April 2022
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AREA SUMMER CAMPS OFFER MANY OPTIONS TO KEEP KIDS ACTIVE AND ENGAGED Have you got the calendar ready? Summer is just around the corner and camps are gearing up for an active and busy camp season! The staff at the Osprey Observer has collected the top recommendations for local summer camps and created this special pullout section. We asked local camps what they are doing to keep students engaged and active this year! Buckhorn Springs Racquet & Pool Club Tennis Camp Do you have a budding tennis player in your home? If so, Buckhorn Springs Racquet & Pool Club camps might be the place for you. Camp Osprey, LLC For a fun, traditional camp experience, check out Camp Osprey which is located on 204 acres of beautiful woodlands alongside the Little Manatee River in Wimauma. Camp activities include high ropes courses, ziplines, horse back riding and much more. Hurricane Volleyball Academy Volleyball players should check out the camps offered at Hurricane Volleyball Academy (HVA) owned by Riverview residents Victoria and Brian Adams.
Patel Conservatory The Patel Conservatory at the Straz Center is hosting a variety of week summer camps for rising actors, musicians, and dancers starting May 31 and running through August 5. Weekly camps will take place Monday through Friday. Trilogy Dive This summer, Trilogy Dive Center is hosting scuba camps for 10 to 17-yearolds: the Open Water Camp, for noncertified scuba divers, and the Advanced Open Water Camp, for those already scuba certified. Kids R Kids With locations in Valrico and Lithia, Kids R Kids has been offering summer camps since cians. 2004. This summer, the With a variety theme is Camp Boomerof camp options in full ang and students can sign and half-day experiences, there’s up on a weekly basis or for something for every young entertainer. the whole summer. Mathnasium of Riverview and Brandon Have your child’s math skills been impacted by the last school year? Have they fallen behind? Music Showcase The Florida Academy of the Performing Arts at Music Showcase offers summer camps for aspiring actors a n d musi-
High 5, Inc. Brandon’s High 5 Inc. is inviting students to sail away for the best summer of their lives, kicking off on May 31. YMCA All camps begin on May 31 and run through August 5 with ten separate sessions available Monday-Friday. TLC’S Gypsy Haven TLC’s Gypsy Haven offers weekly themed riding camps, ages 8-99, focusing on riding and grooming. The camps take place from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Sidekicks Summer Camp Sidekicks Martial Arts is gearing up for its Summer Camp 2022 program with Martial Arts, field trips & more. Watch for our Summer Camp Sweepstakes link where the Osprey Observer will buy your child a week of camp at the summer camp of your choice! Or, enter now by emailing (subject line ‘Summer Camp Free’) contest@ ospreyobserver.com. Did we miss a great summer camp option? Let us know by emailing (subject line ‘Summer Camp’) to kquesada@ospreyobserver.com and we will be sure to add it to our full listing online. Have a great summer of fun!
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Osprey Observer
TRILOGY DIVE CENTER HOSTS SUMMER YOUTH SCUBA CAMPS
By Lily Belcher
This summer, Trilogy Dive Center is hosting scuba camps for 10 to 17-year-olds: the Open Water Camp, for noncertified scuba divers, and the Advanced Open Water Camp, for those already scuba certified. Successful students will earn their scuba certification as Open Water Diver or Advanced Open Water Diver. “[The goal of the camp is to] have fun, meet new friends, Trilogy Dive Center is hosting two scuba camps for 10 to explore our 17-year-olds this summer. underwater world and get scuba certified,” said Scuba Instructor and Owner Mike Massaro. Each camp is offered every week this summer. No camps are held on the week of Wednesday to Sunday, July 4-8. Each week of camp will last Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Trilogy Dive Center on E. Columbus Dr. in Tampa. For the weeklong certification camp, campers will participate in 40 hours of dive instruction and leave with their scuba certification. The Open Water Camp is for those with no prior scuba certification. The camper will participate in the classroom, pool and open water checkout dives to earn their Open
Water Scuba Certification. “The camper starts off their week with classroom academics and pool work. This happens Monday-Wednesday. Thursday and Friday are spent at dive sites with the divers putting their newfound skills to work,” explained Massaro. “To become certified, they must attend every day, successfully pass all of the water skills in the pool and successfully complete four checkout dives that we conduct at lakes and springs.” Every diver starts with Open Water Scuba. Trilogy Dive Center’s instructors are military veterans, health care professionals and educators. They have extensive experience training young adults to scuba dive. Each camp is limited to 10 campers and will be led by an adult scuba instructor. Equipment, drinks and snacks will be provided, so the only things campers have to bring is lunch, sunblock and a towel. The Open Water Camp is $595, and the Advanced Open Water Camp is $695. Register now and give your child an adventure that will last a lifetime. Visit trilogyscuba. com, call 813-425-3500 or email scuba@ triologyscuba.com.
Volume 21, Issue 4
THE PATEL CONSERVATORY AT THE STRAZ CENTER HOSTS SUMMER CAMPS
By Lily Belcher
The Patel Conservatory at the Straz Cen- basics and skills to showcase in their final ter is hosting a variety of week summer performances. Showstoppers: Broadway Incamps for rising actors, musicians, and tensive is available for teen students at the dancers starting on Tuesday, May 31 and end of the summer as well. Musical theater running through Fricamps are an option for day, August 5. musically inclined acWeekly camps tors and actresses to will take place combine their dancMonday through ing, acting and singFriday, with preing talents on stage. and post-camp Music camps and available for an intensives are availadditional $30 able throughout the each or $50 for summer, with focuses both extensions. on different genres in The Patel Coneach camp. The Patel Conservatory offers dance, servatory offers “Summer music summer dance camps theater and music camps throughout the offerings at the Patel Consummer. and intensives for beservatory allow students to ginner and advanced dancers. The advanced experience singing in a choir, discovering and intensive camps, which vary in price, re- a new instrument or playing in a chamber quire prior experience, but its beginning jazz ensemble. Instrumentalists and vocalists of dance, tap dance and ballet camps are open all ages have fun while developing their talto elementary and middle school dancers for ents,” according to the brochure. $145. Group classes for violin, piano, singing and For aspiring actors and actresses, theater chamber music are offered over the summer students can register for the Patel Conser- and allow students to fine tune their musical vatory’s production camps. talents with a teacher. Private lessons and “The Patel Conservatory Theater De- music theory classes are also available. partment offers training in musical and Information on the camps offered as nonmusical theater through productions, well as specific dates, times and pricing are performance camps and technical theater available in the 2022 Summer Camps and programs,” explains the summer camp bro- Classes brochure on the Straz Center’s webchure. site at strazcenter.org. For more information Young actors can participate in shows like on specific details of the camps, contact the Disney’s 101 Dalmatians and Shakespeare’s admissions staff at 813-222-1040 or 800As You Like It, where they will learn theater 955-1045 (toll-free).
