Neapolitan Family April 2023

Gabrielle Ndiaye, 8, is a second grader at Estates Elementary School. in Naples. She loves crafts, art, school, traveling, and dancing. She is an avid reader and always has a book in her hand. Her favorite color is pink. She enjoys having pretend tea parties with her little sister (3). She also has an older sister (22) and brother (16). This summer she is looking forward to visiting her family, which is spread across three continents and five countries.

Cover photo by Monica Alvarez www.monicaalvarezphotography.com 305-815-3495

info@monicaalvarezphotography.com

12 Easter Events. Hop to it to find the best family fun this Easter season.

14 Keeping It Weird. Check out these wacky vacation homes for your family.

by Karen T. Bartlett

23 Why Summer Camp? Learn the benefits of sleepaway camp.

24 Summer Camp Chart. Start your search with our quick reference chart.

28 Summer Options for Tweens and Teens. Where to find summer camp and volunteer opportunities for tweens and teens.

by Leigh Ann Newman

30 Affordable Summer Camps for Older Kids We tracked down wallet-friendly full-time summer camp options.

By Andrea Stetson

32 Keeping Kids Safe at Camp. Advice on calming your fears about sending your kids to camp

By Rebecca Hastings

35 Camp Directory. Find the perfect camp for your kids.

32

P.O. Box 110656

Naples, FL 34108

info@neafamily.com

THIS MONTH Summer Camp

Co-Publisher

Stacy Nicolau snicolau@neafamily.com

239-370-5333

Co-Publisher

Leigh Ann Newman lanewman@neafamily.com

239-272-0529

Travel Editor

Karen T. Bartlett mostlykidsguides@gmail.com

239-595-9026

Newsletter Editor

Emily Brockelsby

Feature Writers

Anna Snyder

Andrea Stetson

Editorial submissions are welcome. We reserve the right to edit, reject, or comment editorially on all material contributed. We cannot be responsible for return of any unsolicited materials. Articles and advertisements in Neapolitan Family do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher nor does the publisher assume responsibility for statements made by our advertisers or editorial contributors. Acceptance of advertising by Neapolitan Family does not constitute an endorsement of the products, services, or information. We do not knowingly present any product or service that is fraudulent or misleading in nature. Neapolitan Family is available free of charge at distribution points throughout Collier County, as well as digitally at https://neafamily.com. Neapolitan Family is ©2023 by Neapolitan Family Publishing LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is strictly prohibited.

When I was a kid, I couldn’t wait for summer break. The last day of school was so full of anticipation of all of the fun I would have swimming, catching fire flies, staying up late, and going to camp.

As a parent, the last day of school creeps up fast and has me in a panic. Did I plan for child care? Camp? Vacation? Are my kids going to forget everything they learned in school?

We know that like us, every parent wonders how their kids can keep busy, healthy, safe, and learning over summer. Even with a vacation or camp planned, you may still have several weeks of unstructured days or lapses in child care.

Neapolitan Family is here to help with our Summer Camp Guide starting on page 21, and our online School Break and Summer Camp directory! We have information about camps for all ages and interests, to fit every family’s summer schedule and budget. Does your tween or teen feel they are too old for camp? We have a special section just for them, starting on page 28, that includes camps for older kids, summer programs, volunteering, and counselor opportunities. Save this issue to refer to throughout camp season, but don’t forget to check our online directory at neafamily.com for last-minute additions or changes.

While you are busy organizing your summer, don’t forget to plan for Passover, Easter, and the mini school break April 7 and 10. On page 12 we have all of the best egg hunts and Easter events, and our online calendar has seders and school break camps to keep kids busy over the long holiday weekend. We are proud to sponsor the Summer Camp Fair at Mercato on April 8, featuring local camps and fun children’s activities, so please stop by our booth to say hello and receive a shopping bag for all of the information you will gather.

Finally, save the date to celebrate Earth Day on April 22! There are several fun and educational events in our calendar for the whole family to enjoy.

Happy Easter and Passover!

Stacy

from the publisher…

Member of

SCHEDULE YOUR PERSONAL TOUR

239.594.9888

C’mon, FGCU Partner to Provide Workshops for Preschoolers

The fourth installment of Shine On workshops kicked off last month at the Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples. The program was created by C’mon and Florida Gulf Coast University, and this session includes a partnership with teachers and students from Child’s Path early learning centers.

The six-week program, hosted inside C’mon’s exhibits, helps children build communications skills, develop confidence and self-esteem, build resilience through problem-solving and impulse control, and make healthy life choices. Master’s degree-level interns from FGCU’s clinical mental health counseling program, along with their licensed program supervisor, led the preschoolers from Child’s Path during each session.

Shine On workshops at the children’s museum began in 2021, when instructors in FGCU’s clinical mental health counseling program and C’mon’s leadership noticed a need for small-group programming for young children who may not have been properly socialized due to the overlap of the COVID-19 pandemic with the children’s foundational developmental periods.

“As a teacher, this was an amazing experience to share with children after having been separated from other children and adults,” said a Child’s Path teacher. The Shine On program “was a great opportunity to watch them grow and strengthen skills that they didn’t get a chance to use due to the pandemic.”

Workshops are held on Wednesdays when the museum is closed to the public, giving the Shine On clinicians and participants the museum to themselves. Creating an interdisciplinary mentorship relationship between the Child’s Path preschoolers and the FGCU interns, Shine On promotes self-advocacy, identifying feelings, and making healthy choices.

“I am thankful for this wonderful opportunity for my Spanishspeaking child to be fully immersed with other children learning English and building strong social skills,, especially having been separated from others during COVID-19,” shared a Child’s Path parent.

Every day, students at Royal Palm Academy grow spiritually, academically and as future leaders. Experience our school community –the foundation for exceptional character development – for yourself!

Bonnie Thayer (left), chief operations and education officer at the Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples, with interns and faculty from Florida Gulf Coast University during a recent Shine On workshop at the museum. Photo courtesy of Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples

HEALTH CARE By Jamie Ulmer, CEO, Healthcare Network

HCN Is Working to Close the Gaps in Minority Health Care

National Minority Health Month is observed in April, and is an initiative that targets the health needs of African Americans, Hispanics, Asians, Native Americans, and other minorities. The recognition is rooted in the 1915 establishment of National Negro Health Week by Booker T. Washington. In 2002, the designation received the support from the U.S. Congress needed to establish this annual observation.

The designation is designed to build awareness of the unequal burden of preventable death and illness in these groups. Racial and ethnic minority populations have higher rates of poor health than White counterparts in a range of conditions, including diabetes, hypertension, obesity, asthma, and heart disease.

The nonprofit Healthcare Network was founded in 1977 to tackle the medical issues of migrant farmworkers, the rural poor, and citizens in Collier County. As the only federally qualified health center in Collier County, Healthcare Network welcomes all patients, regardless of insurance or job status, providing the same high-quality care to all.

Community health centers like Healthcare Network are not ordinary medical clinics. We are also problem-solvers who reach beyond the exam room to care for the whole person and help address the social determinants of health, such as connecting patients to resources, like food and housing, that are essential for a person’s complete well-being.

Here are just a few ways that Healthcare Network is working to address racial health care disparities in Collier County.

Health crisis

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted existing health inequities, with Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian, and Alaska Native populations in the U.S. experiencing higher rates of hospitalization and death compared to White populations.

Healthcare Network worked with community partners in Immokalee to provide

culturally and language-appropriate information about COVID-19 to remote, vulnerable communities, helping to combat challenges faced by underserved communities.

Primary care

Racial minorities are more likely to live in primary care shortage areas. Access to primary care is critical because of its role in prevention, chronic disease management, and as an entry point to the health care system.

The U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration designates nearly all of Southwest Florida as a medically underserved area, meaning that there are too few primary care providers for the growing population.

Yet community health centers like Healthcare Network improve access to highquality primary care for at-risk populations, as well as people with insurance, while decreasing hospitalization rates and use of emergency departments in the states and counties that they serve.

Mental health services

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality reports that racial and ethnic minority groups in the U.S. are less likely to have access to mental health services.

Healthcare Network patients continue

to benefit from an integrated behavioral health model, where patients are screened for mental and behavioral health issues during regular primary care appointments. Combining behavioral and mental health in one setting helps reduce the stigma patients may feel when seeking mental health services.

Maternal health

Black Maternal Health Week is recognized each year from April 11-17. Black women are three times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than White women. Multiple factors contribute to these disparities, including variations in accessing quality health care.

Healthcare Network’s new maternalfetal medicine program focuses on women with high-risk or complicated pregnancies, specialty care not always available to lowincome mothers. In addition, we offer a wide range of in-office procedures such as management of ectopic pregnancy, the Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) to prevent cervical cancer, and vulvar biopsy. These procedures previously were accessible only to our patients at a hospital, where the cost often was prohibitive.

Recognizing that health care needs to be accessible, affordable, and comprehensive, our commitment to our rapidly growing community is to be innovative in the ways we reach at-risk populations.

In addition, it is increasingly important that the community supports nonprofit organizations already in place and working to address health care disparities in Black, Indigenous, and people of color communities.

JAMIE ULMER is president and CEO of Healthcare Network. He serves on the executive and chair committees for the Florida Association of Community Health Centers and is a member of multiple committees for the National Association of Community Health Centers. For information visit healthcareswfl.org.

