more important than a camp’s curriculum and facilities. It’s the counselors and campers who will shape a child’s experience at camp most.

2. “What is the camper-to-counselor ratio, and what is your staff retention rate?”

Florida’s maximum staff-to-child ratio is 1:25; national recommendations are between 1:8 and 1:15 for school-aged campers, according to the Florida Department of Children and Families. Camps should have more adults than CITs running the show, Rosenberg says; he recommends that 80 percent of camp staff be over 18. A good counselor return rate is generally 40 to 60 percent, he says, and another good sign is when a good portion of the staff grew up attending the camp; alumni wanting to work there is a big camp compliment.

3. “What is your emergency procedure, and what kind of safety training does your staff get?”

Ask whether there are nurses or doctors on staff, how often they’re on site and what procedures are in place if a camper needs to be taken to emergency facilities. You should also inquire about what kind of safety training counselors and counselors-in-training receive.

Campers are usually not allowed to hold their own medications, so organized and responsible health care procedures regarding camper meds are crucial.

4. “Is your camp accredited?”

There are numerous high-quality camps that have not gone through the ACA accreditation process, but knowing that a camp is accredited can offer parents peace of mind in a number of important areas. The ACA requires camps to run criminal background checks on staff and uphold 300 standards for safety, hiring practices and facilities maintenance. Visit ACACamps.org or MyFLFamilies.com to learn more.

5. “Can I see a typical day plan for campers?”

Camp should be more than just a daylong free-for-all for children, and should be a mix of planned activities and activities of kids’ choosing with both indoor and outdoor time, the Florida Department of Children and Families recommends.

6. “What discounts or scholarships do you offer, and what is your cancellation policy?”

Many camps offer early bird registration discounts, discounts if you’re sending more than one kid in a family, not to mention scholarships in cases of financial hardship, so be sure to ask. Also make sure you familiarize yourself with a camp fee cancellation policy before signing up a kid for a pricey camp on a whim.

7. “Is late pickup possible, and are there extra fees for it?”

Make sure to ask so there won’t be expensive surprises on your tuition bill.

8. “Will kids have adequate shade and shelter, even if camp activities are mainly outside?”

Our tropical climate means that summer heat here is no joke, so it’s imperative that kids have access to adequate shade during their sessions.

Should Kids Fly Solo in the Summer?

Some kids might be excited to attend a camp where they won’t know any of the other campers, but for many others, it can be intimidating. If your child falls into the latter category, do your best not to cave when they insist they’ll only go if they can bring a friend. “The whole idea of going to camp should be to meet new people and develop new friendships,” Rosenberg says, adding that, “Part of what we’re doing when we go to camp is practicing independence from our parents.” But if kids are really skittish and might miss out on the experience of camp altogether otherwise, it’s not the worst thing in the world if he or she has a friend along, he says.

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| Friday, March 16, 2018 | Tampa Bay Times

Tampa Bay Times | Friday, March 16, 2018 |

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BEST SUMMER FOR KIDS

USF Soccer Camps in Tampa help girls 4-to-18-years old improve their ball control and technical skills while having a blast in half-day training sessions with professional coaches. The camps held at the University of South Florida campus accommodate all skill levels; and there’s a separate futsal (indoor soccer with five players per team) for 7-to-16-year olds.

Camp includes a gourmet buffet lunch. A residential camp experience also is available with separate programs for girls and boys 9-to-18-years old. usfsoccercamps.com Six-to-18-year olds of all skill levels are welcome at Tampa’s The First Tee Summer Golf Camp, which offers golfing guidance and also instruction in core values and leadership. Sessions are one week long, and clubs are provided for campers who don’t have them. Financial assistance is available. See a sample day of camp activities and registration information at thefirstteetampabay.org.

By Virginia Pelley, Times correspondent

Let us save you hours of Googling: Here’s a list of some local summer camps that Pinellas, Pasco and Hillsborough counties have to offer, whether you and your child are looking for a classic, well-rounded experience with lots of variety or are relishing the time summer affords kids to hone a skill. This guide also includes tips on interviewing camp directors and how to prepare for and pack for camp.

Get ready for a summer to remember! Here are more than 50 summer camps, organized by area of interest or focus.