Osprey Observer
April 2022
YMCA CAMP INSPIRES DREAMS AND SUPPORTS CHILDREN By Amy Schechter Whether you riding, canoeing, need childcare visual arts and over the summore. mer or just want Besides many your kids to esconvenient locacape the house, tions in the Branthe YMCA has don, Riverview what kids crave and Apollo Beach at one of its area, including many summer the North Tampa camp locations. YMCA, Campo Camp CristiFamily YMCA and na Operations Spurlino Family That feeling when you’re ready for YMCA Summer Director Meagan YMCA at Big Bend Camp! Springer spoke Rd., the community with joy when she described is lucky to have Camp Cristina, summers at the YMCA: a 65-acre campus in Riverview “Camps provide an experience complete with many outdoor where kids have an opportuoptions, including a rock wall, nity that’s very unique. At the ropes course, horseback riding, heart of what we do, we are and water activities. always thinking of ways we All camps begin on Tuesday, can stimulate and support May 31 and run through Friday, kids through recreation while August 5 with 10 separate sesthey are out of school.” sions available from Monday to The American Camp Association (ACA) Friday. Book one weeklong session or book recently announced that the Tampa Met- them all. Camp programming runs from 9 ropolitan Area YMCA Summer Camps re- a.m.-4 p.m. with free early morning care ceived ACA-Accredited Camp status for the beginning at 7 a.m. and free afternoon ex2022 season. After a thorough review of tended care until 6 p.m. Prices start at only nearly 300 standards, the ACA found that $169 per week for YMCA members and the YMCA camps’ staff qualifications, train- are open to the public. Discounted rates for ing and emergency management reflect members, early registration, siblings, multithe highest standards in the industry. Plus, camp sign-ups and early-bird registration YMCA camps offer an array of fun where are available. activity specialists lead campers through For more information on specific lovarious experiences each day, including cations and pricing and to register, visit swimming, science, high ropes, outdoor tampaymca.org/programs/camp/sumeducation, nature encounters, horseback mer-camp.
Contact us today to schedule a risk-free assessment and learn about our summer specials. TWO LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU Mathnasium of Brandon 813-655-6284 1048 Bloomingdale Avenue Valrico, FL 33596 mathnasium.com/brandon
Mathnasium of Riverview 813-565-1102 Coming 1388 US 301 Soon! Riverview, FL 33579 mathnasium.com/riverview
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FOR THE LOVE OF VOLLEYBALL, HVA IS HERE By Libby Hopkins Victoria and Brian Adams are both edu- ni go off to play volleyball at the collegiate cators. Combined, they have taught in the level,” Victoria said. “We believe in providing district for more than 25 years. “We live in a home for all levels of athletes to achieve Riverview, Florida and love it here,” Victoria their personal goals.” said. “Together, we The mission of HVA is to cultishare a passion for vate an environment of compethelping the youth itive learning through innovative in our communicoaching techniques and high ty, whether that is standards of performance. “HVA through education, is a volleyball club dedicated sports, community to player development both on service, you name it.” and off the court,” Victoria said. Brian won coach “HVA’s customized practice seof the year in 2012 at quences enable us to East Bay High in the maximize individual Western Conference skills training through for volleyball. “Brian a unique format.” The mission of Hurricane has been coaching for HVA will offer volVolleyball Academy (HVA) 14 years in Hillsbor- is to cultivate an environleyball summer camps ough County,” Victoria ment of competitive learning this year. “We have said. “I won teacher of through innovative coaching techniques camps that run all through the year at East Bay and high standards of performance for summer,” Victoria said. ages 8-18. High School in 2016.” “We will be offering bundles Brian grew up playwhere people can pick and ing competitive beach volleyball and has choose the skills position they want to focus always had a love for sports and coaching. on. We will have $10 open gym time where “He is currently teaching physical education they get some upfront instruction, then get at Riverview High School,” Victoria said. to play some games in the gym. We will be “About six years ago, he decided to begin offering college camps as well. Our last colthe journey of fulfilling a personal challenge lege camp with Warner University resulted of starting his own volleyball club. I jumped in a player receiving a college scholarship to right on board.” And from there, Hurricane play volleyball. We target ages 8-18, both Volleyball Academy (HVA) was born. boys and girls, all skill levels.” HVA started in 2016 and has grown from If you’d like to learn more about HVA or a 15 to 18-year-old girls club to expand into their upcoming summer camps, you can visit a club for both 8 to 18-year-old girls and its website at www.hurricanevolleyballacadboys. “We’ve had dozens of Hurricane alum- emy.com or call Brian at 813-220-0905.