Jamie Ulmer, president and CEO of Healthcare Network

COLLIER COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

By Jennifer Kupiec

CCPS Celebrates Employees of the Year

Collier County Public Schools is proud to announce its Employees of the Year. Each of these individuals contributes something special to our community and to our students. The school board will honor this amazing group at its regular meeting on May 9. Let’s get to know a bit about them.

Kristen Anselmo at Avalon Elementary has a knack for fostering a sense of wonder in young children. She listens to her fifth graders closely, observes them carefully, and finds ways to draw out their curiosity through exploration. When most teachers might say ‘no’ to an idea (like growing 22 individual plants and letting each child have one on their desk), Anselmo is the one already at Home Depot picking up the materials. Her philosophy is “to see the ‘teachable’ in every child, to find new solutions when it feels like there are none, to ensure every child feels loved and wakes up saying, ‘I can’t wait to get to class today!’” We’re honored to name her our Elementary School Teacher of the Year.

Motivated by her son’s autism diagnosis, Middle School Teacher of the Year Trissa Hasley decided to change the public school system for the better. Her theory that actions speak louder than words makes her a positive role model to both staff and students. The Gulfview Middle School U.S. History teacher works diligently to develop lessons that challenge students to go above their comfort levels. Her lessons, such as performing “Character Autopsies,” keep students engaged and challenged. She instills the values of what it means to be a U.S. citizen. Responsibility, honesty, fairness, and self-discipline are all demonstrated in her daily living.

Lely High School’s Alan Davis is our High School Teacher of the Year. As the teacher responsible for Lely’s Aviation

Academy, Davis’ daily efforts to connect students with career pathways ignites passion, commitment, and determination. His partnership with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University allows qualified students to experience flight in a world where they may have never been afforded the opportunity. His continuous extensions beyond the classroom walls provide an avenue for students to experience hands-on learning while exploring potential careers.

Adult and Community Education teacher Linda Rhines applies problemcentered learning to facilitate the academic skills students need to advance. While not a nurse, Rhines gracefully inserted herself

into the post-secondary nursing training world, working alongside the nursing instructors to implement instructional strategies to support nursing students. She also ignites the potential of CCPS employees. In one particular case, our Post-Secondary Teacher of the Year led one of her former students, who was working as a secretary for four years, on the path to becoming an instructional teacher for CCPS.

A valued employee of Village Oaks Elementary, Maria (Janie) Alcantar is so much more than her title of media assistant. She arrives early each morning to open the gates to the overhead bridge that leads students to campus. Her face is the first one students see as they step out from the winding path of the walkway. She knows each one by name, offering a warm smile and greeting as they pass. The connections and relationships she builds with students only help to emphasize the positive culture and sense of belonging that permeates throughout Village Oaks, and it is one of the many reasons she makes an excellent candidate for Florida School-Related Employee of the Year.

Relationships built within our schools is what inspires Gulf Coast High School’s Sundai Grillo. “We have a chance to connect with our students and colleagues daily in hopes of inspiring learning and helping shape people with hearts to serve others,” explained Grillo, our CCPS nominee for Florida Teacher of the Year.

“As a product of CCPS, I remember sitting in a classroom with a poster that read, ‘Make Life Your Masterpiece.’ As someone who is not artistically inclined, I wondered how this applied to me. How could I make my life a meaningful and beautiful work of art? It was only coming back to my community to teach that I found my passion.”

Kristen Anselmo, a fifth grade teacher at Avalon Elementary, reacts to being named Elementary School Teacher of the Year for Collier County Public Schools.

Easter Events!

PHOTOSWITH THEEASTERBUNNY

ThruApril8, 10a.m.to6p.m. CoastlandCenter 1900TamiamiTr.N.,Naples 239-262-7100 www.coastlandcenter.com Reservationsencouraged; walk-upspermittedas spaceallows.

EGGSTRA-SPECIAL EGG HUNT - AIR

www.basspro.com Free photo. Packages available for purchase.

Saturday, April 1, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Golden Gate Community Park 3300 Santa Barbara Blvd., Naples 239-252-4184 • www.collierparks.com

For children with special needs. Registration required. Free.

Saturday, April 8, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Eagle Lakes Aquatics Center 11565 Tamiami Tr. E., Naples 239-252-6128

For ages 1-13. Dry-land option for ages 1-3. Easter Bunny

DOGGYEASTERSaturday,EGGHUNT 9:30-10:30April1, a.m. VeteransCommunityPark 1895VeteransParkDr., Naples•239-252-4682 Bringwww.collierparks.com yourdogincostumeforthisfuneventinthe dogpark.Free.

EGG-CELLENT

Saturday,EASTERApril15, Immokalee10a.m.to2p.m.PioneerMuseum

1215RobertsAve.W., Immokalee•239-252-2611 www.colliermuseums.com Eastereggshunt, activities,games, andmore.

EASTER BUNNY

EGG HUNT

Saturdays & Sundays thru April 9, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Springtime Farms Adventure Park

10761 Aqua Vista Ln., Fort Myers 239-309-0630

Hunt for more than 30,000 eggs. Easter Bunny, Easter maze, bunnies, crafts, and more.

Saturday,SPRINGFLING April1,Golden11a.m.to1p.m.GateCommunityCtr.4701GoldenGatePkwy., Naples•239-252-4180 Eggwww.collierparks.com music,hunts(ages2-12), food,games, prizes,andmore.$3.

EASTER EGG HUNT & FAMILY DAY

FAMILY EASTER

EGG HUNT

Saturday, April 8, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. First Naples 3000 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples • 239-597-6057 www.firstnaples.org/easter Easter egg hunt on the Livingston Field. Free.

canned food donation), crafts, treats, and dancing.

Immokalee10-11:30a.m.Library 417N.FirstSt.,Naples 239-252-7073

www.collierlibrary.org Story,craft,andegg hunt.Ages2-10.

Saturday, April 1, 9:30-11 a.m. First Congregational Church of Naples 6630 Immokalee Rd., Naples 239-514-3500 • www.naplesflchurch.com

Easter egg hunt, photos with Easter Bunny. Free.

BREAKFAST WITH THE EASTER BUNNY

Saturday, April 1, 10 a.m. Lake Kennedy Center 400 Santa Barbara Blvd., Cape Coral • 239-574-0575 www.capecoral.gov

$16 per adult; $12 per child; 2 and under are free. Registration required.

TRAVEL By Karen T. Bartlett

Keeping Your Vacation Weird

Recently, I offered a few of America’s freakiest roadside attractions for your consideration (Embracing the Quirk Factor , January 2023), including the World’s Largest Potato. It turns out that the 6-ton spud got tired of being rudely gawked at during her seven-year road show. So, the old girl retired to a Boise farm for a sweeter life as – you guessed it – The World’s Only Giant Potato Airbnb. Despite her bland potato-esque exterior, she’s quite charming inside, and comes with a private silo-turned-bath spa. Which brings me to what you’re thinking right now: “Is the World’s Only Giant Potato Airbnb right for me?” Before deciding, you may want to consider one of these.

The Giant Unicorn: Keeping Austin Weird

It looks like a spiky marshmallow dragon to me (look left), but either way, just WOW! The fantastical creature was the eco-fantasy of two brilliant 1970s-era architecture students at the University of Texas at Austin. Way ahead of its time, it slept forlorn for ages, until awaking a few years ago as a super-awesome Airbnb. The free-form stucco creation is as twisty and turny inside as out. Furnished by West Elm, it looks oh, so cozy. Sleeps four. Bring a camera. Visit www.bloomhouse.live.

Navajo Mud Hogan

Seeking deeper immersion into the Navajo culture while visiting Monument Valley? Book yourself an earth-covered simple hogan, built the Navajo way with local juniper beams and a skylight to the stars. Set in the shadow of the famous red sandstone buttes just outside of Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, its simple amenities are a queen-size bed, woodburning stove, and an antique ice box, no-frills bed and bath basics, board games, and use of the adjacent bathhouse and playground. No cookware. It’s a perfect grandparentand-me memory-maker, don’t you think? Airbnb: Traditional Navajo Home, Monument Valley, Utah.

Conestoga Covered Wagon

For family-pleasing glamping, check out this four-person air-conditioned tent alternative at the Smoky Hollow Outdoor Resort in Sevierville, Tennessee. There’s a picnic area, shower house, and game room, plus gorgeous mountain views. Nearby are those ubiquitous family must-dos, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, as well as the huge Soaky Mountain Water Park. Visit www. smokyhollowoutdoorresort.com.

Floating Tiki

While the kids are at camp, slip away for your own style camping aboard the Grand Tiki Suite, a movie-set thatchroofed houseboat for two. The upscale new big sister of the simpler Original Tiki Suite floats just offshore in shallow dolphin and manatee habitats. Amenities (besides surreal sunrises and sunsets, a hammock for two on the deck, paddleboards, and snorkeling gear) include a 50-inch TV, Blu-ray play-

er, voice-activated lighting, a mini-fridge instead of a cooler, and soft underwater lighting for romance and nocturnal sea life viewing. Visit www.tiki-suites.com.

A Little Red Caboose for the Kids; A Blue One for You

Two authentic caboose cars set endto-end against a Blue Ridge Mountains backdrop might just be the coolest vacation destination your kids (and a best friend, maybe, and the dog) can imagine. The 96-acre Apple Ridge Farm in Copper Hill, Virginia, has 5 miles of hiking trails, plus tennis, pickleball, and basketball courts, horseshoe pit, fire pit, and a picnic area. It feels remote but you’ve got Wi-Fi, and the refrigerator is stocked for breakfast. Caboose #1 (red) sleeps four; Caboose #2 (blue) sleeps two. Apple Ridge Farm is a nonprofit organization, and its caboose rentals help support farm and camp experiences for underserved children. Visit www.appleridge.org.