(Note: This list is not meant to be comprehensive, and camp programs are co-ed unless otherwise noted. Check with each camp for additional information.)

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| Friday, March 16, 2018 | Tampa Bay Times

Seasoned instructors provide intensive tennis instruction for all skill levels at the Wilson Collegiate Tennis Camps at the University of South Florida in Tampa.

A full-day or half-day camp session is available for kids 7-to-18-years old, and children 8 to 18 can attend the overnight camp. There’s also a commuter option for the overnight session, so parents can pick up kids who want to stay for the meals and evening social activities between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.

Commuter campers can store their equipment in a designated area in the evenings so they can enjoy themselves without worrying about their stuff. wilsontenniscamps.com/univ-of-south-florida Feather Sound Country Club Tennis Camp in Clearwater provides instruction to 7-to-17-year-old members and nonmembers alike in weeklong summer sessions, during which teens can work on fundamental tennis skills, including grip, groundstrokes, serves and volleys. fscc.club Kids 10-to-18-years old can immerse themselves during three-week or five-week intensive sessions in baseball, football, golf, soccer, tennis or lacrosse at IMG Academy Camps. Instructors are serious about sharpening kids’ offensive and defensive skills, fine-tuning their technique and helping them progress via mental and physical conditioning on IMG’s campus in Bradenton. imgacademy.com, 800-872-6425

Strykerz KidFit Martial Arts Summer Camps in St. Pete and Clearwater boost kids’ confidence and self-respect with age-appropriate, expert instruction in martial arts and self-defense. Full- and half-day campers also learn relaxation techniques via classes in meditation and yoga. Traditional nanchaku and wood-board breaking are included in the curriculum, and kids also are taken on field trips to parks, movies, a water park, an aquarium and to Domino’s for pizza-making demonstrations. After-care is available until 6:30 p.m. strykerzkidfit.com

Kids in love with the fashion industry will be inspired to dream big at IMG Academy’s Fashion Camp in Bradenton. Campers learn what it takes to be a model, including how to work with photographers; how to navigate management agencies and stage fashion shows; personal styling; and how to create and promote their social media brand from famous fashion models, photographers and magazine editors such as Ashley Graham, Russell James and Zanna Roberts Rassi, who were featured speakers in 2017. imgacademy.com/fashion-camp-at-img-academy

Tampa Bay Times | Friday, March 16, 2018 |

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At the Little Captains Summer Camp offered by Admiral Farragut Academy in St. Petersburg, children can enjoy swimming, sports, crafts and even scholastic and team-building activities from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Campers range from 4 years old to about 11; kids in junior high can be junior counselors. Check the website for registration information and camp session themes, which for 2018 include “Treasure Hunters” and “Animal Planet Week.” Admiral Farragut Academy also offers camps specifically for basketball, STEM, writing and a pre-K “Little Explorer” program as well. farragut.org Four-to-10-year olds stoked to be in the water will love Seal Swim School day camp in Lutz, which staffs two counselors for every 15 campers. Camp is from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and late pickup is available until 6 p.m. Snacks are provided, but kids need to bring lunch. Craft and outdoor activities correspond to weekly themes, and kids get swim instruction as well as ample opportunity for water-related play, such as water slide time and water-balloon fights. Counselors also lead kids in arts and crafts, archery instruction and experiments with bottle rockets, airplanes and boats. Early drop-off (7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.) is available in addition to late pickup. sealswimschool.com, 813-229-7946 Campers are divided by age and skill level at McCormick’s Waterski Wakeboard Cablepark Kids Camp in Seffner, where kids receive professional instruction in wakeboarding. Camp sessions are four days a week from 9 a.m. to noon. Call 813-681-4441 or email mccormickscablepark@ gmail.com for more info, or visit skimccormick.com.