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Buckhorn Springs Racquet & Pool Club Tennis Camp Do you have a budding tennis player in your home? If so, Buckhorn Springs Racquet & Pool Club camps might be the place for you. Located at 2721 S. Miller Rd. in Valrico, camps take place Monday to Thursday from 9 a.m.12 Noon, with Friday as a rain day. Camps, which boast a 6:1 student-to-instructor ratio, cost $185 a week, but if you register before Friday, April 15, you qualify for the early bird price of $170. New players get a free beginner racket when registering for more than two weeks. Additional discounts are available with inquiry. Snacks and meals are not included. To learn more, call 502-5160 or visit www.buckhornracquet.com.
Osprey Observer
can be purchased in the camp canteen. The camp is located at 18050 U.S. Hwy. 301 S. in Wimauma and can be reached at 941-928-6860. For more information, visit www.camposprey.com.
Hurricane Volleyball Academy Volleyball players should check out the camps offered at Hurricane Volleyball Academy (HVA), owned by Riverview residents Victoria and Brian Adams. HVA started in 2016 and has grown from a 15 to 18-year-old girls club to expand into 8 to 18-yearold for both girls and boys with camps that will run throughout the summer. Options will include bundles where people can pick and choose the skills position they want to focus on and $10 open gym time, which will include Camp Osprey, LLC instruction and games. College camps will For a fun, traditional camp experience, also be offered. check out Camp Osprey, which is located To learn more, visit www.hurricanevolon 204 acres of beautiful leyballacademy.com or call 220-0905. woodlands alongside the Little Manatee River in Mathnasium Of Riverview And Wimauma. Camp activBrandon ities include high ropes Have your child’s math skills been imcourses, ziplines, horsepacted by the last school year? Have they back riding and much more. fallen behind? Are there gaps in their learnCamps take place every week starting on ing? Do they need a greater challenge? If Sunday, June 5, and campers can sign up so, consider a summer math program with for a week or the whole summer. Day and Mathnasium. But don’t wait too long beovernight options are available, with day cause spots are filling up fast. camp costing $325 a week and overnight Mathnasium’s personalized learning being $645. Meals are provided and snacks plans are proven to improve grades and
give them a head start going into the new school year. With live face-to-face instruction, either in-center or online, its summer programs are designed to work in tandem with the other summer camps and activities. Just two or three one-hour sessions per week are all kids need to help keep their math skills on track for the upcoming school year, and your child will continue to enjoy summer because Mathnasium makes learning math fun. Call today for a free assessment. Mathnasium of Brandon (mathnasium.com/brandon) is located at 1048 Bloomingdale Ave. and can be reached at 655-6284, and Mathnasium of Riverview (mathnasium.com/riverview) is located at 1388 U.S. 301 and can be reached at 565-1102. Music Showcase The Florida Academy of Performing Arts at Music Showcase offers summer camps for aspiring actors and musicians. With a variety of camp options in full and half-day experiences, there’s something for every young entertainer. The traditional camp exposes campers to music and more. You can sign up for one weeklong camp or you can sign up for multiple camps. Camps are structured by age, ability and interest. Its other camp option is a musical theater camp, where campers work together
Volume 21, Issue 4
over the course of a few weeks to put on a show. Camp registration opens in mid-March. For further details, visit www.faopa.org or call 490-2787. Music Showcase is located at 402 Oakfield Dr. in Brandon. The Patel Conservatory The Patel Conservatory at the Straz Center is hosting a variety of week summer camps for rising actors, musicians and dancers starting Tuesday, May 31 and running through Friday, August 5. Weekly camps will take place Monday through Friday, with pre- and post-camp available for an additional $30 each or $50 for both extensions. Information on the camps offered as well as specific dates, times and pricing are available in the 2022 Summer Camps and Classes brochure on the Straz Center’s website at strazcenter.org. For more information on specific details of the camps, contact the admissions staff at 222-1040 or 800-9551045 (toll-free). Trilogy Dive This summer, Trilogy Dive Center is hosting scuba camps for 10 to 17-yearolds: the Open Water Camp, for noncertified scuba divers, and the Advanced Open Water Camp, for those already scuba certified. Successful students will earn their scuba certification as Open Water Diver or Advanced Open Water Diver. Each camp is limited to 10 campers and
April 2022
will be led by an adult scuba instructor. Equipment, drinks and snacks will be provided, so the only things campers have to bring is lunch, sunblock and a towel. The Open Water Camp is $595, and the Advanced Open Water Camp is $695. To sign up for the camp or for more information on Trilogy Dive’s camps, visit trilogyscuba.com, call 425-3500 or email scuba@triologyscuba.com.
Osprey Observer
on a cruise ship theme, including swimming, diving, games and activities, a scavenger hunt, dress-up days, various tournaments, bounce houses, a slip and slide, water slides and gaming tournaments. Camp is offered Monday through Friday from 7 a.m.-6 p.m. at High 5, which is located at 405 Beverly Blvd. in Brandon. Campers can sign up for weeks throughout the summer or the entire summer, with registration opening in April. There is a $40 registration fee per child Kids ‘R’ Kids and camp costs $160 a week per child. Friday, August 5. Weekly camps will take To learn more, visit www.high5inc.org or place Monday through Friday, with pre- call 689-0908. and post-camp available for an additional $30 each or $50 for both extensions. YMCA Information on the camps offered as Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA has well as specific dates, times and pricing are what kids crave at one of its many summer available in camp locations. the 2022 YMCA camps offer an array S u m m e r of fun where activity specialists Camps and will lead campers through varC l a s s e s ious experiences each day, inbrochure on the Straz Center’s website at cluding swimming, science, high strazcenter.org. For more information on ropes, outdoor education, nature specific details of the camps, contact the encounters, horseback riding, caadmissions staff at 222-1040 or 800-955- noeing, visual arts and more. 1045 (toll-free). All camps begin on Tuesday, May 31 and run through Friday, August 5 with 10 High 5, Inc. separate sessions available from Monday Brandon’s High 5, Inc. is invitto Friday. Book one weeking students to sail away for the long session or book them all. best summer of their lives, kickCamp programming runs from ing off on Tuesday, May 31. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. with free early Campers will be able to morning care beginning at 7 choose different activities based a.m. and free afternoon ex-
tended care until 6 p.m. Prices start at only $169 per week for YMCA members and are open to the public. Discounted rates for members, early registration, siblings, multicamp sign-ups and early-bird registration are available. For more information on specific locations and pricing and to register, visit www.tampaymca.org/letscamp. FishHawk Fellowship Church Sports Summer Camp Calling all young athletes! FishHawk Fellowship Church is hosting its very popular sports camps again this summer with sessions for basketball, soccer and flag football. The basketball camps start Monday, June 6th and continue through Friday, July 1st with soccer and flag football following the weeks of July 11th and July 18th respectively. Sessions are broken down by sport and age group. The price is $100 per week and there are options for students in kindergarten through 12th grade. The camp runs from 8:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m. and campers need to bring their own lunch and water bottle. For dates and to sign up, visit fishhawkfc.org/sports. The church is located at 15326 FishHawk Blvd. in Lithia.
