31 minute read
SUMMER CAMPS ......................PGS
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 staf 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
Camp Osprey, LLC
Hurricane Volleyball Academy
Mathnasium of Riverview and Brandon
Music Showcase
The Florida Academy of the Performing Arts at Music Showcase ofers summer camps for aspiring actors a n d musi-
Patel Conservatory
Trilogy Dive
Kids R Kids
With locations in Valrico and Lithia, Kids R Kids has been ofering summer camps since 2004. This summer, the theme is Camp Boomerang and students can sign up on a weekly basis or for the whole summer.
High 5, Inc.
Brandon’s High 5 Inc. is inviting students to sail away for the best summer of their lives, kicking of 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 ofers 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!
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, explore our underwater world and get scuba certified,” said Scuba Instructor and Owner Mike Massaro.
Each camp is ofered 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 of 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 Trilogy Dive Center is hosting Center’s instructwo scuba camps for 10 to tors are military 17-year-olds this summer. 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 425-3500 or email scuba@triologyscuba.com.
By Lily Belcher
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 with pre- and post-camp available for an additional $30 each or $50 for both extensions.
The Patel Conservatory ofers summer dance camps and intensives for beginner and advanced dancers. The advanced and intensive camps, which vary in price, do require prior experience, but their Beginning Jazz Dance, Tap Dance, and Ballet camps are open to elementary and middle school dancers for $145.
For aspiring actors and actresses, theater students can register for The Patel Conservatory’s production camps.
“The Patel Conservatory Theater department ofers training in musical and non-musical theater through productions, performance camps and technical theater programs,” explains the summer camp brochure.
Young actors can participate in shows from Disney’s 101 Dalmatians to Shakespeare’s As You Like It, where they will learn theater basics and skills to showcase in their final performances. Showstoppers: Broadway Intensive is available for teen students at the end of the summer as well. Musical Theater Camps are an option for musically inclined actors and actresses to combine their dancing, acting, and singing talents on stage. Music camps and intensives are available throughout the summer, with focuses on diferent genres in each camp. “Summer music
Te Patel Conservatory ofers dance, oferings at the Patel Contheater and music camps throughout the servatory allow students to summer. experience singing in a choir, discovering a new instrument or playing in a chamber ensemble. Instrumentalists and vocalists of all ages have fun while developing their talents,” according to the brochure. Group classes for violin to piano to singing to chamber music are ofered over the summer and allow students to fine tune their musical talents with a teacher. Private lessons and music theory classes are also available. For more on the camps ofered with 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 staf at 813-222-1040 or 800955-1045 (toll free).
YMCA CAMP INSPIRES DREAMS AND SUPPORTS CHILDREN
By Amy Schechter
Whether you need childcare over the summer or just want your kids to escape the house, the YMCA has what kids crave at one of its many summer camp locations.
Camp Cristina Operations Director Meagan Springer spoke with joy when she described summers at the YMCA: “Camps provide an experience where kids have an opportunity that’s very unique. At the heart of what we do, we are always thinking of ways we can stimulate and support kids through recreation while they are out of school.”
The American Camp Association (ACA) recently announced that the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA Summer Camps received ACA-Accredited Camp status for the 2022 season. After a thorough review of nearly 300 standards, the ACA found that the YMCA camps’ staf qualifications, training and emergency management reflect the highest standards in the industry. Plus, YMCA camps ofer an array of fun where activity specialists lead campers through various experiences each day, including swimming, science, high ropes, outdoor education, nature encounters, horseback
riding, canoeing, visual arts and more. Besides many convenient locations in the Brandon, Riverview and Apollo Beach area, including the North Tampa YMCA, Campo Family YMCA and Tat feeling when you’re ready for YMCA Summer Spurlino Family Camp! YMCA at Big Bend Rd., the community is lucky to have Camp Cristina, a 65-acre campus in Riverview complete with many outdoor options, including a rock wall, ropes course, horseback riding, and water activities. All camps begin on Tuesday, May 31 and run through Friday, August 5 with 10 separate sessions available from Monday to Friday. Book one weeklong session or book them all. Camp programming runs from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. with free early morning care beginning at 7 a.m. and free afternoon extended 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 tampaymca.org/programs/camp/summer-camp.
