TWO CAMPS

Two of the more unique summer camps in the region span generations.

Camp Villages, an intergenerational camp for kids, parents, and grandparents to share together, continues to grow in its 17th year in The Villages.

Organizers add new activities and extra sessions each year. A ninth week was added two years ago, and Camp Buckaroos, for youngsters 3 to 6 years old, was created in 2014.

New ideas were considered during the winter planning stages of the camp, says Lisa Parkyn, lifestyle events manager for The Villages district and one of the camp coordinators.

“We’re branching out and partnering with some new resident lifestyle groups,” she says, referring to the various clubs run by Villagers. Thirty resident groups, totaling 577 volunteers, helped with last year’s camp.

More than 4,000 children are estimated to participate in the camp’s 80-plus activities, which include sports, scrapbooking, gardening, kite-making, belly dancing, hula hooping, and much more.

Camp Villages has become so popular, the Recreation Department puts on small-scale versions during holidays and school breaks, when more kids are in town and activities can be tailored specifically for them, Lisa says. Easter Camp Villages, for example, is scheduled for April 10-13.

This summer’s Camp Villages runs from June 12-Aug. 11. For information, call 352.674.1800 or 352.753.1716.

South Lake County, 1300 Fosgate Road, Minneola, 352.394.7243.