Beginners and more experienced sailors 8-to-17-years old get top-notch sailing instruction during weeklong, full-day sessions divided by age and skill level at Clearwater Community Sailing Center. Half-day programs are available for “Little Puffs” (5-to-7-year olds), and in addition to sailing lessons, those who meet weight requirements can try windsurfing as well. Also available is “Camp Awesome,” a program specifically for 9-to-16-year olds with high-functioning Asperger’s and autism. clearwatercommunitysailing.org/summer-camp-program, 727-517-7776 The protected waters of Frenchmen’s Creek in Boca Ciega Bay are the setting in which kids 5 to 17 can learn to kayak, canoe, sail, windsurf, wakeboard, water ski or saltwater fish at Eckerd College Waterfront Program Summer Watersports Camp in St. Petersburg. Parents can choose half-day or full-day programs and sessions are available from early June to early August. Kids receive a certification of completion at the end of this camp that has been serving kids for more than 45 years. eckerd.edu/waterfront/camp

Open to kids who’ve completed kindergarten through 8th grade, Lowry Park Zoo School Camp in Tampa lets kids engage with the park’s animals, takes them on hikes and leads them in stimulating themed activities during full days (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) of camp fun, with free extended care until 6 p.m. or beginning at 7 a.m. Lunch is included, and there are volunteer opportunities for high school students who have completed 9th grade and are interested in working with children. Call 813-935-8552 ext. 268 or email Jamie. elkington@lowryparkzoo.org for more information. lowryparkzoo.org/education/camps-summer Respect and appreciation for nature are fostered in kids as young as 3 years old during the Boyd Hill Environmental Nature Center’s Nature-Based Day Camps offered by St. Petersburg Parks & Recreation.

In camp sessions grouped by age, children from 3 to 13 learn about conservation, Florida wildlife and ecosystems through interactive games, hands-on exploration and crafts. In pioneer camp for 7-to-13-year olds, kids get real-life experience in a blacksmith shop. Several weeklong sessions are available for each age-based camp, and late pickup until 5 p.m. is available. stpeteparksrec.org/boyd-hill-camps.htm Both day camp and residential programs are offered at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and SeaWorld Orlando. Kids in grades 5 through 8 can interact with many of the 12,000 animals of Busch Gardens parks in age-appropriate day camp sessions, and high school kids can sign up to be counselors-in-training. Busch Gardens also offers a variety of sleepaway summer camp programs that combine learning with thrill rides and adventure. Junior high schoolers can zip line and enjoy the park’s thrill rides, and high school students, in addition, can learn about careers in veterinary science and zoo keeping. Campers don’t have to choose just one park, either: Kids in grades 7 through 9 can sign up for a combo program at Busch Gardens Tampa and SeaWorld Orlando. buschgardens.com, 813-884-4FUN (4386) Children from 5-to-18-years old can have invigorating camp experiences at Clearwater Marine Aquarium Summer Camps. Kids learn about sea animals such as rescue dolphins Winter & Hope, plus sharks, stingrays and manatees, as well as plant life and environmental conservation. During weeklong sessions, little campers will enjoy crafts and games, and older kids can kayak, snorkel, scuba dive and learn about careers in marine biology and veterinary science. Parents can opt for full days or morning or afternoon sessions only, and lunch and early drop-off and late pickup included in registration fees.

Email camps@cmaquarium.org for details. seewinter.com/education/camps

Now in its third year, the dedicated all-female-identifying staff of Girls Rock Camp in St. Pete provides music lessons, self-defense classes, zine workshops, lyric and creative writing workshops and yoga and meditation instruction for girls 7 to 17 years old in one weeklong program in July. No music experience is necessary, fees are sliding scale and full scholarships are available. girlsrockstpete.org Rockatar Music Academy & Studios Summer Music Camp let kids 4-to-17-years old rock out with their instrument of choice in half-day sessions (8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.) in South Tampa in Westchase. Kids practice singing, playing keyboards, piano, drums, guitar or bass. Choose from eight different weeklong programs. For more information, call 813404-9194 or email michael@rockatar.com. rockataracademy.com/summer-camp Kids with some musical ability will enjoy honing their skills at School of Rock Tampa.

Seven-to-18-year olds attend weeklong, full-day (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.) camps taught by seasoned musicians. Friends and family are treated to an end-of-camp performance the final Friday evening of each session. locations.schoolofrock.com/tampa

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| Friday, March 16, 2018 | Tampa Bay Times

The 2018 Summer Art Around the World Youth Camp at Creative Clay in St. Petersburg welcomes 6-to-12-year olds of all abilities to learn about Kenya, Norway, Lebanon and South Korea from professional artists.