The Ark, the Civil War Cabin, and the Tree House Mansion

Kelly’s Jubilee is barely 30 minutes north of Nashville, but it’s another universe, as far as Uber and Lyft are concerned. They’ll take you there from the Nashville airport, no problem, but bringing you back? Not happening. Still, this star-quality destination is so worth the effort. The reclaimed Civil War-era cabin, two treehouses, and other quirky-glam one-of-akind lodgings are tucked among creeks and wildflower fields and a duck pond against a woodsy backdrop. The three-level Ark is my fave, with its fairy lighted deck, hot tub, and luxurious bed and bath amenities. I’m thinking girlfriends retreat, with one of Kelly’s curated special occasion packages. Visit www.kellysjubilee.com.

KAREN T. BARTLETT is an awardwinning travel journalist and author of “A Mostly Kids’ Guide to Naples, Marco Island, and the Everglades.”

Facing page, top: The Giant Unicorn (or spiky marshmallow) in Austin, Texas. Photo by Scott Van Osdol. Facing page, bottom: Caboose cars at Apple Ridge Farm in Copper Hill, Virginia. Photo courtesy of Apple Ridge Farm Inc. Above: A Conestoga covered wagon at the Smoky Hollow Outdoors Resort in Sevierville, Tennessee. Photo courtesy of Smoky Hollow Outdoor Resort.

Marine Life Interest Leads Middle Schooler to Environmental Efforts

Charlotte takes part in all the school community cleanups, helps plan Earth Day activities, has volunteered with Audubon of the Western Everglades for burrowing owl monitoring, has done cleanups at Rookery Bay, and conducts fish surveys. Her latest endeavor is joining a team to do coral reef restoration in the Florida Keys.

“They take plant babies, and you clean them, and then you plant them,” Charlotte described. “This will be my first time. I am very excited about it.”

The seventh grader got scuba certified last year and enjoys diving in the Florida Keys.

“I saw eels and sharks,” she said. “I didn’t get to see a sea turtle, which is my life dream.”

Charlotte says helping the environment isn’t just a phase – this is what she wants to do the rest of her life and plans to study the marine environment in college.

There were no reefs or tropical fish when Charlotte Siepierski was growing up in Buffalo, New York, but when she moved to Naples at the age of 10, she wanted to delve right into this new environment.

Charlotte is now 12, and an environmental leader at the Community School of Naples, where she signs up for any opportunity to help marine life, plant life, and anything else that might help her natural surroundings.

“When I entered middle school they were telling us about electives. I heard we could do Environmental Club, so I joined that. It was really cool, and I was told about scuba. Then, when one of the

high schoolers put together a [fish] tank and wanted a club to take care of the fish, I joined.”

But it was much more for Charlotte than just joining the clubs. It is her passion for the environment that her teachers say sets her apart.

“She has an intrinsic motivation for participating, and she loves the environment,” said Jimmi Stevens, the Environmental Club sponsor who also runs the scuba team and tank team at CSN. “She cares about the habitat. She is hardworking, empathetic, and sweet.”

“She has always been outward looking and thinking of others,” added her father, Joel Siepierski.

“I love the environment,” she gushed. “It is just cool to see everything underwater. That is right up my alley. I want to do something along those lines. Underwater is so cool.”

But she also likes things above water and hopes to do a tree planting project.

“It is such a small thing you can do, but it has such a big impact,” Charlotte said.

When Charlotte isn’t busy helping the environment, she plays volleyball and softball, and participates in Odyssey of the Mind. She enjoys spending time with her parents, her older brother, Nate, and younger sister, Evie.

“Charlotte is hardworking, dedicated, kind, funny, quirky, and wonderful,” wrote Colleen Potocki, CSN’s head of middle school.

Charlotte Siepierski loves marine life, and is one of the students who takes care of this salt water fish tank at the Community School of Naples. Photo by Andrea Stetson

FAMILY FUN

1

SATURDAY

9 a.m. Free Zoo Admission for Collier Residents. Present qualifying ID for free entry on the first Saturday of the month. Located at Naples Zoo, 1590 Goodlette-Frank Rd., Naples. Call 239-315-7626 or check www.napleszoo.org.

9 a.m. Avow Butterfly Release. Annual community memorial service and butterfly release. Begins with butterfly exhibit, music, and activities for children. Remembrance ceremony starts at 11 a.m. Located at Cambier Park, 755 8th Ave. S., Naples. Call 239-6493683 or check www.avowcares.org.

11 a.m. Magic Carpet Family Concert: Strings. Ages 3-9. Learn more about string instruments and music making. Free, reservations required. Located at Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples. Call 239-254-2621 or check www.artisnaples.org.

2 p.m. The Great Naples Duck Race and Water Safety Festival. Adopt a duck to help raise money for NCH Safe & Healthy Children’s Coalition. Located at Sugden Regional Park, 4284 Avalon Dr., Naples. Check www.duckrace.com/naples.

2 p.m. Saturday Movie Matinee: Lyle, Lyle Crocodile. Rated PG. Located at Immokalee Library, 417 N. First St., Immokalee. Check www.collierlibrary.org or call 239-252-7073.

4 p.m. Drop-in Game Time: Chess and More. Ages 11+. Chess, checkers, and other board games. Located at Naples Regional Library, 650 Central Ave., Naples. Call 239-252-5135 or check www.collierlibrary.org.

We buy & sell gently used kids stuff

• Clothing (newborn to size 16), toys, baby furniture, equipment, and more.

• We pay cash on the spot.

• No appointment necessary; clothes must be freshly laundered and brought in a plastic container.

13560 Tamiami Trail N. #4, Naples 239-596-6096

Also in: Fort Myers at 239-274-0039 Port Charlotte at 941-764-8121 www.onceuponachildnaples.com

Photo by Emily Brockelsby

2 SUNDAY

9 a.m. Rookery Bay’s Farmers Market. More than three dozen vendors offer fruit, vegetables, local seafood, art, and more. Live music. Located at Rookery Bay, 300 Tower Rd., Naples. Call 239-5305972 or check www.rookerybay.org.

10 a.m. Free Wonder Gardens Admission. Free entry with Bonita Springs address on a photo ID on the first Sunday of the month. Located at Wonder Gardens, 27180 Old 41 Rd., Bonita Springs. Check www.wondergardens.org or call 239-992-2591.

4 TUESDAY

5:30 p.m. A.I.R. Buddy Sports Mini. A four-week program covering basic sports skills. Participants are paired with a staff member, volunteer, or another participant for one-to-one interaction. Located at Golden Gate Community Park, 3300 Santa Barbara Blvd., Naples. Email AdaptiveInclusiveRec@colliercountyfl.gov or call 239-252-4551.

5 WEDNESDAY

5 p.m. Board Game Night. Bring a friend, a board game you love, or play one of our games. Located at Naples

Regional Library, 4630 Pine Ridge Rd., Naples. Check www.collierlibrary.org or call 239-455-3030.

6 THURSDAY

6 p.m. Passover Seder. Join us for the richness of tradition, the warmth of community, and a delicious meal. Located at Temple Shalom, 4630 Pine Ridge Rd., Naples. Call 239-252-5135 or check www.naplestemple.org.

7 FRIDAY

10:30 a.m. Family Storytime. Stories, songs, and a craft for children of all ages and caregivers. Located at Marco Island Library, 210 S. Heathwood Dr., Marco Island. Call 239-252-7064 or check www.collierlibrary.org.

5:30 p.m. Avow Kids First Friday Movie Night. Enjoy dinner and Bambi. Free. Located at Avow Ispiri Community Center, 1205 Whippoorwill Ln., Naples. RSVP to 239-261-4404 or AvowKids@ avowcares.org.

8 SATURDAY

10 a.m. Summer Camp Fair. Your one-stop shop for summer camps and programs. Sponsored by Neapolitan Family. Free Kids’ Zone with bounce house, face

painting, lawn games, and more. Located at Mercato, U.S. 41 and Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Naples. Check neafamily.com or www.experiencemercato.com.

10:30 a.m. Conservancy Alligator

Visit. Ages 5+. Learn about how wild alligators grow from tiny babies to massive rulers of the swamp, and even get to meet a real alligator. Located at Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples. Call 239-252-7371 or check www.collierlibrary.org.

11 a.m. Tween Book Club. Ages 9-14. Snacks provided. Meet new friends and discuss great books. Bring a book you love to talk about. Creative writing activities and brain puzzles. Located at Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples. Call 239-252-7370 or check www.collierlibrary.org.

3 p.m. Pups ‘n’ Books. Read to a dog or just pet one. All ages. Dogs are provided by Golden PAWS Assistance Dogs. Located at Vanderbilt Beach Library, 788 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Naples. Call 239252-7160 or check www.collierlibrary.org.

9 SUNDAY

10 a.m. Second Sundays. Enjoy trails, meet special guests, and explore the preserve. Free, donations appreciated. Located at Gore Nature Education Center, 4261 40th Ave. SE, Naples. Check www.cclandkeepers.com or call 239-308-0281.