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martial arts, amazing field trips, arts and crafts, educational lessons and so much more. Your child is going to have a blast! (For rising kindergartners to rising sixth graders.) Visit www.fishhawksummercamps.com or text 308-0368. Sidekicks is located upstairs at Park Square in the heart of FishHawk Ranch. TLC’S Gypsy Haven Located at 4325 Keysville Rd. in Lithia, TLC’s Gypsy Haven offers weekly themed riding camps, ages 8-99, focused on riding and grooming. The camps take place from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. from Monday, June 6 to Friday, August 5. Students pack their own lunch, snacks and drinks and are encouraged to wear light pants or leggings, but boots are a must. The camp boasts one teacher, one aide and one volunteer per 10 students. For more information, visit tlcsfarms. com, call Tammi at 842-4236 or email TLCS2867@aol.com
Impact’s Awesome After School & Summer Camp Located at 11942 Boyette Rd. in Riverview, Impact’s Awesome Summer Camps include martial arts, dance, tumbling, outdoor sports, edSidekicks Summer Camp ucational lessons and much more for ages Sidekicks Martial Arts is gearing up 5-12. To learn more, visit www.Impactfor its summer camp 2022 program with SummerCamps.com or call 813-952-8053.
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Osprey Observer
Volume 21, Issue 4
KIDS ‘R’ KIDS OFFERS SUMMER FUN & FIELD SAIL AWAY WITH HIGH 5, INC. SUMMER CAMP FUN By Kate Quesada TRIPS AT TWO LOCATIONS By Kate Quesada
“Kids ‘R’ Kids and water play. Learning Academy Other themes offers a safe, well-suwill include ‘Depervised, educational, cade Dash’; ‘Natengaging and thrilling ural Talent’; where summer camp experistudents will draw ence for children K-5,” inspiration from said Owner Ben Ferthe earth, and nandes. ‘What’s Cookin’,’ With locations in which will allow Valrico and Lithia, campers to cook Kids ‘R’ Kids has been up a ton and give offering summer them the chance camps since 2004. to learn how our This summer, the taste buds work theme is Camp with regard to Boomerang, and sweet vs. sour vs. students can sign salty foods. The up on a weekly baweek ends with a sis or for the whole potluck dinner feasummer. turing a favorite “Camp Boomerdish from each of ang will show- Registration is now available for camp at Kids ‘R’ our campers. Kids in Lithia and Valrico. case unique weekly According to Ferthemes designed to make your campers nandes, field trips will include a Rays game, smile, think, explore, collaborate and grow Sea Screamer in Clearwater, the Ringling in exciting new directions,” said Fernandes. Museum, a tour of the Bucs stadium and The summer camp will feature Australian more. themes, including ‘Down Under,’ which will “We even go to the River Hills Country take campers to explore what makes Aus- Club pool,” he explained. tralia special; a movie-themed week called The camp includes all meals and field ‘KidFlix’; and ‘Reef Creatures,’ where camp- trips, and space is limited. ers will pay a virtual visit to the beaches Kids ‘R’ Kids Valrico is located at 4321 in Australia, including a deep dive into the Lynx Paw Trl. and can be reached at 657Great Barrier Reef and a chance to learn 6200, and Kids ‘R’ Kids Circa FishHawk is about a variety of ocean creatures that call located at 5815 Kids Crossing Dr. in Lithia it home. The week will include beach games and can be reached at 813-654-7000.
Summer camp is “We will have a DJ sure to be a hit at at the start of the Brandon’s High 5, Inc. week to do the ‘MunThe camp, which inster Drill,’” added Nelvites students to sail son. away for the best Camp is offered summer of their lives, Monday through Friwill kick off on Tuesday from 7 a.m.-6 day, May 31. p.m. at High 5, which According to High 5 is located at 405 BevRegional Director Ererly Blvd. in Brandon. ica Nelson, campers Campers can sign up will be able to choose for weeks throughout different activities the summer or the based on a cruise ship entire summer with theme. sessions starting on “We will have a Tuesday, May 31 and Summer camp at High 5, Inc. will have a cruise itinerary for registration opening in cruise theme this year. each day, but the April. campers will have the There is a $40 regisopportunity to make tration fee per child and their own choices as camp cost $160 a week well,” said Nelson. per child. Camp will consist of High 5, formerly Bran‘The Stern,’ which will be don Sports and Aquatics outside games; ‘The Lido Club (BSAC), has been Deck’ which involves part of the Brandon time in the location’s community since 1963 pool; field trip ‘Excursions’; ‘Creative and was the area’s first multipurpose Cover’; ‘The Plank,’ which are diving facility, dedicated to making positive boards; and ‘Encounters,’ which will in- impacts on the lives of residents in the volve pickleball, swimming and other region and beyond. The site also offers sports and recreation activities. a competitive swimming program, OlymOther features will include a scaven- pic-level diving as well as swimming lesger hunt, dress-up days, various tourna- sons from beginners to adults. ments, bounce houses, a slip and slide, To learn more, visit www.high5inc.org water slides and gaming tournaments. or call 813-689-0908.