Full-day sessions are limited to just 12 students and begin in early June and end in late July. Lunch is provided by the Pinellas County School System. creativeclay.org/ summer-camp Five-to-10-year olds are introduced to a range of creative learning experiences in activities exploring animals, dinosaurs, pop art, history, ethnic dance and cultural celebrations, film and video creation, robotics and the science of cooking at Glazer Children’s Museum Summer Camp Imagination in Tampa. Camp runs from early June to early August and scholarships are available. glazermuseum.org/camps Seven different age-appropriate arts programs – including instruction in musical theater, digital art creation and mural art – are offered to campers 4 ½-to-16-years old at the Dunedin Fine Art Center Summer Camp. Students can immerse themselves in weekly themes such as psychedelic pyramids, superheroes, sharks and steampunk Star Wars. Kids 8 to 12 can focus on musical theater, and there’s a mural art session for 8-to-11-year olds and 12-to-16-year olds. Kids can attend for up to 11 weeks and several scholarships are available. dfac.org/kids-corner/summer-camp

The Patel Conservatory in downtown Tampa offers excellent programs for children 3-to-17-years old who are interested in dance, theater or music. Kids of all skill levels can take jazz, tap and ballet; study theater, musical theater or technical theater production; and receive instruction in voice and in many musical instruments. Programs for junior high and high school students might require that kids have some performance experience, so contact the conservatory for registration requirements. Three- and five-week programs are available in half- or full-day sessions; longer sessions close with stage performances by students. Parents and students are invited to pre-camp orientation sessions in May so they can familiarize themselves with the instructors, facilities and program details. Download the 2018 camp brochure at strazcenter.org/Education-Outreach/Patel-Conservatory.

The Florida Academy of Performing Arts Music and More Camp in Brandon offers kids 5 and up a variety of theater arts opportunities for exploration, including instruction in singing, acting and playing musical instruments at this camp offered by a local arts nonprofit. faopa.org/camps Contempo School of Dance Summer Camps in Lutz offers several themed camps for kids, including Nonstop Hip-Hop Camp, a one-week, co-ed program for kids 6 to 17 in June; Dance Sampler Camp, which accommodates three age-based groups for instruction in ballet, tap, jazz and acrobatics; musical theater camp for kids 7 to 17; and Princess Camp for kids 3-to-6-years old who will learn dances befitting royalty, play princess games and sip together at a tea party on the last day of camp. contempodance.com A love for dance will spark in tiny dancers (3-to-5-year olds) through creative movement, storytelling and crafts in half-day camp sessions for one, two or three weeks at Dance Box Studio in Tampa. Kids 6 to 10 will explore hip-hop, acrobatics, ballet and jazz in a supportive and inclusive environment. Three weeks of camp are available for tiny dancers and there are two weeklong sessions for kids 6 to 10. Contact Corrine via email at corinne@danceboxtampa.com or by phone at 813-515-7993 for more information. danceboxtampa.com/summer-program Themed dance camps are available all summer long at Ms. Lisa’s Dance Studio in Tampa. Campers are taught dance, tumbling and cheerleading skills in two age groups, 3-to-6-year olds and 6-to-13-year olds, and also participate in arts and crafts.

The half-day camp sessions have a 9:1 student to teacher ratio, and parents receive photos of campers via email throughout the week. For more information, call 813253-5472 or email mslisasdancestudio@gmail.com. mslisasdancestudio.com

Tampa Bay Times | Friday, March 16, 2018 |

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Young thespians get to experience the thrill of a professional stage in productions of Disney’s High School Musical.

(12-to-18-year olds) and Willy Wonka Jr. (9-to-13-year olds) at Largo Theater Camp. Campers more interested in learning the ropes behind the scenes can sign up for a technical camp where they can learn about lighting, staging and audio while supporting camp productions. Camp sessions are open to residents and nonresidents (at slightly higher rates) and scholarships are available, as is after care for additional fees. largoarts.com Four-to-12-year-old kids play games and receive arts instruction at Carrollwood Cultural Center Summer Camp in Tampa. Kids can let their imaginations run wild on Dress-Up Thursdays and perform skits, songs and dances every Friday (which is also Kona snow cone day!). Campers can attend full days all summer long (camp runs 9 weeks), and free early drop-off and late pick up (until 5:30 p.m.) is available. Note that 4 year olds need to be fully capable of using the toilet by themselves in order to attend. See website for early bird discounts, discounts for multi-child families and tuition assistance. carrollwoodcenter.org