10 MONDAY

Milestone checklists for 2 months to 5 years

Receive a summary of your child’s milestones

Download, print, and save summary to your desktop and/or mobile device

Automatically send summary results to Help Me Grow® Florida for a follow-up

To complete a milestone checklist, visit:

2 p.m. Awesome Astronomy for Families. A representative from the Everglades Astronomical Society will capture your family’s interest in the universe and our place in it. All ages welcome. Registration encouraged. Located at Golden Gate Library, 2432 Lucerne Rd., Naples. Check www.collierlibrary.org or call 239252-4549.

11 TUESDAY

10 a.m. Exploration Insect. Ages 6-11. Learn about insect habitats and the role insects play in the environment. Located at Gore Nature Education Center, 4261 40th Ave. SE, Naples. Call 239-308-0281 or check www.cclandkeepers.com.

4 p.m. Little Builders Build: Build Your Own Garden. This flower building set is a great way to build your child’s logical thinking and fine motor skills. Ages 3-8. Located at South Regional Library, 8065 Lely Cultural Pkwy., Naples. Call 239-252-7542 or check www.collierlibrary.org.

12 WEDNESDAY

10 a.m. Preschool Program: Pioneer Playtime. Play pioneer games, learn about farm animals, and create a pioneer garden. Located at Collier Museum at Government Center, 3331 Tamiami Tr. E., Naples. Call 239-252-8476 or visit www.colliermuseums.com

15 SATURDAY

10 a.m. Exploring the Everglades Family Day. Fun activities for kids of all ages. Learn about the people, animals, and environment that make this place special. Located at Collier Museum at Government Center, 3331 Tamiami Tr. E., Naples. Call 239-2528476 or visit www.colliermuseums.com.

11 a.m. BizKidz Expo. Free entry for public. Local kid entrepreneurs are displaying and selling their uniquely created products and services. Located at Coastland Center, 1900 Tamiami Tr., Naples. Call 239-675-8015 or visit www.bizkidzexpo.com.

1:30 p.m. Pups ‘n’ Books. Read to a dog or just pet one. All ages. Located at Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples. Check www.collierlibrary.org or call 239-252-7369.

2 p.m. Saturday Movie Matinee: Hoot. Rated PG. Registration required. Located at Naples Regional Library, 650 Central Ave., Naples. Check www.collierlibrary.org or call 239-252-5135.

17 MONDAY

5:30 p.m. Animals Galore. Celebrate Earth Day by learning about some cute animals, and how to take care of them. Featuring live animals. All ages. Registration required. Located at Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples. Call 239252-7369 or check www.collierlibrary.org.

18

TUESDAY

4 p.m. Chicks and Ducks. Join Miss Tish to learn about these cute animals. Located at Estates Library, 1266 Golden Gate Blvd. W., Naples. Call 239-252-7109 or check www.collierlibrary.org.

4 p.m. Lego Crew. Share ideas, be creative, and have fun. Bricks provided. Ages 5-13. Located at South Regional Library, 8065 Lely Cultural Pkwy., Naples. Call 239-252-7542 or check www.collierlibrary.org.

19

WEDNESDAY

7:45 p.m. Family Night Hike. Ages 5+. A mile-long walk on our boardwalk with fun activities along the way. Located at Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, 375 Sanctuary Rd. W., Naples. Check https://corkscrew.audubon.org or call 239348-9151.

IN THE MAIN THEATRE

MAY 26 - JULY 1

CHILDREN’S THEATRE ALL AGES, LUNCH & SHOW

BOB MARLEY’S

APR 21 - MAY 19

16

UNDER $30 DINNER & SHOW!

JULY 7 - AUG 12

JUNE 2 - JUNE 30

1380 Colonial Boulevard, Fort Myers 239.278.4422 • BroadwayPalm.com

$25

20 THURSDAY

3:30 p.m. Baby Animals in the Library. Learn about some cute animals and how to take care of them. Featuring live animals. All ages. Located at Golden Gate Library, 2432 Lucerne Rd., Naples. Call 239-252-4542 or check www.collierlibrary.org.

6 p.m. The Artsy Evening. Ages 5-12. An evening of artmaking activities for kids. Registration required. Located at Naples Art Institute, 585 Park St., Naples. Check www.naplesart.org or call 239-262-6517.

7 p.m. PFLAG Naples. A safe, loving, and supportive environment for the parents, family, and friends of LGBTQ people. Located at Naples Pride Center, 2248 Airport Rd. S., Naples. Call 239-304-9407 or check www.naplespride.org.

21 FRIDAY

10:30 a.m. Bob Marley’s Three Little Birds. Opening night. Select dates through May 19. $25 for all ages, includes lunch and show. Located at Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. Call 239-252-7160 or check www. broadwaypalm.com.

4 p.m. Baby Chicks and Ducklings. Join Ms. Tish to learn about and touch these animals. All ages. Registration encouraged. Located at Vanderbilt Beach Library, 788 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Naples. Call 239-252-7160 or check www.collierlibrary.org.

22 SATURDAY

10 a.m. Earth Day Festival. Free admission. Features live presentations and animal encounters, Kid Zone crafts and activities, food truck, nature walks, Little Explorers Play Zone, and more. Located at Conservancy of SWFL, 1495 Smith Preserve Way, Naples. Visit www.conservancy.org or call 239-262-0304.

10 a.m. Earth Day. Fun crafts and games. Located at Immokalee Pioneer Museum at Roberts Ranch, 1215 Roberts Ave. W., Immokalee. Call 239-252-7370 or check www.colliermuseums.com.

2 p.m. Saturday Movie Matinee: Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax. Rated PG. Registration required. Located at Naples Regional Library, 650 Central Ave., Naples. Call 239-252-5135 or check www.collierlibrary.org.

3 p.m. Lego Fun. Bricks are provided, so let your imagination run wild. All ages. Located at Immokalee Library, 417 N. First St., Immokalee. Check www.collierlibrary.org or call 239-252-7073.

25 TUESDAY

10 a.m. Exploration Meteorology: All About Hurricanes and Tornadoes. Ages 6-11. Learn about Earth’s atmosphere, wind and clouds, and the conditions that create hurricanes and tornadoes. Located at Gore Nature Education Center, 4261 40th Ave. SE, Naples. Check www.cclandkeepers.com or call 239-308-0281.

4 p.m. Little Engineers Design and Build. Build with blocks, nuts, bolts, and more. Ages 5-13. Located at South Regional Library, 8065 Lely Cultural Pkwy., Naples. Call 239-252-7542 or check www.collierlibrary.org.

5:30 p.m. Exceptional Night. For children with autism and other sensory integration disorders or other disabilities. Located at Children’s Museum of Naples, 15080 Livingston Rd., Naples. Check www.cmon.org or call 239- 514-0084.

26 WEDNESDAY

9 a.m. Safari Squad. Wednesdays and Saturdays. Ages 1-4 with an adult. Animal encounter, storytime, art, and play stations. Registration required. Located at Naples Zoo, 1590 GoodletteFrank Rd., Naples. Check www.napleszoo.org or call 239-9202085, x158.

28 FRIDAY

6 p.m. Kids’ Night Out. Ages 5-11. Games, activities, dinner, and a movie. $10. Located at Eagle Lakes Community Park, 11565 Tamiami Tr. E., Naples. Check www.collierparks.com or call 239-252-3527.

29 SATURDAY

2 p.m. Saturday Movie Matinee: Bambi. Rated G. Registration required. Located at Naples Regional Library, 650 Central Ave., Naples. Check www.collierlibrary.org or call 239-2525135.

Ages 2– 4 year olds (by August 1st)

The Adventure Awaits 2023

Why Summer Camp?

To those who have never been, summer camp can seem like a fun and exciting way for children to spend their summers, staying active and busy with new friends and new experiences. But as any former camper will tell you, it is far more than that. For parents wondering why they should send their child to summer camp year after year, rest assured that it isn’t simply canoes and campfires. It’s an investment in their children’s development and future. Camp is a home away from home, a school away from school. It is a family and a teacher, ensuring that campers have the love, support, and tools needed to learn and grow.

A way to form lifelong connections

In an increasingly digitized world, friendships born from face-to-face interactions are being replaced by remote connections on social media. Our campers are required to put their phones away to spend time and experience life with the people around them. We see children forming friendships with an intimacy and realness that can’t be replicated on a screen. Camp friendships have been known to last a lifetime, and unlike those they make in their school, the geographical reach of a summer camp population is often much wider. In years past, Camp Highlander has had campers from 27 different states and 19 different countries. During their years at summer camp, campers can form meaningful, lasting connections with people all over the world. It isn’t uncommon to see camp connections providing internships, job opportunities, or just another helping hand to those whose camp years are long over.

A place for personal growth

Studies have shown that summer camps aid in healthy child development. We’ve seen that camp makes kids more resilient to stress. Living in a cabin unit, campers learn how to build relationships and navigate social dynamics different from what they experience at home. They learn to live with a new group of peers and adults, learning to work as a team, problem solve, and operate effectively outside their comfort zones, all without the help of a parent.

Camp fosters independence and self-sufficiency, which can be the boost needed to gain confidence in themselves and their abilities. And this can allow kids to grow and change in positive ways. Camp can be a space for children to reinvent themselves. In children’s everyday lives they often grow up in the same group of peers, coaches, and teachers, which can leave them categorized in a certain way or perceived in a certain light. In school, they might be seen as quiet or shy, when

they might actually be outgoing if given the chance. According to research, camp can offer a positive environment for children to explore who they are and how they’d like to be perceived.