Osprey Observer
April 2022
BRANDON BALLET CONTINUES LEGACY OF AWARDING THE RICHARD MUNRO MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
By Kathy L. Collins
The winner of the anto build dancers who benual Richard Munro Mecome not only great at morial Scholarship is Jada their craft but great in Stevenson, a demi-solotheir character.” ist dancer with Brandon Dancers who are seBallet. She has been with rious about their ballet Brandon Ballet for four training are invited to auyears. dition to be considStevenson is currentered for the scholly a junior at Blake High arship. Based upon Jada Stevenson (center), a School in Tampa, where junior at Blake High School the judges’ recomshe studies film produc- in Tampa and a dancer with mendation, BranBrandon Ballet, is this year’s Richard tion. She has trained in don Ballet awards ballet, modern, jazz and Munro Memorial Scholarship winner. Ste- one winner a prize of venson is shown here with Alice H. Bock contemporary for the past (left), executive director of Brandon Ballet, $250 to $500 to go seven years. In the future, and Brentwood Townend (right), assistant towards a summer Stevenson hopes to use training program artistic director for Brandon Ballet. the skills gained in school of their choice. For and at The Dance Center, home of Brandon over 10 years, the Richard Munro MemoriBallet, to study towards becoming an OB- al Scholarship has provided several dancers GYN. Hanna Townend, administrative direc- the opportunity to fulfill their aspirations of tor for Brandon Ballet, said. “Let us raise a dancing professionally. heartfelt congratulations to Jada.” Brandon Ballet was founded in 1993. Munro was a vital component of Brandon Brandon Ballet is a nonprofit, preprofesBallet. As a ballet coach, choreographer, sional ballet company that develops and consultant and master costume artist, his promotes opportunities for aspiring young creativity and artistry shone in everything dancers. By offering a superior training prohe touched. His legacy lives on at Brandon gram and three major performances each Ballet, which was graced with such an asset. year, Brandon Ballet helps serious dancers Townend said, “When he passed in 2008, broaden their dance experiences. we sought a way for his legacy and inspiYou can see the dancers of Brandon Ballet ration to live on. We are honored to contin- perform locally in An Evening of Enchantue his legacy annually through the Richard ment on Saturday, April 9 at 7 p.m. in Sun Munro Memorial Scholarship.” Townend City Center at 1900 Clubhouse Dr. Tickets added, “Through dance training, perfor- are $16, which includes admission and desmance opportunities and more, we are able sert. To get tickets, please call 813-387-3447.
Ages 8 - 18
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GET READY TO ROCK YOUR SUMMER WITH THE FAOPA AT MUSIC SHOWCASE By Amy Schechter Want the perfect place to make memories and music? The Florida Academy of Performing Arts (FAOPA) at Music Showcase offers a magical summer camp experience for aspiring actors and musicians. With a variety of camp options in full and
FAOPA summer camp sign-ups start soon.
half-day experiences, there’s something for every young entertainer. Debbie Evans, director of accounts, cannot stress how wonderful the experience is: “It’s more than just learning about music or learning how to sing. Kids are gaining self-confidence and self-esteem. They blossom into performers who like music and like being on stage.” The traditional camp exposes campers to music and more. Every few hours, students can learn an instrument like guitar and drums, take vocal lessons, take acting and improv classes and do arts and crafts. You can sign up for one weeklong camp or you can sign up for multiple camps. Camps are structured by age, ability and interest.
Their other camp option is a musical theater camp. Campers work together over the course of a few weeks to put on a show. They will memorize lines, music and choreography. This summer, depending on the camper’s age, they will perform Newsies Jr., Oklahoma! Youth Edition, Bye Bye Birdie Youth Edition, Big the Musical, High School Musical 2 Jr., Fiddler on the Roof Jr. and Broadway Boot Camp. Sanchez went on to say, “If you do the musical camps, you’re learning about teamwork in an ensemble. A lot of parents are always so surprised. They had no idea their child had it within them when they see them perform.” Campers must bring their own lunches, drinks and snacks, with snacks also available for purchase. The Florida Academy of Performing Arts is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that was established to support the performing arts through programs at the academy and in the community. Camp registration opens in mid-March. For further details, visit www.FAOPA.org or call 813-490-2787. Music Showcase is located at 402 Oakfield Dr. in Brandon.
Summer Camp Options Competitive Girls and Boys Teams
Summer Boot Camps (June/July)
Several skill specific sessions to hone a current skill or come to ALL and learn all aspects of volleyball positions. For beginner/intermediate and advanced players. This is a low commitment but high energy and fast paced skill building. A great way to learn or to continue to improve over the summer.
College Clinics (June/July)
Last year we welcomed both Webber International University and Warner University head coaches to host a college clinic for players in our area. This was for girls and boys and had beach and indoor volleyball opportunities.
Open Gym (June/July)
$10 Open Gyms- both beginner and intermediate advanced. If you want to have some fun give volleyball a try, make some friends in the process this is a great start for you. This open gym also gives you an opportunity to meet our amazing coaching staff and learn some quick basic skills.
High School and Middle School Dust off (Late July)
This is a targeted clinic designed to refresh and remind players of what High School and Middle School volleyball coaches are looking for. From skills, techniques even body language. Let us help you dust off your skills as you prepare for your schools volleyball tryouts.
Your One Stop Shop for all things VOLLEYBALL! Summer Camps • Fall Leagues • Team Camps • Skills Clinics Positional Trainings • Training for ALL Skill Levels
Visit Our Website For More Information!