Contact us today to schedule a risk-free assessment and learn about our summer specials. TWO LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU
FOR THE LOVE OF VOLLEYBALL, HVA IS HERE
By Libby Hopkins
Victoria and Brian Adams are both educators. Combined, they have taught in the district for more than 25 years. “We live in Riverview, Florida and love it here,” Victoria said. “Together, we share a passion for helping the youth in our community, whether that is through education, sports, community service, you name it.”
Brian won coach of the year in 2012 at East Bay High in the Western Conference for volleyball. “Brian has been coaching for 14 years in Hillsborough County,” Victoria said. “I won teacher of the year at East Bay High School in 2016.”
Brian grew up playing competitive beach volleyball and has always had a love for sports and coaching. “He is currently teaching physical education at Riverview High School,” Victoria said. “About six years ago, he decided to begin the journey of fulfilling a personal challenge of starting his own volleyball club. I jumped right on board.” And from there, Hurricane Volleyball Academy (HVA) was born.
HVA started in 2016 and has grown from a 15 to 18-year-old girls club to expand into a club for both 8 to 18-year-old girls and boys. “We’ve had dozens of Hurricane alum-
ni go of to play volleyball at the collegiate level,” Victoria said. “We believe in providing a home for all levels of athletes to achieve their personal goals.” The mission of HVA is to cultivate an environment of competitive learning through innovative coaching techniques and high standards of performance. “HVA is a volleyball club dedicated to player development both on and of the court,” Victoria said. “HVA’s customized practice sequences enable us to maximize individual skills training through Te mission of Hurricane Volleyball Academy (HVA) a unique format.” HVA will ofer volis to cultivate an environ- leyball summer camps ment of competitive learning this year. “We have through innovative coaching techniques camps that run all through and high standards of performance for summer,” Victoria said. ages 8-18. “We will be ofering bundles where people can pick and choose the skills position they want to focus on. We will have $10 open gym time where they get some upfront instruction, then get to play some games in the gym. We will be ofering college camps as well. Our last college camp with Warner University resulted in a player receiving a college scholarship to play volleyball. We target ages 8-18, both boys and girls, all skill levels.” If you’d like to learn more about HVA or their upcoming summer camps, you can visit its website at www.hurricanevolleyballacademy.com or call Brian at 220-0905.
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.
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, horseback riding and much more.
Camps take place every week starting on Sunday, June 5, and campers can sign up for a week or the whole summer. Day and overnight options are available, with day camp costing $325 a week and overnight being $645. Meals are provided and snacks 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 ofered 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-year-old 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 instruction and games. College camps will also be ofered.
To learn more, visit www.hurricanevolleyballacademy.com or call 220-0905.
Mathnasium Of Riverview And Brandon
Have your child’s math skills been impacted by the last school year? Have they fallen behind? Are there gaps in their learning? Do they need a greater challenge? If so, consider a summer math program with Mathnasium. But don’t wait too long because spots are filling up fast.
Mathnasium’s personalized learning plans are proven to improve grades and give them a head start going into the new school year. With live faceto-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 ofers 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.
T h e 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 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.
Te 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 ofered 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 staf at 222-1040 or 800-9551045 (toll-free).
Trilogy Dive
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.
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. 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.
Kids ‘R’ Kids
With locations in Valrico and Lithia, Kids ‘R’ Kids has been ofering summer camps since 2004. This summer, the theme is Camp Boomerang and students can sign up on a weekly basis or for the whole summer.
“Camp Boomerang will showcase unique weekly themes designed to make your campers smile, think, explore, collaborate and grow in exciting new directions,” said Fernandes. “Our camp includes all meals and field trips to a Rays game, Sea Screamer in Clearwater, Ringling Museum, Bucs stadium and much more. We even go to the River Hills Country Club pool.”