A tool for future success

Camp can give kids the tools and skills needed to be more effective students and professionals. A five-year impact study conducted by the American Camp Association found that campers learn complex relationship skills, are more appreciative of individuals with different backgrounds and values, are more willing to try new things, and consider themselves to be more independent because of their experience as campers.

So why return?

Just like a single school year or sports season, kids can benefit from a single year at camp. But just like several years of school or sports, returning to camp each summer creates a foundation that builds upon itself. Children benefit from the routine, rhythm, and structure that camp provides, and each summer they build on the relationships and lessons gained the year before. By the time their summer camp days are over, they will have spent years learning how to problem solve, operate outside their comfort zones and work with others, overcome failure, and be confident in themselves. Not only will they have fond memories and great friends, they will have the tools and skills needed to help them achieve the goals they have for the future.

Camp Highlander is located in Mills River, North Carolina. Visit www.camphighlander.com.

Use our quick reference chart below to find the best summer camps for

Grades

Grades

THEMES

Grades

THEMES

THEMES

SUMMER

CAMP

By Leigh Ann Newman

Parents know the tween and teen years won’t be easy. But how many of us anticipated that one of the more difficult tasks associated with parenting our kids through these years would be figuring out how they would spend their summers? Luckily, there are options for families in Southwest Florida, but they do take some investigating to find. So we have done the leg work for you, and tracked down a wide range of volunteer and summer camp opportunities for area teens and tweens. It’s worth nothing that several organizations offer both volunteer positions and summer camp for teens. Plus, on page 30, check out Andrea Stetson’s article on affordable camps for this age group.

An added benefit for high schoolers (including rising ninth graders) is that the they can earn volunteer hours that count toward scholarship requirements. Check with your school counselor to confirm.

Artis-Naples. Artis-Naples offers yearround volunteer opportunities for ages 15 and older. This summer, volunteers and counselors are being sought for ArtSmart Summer Camp from June 5-23, MondayFriday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Volunteer schedules are more flexible and could vary depending on availability. Artis-Naples also offers music camps for up to age 18. Visit www.artisnaples.org.

Athletic Republic. Youth Sports Performance Summer Camps are available in 2023 for ages 7-14, and provide conditioning for all sports and skill levels. Visit www.naples.athleticrepublic.com.

Avow. Avow accepts volunteers ages

Fun Summer Options for Older Kids

16 and older, and offers a variety of camps for all ages. Camp MendingHeart helps kids who have experienced grief to express their feelings at day and overnight grief camps. Avow also offers several events throughout the summer for all ages. Visit www.avowcares.org.

Bonita Springs YMCA. Teen Leadership and Travel camps are offered by the Bonita Y for ages 13-15 at Three Oaks Middle School in Fort Myers and the

Bonita Springs Rec Center. Visit www. ymcaswfl.org.

Boys & Girls Club of Collier County. Two locations, in East Naples and Immokalee, host summer camp for students up to 18 years old. Visit www.bgccc.com.

Camp Able. Students ages 15 and older may apply as volunteer counselors at this day camp for children with special needs at Wesley United Methodist Church in Marco Island. Staff training is

Register: Under the Sea (Ages 5-7) - June 5-9

Tickets: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee - May 20-25

Disney and Pixar’s Finding Nemo, Jr. - June 22-23

• The SpongeBob Musical - July 20-23

GULFSHOREPLAYHOUSE.ORG

scheduled for July 9-10 and camp will run July 11-15. Visit www. campable.org.

Camp Highlander. The five-week training program for rising high school seniors is designed to transition campers into their role as staff at this sleepaway camp in North Carolina. The program consists of a two-week education period, followed by three weeks of on-the-job training as an assistant counselor in a cabin, under the leadership and guidance of two older and more experienced counselors. Visit www.camphighlander.com.

Centers for the Arts of Bonita Springs. CFAB welcomes interns ages 15 and older. Fill out the Volunteer Intern form online or call 239-495-8989 for more information. After completing 30 hours of service, teens receive a free teen or adult multi-week class. CFAB also offers a wide range of camps for up to age 18. Visit www.artcenterbonita.org.

City of Naples Parks & Recreation. Kids up to 15 years old can find camps for sports, the arts, aquatics, and technology at 10 different locations through City of Naples Parks & Rec. Visit ww.naplesgov.com.

Children for the Arts. This theater arts camp is for kids up to age 15, and runs June 19-30, including a performance of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs on the final day. CFTA also welcomes ages 15 and older (with or without experience) to join the backstage crew and learn the fundamentals of running a production. Visit www.childrenforthearts.com.

Collier County Parks & Recreation. See article on page 30 for details. Visit www.collierparks.com.

Community School of Naples. CSN provides academic, sports, and specialty camps for students up to grade 12. These camps are open to both CSN and non-CSN students. Visit www. communityschoolnaples.org.

Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples. The Teen Volunteer Program at C’mon is for ages 15-18. Volunteers may assist in a variety of areas during the summer and year round. Visit www.cmon.org.

Gulfshore Playhouse. Two performance camps are offered this summer at Gulfshore Playhouse. For ages 8-13, Finding Nemo Jr., and ages 13-18, The SpongeBob Musical. The camps culminate in performances. Visit www.gulfshoreplayhouse.org.

KidzAct Youth Theatre. There are two summer auditionbased shows during summer for ages 9-14: Into the Woods Jr. and

Beauty & the Beast Jr. KidzAct will be based at Naples United Church of Christ for summer 2023. Visit www.naplesplayers.org.

Naples Art Institute. High school students ages 14 and older are invited to apply at www.naplesart.org/volunteer. In addition, morning and afternoon summer camps are available for ages 9-12 and 13-17. Visit www.naplesart.org.

Naples Performing Arts Center. NPAC’s Triple Threat Summer Workshops are week-long intensives for ages 11-8. For ages 13-18, auditions for Mean Girls take place on May 23, with rehearsals from 5-9 p.m., Monday-Thursday (plus some bootcamp weekends) from June 5 to the performances on July 7-9 Visit www.naplesperformingartscenter.com.

Naples Zoo. Counselors-in-training (CIT) help guide summer campers ages 5-12 through the zoo, and assist with games, crafts, and activities, and gain valuable experience working with children. CIT and other volunteer opportunities are available for students age 16 and older. Visit www.napleszoo.org.

Naples Therapeutic Riding Center Summer Camp. Teens ages 14-18 can apply to volunteer for at least two weeks from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in June or July (as well as during the rest of the year). Volunteers must attend an orientation. Applications are available at www.ntrc.org.

Ocean Kids. This beachfront summer camp that runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. is for kids ages 7-13, and also accepts student volunteers who are at least 14 years old and starting high school in the fall. Volunteer orientation for the summer camp is scheduled for May 17 at 5:30 p.m. at Lowdermilk Park in Naples. Register at www.oceankidscamp.com/volunteers-staff or call camp owner Aaron Weiny at 239-250-6508.

Scuba Outfitters. The PADI Open Water Camp allows kids ages 10-17 to receive their PADI Open Water certification, and then progress to Junior Adventure Diver Camp for ages 12-17. Visit www.scubaoutfittersnaples.com.

Wellfit Adventure Camp. For middle school girls, this camp is focused on leadership, fitness, and empowerment, and culminates in a five-day expedition in Georgia. Visit www.wellfitgirls.org.

YMCA of Collier County, Naples and Marco Island locations. Both YMCA locations – Naples and Marco Island – offer a wide range of specialty camps for kids up to ages 17. Visit www. ymcacollier.org.

Scuba Summer Camps

Scuba Summer Camps

PADI Seal Team: Ages 8-11

PADI Seal Team: Ages 8-11

PADI Seal Team: Ages 8-11

Junior Open Water Camp: Ages 10-17

Junior Open Water Camp: Ages 10-17

Junior Open Water Camp: Ages 10-17

Affordable Camps for Tweens and Teens

range in price from $150 to $310 a week and teach a variety of technical skills.

• Wheels BMX Summer Camp is taught by a professional BMX rider and costs $125 per week.

• The county also offers half-day water ski and sailing camps.

• The least expensive camp for tweens is the Collier County Middle School Camp, which costs $600 for the entire summer. Campers take nature walks, play games, make arts and crafts, participate in different sports, swim, and take field trips.

Aaron Hopkins, regional manager for Collier Parks, said its programs are a safe place for teens and tweens to spend their summer, and the specialty camps are taught by experts. And he is happy to see the return of such a large menu of activities after the pandemic curtailed the county’s programs.

Your tween or teen is now old enough to stay home alone. But leaving them at home all day, all summer might not be a great idea. Will they spend every day on their phones or computers? Will they get in trouble because they are so bored? That’s the dilemma facing many parents of older kids.

While there are specialty camps for activities such as sports, dance, music, theater, and nature, many of them are for only a week, or only for the morning, making it hard for working parents to shuttle their kids around. Parents spoke about spending hundreds of dollars a week for a morning program, only to have to leave work to bring their kids home halfway through the day. So we looked for low cost camps that fit a parent’s work schedule, and found the local

parks had the best prices and longer hours.

Collier County Parks and Recreation’s summer camps aren’t just for little kids anymore. There is a huge menu of options for teens and tweens.

• Junior Leader Training is aimed at kids ages 13-18 and teaches them leadership traits such as accountability, confidence, dependability, and empathy. Those who complete the program are eligible for a junior leadership internship at the elementary and middle school camps.