813-220-0905 | HurricaneVolleyballAcademy.com
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Osprey Observer
CENTER PLACE: ART CAMPS & MORE By Libby Hopkins Summer is just a Center Place’s few short months summer art camps away, so to get cost $125 per ready for summer, camper and the Center Place Fine camp times are 8 Arts & Civic Assoa.m.-1 p.m. All the ciation is excited to camps’ supplies are offer two awesome included, but campsummer art camps. ers do need to bring In June, Center their own lunches. Place will offer its Summer art camps and new classes are happening Camps are capped at Center Place. Jump-Start to Art at 12 campers each, Camp with Doreen Donovan and Outside so register soon for one of the camps’ weeks the Lines Summer Art Camp with Alejan- because they will fill up quickly. dro Algarin. “Doreen was a summer favorite Center Place has a new teacher, Chris last year, so she’s back with us at Center Kline, who recently joined the staff at CenPlace for two fun weeks of art camp,” said ter Place. Kline will be teaching oil painting Libby Hopkins, Center Place’s executive di- on Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m.-12 Noon rector. “Doreen’s camps will be June 20-24, and then adult art therapy on Wednesday and the ages for both of her camps [are] evenings from 5-7 p.m. 6-10 years old. Her second camp will take Kline is currently the president of the place on July 18-22, and it’s the same ages Brandon League of Fine Arts, which has its for that week as well.” The Jump-Start to meetings at Center Place. “Since Chris is a Art Camp will offer a different form of art familiar face at our center, it was a natueach day, art scavenger hunts and so much ral fit for him to teach these two classes more. at Center Place,” Hopkins said. “Chris’ class Center Place’s Outside the Lines Summer fees are try-it-one-time for $12 or four Art Camp with Alejandro Algarin will ex- classes for $45.” plore the world of street art and cartoonIf you are interested in registering your ing. “Alejandro’s classes are becoming quite children for any of Center Place’s summer art popular at Center Place, so we are thrilled camps or if you’d like to register for Kline’s he has decided to offer two art camps this new classes, you can visit Center Place’s summer at Center Place,” Hopkins said. website at www.centerplacebrandon.com “Alejandro’s June camp will be June 13-17, or call the center at 813-685-8888. Center and the ages for this camp [are] 6-10 years Place is located at 619 Vonderburg Dr., Ste. old. His July camp will be July 11-15, and the B inside the Brandon Regional Library. ages for this camp are 10-14 years old.
Volume 21, Issue 4
JOIN THE ANNUAL STORYTELLING FESTIVAL OF TAMPA-HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY By Kathy L. Collins For 42 years, proximately 30 the Hillsborough minutes with a County Public question and anLibrary Cooperswer session. ative has held a In addition Storytelling Festo virtual sestival. This year, sions, there the Storytelling are some live Festival is virtuonline events al. This allows scheduled a lot more area The Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative is which require residents to be- presenting the annual Storytelling Festival now through registration by May. come involved. attendees. A liThe Storytelling Festival runs through Fri- brary has been set up so that attendees who day, May 13. have missed prior virtual sessions can log in Attendees can learn the art of storytell- and watch the videos anytime at their coning and become storytellers themselves. The venience. online festival features performances by stoAdams said, “Storytelling enhances your rytellers, fun workshops and the chance to life. For young people, it strengthens reading, submit your own storytelling video. writing and listening skills. It increases conKatie Adams is a professional storyteller. fidence as there is a public speaking compoAdams is a member of the Friends of Sto- nent. Storytelling can also help strengthen rytelling of Tampa-Hillsborough County. family ties with fun stories. All of these are Adams joined the Friends of Storytelling in great even for young children.” 2014, but she has been involved with the anAdams added, “We would love for people nual Storytelling Festival since 1987. to join the Storytelling Festival this year. Adams explained that attendees will learn There is still plenty of time to join and learn everything they need to tell a story and that how to tell a story.” it’s good for parents and children. You will Adams is the owner of Make Believe learn the process of telling a story and even Theatre. She offers storytelling and puppet be able to submit a video. The video submis- shows and takes her craft to schools and sion is due by Friday, April 22. libraries throughout Florida. She has been The annual Storytelling Festival is good for doing this since 2000. children in kindergarten through 12th grade. For festival information and to learn how You can join any time by visiting www.hcplc. to participate, please visit www.hcplc.org/ org/storytellingfestival. Each session is ap- storytellingfestival.
(Ages K-5)
April 2022
Osprey Observer
HCPS ANNOUNCES NEW ACADEMIES FOR HIGH SCHOOL EDUCATION
Staff Report
Hillsborough County cuss course programs Public Schools (HCPS), that would be most in collaboration with beneficial for a future industry leaders, has workforce as well as announced an innovathe type of equipment tive plan to ensure the students should train workforce of tomorrow with during their courswill be prepared with es. Students will gain the necessary skills to knowledge in specific have an exciting career programs of study or pathway after graduwork towards industry. ation. Students will be The cutting-edge Hilltrained in state-of-thesborough Construction art programs housed Academy at Bowers/ Hillsborough County Public Schools in high-tech, advanced Whitley will welcome recently announced Building Tampa’s facilities through partstudents district-wide Tomorrow. nerships at local, state and national levels. in grades nine through 12. Over the next five Following extensive research and in-per- to 10 years, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Stason meetings with industry experts, edu- tistics expects faster-than-average employcational advocates and civic leaders, Hill- ment growth in the building and construcsborough County Public Schools recently tion industry. The district has been meeting announced Building Tampa’s Tomorrow. with local industry experts to determine the This new workforce development initiative most in-demand careers that will, in many will create two new high schools—the Hills- cases, offer students high-paying jobs right borough Medical Academy and the Hillsbor- after graduation. Programs of study or inough Construction Academy, set to open in dustry certifications will focus on areas inFall 2023—and a Medical Technical College cluding building construction, AC, refrigeropening in Fall 2024. The district is also look- ation, heating technology, electric vehicles, ing to add a distribution/logistics education- augmented reality/visualization, water infraal pathway down the road. structure/treatment and framing/drywall. The state-of-the-art Hillsborough Medical “Hillsborough County Public Schools is anAcademy at D.W. Waters will serve students swering the call to leverage a highly trained district-wide in ninth through 12th grade. workforce that aligns with the needs of emHCPS is partnering with major hospitals in ployers in the Tampa Bay area,” said Hillsthe area, including Tampa General Hospital, borough County Public Schools SuperintenBayCare, AdventHealth, Moffitt Cancer Cen- dent Addison Davis. ter and Ultimate Medical Academy, to disVisit www.hillsboroughschools.org.