Kids ‘R’ Kids Valrico is located at 4321
Lynx Paw Trl. and can be reached at 6576200, and Kids ‘R’ Kids Circa FishHawk is located at 5815 Kids Crossing Dr. in
Lithia and can be reached at 654-7000.
High 5, Inc.
Brandon’s High 5, Inc. is inviting students to sail away for the best summer of their lives, kicking of on Tuesday, May 31.
Campers will be able to choose diferent activities based 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 ofered 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 and camp costs $160 a week per child.
To learn more, visit www.high5inc.org or call 689-0908.
YMCA
Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA has what kids crave at one of its many summer camp locations.
YMCA camps ofer an array of fun where activity specialists will lead campers through various experiences each day, including swimming, science, high ropes, outdoor education, nature encounters, horseback riding, canoeing, visual arts and more.
All camps begin on Tuesday, May 31 and run through Friday, August 5 with 10 separate sessions available from Monday to Friday. Book one weeklong session or book them all. Camp programming runs from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. with free early morning care beginning at 7 a.m. and free afternoon extended 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.
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.
Sidekicks Summer Camp
Sidekicks Martial Arts is gearing up for its Summer Camp 2022 program with Martial Arts, Amazing Field Trips, Educational Lessons, Arts a n d Crafts and So Much more... Your Child Is Going to Have a BLAST! (Rising Kindergartners - Rising 6th Grade)
Visit www.fishhawksummercamp.com or text 813-308-0368. Sidekicks is located upstairs Park Square in the heart of FishHawk Ranch.
KIDS ‘R’ KIDS OFFERS SUMMER FUN & FIELD TRIPS AT TWO LOCATIONS
By Kate Quesada
Kids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academy ofers a safe, well-supervised, educational, engaging and thrilling summer camp experience for children K-5,” said Owner Ben Fernandes.
With locations in Valrico and Lithia, Kids ‘R’ Kids has been ofering summer camps since 2004. This summer, the theme is Camp Boomerang and students can sign up on a weekly basis or for the whole summer. “‘Camp Boomerang’ will showcase unique weekly themes, designed to make your campers smile, think, explore, collaborate and grow in exciting new directions,” said Fernandes.
The summer will feature Australian themes including ‘Down Under,’ which will take campers to explore what makes Australia special, a movie themed week called ‘KidFlix’ and ‘Reef Creatures’ where campers will pay a virtual visit to the beaches in Australia including a deep dive into the Great Barrier Reef and chance to learn about a variety of ocean creatures that call it home. The week will include beach games and wa-
ter play. Other themes will include ‘Decade Dash,’ ‘Natural Talent,’ where students will draw inspiration from the earth and ‘What’s Cookin’,’ which will allow campers to cook up a ton and the chance to learn how our taste buds work with regard to sweet vs. sour vs. salty foods. The week ends with a potluck dinner featuring a favorite dish from each of our campRegistration is now available for camp at Kids ‘R’ ers. Kids in Lithia and Valrico. According to Fernandes, field trips will include a Rays game, Sea Screamer in Clearwater, The Ringling Museum, a tour of the Bucs stadium and more. “We even go to the Riverhills County Club pool,” he explained. The camp includes all meals and field trips, and space is limited. Kids R Kids Valrico is located at 4321 Lynx Paw Trl. and can be reached at 657-6200 and Kids R Kids Circa FishHawk is located at 5815 Kids Crossing Dr. in Lithia and can be reached at 654-7000.
SAIL AWAY WITH HIGH 5, INC. SUMMER CAMP FUN
By Kate Quesada
Summer camp is sure to be a hit at Brandon’s High 5 Inc. The camp, which invites students to sail away for the best summer of their lives, will kick of on May 31.
According to High 5 Regional Director Erica Nelson, campers will be able to choose diferent activities based on a cruise ship theme.
“We will have a cruise itinerary for each day, but the campers will have the opportunity to make their own choices as well,” said Nelson.