Bricks 4 Kidz in Wesley Chapel brings math, science and digital arts alive in day camps serving kids 5 and older. Younger campers focus on ninjas, super heroes and princesses, while older kids learn about robotics, stop animation using LEGO bricks, mining and crafting and basic STEM principles in half- or full-day, weeklong sessions. For more information, contact Ayesha via phone: 813-563-KIDZ (5439) or email ayesha.rodriguez@bricks4kidz.com. bricks4kidz.com MOSI Summer Science Camps at the Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI) offer kids as young as 4 and as old as 13 a comprehensive range of half-day programs exploring science and technology. Younger kids can take part in Harry Potter-inspired projects, bring out their inner superheroes and learn how to make bread, while older kids can learn Minecraft modding, virtual-reality game design and how to turn remote-control toys into complex robots. Sign kids up for up to 11 sessions each with a different exciting focus. Download the 2018 Summer Science Camp Catalog online for more information about schedules, scholarships and registration. mosi.org/camps Junior high and high school students can build robots and learn about engineering technology at The Florida Advanced Technology Education Center (FLATE) Robotics Camp offered at Hillsborough Community College’s Brandon campus. FLATE also offers a girls-only camp, and camps are held at St. Pete College as well. fl-ate.org/programs/summer-camps When they attend iD Tech Camps at the University of South Florida in Tampa, 7-to-17-year olds receive top-notch instruction in video game design, video production and 3D modeling during separate weeklong sessions of this national technology school. The average student to instructor ratio is 8:1, and overnight camp is available for kids 10 and up. idtech.com/tech-camps

STEM specialists of Girls Inc.’s Operation Smart Summer Camp will guide girls 5-to-17 in this year’s theme, marine science, in this 11-week day camp in Pinellas Park.

In groups organized by age, girls also receive literacy and reading lessons and go on culturally enriching field trips, get a good amount of pool time and can participate in an end-of-camp talent show and science fair. Breakfast, lunch and afternoon snacks are included in camp fees, and Girls Inc. offers parents flexible scheduling, with campers welcome from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. girlsinc-pinellas.org/s-c/ Shy girls will come out of their shells after attending Tampa’s Girls with Confidence day camps. Choose from seven themed camps that will boost the confidence and self-esteem of girls in K-5th grade, such as the scrapbooking and girl power camps and two based on Christian ideals. All programs encourage growth in positive interpersonal interaction, self-love and self-expression. Girls learn what it’s like to feel excluded, how to deal with bullies and how to make their voices heard while enjoying indoor and outdoor activities and creative projects. girlswithconfidence.com Girl Scouts of West Central Florida offers a few different camps for girls entering the 1st through the 12th grade, with some residential programs and some day camps. In the “Summer on the Bay” program, Camp Wai Lani in Palm Harbor offers water activities such as swimming, canoeing, snorkeling and stand-up paddleboarding as well as archery, arts and crafts and “luau-inspired” celebrations in the evenings. Wai Lani also offers physics and science programs for girls in 1st through 6th grade in “Summer of STEM” and specialty horseback riding camps on a ranch in Wildwood, Florida. gswcf.org/en/camps/summer-camp.html

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| Friday, March 16, 2018 | Tampa Bay Times

Third through 12th graders can learn about live-action filmmaking and stop-motion animation in half-day sessions (younger kids go in the morning and older ones in the afternoon) at Summer Film Camp at the Tampa Theatre. Each session is one week long and all equipment – including lights and Mac computers and software – is provided for students. Kids enjoy snacks daily and leave camp with a T-shirt and digital copy of their completed three-to-five-minute films. tampatheatre.org/education-programs After choosing a focus – screenwriting, acting or directing – kids 13 to 18 with a strong interest in moviemaking work on a collaborative project weekdays (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) in one to three weeks of Sunscreen Film Camp in downtown St. Petersburg. Completed films will screen at the end of camp and also at next year’s Sunscreen Film Festival. Film equipment is provided for campers (although four volunteers to bring laptops for editing are needed) but lunch and snacks are not. sunscreenfilmfestival.com/film-camp-summer-2018

Pinellas County offers Archaeology Summer Camps for 7-to-11year olds interested in prehistory and history in the Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center in St. Pete. They’ll learn about natural resources and early inhabitants of the area from professional archaeologists and educators. Professional herpetologist George Heinrich teaches kids of the same ages about reptiles and amphibians in the five-day Herpetology Summer Camp and offers a Wildlife Ecology Summer Camp for 7-to-11-year olds as well. Call 727-599-1843 for more information.