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CALLING ALL YOUNG NATURALISTS Staff Report A new program is The curriculum available for young covers three Florida nature enthusiasts ecosystems—upinterested in learning lands, freshwater and more about Florida’s coastal—and includes environment. Inspired lessons on animals, by the Florida Master plants and humans Naturalist Program, living together with this youth program nature. It also introtakes kids ages 10-13 duces participants to The Florida Youth Naturalist Program on a journey through career opportunities Instructor Field Guide, developed by UF/ Florida’s ecosystems. in natural resources, IFAS Extension, Florida 4-H and the Florida The Florida Youth Master Naturalist Program, offers 24 hours ways to give back to Naturalist Program of instruction, including hands-on activities, their community and field trips and more, for kids ages 10-13. Instructor Field outdoor safety. Guide, developed by “Programs like this UF/IFAS Extension, Florida 4-H and the help to create lifelong learners with a curiFlorida Master Naturalist Program, offers osity for exploring,” Johnson said. “We want 24 hours of instruction, including hands-on youth to leave this program and grow as activities, field trips and more. The curricu- young naturalists and budding scientists.” lum is geared toward nonformal instructors The curriculum is available for purchase like Extension agents and nature center ed- by anyone. Everyone is encouraged to beucators that host youth programming but come an endorsed instructor to receive adcould be used by formal educators. ditional resources and evaluation materials. The program is flexible and can be taught Endorsed instructors will be listed on the across the span of a weeklong summer camp program website to help draw participants or spread over several months for groups to the program. that may meet monthly. It’s also adaptable “This project has been in the works for a to younger ages if needed. long time, and we’re excited to get it in the “This is a critical age to expose youth to hands of educators around the state,” said environmental appreciation and develop an Johnson. “We hope to continue modifying understanding of the natural world,” said and updating it over time so it stays releShelly Johnson, UF/IFAS Extension state vant. Then, we hope to develop curriculum specialized agent in natural resources. “We for the 14 to 17-year-old age group too.” want youth to understand and appreciate For more information on the program, to nature to ingrain a conservation ethic in become an endorsed instructor, visit https:// them. Then, they grow up to be adults that programs.ifas.ufl.edu/florida-youth-naturalcare about Florida’s natural resources.” ist-program.
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Osprey Observer
MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE COMMUNITY WITH DANCE AND HAIRCUTS By Libby Hopkins Dancing for a Differbeautiful and handence is a 501(c)(3) nonsome.” profit organization with The event and possia mission to make dance bly new program will and the arts more availbe under and hosted by able to all children in the Dancing for a Difference Tampa area. The organion Monday, April 4. zation has been growing “We are still working lately and has moved out the times but keep into a new space with an eye on our Facebook the ability offer more page for more details,” programs. said Battaglia. “Dancing for a Dif“This event will not ference is growing at a only give kids in foster rapid rate and the space carefree haircuts and next door to ours is va- Dancing for a Difference will be hosting pampering but also be cant,” Owner Sara Batt- a fundraiser on Monday, April 4 for Dos a fundraiser to open the aglia said. “We had al- for a Difference. The goal of this fund- space next door to ours ready made comments raiser is to give children in foster care to allow for events like haircuts. about wanting to rent this to be ongoing as it out in the near future. Jenn well as allow more space for Lawless came to me expressDancing for a Difference to ofing interest in renting one of fer more dance, art, music and the smaller rooms in the back so much more.” to open her own salon suite.” Battaglia is looking to the This request from Lawless community for sponsors to help got Battaglia’s wheels turning. with Dos for a Difference. “Hair sponsor“My mind went off on a tangent as usual ships are $250, nail sponsorships are $150 and with lots of conversation and thoughts, and makeup sponsorships are $150,” Battso now we have ‘Dos for a Difference,’” aglia said. Battaglia said. “We would like to start by To help Battaglia and Dancing for a Difgiving 10 children in foster care haircuts ference raise money for Dos for a Differfor free. We are also hoping to work with a ence, visit dancestudio-pro.com or contact Mary Kay consultant and/or a color street Battaglia at 813-601-3009. Dancing for a consultant to make these young girls and Difference is located at 1076 E. Brandon boys who are going through so much feel Blvd. ,#101 in Brandon.