• The junior lifeguard program doesn’t offer certification, but teaches the water safety skills needed to advance to lifeguard

SUMMER CAMPS SUMMER CAMPS

JUNE 5-AUGUST 9 AT CFABS

DISCOVER SUPER EXCITING ARTS ADVENTURES

Our innovative summer program features classes in painting, sculpture, pottery, drawing, glass and mosaics; plus, courses in singing, dancing, acting, and audition techniques; write and perform a play; build your own instruments; take ballet, tap, and jazz dance classes and more! Pick your favorites, mix and match courses to create your own dynamic schedule.

Supervised Before, Lunchtime & After Care are available

“COVID-19 put a stop to a lot, but now we are back up, and we want to offer as much as we can fit for the children and teens in Collier County,” he said.

For families who live closer to Lee County, its parks and recreation department also offers inexpensive programs for middle school kids. Camps are just $75 per week and give working parents flexibility with a 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. schedule.

Lee County also offers specialty camps that feature nature themes. Those camps feature activities such as kayaking trips, learning about ecosystems and animal signs, and wildlife walks.

Contact Collier Parks at 239-252-4000 or visit www.collierparks.com. For Lee County, visit www.leeparks.org, call 239-5337275, or email leeparks@leegov.com.

How to Keep Your Kids Safe at Summer Camp

It’s no exaggeration to say that the one event kids really look forward to all year is the summer camp. But how do you choose the right one for them? Based on my experiences as the parent of a teenager as well as conversations with other parents, I’ve figured out the most important things to consider.

Letting your kids go off to summer camp can be hard for us as parents. When they are with us, we can do our best to keep them safe. But sending them somewhere else can leave us worried and uncertain.

Whether you are sending your kids for a day or a whole summer, here are some things you can do to keep them safe at summer camp.

Know the camp

Before you send your child to a camp, it is important to understand where you are sending them. Research the camp and talk to other parents who have sent their kids. Consider the leadership structure and training. Inquire about the screening of employees and certifications for lifeguards and nurses. Understanding these basics will help you know that the camp is a safe place for your child.

Address health concerns

If your child has any health issues, take time to talk to the

nurse. Address any allergies, asthma, medications, and other health concerns. It is best if you can talk to the nurse on the phone about this as opposed to email. Work together to develop a clear plan specific to your child and confirm via email after talking. This will keep them safe, ensure everyone is on the same page, and set your mind at ease.

Talk to your child

One of the best ways you can keep your child safe is to equip them with what they need to know. It can be uncomfortable to talk about things like abuse with kids, but there are age-appropriate ways to do so that will help them in the unlikely event that could occur.

Body safety: Start by talking about their body. Help your child understand that their body is theirs, and no one else should do anything to their body that makes them feel uncomfortable. Discussing private parts, or the parts we cover with a bathing suit, is helpful. This doesn’t need to be a lecture. Instead, make it a natural part of conversation in the weeks and months leading up to camp.

Phone number: Make sure that your child has your phone number accessible since many camps do not allow kids to carry electronic devices. You can help them memorize it, write it on their belongings, or use things like custom temporary tattoos so they have your number available.

Safe adults: Additionally, help them understand who to go to if they feel uncomfortable. Talk about the different people they should seek out. For example, the camp nurse often is a good person to go to for anything.

Secrets: It is also helpful to have conversations about secrets, as inappropriate behavior often is connected to keeping it secret. Lay the groundwork for a family without secrets, and talk about how secrets can be a red flag for dangerous behavior.

Stay in groups: Your child also should know that going places or doing activities with one other person is not what camp is about. Help them understand that they should always be with more than one adult.

These things may sound intense to talk to your child about, however, you can do so in little ways that make a big difference.

Get your child ready

Making sure your child is safe can also relate to what they know how to do. If your child is going to a camp with swimming, it is strongly advised to invest in swim lessons before the camp begins. It is not enough to rely on the skills of a camp lifeguard. They often are watching dozens of children at once. Even a few basic swim lessons will help your child learn important skills such as floating and basic strokes so that they are safer when swimming.

Camp is a fun time to try many new things. Make sure you know the activities offered to your child during their summer camp experience. Camps can have arts and crafts, boating, rock climbing, archery, and more. Prepare them by stressing the importance of following directions and adhering to rules. This may seem obvious, but camp can be a wild and exciting place. Expressing your enthusiasm for all the activities your child will do while reminding them about listening and rules is key.

Doing these things in the time leading up to summer camp will help your child stay safe and help you rest easy.

Get a Jump on Summer!

The Y has SO MANY exciting CAMP options to ensure everyone has FUN all summer long.

Naples YMCA • Marco YMCA • Cornerstone Methodist Church • Golden Gate Elementary Manatee Elementary • Manatee Middle School

Secure

YMCA OF COLLIER COUNTY | WWW.YMCACOLLIER.ORG

Artis—Naples is delighted to announce 2023 Summer Camps!

With sessions focusing on the visual and performing arts, Artis—Naples Summer Camps offer students the opportunity to pursue their artistic interests on the Artis—Naples Kimberly K. Querrey and Louis A. Simpson Cultural Campus.. For more details and to apply to camp, visit artisnaples.org/summercamp.

Music Makers Summer Camps

Music Makers

Youth Symphonia

Mon-Fri, June 5-9, 9am-noon

Gregg Anderson, director

Jam Session and Pizza Party: Wed, June 7, until 2pm

Performance: Fri, June 9, 7pm

Young string players ages 10-17 are welcome to join in this one-week chamber-musicintensive program, culminating in a free Friday evening concert for the public.

Tuition: $200

Music Makers

Youth Chamber

Mon-Fri, June 12-16, 9am-3pm

Radu Paponiu, director

Performance: Fri, June 16, 7pm

Young musicians ages 12-18 are invited to an exciting week of chamber music rehearsals, learning and performance.

Led by Associate Conductor Radu Paponiu and musicians of the Naples Philharmonic.

Tuition: $300

Music Makers

Youth Chorus

Mon-Fri, June 19-23, 9am-3pm Barbara Sletto, director

Performance: Fri, June 23, 7pm

Young singers ages 9-14 are invited for a week of choral singing, choreography and fun instruction, led by Naples Philharmonic Youth Chorus Director Barbara Sletto.

Tuition: $300

Music Makers

Youth Jazz

Mon-Fri, June 26-30, 9am-3pm

Performance: Fri, June 30, 7pm

Young jazz students ages 12-17 are invited to challenge themselves in a fun yet intensive week packed with seminars, rehearsals, master classes and a Friday night performance.

Tuition: $300

ArtSmart Summer Camps

ArtSmart Explorers

Mon-Fri, June 5-9, 9am-3pm (one-week session)

For students entering grades 2-5 Exhibitions, interactive presentations and hands-on art experiences are all part of this unique summer camp experience—the perfect setting and outlet for kids’ natural creativity and curiosity.

Tuition: $300

ArtSmart Masters

Mon-Fri, June 12-23, 9am-3pm (two-week session)

For students entering grades 4-8

Develop artistic skills through interaction with guest artists, tours and hands-on instruction. This two-week program inspires artists to create masterpieces in a variety of styles and media.

Tuition: $600

For more information or to apply visit artisnaples.org/summercamp

X SATURDAY MOVIE MATINEE

NAPLES LIBRARY

650 CENTRAL AVE., NAPLES

239-252-5135 • WWW.COLLIERLIBRARY.ORG

Camps marked with b offer either special needs camps or accommodation/inclusion options. Please contact the individual camp for details.

ACADEMIC CAMPS

Hotel Transylvania 3, rated PG. Registration not required. Saturday, Oct. 1, 2-4 p.m.

READING RESCUE OF NAPLES

readingrescuecenters@gmail.com

X PRESCHOOL NOT-SO-SCARY HALLOWEEN PARTY

239-233-9400

SOUTH COUNTY REGIONAL LIBRARY

www.readingrescuecenters.com

21100 THREE OAKS PKWY., ESTERO

239-533-4400 • WWW.LEEGOV.COM/LIBRARY

Spooktacular stories, songs, and crafts. Wear your costume for a parade inside the library. Ages 3-5. Wednesday, Oct. 12, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

X HALLOWEEN MAGIC WITH JOEY EVANS

Reading Rescue’s summer program is for struggling young readers ages 6-10. The typical rate of growth in reading skills is approximately equal to one grade level for every eight weeks of full-time program participation (results not guaranteed). Trained and certified in Orton-Gillingham and Reading Recovery. 30 years experience

SOUTH COUNTY REGIONAL LIBRARY

ARTS CAMPS

21100 THREE OAKS PKWY., ESTERO

239-533-4400 • WWW.LEEGOV.COM/LIBRARY

ARTIS-NAPLES

5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples

239-254-2643

Spooky magic, mystery, and fun. Ages 6-11. Registration is required. Saturday, Oct. 15, 10-11 a.m.

www.artisnaples.org/summercamp

X PRE-READERS SPOOKY DANCE PARTY

BONITA SPRINGS PUBLIC LIBRARY

10560 REYNOLDS STREET, BONITA SPRINGS

239-533-4860 • WWW.LEEGOV.COM/LIBRARY

Artis-Naples offers summer music and visual arts camps. The Youth Symphonia Camp for string players ages 10-17 is a one-week chamber-music-intensive program, and a Friday evening concert. Youth Chamber Camp for musicians ages 12-18 is an exciting week of chamber music rehearsals, learning, and performance. Youth Chorus Camp for singers ages 7-17 is a week of choral fun and instruction. Youth Jazz Camp for ages 12-17 is a fun, yet intensive week packed with seminars, rehearsals, master classes, and a Friday night performance. Exhibitions, interactive presentations, and hands-on art experiences are all part of the unique ArtSmart summer camp experience. ArtSmart Explorers is for grades 2-5, while ArtSmart Masters is for grades 4-8

BACKSTAGE DANCE ACADEMY

13020 Livingston Rd., #8, Naples

239-566-3535

www.bdanaples.com

We offer summer camps for ages 3-9 and classes for ages up to 18. Our structured, fun-filled camps include multiple styles of dance, arts & crafts, and other fun dance activities that will keep your dancer focused and provide happy memories. Camps run MondayFriday, June 12-30. Campers must be at least 3 years old by June 1, and fully potty trained. Registration is now open.