Check weedonislandpreserve.org/summer-camps.htm for dates and further information, or call 813-396-2325 for Archaeology Camp info.

The camp experience is infused with history during weeklong sessions in which 7 to 11 year olds enjoy games, arts and crafts, the splash park and interactive exhibits and projects at the Tampa Bay History Center History Adventure Camps. Kids can choose from programs that focus on pirates and explorers, history via the senses and “Wild Florida,” in which local archaeologists take kids out to explore the complex beauty of area swamps and beaches. tampabayhistorycenter.org During this full-day (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) weeklong program in June, 10-to-13-year-old campers at the St. Petersburg Museum of History City Builders Summer Camp go on field trips and scavenger hunts around St. Pete in their study of architecture, preservation and city planning. The kids conceptualize and build their perfect city. Call or email Nevin at 727-894-1052 ext. 206 or nevin@spmoh.org for more information. spmoh.com/education/camp

Tampa Bay Times | Friday, March 16, 2018 |

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Since the 1980s, Camp Bayshore of Bayshore Christian School in Tampa has provided kids in kindergarten through 6th grade with a camp experience that includes faith-based service projects and field trips in addition to exploratory activities in art, music and science. The camper-to-counselor ratio for 3-to-5-year-olds is 7:1; for kids in the 1st through 6th grade, the ratio is 10:1. Camp runs from May 30 until August and kids attend from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. bayshorechristianschool.org/ camp_bayshore Jewish Community Summer Camp in Clearwater, offered by the Jewish Foundation of Pinellas & Pasco counties, is open to children of all faiths in kindergarten through 8th grade. Kids play sports, have a color war, learn to rock climb, do arts and crafts, engage in social action and learn about Israeli dance and cooking. Scholarships are available. jewishcommunitycamp.com

Swimming, sports and fun weekly themes such as Antarctica, the animals of Australia and celebrations around the world keep children 3-to-14-years old engaged all summer long at Summer Camp 2018: Passport to Adventure at the Brandon Sports & Aquatic Center. Pick up kids after full (7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.) or half days. mybsac.org Academy at the Lakes in Land O’Lakes, New Tampa, Lutz, Odessa, Carrollwood and Wesley Chapel offers nine-week day camp programs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily for kids in kindergarten through 8th grade. Kids can participate in a variety of activities including sports (including playing basketball on an indoor court), archery, canoeing, arts and crafts and the dramatic arts. They also might learn scrapbooking, how to make popsicles and dog treats and perform science experiments. academyatthelakes.org/community/summer-camp Pasco County residents need to register their children in person at their chosen location of the Pasco County Summer Day Camps, which include sites in Dade City, New Port Richey, Odessa and Land O’ Lakes. The camper-to-counselor ratio is 20:1, so these camps are best for kids able to listen and follow directions well. These classic, well-rounded, seven-week day camp programs offer sports, games, arts and crafts, field trips, movies and special events for kids 5-to-13-years old. pascocountyfl.net Now in its 17th year, SRK Summer Camp at the Heritage Harbor Country Club in Lutz serves campers 5-to-13 years old (club membership not necessary). Kids enjoy swimming, volleyball, golf, tennis, games, and arts and crafts at this camp accredited and licensed by the state. Ask about discounts for returning campers, multi-child families and employees of the Hillsborough County school system. srkcamp.com With nine locations, including YMCAs in Tampa, North Brandon, Plant City and Zephyrhills, YMCA Summer Camps Kids make friends to last a lifetime while swimming, playing games, doing arts and crafts, playing paintball and exploring themes in the arts and sciences. tampaymca.org Each week, the 5- and 6-year olds at the Clearwater YMCA’s Adventure Junior Camp enjoy a special event such as a trip to the Tarpon Springs Aquarium, MOSI, a fire station and a water park in addition to classic camp fun such as swimming, games and arts and crafts. Camp is held for 11 weeks from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. activecommunities.com/ymcaofthesuncoast The nonprofit Suncoast Waldorf School 2018 Summer Fun Camp in Palm Harbor teaches kids to learn to grow and prepare healthy food, knit and crochet, re-engineer electronics or learn woodcraft and the fiber arts in separate full-day programs.