Volume 21, Issue 4
BEYOND VAN GOGH: THE IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE COMES TO SARASOTA By Michelle Caceres Prolific impressionist helps us understand artist Vincent van Gogh’s there was more to the innovative works, numpainter than his poor bering more than 2,000 mental health. “He pieces created during a saw beauty in ordinary career that spanned just life and painted those 10 years, are scattered things,” she said. “Art in museums and private was the way he comcollections throughout Tickets are on sale now for Beyond Van municated with the the world. One of his Gogh: The Immersive Experience in Sara- world.” sota until Sunday, April 24. most famous works, Curtat said the exhibThe Starry Night, inspired by the view from it is wonderful for all ages. “In the Immersive his window at an asylum in Southern France, Room, children are engaged as they follow is on permanent display at the Museum of the petals as they float on the floor,” she said. Modern Art in New York. “It’s impactful to see them connecting to art Producer Paquin Entertainment Group is in this way.” bringing more than 300 of his 19th-centu- Beyond Van Gogh, which runs through Sunry masterpieces into the 21st century in an day, April 24 is open Sunday to Thursday, 10 immersive way at ‘Beyond Van Gogh: The a.m.-9 p.m., and Friday to Saturday, 10 a.m.Immersive Experience,’ which takes the art 10 p.m. It takes about an hour to experience lover into a three-dimensional world that ex- the entire exhibit, with final entry being one hilarates the senses. hour before closing time. Located at 195 University Town Center Tickets are sold only online at www.vanDr. in Sarasota at the Starry Night Pavilion goghsarasota.com or call call 1-800-441at University Town Center, Van Gogh’s art 0819. Ticket prices start at $23.99 for chilcomes to life by appearing and disappearing, dren under 16 and $29.99 for adults. Children flowing across multiple surfaces and height- 4 years and younger are free with an accomening the senses with their immense detail. panying adult with a ticket. Through his own words set to a symphonic Exercise enthusiasts can also participate score, guests come to a new appreciation of in Beyond Yoga, where local yoga instructors this tortured artist’s stunning works as they each Thursday and Saturday guide particsegue through three areas: the Education ipants through a class while in the exhibit’s Room, the Waterfall Room and the Immer- Immersive Experience Room. sive Experience Room. For information about Beyond Van Gogh: According to art historian and creative The Immersive Experience, call 1-800-441team member Fanny Curtat, the experience 0819.
April 2022
Osprey Observer
STATE FARM DONATES $60,000 TO JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT Staff Report The Junior They act as employees Achievement (JA) and consumers, from Florida Foundation paying bills to handling has received a new customer service, and $60,000 grant they experience what it from State Farm. is like to earn and work The statewide iniin a community. JA Fitiative will support nance Park is a real life Junior Achievesimulation where ment learning students enter experiences in the game of life The Junior Achievement Florida, enabling (JA) Florida Foundation and apply finanthousands of has received a new $60,000 cial concepts to young people to balance their grant from State Farm. participate in JA’s personal budget nationally recognized financial literacy and and learn to make choices that support their career readiness learning experiences. In future goals. the past five years, State Farm has awarded The JA Florida Foundation areas have over $300,000 to support all nine JA chap- worked with local State Farm representaters across Florida. tives to build out an interactive Career Explo“State Farm is committed to helping en- ration booth for the JA Inspire Career Expo. sure that young people receive financial This virtual platform provides students with literacy and work readiness education pro- the opportunity to explore over 100 business grams,” said Jose Soto, State Farm corpo- and education booths and listen to dynamic rate responsibility analyst. “Junior Achieve- speakers. Live virtual interaction days where ment programs help all students acquire students can ask volunteers industry-related and improve their financial literacy skills, questions are scheduled. especially the low to moderate-income stuRichard George, president of Junior dents who derive greater benefits from the Achievement of Tampa Bay, stated, “The programs.” State Farm funding supports our efforts Each JA area will use the support to ad- throughout the state of Florida, and we vance learning experiences most needed in are so grateful. Junior Achievement is protheir region. viding our young people with the tools to JA Tampa Bay, which includes Hillsbor- transform their futures. We are increasing ough, Polk, Highlands and Sarasota Coun- economic equity and mobility through our ties, is excited to be able to open its Cap- learning experiences focused on financial litstone campus this fall and provide students eracy, work readiness and entrepreneurship. with valuable hands-on interactive learning This creates a brighter tomorrow for all.” experiences. JA BizTown introduces fifth For more information on Junior Achievegraders to economic concepts, workplace ment, visit www.juniorachievement.org/ skills and personal and business finances. web/ja-floridafoundation.
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SUN ‘N FUN AEROSPACE EXPO IS ‘WHERE IT’S AT’
Staff Report
The SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo is once again taking to the skies over Lakeland from Tuesday to Sunday, April 5-10, celebrating the annual comradery of aviation. This year’s expo will also be celebrating the 75th anniversary of the U. S. Air Force, which will be highlighted by a demonstration from the USAF Thunderbirds in their first appearance since 2016. Marking its 48th year, this event is the primary fundraiser for the Aerospace Center for Excellence, which enables the delivery of STEM-related and aerospace education programs and scholarships engaging over 50,000 local youth each year. The SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo is a sixday, aviation-nirvana event for 225,000 attendees plus millions more via the power of social media. Touted as the largest annual convention in the State of Florida as well as the second largest general aviation event in the world, attendees are encouraged to take advantage of the training forums, hands-on workshops and aircraft demonstration showcases. There’s plenty of engaging activities for the public of all ages to enjoy. The activities are scheduled from sunrise until after sunset and most are included with the ticket purchase. In keeping with this year’ theme of ‘Where It’s At,’ the expo has over 500 exhibitors, many plane manufacturers, a three-day
career fair, a National STOL Competition and more. There is lots of food options and daily live entertainment across 2,000 acres of fun. The SUN ‘n FUN Fly-In Style Pilot Program is new for 2022 and will recognize and reward pilots that fly their aircraft to the event, including pilots flying right seat, with deals and discounts throughout the week. For this year’s military air show component, it will be a U.S. Air Force trifecta. The USAF Air Demonstration Squadron Thunderbirds will take flight in their premier multirole fighter jet, the F-16 Fighting Falcon. The aggressive USAF A-10 Warthog, a primary low-altitude, close air support aircraft, will be showing off its unique combat capabilities. If you prefer heavy metal, the C-17 Globemaster III, aka ‘The Moose,’ will be part of a multi-aircraft static display. In addition to the daily high-adrenaline air shows, there are two-night shows with lights and fireworks flying their routines to music and an artistic drone show. There are many ticket options available including Florida resident, senior and military. On-site camping is also a fun way to never miss a minute of the excitement. The SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo is being held on the south side of the Lakeland Linder International. For more information, including ticket prices, visit flysnf.org.
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Osprey Observer
Volume 21, Issue 4