Camp will consist of ‘The Stern,’ which will be outside games, ‘The Lido Deck’ which involves time in the location’s pool, field trip ‘Excursions,’ ‘Creative Cover,’ ‘The Plank’ which is diving boards and ‘Encounters’ which will involve pickleball, swimming and other sports and recreation activities.
Other features will include a scavenger hunt, dress up days, various tournaments, bounce houses, a slip and slide, water slides and gaming tournaments.
“We will have a DJ at the start of the week to do the ‘Munster Drill,’” added Nelson. Camp is ofered 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 sessions starting on May Summer camp at High 5, Inc. will have a cruise theme this year. 31 and registration opening in April. There is a $40 registration fee per child and camp cost $160 per week, per child. High 5, formerly Brandon Sports and Aquatics Club (BSAC) has been part of the Brandon community since 1963 and was the area’s first multi-purpose facility, dedicated to making positive impacts on the lives of residents in the region and beyond. The site also ofers a competitive swimming program and Olympic-level diving as well as swimming lessons from beginners to adults. To learn more, visit www.high5inc.org or call 689-0908.
THE BRANDON BALLET PRESENTS
PRINCESS TEA PARTY FEATURING CINDERELLA
By Kathy L. Collins
The Brandon Ballet, established in 1993, is a nonprofit, preprofessional ballet company that develops and promotes opportunities for aspiring young dancers. As a part of its mission, the Brandon Ballet provides the community with a number of events and performances. One of its most popular events is the Princess Tea Party.
The next Princess Tea Party will feature Cinderella and will be held on Sunday, March 27 at 3 p.m. at The Regent, located at 6437 Watson Rd. in Riverview. Tickets are $17.50 plus tax for adults and children if purchased in advance or $20 plus tax at the door. If tickets are sold out online prior to the event, tickets will not be sold at the door. Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.brandonballet.org/events/.
There are lots of exciting events and performances throughout the Brandon Ballet season that bring in audience members and supporters alike, but by far the most popular among its young patrons is the annual tea parties. The Brandon Ballet staf and dancers revel in the pleasure of providing such sweet events for young ballet lovers and their families.
Join Cinderella and her fellow princess friends as they perform excerpts from Cinderella while you and your guest savor cupcakes from Sweetie’s Delights, finDon’t miss the fun of the Brandon Ballet’s annual ger foods and, Princess Tea Party. of course, tea. There is something for every member of the family to enjoy, including immersive game time, appearances from your favorite princesses, rafes and prizes. If you are looking for a lively, Sunday afternoon family outing, look no further than the Brandon Ballet’s Princess Tea Party. Hannah Townend with the Brandon Ballet said, “For ballet lovers of any age, the Princess Tea Party is sure to be a Sunday Funday treat.” Masks are optional for all Princess Tea Party guests. In order to ensure a safer gathering, tickets will be limited, so reserve your tickets now before it is too late. After you meet Cinderella and her princess friends, make plans to attend the Brandon Ballet’s presentation of the ballet, Cinderella, on Saturday, April 30 at Riverview High School in Riverview. For more information, visit www.BrandonBallet.org or call 684-4282.
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 the Performing Arts at Music Showcase ofers a magical summer camp experience for aspiring actors and musicians.
With a variety of camp options in full and
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 week-long 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 Oklahoma, Shrek the Musical, All Shook Up, and Six Live in Concert! Evans goes 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.” Campe r s must bring their own lunche s , 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 490-2787. Music Showcase is located at 402 Oakfield Dr. in Brandon.
FAOPA Summer Camp sign-ups start soon.
Ages 8 - 18 Summer Camp Options
Competitive Girls and Boys Teams
Summer Boot Camps (June/July)
Several skill specifc 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 staf and learn some quick basic skills.
High School and Middle School Dust of (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 of 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
DISNEY CHARACTERS RETURN TO TAMPA IN MARCH FOR LET’S CELEBRATE
Staf Report
The celebration of the century comes alive in Disney On Ice presents Let’s Celebrate, and this monumental ice-skating spectacular visits AMALIE Arena from Thursday to Sunday, March 24-27.