Check the website for the options for 3-to-5-year olds and full-day camps for 6-to-11-year olds. Early childhood camps are also available for kids 3-to-5-years old in half- or full-day sessions. Call 727-786-8311 or email waldorf@suncoastwaldorf. org for more info. suncoastwaldorf.org/programs/summer-programs

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| Friday, March 16, 2018 | Tampa Bay Times

Out-of-Market Camps Adventurous kids who don’t mind being away from home will love these special camps outside the Tampa Bay area.

Kids 7-to-14-years old who are comfortable in the water can learn the fundamentals of water ballet and receive a “mermaid makeover” at two-day Weeki Watchee Springs State Park Adventure Under the Springs Mermaid Camp. Parents can view kids’ new moves in the underwater theater on the last day of this fun and unusual camp. The park also offers a separate junior ranger program, where kids 8 to 12 will learn to canoe, build a map and compass-reading skills; and junior lifeguard camps for kids 8 to 14 as well. weekiwachee.com

and exploration, as 10-to-17-year-old campers get familiar with coral reefs, and shallow bay and mangrove habitats.

Call 877-SEACAMP or email info@seacamp.org for more info. seacamp.org Teens 14-to-17-years old can immerse themselves in acting or filmmaking at New York Film Academy’s summer programs at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando. Students can enjoy the pool during their stay at the Bohemian Celebration Hotel and are gifted passes to Park Hooper Pass, which includes admission to the Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. NYFA programs, including one for 10-to-13-year olds, are also available in South Beach in Miami. nyfa.edu/summer-camps/locations/florida

Since 1966, Sea Camp on Big Pine Key has offered an idyllic setting for kids to learn to snorkel, SCUBA dive, sail and windsurf as well as enjoy quintessential camp activities such as arts and crafts. Seasoned counselors emphasize marine research

Tampa Bay Times | Friday, March 16, 2018 |

15S

Summer

The year the first overnight summer camp for boys opened, in New Jersey. Originally named Camp Wawayanda, the camp moved to New York and was renamed Frost Valley YMCA.

1885

1902

The oldest summer camp for girls – Wyonegonic Camps in Maine.

1924

The Florida Diocese founded what’s likely the first summer camp in Florida, Camp Weed, near St. Augustine, which hosted 40 children in 1924.

Numbers of area kids eligible for camp this summer (nearly 426,000 kids all together):

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| Friday, March 16, 2018 | Tampa Bay Times

76,800

KIDS OVER 5 IN PASCO COUNTY

9

115,000

234,000

KIDS OVER 5 IN PINELLAS COUNTY

KIDS OVER 5 IN HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY

Number of public summer camps for kids offered by the Pasco County Parks Department

There are 5 camps on the Weedon Island Preserve’s 1,100 acres of dry upland ecosystems

3.2 Million

$

how much it cost to renovate historic Cuscaden Pool in Ybor City, which is more than 80 years old and reopened in 2016

13,000

$

5

16,000/42 days

$

That’s reportedly the priciest summer The most expensive camps in the US include camp in the world, Junior and Teen Camp in Switzerland. And that Camp Laurel in Maine and Raquette Lake doesn’t include airfare. (But hey, Camps for girls and boys in New York, which campers do get fresh towels daily, each cost parents around this much for housekeeping and laundry services summer overnight sesssions and “en suite” bathrooms.)

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Tampa Bay Times | Friday, March 16, 2018 |

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| Friday, March 16, 2018 | Tampa Bay Times

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What to know before you go How to plan for kids’ best summer camp experience ever

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Tampa Bay Times | Friday, March 16, 2018 |

19S

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| Friday, March 16, 2018 | Tampa Bay Times