CENTERS FOR THE ARTS BONITA SPRINGS

10150 Bonita Beach Rd., Bonita Springs

239-495-8989

www.artcenterbonita.org

The Centers for the Arts Bonita Springs provides a safe and active environment for your child June 5-Aug. 9. We welcome kids ages 3-18 to our innovative summer camp program, which includes painting, dance, costume design, music production, acting, private music lessons, glass and mosaics, pottery, and more. Volunteer opportunities for ages 15 and older. Full- and half-day options, as well as lunch and before-, lunch, and after-care. Discounts and scholarships available.

CRUISIN’ THROUGH SUMMER 2023 CAMP COLLIER A

COOL THEME EACH WEEK!

BON VOYAGE • JUNGLE CRUISE

SEA OF STARS • ATLANTIS

USS NAVY WEEK • TREASURE ISLAND

ALASKAN ADVENTURE • CARNIVAL/CIRCUS

Elementary School Day Camp (K – 5th Grade)

Middle School Day Camp (6th – 8th Grade)

Day Camps - Monday, June 5 – Friday, August 4, 2023 (No Camp July 4th) 9:00am – 5:00pm

Weekly Summer Camp $85 per week

Full Summer Camp Discounted “Full 9 weeks” $600 (payment plan is available in four payments of $150) (Siblings are offered a 10% discount four payments of $135)

Before & After Camp - 7:15am – 9:00am and 5:00pm – 6:00pm $15 per week

Online & In Person Registration

Begins Monday, April 3, 2023

Online begins at 7:00am

In Person begins at 9:00am

Online Registration Information

•Register Online, go to collierparks.com and click on “Browse & Register for Activities Search”

•Sign in or create an account

•If you don’t have an account, you can refer to “Online Registration How To’s”, available online by clicking the “Programs & Registration” Link

CHILDREN FOR THE ARTS

St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church

625 111th Ave. N., Naples

239-571-3305 x www.childrenforthearts.com

This theater arts camp for ages 6-15 runs June 19-30, MondayFriday, from 9 a.m. to noon, with a performance showcase of Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs on June 30. Campers will have so much fun with improv, theater games, singing, art, and putting on a play. Backstage volunteers ages 15 and older are welcome.

DANCE ARTS BY MARIA

5610 Yahl St., #10, Naples

239-513-6999 x www.naplesdancearts.com

Dance Arts by Maria offers summer dance camps for ages 3-11 that incorporate dance, arts & crafts, and activities. Summer intensive programs are for serious dancers ages 10-18 and involve several styles of dance in an intensive atmosphere. Summer classes are offered for ages 2-18 for all levels in all styles.

ELITE DANCE CENTER

1786 Trade Center Way, Unit 4, Naples

239-260-1485 x www.elitedancecenterfla.com

Our Intermediate/Advanced Summer Intensives run June 5-29 and July 24-27, Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This is an incredible opportunity for your dancer to get top-notch technique and dance training, and take their ability to the next level. Our Beginner Dance Camps for ages 4-10 run June 12-22 and July 24-Aug. 3, Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and include themed weeks, dance, crafts, and fun. Contact elitedancecenterfl@gmail.com.

A lifelong joy of learning, An education for life. INFANT

CHILDREN’S HOUSE VPK

ELEMENTARY

Call to schedule a private tour 239-597-2255

More information can be found on our website www.naplesmontessori.org

2655 Northbrooke Drive Naples, Florida 34119 License #C20CO0132 Daily

M

M – 12:30PM

Cost: $5 for t shirt

3 years old thru Teens

usic, Games, Crafts, ama, Bible Stories, Missions

Cost: $5 for t shirt

Kids 3 years old thru teens

Register online today at

North Naples Baptist Church - NNBC.LIFE

GULFSHORE PLAYHOUSE

755 8th Ave. S., Naples

239-261-7529 x www.gulfshoreplayhouse.org

For a week at our Under the Sea Camp, your child will get to grow in their skills through dance, song, and acting, through the music of The Little Mermaid and more. This camp is for ages 5-7 and runs June 5-9. At the end of the week, the kids will get a chance to showcase their new skills for family and friends. Ages 8-13 will explore the big blue world of Disney and Pixar’s Finding Nemo Jr., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Friday, June 5-23, with performances June 22-23. Our Summer Theatre Camp for ages 13-18 features The SpongeBob Musical, and runs 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Friday, June 26-July 20, with performances July 20-23. Scholarships available.

b KIDZACT YOUTH THEATRE OF THE NAPLES PLAYERS

Summer location

Naples United Church of Christ

5200 Crayton Rd., Naples 239-434-7340, x136 www.naplesplayers.org/summer-camp

KidzAct Summer Camp at The Naples Players provides acting, singing, dancing, and performance-based classes and activities for children and starting June 5. Camps (4 years old to eighth grade) include KinderAct, Storybooks, Disney Days, As Seen on TV, Once Upon a Time, and Broadway Favorites. Summer audition-based shows for ages 9-14 include Into the Woods Jr. and Beauty & the Beast Jr. Auditions are being held on April 8. Limited need-based scholarships are available.

MERMAID TAILS DANCE

1089 N. Collier Blvd., #422, Marco Island

239-399-0551 x www.mermaidtailsdance.com

We offer seven weeks of summer camp for boys and girls 3-9, Monday-Friday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., enjoy a bounce house, arts & crafts, movies, dancing, and flexibility and strength skills. Different themes every week

NAPLES ART INSTITUTE

585 Park St., Naples

239-262-6517

www.naplesart.org/youth-education

ARTScool students ages 5-17 learn by taking part in hands-on arts activities that incorporate math, science, language, history, and technology with painting, drawing, mixed media, paper arts, clay, printmaking, assembling 3D sculptures, and more. June 5-July 28. Need-based scholarships available.

b NAPLES PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

YMCA of Collier County Naples

5450 YMCA Rd., Naples

www.naplesperformingartscenter.com

Triple Threat Summer Workshops for ages 11-18 are June 5-Aug. 4, Monday-Friday, 1-4 p.m. Triple Threat Jr. Summer Camps for ages 4-10 are June 5-Aug. 4, Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to noon. For ages 13-18, auditions for Mean Girls with rehearsals Monday-Thursday, 5-9 p.m. (plus some bootcamp weekends), from June 5 to the performances on July 7-9.

Auditions: May 23-24

Ages: 13 and up

Rehearsals: Mon -Thurs 5-9pm

Shows: July 7-9

GENERAL/MULTI-SPECIALTY CAMPS

BONITA SPRINGS YMCA

27200 Kent Rd., Bonita Springs

239-221-7560 x www.ymcaswfl.org

Camps for ages 5-12, June 12-Aug. 4, include traditional day, specialty, sports, nature, and aquatics. Additional locations include Bonita Springs Recreation Center, Camp Estero, and Three Oaks Middle School. Teen Leadership and Travel camp opportunities for ages 13-15 are at Three Oaks and Bonita Rec Center. Open house and new parent orientation scheduled at Bonita Rec Center from 10-11 a.m. on April 29, and at the Bonita YMCA from 10-11 a.m. on May 27.

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF COLLIER COUNTY

Bolch Club: 1155 Roberts Ave. W., Immokalee 239-675-7003 x www.bgccc.com

Nichols Club: 7500 Davis Blvd., Naples

239-325-1700 x www.bgccc.com

Join us for a fun, safe, and affordable camp for ages 6-18. Summer Camp Club members receive the support and tools needed to help them thrive academically, socially, and personally. Weekly themes. Scholarships available. Limited busing provided. June 5-July 28, Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

CAMP MENDINGHEART

Avow Kids

239-261-4 404 x www.avowcares.org

Camp MendingHeart is a fun, creative, and therapeutic program designed to allow children to express feelings, build coping skills, and reinforce positive memories of their loved ones at day and overnight grief camps. Check the website for other summer events.

CAMP SHALOM

Temple Shalom, 4630 Pine Ridge Rd., Naples 239-455-3227 x preschool@naplestemple.org

www.templeshalompreschoolnaples.org

Shalom Summer Camp is a fun and exciting program for children ages 1-6. The camp program includes music and movement, gymnastics, a bike track, exciting art projects, cooking, science, and water play in our spacious playground. Open to current Temple Shalom Preschool families only.

CAMP WILD

Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens

1590 Goodlette-Frank Rd., Naples

239-315-7626, x158

www.napleszoo.org/camp-wild

Campers will have incredible adventures meeting new animals, visiting behind-the-scenes areas, playing games and activities, and doing creative art while having a blast with new friends. MondayFriday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Ages 5-10. Volunteer opportunities for ages 16 and older.