Audiences will be a part of the magic of Disney as Mouse-ter of Ceremonies Mickey Mouse leads a parade of more than 50 beloved characters starring Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy and featuring an ensemble of Disney Princesses, including Cinderella, Rapunzel, Ariel, Snow White and Tiana. The wintry wonderland of Disney’s Frozen also comes to life with Anna, Elsa and the hilarious Olaf as they discover that true love is the greatest magic of all. Exciting moments from Disney Pixar’s Finding Dory, Disney’s Aladdin and Beauty and the Beast will leave the whole family with memories to last a lifetime.
The legacy of Disney is displayed through 14 classic and modern stories in this production that features an international team of award-winning figure skaters, high-energy choreography and a breathtaking set. With over 30 melodious masterpieces such as “Let It Go!,” “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” and “Hakuna Matata,” Disney On Ice Let’s Celebrate is the ultimate Disney fan experience. Families will join the fun in an exciting opening number that salutes Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse as the original hosts of Disney On Ice in an unforgettable experience in your hometown. While delivering the same magical experiences guests expect from Disney On Ice, Feld Entertainment is continuing Guest Wellness Enhancements to help keep families safe at its live events. Feld Entertainment is working closely with venue partners to establish and follow COVID-19 health and safety standards in accordance with all federal, state and local guidelines. Full details on Feld Entertainment Guest Wellness Enhancements can be found at https://www.disneyonice. com/guest-wellness.
Guests looking to purchase Disney On Ice souvenirs will find the process easier than ever thanks to a new contactless shopping experience with touch-free payment and digital purchasing options. Guests can preorder items prior to arriving at the venue. Once ordered, guests can pick up their purchases at a convenient, contactless pickup station during the show. Additional information can be found at www.disneyonice.com/tickets.
The shows will take place on Thursday, March 24 and Friday, March 25 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, March 26 at 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.; and Sunday, March 27 at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. at AMALIE Arena, located at 401 Channelside Dr. in Tampa.
DANCING FOR A DIFFERENCE CELEBRATES NEW LARGER LOCATION
By Tatiana Ortiz
A local dance studio in Brandon had a fresh start to the year with its new space and name. Riverview resident Sara Battaglia, who is the president and director of Dancing for a Diference, held a grand opening for the new studio on January 29.
Dancing for a Difference is a nonprofit organization with a mission to make dance more available to all ages and abilities within the Tampa Bay area as well as give back to the community. Prior to the name change, the organization was called Dancing for Donations. Battaglia felt that the time was appropriate to move forward with the rebranding.
The organization received a $13,000 grant from the Mabel and Ellsworth Simmons Charitable Foundation, Inc., which helped with the funding of Dancing for a Diference’s new studio. In addition, through the Valrico FishHawk Chamber of Commerce, Dancing for a Diference was the 2021 Charity of Choice. Battaglia is also involved in other chambers, such as the Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce and the Ybor City Chamber of Commerce.
Since its establishment in May 2017, Dancing for a Diference has grown, hence the need of this new space. The former studio was 1,500 sq. ft. This new one is double that size. Some of the Dancing for a Diference students wearing shirts with the new logo. Battaglia stated the reason for the new studio and how it will be beneficial for the organization. “We have over 200 students and could not grow much more due to limited size in space,” Battaglia said. “With the new space it provides us room for more students,” she added. Dancing for a Diference ofers a wide variety of classes, such as ballet, jazz, tap, voice, piano and moråe. Battaglia said that they love to meet new people and welcome them to their dance family. Those who are interested can register for these classes. “Overall, thank you to the community, along with the dance families, for supporting us all of these years,” Battaglia said. For more information about classes, visit https://www.dancing4donations.org. It is located at 1076 E. Brandon Blvd., Stes. #108 and #109 in Brandon. Call 601-3009.
(Ages K-5)