CHILDREN’S MONTESSORI SCHOOL

2535 Northbrooke Plaza Dr., Naples

239-593-6668

www.childmont.com

Children’s Montessori School offers summer camps for ages 1-6. We also offer a summer Volunteer Pre-kindergarten (VPK) program for children who will be attending kindergarten in August 2023 and who have not yet attended VPK. Our camp features weekly themes.

b CITY OF NAPLES PARKS & RECREATION

10 locations in Naples

239-213-3020

www.naplesgov.com

The City of Naples offers a variety of specialty summer camps for ages 4-15. Camps offered include sports, visual and performing arts, aquatics, technology, nature, and summer VPK at 10 locations in Naples Registration for specialty camps for City of Naples residents opens at 10 a.m. on April 3, and at 10 a.m. on April 17 for all others.

COMMUNITY SCHOOL OF NAPLES

13275 Livingston Rd., Naples

239-597-7575

www.communityschoolnaples.org

Exciting learning opportunities and enriching academic classes within a caring and nurturing environment are at the heart of CSN Summer Programs. General, academic, technology, and sports camps are offered. Grades PK3-12, varies by program. Camps are open to both CSN and non-CSN students.

b COLLIER COUNTY PARKS & RECREATION

10 locations in Collier County

239-252-4000

www.collierparks.com

Experience a sweet summer at Camp Collier with a new theme each week. We offer general day camps as well as wide variety of specialty camps, ranging from the arts to robotics to sports, at 10 locations in Collier County from June 5-Aug. 4, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for grades K-8, with before- and after-care available. We offer inclusion opportunities as well as our Adaptive Inclusive Recreation Day Camp at Golden Gate Community Park. Registration begins online at 7 a.m. and in-person at 9 a.m. on April 3.

Naples School of Irish Dance

Drop-in Mini Summer Camp!

June 20-Aug. 5, 9 am to 12 pm, Monday-Friday

Registration is Now Open!

Ages 7+, $20 per day Pre-registration required

Naples Irish Dance Company

Registration for Our Annual Workshop is Open!

Registration is Open, Ages 7+

June 1-30, Ages 7+, Some Experience Necessary

Some Experience Necessary

Fall Classes for Ages 7+ Start August 15

Registration is Open!

Naples Irish Dance Preschool Program

Registration is Open!

For Ages 4-6, Limited Availability

Jump'n Jig Class for Ages 4-6

Registration for August is Open!

Limited Availability

b EASTERSEALS FLORIDA

8793 Tamiami Tr. E., #111, Naples

239-403-0366 x www.easterseals.com/florida

Easterseals’ Summer STEAM Adaptive Day Camp serves ages 1317 with developmental disabilities. Summer campers participate in individualized adaptive activities including culinary, digital crafting, camera use, photo editing, 3D printing, crafts, virtual reality, and community outings. Camp starts June 2, and runs Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Easterseals also offers a year-round Adult Day Training Program for ages 18 and older. For more information or to register, contact Catrina Sanchez at csanchez@fl.easterseals. com or at 239-403-0366

MONTESSORI ACADEMY OF NAPLES

2655 Northbrooke Dr., Naples

239-597-2255 x www.naplesmontessori.org

Children do not have to be a Montessori Academy student to enroll in our summer programs for ages 3-5 and 6-12. Children will have a summer of mystery solving, skill building, and fun. Each program offers ageappropriate activities that reinforce the idea of developing specific skills and knowledge. Outside time each day, weather permitting

YMCA OF COLLIER COUNTY

5450 YMCA Rd., Naples FL 34109

239-587-3148 x www.ymcacollier.org

101 Sand Hill St., Marco Island

239-394-9622 x www.ymcacollier.org

Summer Camp at the YMCA is full of fun no matter the location! Locations include YMCA of Collier County Naples, YMCA of Collier County Marco Island, Cornerstone Methodist Church, Golder Gate Elementary, Manatee Elementary School, and Manatee Middle School. The YMCA offers general day camp, specialty sports camps, and performing arts camp. Ages 4-17.

NATURE CAMPS

WILD FLORIDA ADVENTURE CAMP

Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary

75 Sanctuary Rd. W., Naples 239-348-9151, x110

https://corkscrew.audubon.org/summer-camp-23

Nature lovers ages 6-12 will love exploring the swamp through a variety of hands-on science- and art-based activities. Weekly themes include Mysteries of the Swamp, Swamp Invaders, Many Miles of Reptiles, and It’s a Bug’s Life. For ages 6-12, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday-Friday, June 5 to July 21. Before- and after-care available. Sign up for one week or more. $225/week or $180/week for members. Scholarships and sibling discounts are also available.

OVERNIGHT CAMP

CAMP HIGHLANDER

Mills River, North Carolina

828-891-7721 x www.camphighlander.com

Experience a magical summer at Camp Highlander, a summer camp for girls and boys ages 6-16 located on Old Forge Mountain in Mills River, North Carolina. Year after year, girls and boys from all over the country come to the beautiful mountains of North Carolina and Camp Highlander – a special place where children learn important life lessons about courage, honesty, integrity, and faith while having the time of their lives. Come discover why Camp Highlander is a place like no other.

SPORTS CAMPS

ATHLETIC REPUBLIC

6425 Naples Blvd. #2, Naples

239-429-0653 x www.naples.athleticrepublic.com

Your off-season gains drive in-season wins. Sign up your athletes for our Youth Sports Performance Summer Camps. Camps run Monday-Friday in an air-conditioned facility from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. for ages 7-14. We offer conditioning for all sports and skills levels. 10:1 athlete-to-trainer ratio. Weekly athlete scorecard, Tshirt, and awards included. $175/week for members; $220/week non-members.

INFO@MERMAIDTAILSDANCE.COM

BALLET, LYRICAL, JAZZ, HIP HOP, CHEER, AERIAL, TUMBLING & COMPETITION

Summer camp sign-ups! 7 weeks, $185 per week

M-F, 11am-3pm

JUJITSU, TAEKWONDO, BOXING, JUDO, WRESTLING, MUAY THAI AGES 4 TO 10

INFO@MARCOSHARKSMMA.COM

MARCOSHARKSMMA.COM

EMILIO SÁNCHEZ ACADEMY TENNIS CAMP

2035 Sanchez-Casal Way, Naples

702-849-4290

www.emiliosanchezacademy.com

Summer Campito (ages 4-10) and Summer Pre-Academy run from June 5 to Aug. 4. Both camps offer half- and full-day sessions. Fullday starts at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 2:30 p.m., while half-day runs from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Campers participate in daily tennis instruction and games and pool time. Campito campers will enjoy arts & crafts and activities, while Pre-Academy students will have one hour of matchplay. Lunch and snack is included.

i9 SPORTS

Collier and Lee counties

239-308-9849

www.i9sports.com

i9 Sports offers year-round leagues in both Collier and Lee counties for boys and girls ages 4-15 in flag football, baseball, soccer, basketball, and volleyball. The i9 Sports program teaches young athletes the fundamentals of the game, healthy competition, and good sportsmanship.

MARCO SHARKS MMA

1089 N. Collier Blvd., #422, Marco Island

239-399-0551

www.marcosharksmma.com

We offer seven weeks of summer camp for boys and girls 3-9, Monday-Friday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., $185 per week. Campers will enjoy a bounce house, arts & crafts, movies, dancing, and flexibility and strength skills. Different themes every week.

SCUBA OUTFITTERS

950 3rd Ave. N., Naples 239-280-5500

www.scubaoutfittersnaples.com

Scuba Outfitters offers several scuba camps for ages 8-17. PADI Seal Team Camp for ages 8-11 is an excellent way to introduce kids to scuba diving. PADI Junior Open Water Camp for ages 10-17 teaches kids important scuba safety skills and allows them to receive their PADI Junior Open Water Certification. The PADI Junior Adventure Diver Camp for ages 12-17 is for kids who already have received their PADI Junior Open Water Certification.

TGA GOLF & TENNIS SWFL

440-666-0825

www.playtga.com/southleecounty

TGA offers golf and tennis programs for ages 5-12 in Bonita Springs, Naples, Estero, Cape Coral, and Fort Myers. TGA Sports Golf & Tennis Camps in Naples and Fort Myers offer an unforgettable experience for your child by combining athletic skill development activities, academic lessons related to sports, and life lessons in perseverance, sportsmanship, and leadership. Our dedicated coaching staff helps campers advance their skills, knowledge, and passion for the sports while they build friendships and life-long memories.

WELLFIT GIRLS ADVENTURE CAMP

6240 Shirley Street, #204, Naples

727-492-6376 x www.wellfitgirls.org

Wellfit offers a unique opportunity for middle school girls to participate in three weeks of leadership, fitness, and empowerment July 10-28. Activities include creative self-expression, personal discovery, yoga, fitness, meditation, team-building games, connection, and fun. Camp culminates with a five-day expedition to General Coffee State Park in Nicholls, Georgia. Scholarships are available.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOLS

FIRST NAPLES

3000 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples

239-597-6057

www.firstnaples.org/vbs

Vacation Bible School 2023 will be held June 5-9 from 9 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. for ages 4 (by Sept. 1) through current fifth graders This year’s theme is Launch. Free

NORTH NAPLES BAPTIST CHURCH

1811 Oakes Blvd., Naples 239-597-2201 x www.nnbc.life

This summer’s theme is Twists & Turns. VBS will be held June 5-9. The VBS AM option runs from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and the cost is $5. VBS PM is 5:30-7:30 p.m., and the cost is $5. Both camps are for ages 3 through teens, and feature music, games, crafts, drama, Bible stories, and missions. VBS PM includes dinner.

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