Osprey Observer SUMMER CAMP GUIDE March 2024

SUMMER CAMPS OFFER MANY FUN OPTIONS TO KEEP YOUR KIDS ACTIVE AND ENGAGED

It’s that time of year… Have you thought about your calendar and how you will keep your children busy and engaged during the summer months? Trying to narrow down options that appeal to your children’s interests can be a challenge.

To help, the sta f at the Osprey Ob server has once again collected the top recommendations for local summer camps and created a special pullout section highlighting the best in our area. From music and theater to outdoor sports and fun to programming and learning, there are many local options that are sure to appeal to all ages and interests.

5 and up. The Straz Center’s Patel Conservatory o f ers arts education courses and programs in dance, theater and music with 50-plus camps

YMCA, Spurlino YMCA in Riverview or the ever-popular outdoor day camp, Camp Cristina in Riverview, the YMCA always mixes a variety of

and classes available.

If you have a child who prefers the outdoors, be sure to look into both Camp Osprey LLC and Cedarkirk Camp & Conference Center. Both camps o f er a more traditional summer camp experience and have overnight options as well.

Do you have a performer in the family? At Music Showcase, music and theater take the stage, and so can your child. On o f er will be musicals where your child can hold starring roles in popular musicals provided by the Florida Academy of Performing Arts for children ages

The Olympics will not just be in Paris this summer. Brandon’s High 5 Inc. has an exciting summer planned where your child will experience the thrill of Olympic-style games,

The local YMCAs will o f er many types of camps. Whether at the Campo YMCA, the North Brandon

murai o f ers coding, robotics, YouTube, Roblox and Minecraft camps for all levels and experience.

fun with great learning experiences.

For the sports enthusiasts, specialty camps focused on sports can be found at i9 Sports, Fellowship Church and Buckhorn Springs Racquet & Pool Club. Your horse lover will be sure to enjoy a camp at TLC’s Gypsy Haven, where weekly themed riding camps run throughout the summer.

Kids ‘R’ Kids Circa FishHawk o f ers full and half-day summer fun with weekly field trips and themes.

Keeping the summer slide away, Mathnasium o f ers a variety of learning opportunities, and Skill Sa-

For dates and registration information on these camps, turn the pages, enjoy this special section and plan to have a great summer. 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! 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 jhurst@ospreyobserver. com.

Options for fun abound — enjoy your summer!

ABOUT OUR CAMPS

With over 25 diferent camp options throughout the Tampa YMCA area, there’s something for every camper to enjoy! From art and gymnastics to ziplining and splashing in our pools the Y is the ultimate summer destination.

CAMP OSPREY

MATHNASIUM

PATEL CONSERVATORY

MUSIC SHOWCASE

HIGH 5 INC. BRINGS OLYMPICTHEMED ACTIVITIES TO THIS YEAR’S SUMMER CAMP

High 5 Inc. is hosting its annual summer camp beginning weekly on Tuesday, May 28, and running through Friday, August 9. With the Summer Olympics just around the corner, High 5’s Olympic-themed camp this year will give students the opportunity to participate in Olympic-style activities and games.

“Our camp is designed to inspire young athletes and promote teamwork, sportsmanship and a love for physical activity,” said Jada Spano, vice president of operations.

The summer camp has its earliest drop-of time at 7 a.m. and latest pickup at 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. The camp will cost participants $160 per week.

Students should provide their own snacks and lunches, as well as bring a change of clothes and a towel. Campers should show up each day in a swimsuit and closed-toed shoes.

“During our Olympic-themed summer camp, campers will have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of sports and activities inspired by the Olympic

By Lily Belcher

Games,” Spano said.

Activities will include track and field events, swimming, soccer and other sports.

“Our experienced and dedicated coaches will guide campers through various training sessions, teaching them the fundamental skills of diferent sports and helping them improve their techniques,” Spano said. There will be around 25 students to each teacher. There will also be a variety of crafts for students, including creating banners to represent their values.

“Campers will learn the importance of teamwork and sportsmanship as they work together towards common goals and cheer each other on,” Spano said.

High 5 Inc. is a nonprofit after school program that supports students learning to swim and special needs education through sports and recreational activities.

High 5 Inc. is located at 405 Beverly Blvd. in Brandon of State Road 60. For more information about the summer camp or to register, visit https://high5inc. org/ or call 813-689-0908.

MUSIC SHOWCASE AND FLORIDA ACADEMY OF PERFORMING ARTS OFFER FUN CAMPS FOR STUDENTS

Music Showcase

and the Florida Academy of Performing Arts’ annual summer camps o f er a fun, interactive way for students to make friends, learn about music and hone their theater skills all in one week.

The performing arts center o f ers the Music and More Camp and Musical Theatre Camp throughout the summer.

The Music and More Camp o f ers themed activities, including arts and crafts, instruments, acting, singing and more. The camp runs weekly from Tuesday, May 28, through Friday, August 2. Students can enjoy a full day from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., with early drop-o f starting at 8 a.m. and late pickup ending at 6 p.m.

“Music and More Camp takes the daily routine and makes it fun and exciting,” said Danielle Sanchez, director of the Florida Academy of the Performing Arts.

The Musical Theatre Camp gives students the opportunity to play di f erent roles in producing their own play. The camp’s dates and times depend on what

By Lily Belcher

show the student is participating in, but some run in the morning or evening.

“Musical Theatre Camps give students an opportunity to participate in a show with or without experience in theater,” Sanchez said. “At the end of the two weeks, students will showcase their new abilities on show.”

The Musical Theatre Camp encourages students to learn stage character and development, work with a set, act, collaborate and build confidence.

The Music and More Camp costs $230 per week and the Musical Theatre Camp costs $275 per week. There is a $30 onetime registration fee for both camps and a $25 sibling discount. Scholarships and multicamp discounts are also available.

Parents should send their children with snacks, lunch and a water bottle. They can wear everyday clothes and shoes.

For more information on Music Showcase’s summer camps or to register in March, visit https://faopa.org/.

High 5 Inc. will host its summer camp with Olympic-themed activities this year.

Music Showcase helps students learn acting, singing and performing skills through its weekly summer camps.

SUMMERTIME FUN WITH MATHEMATICS AT MATHNASIUM PERFORMING ARTS

There’s no better time for kids to catch up and get ahead in math than during the summer break. Now is the time to get Mathnasium on your summer schedule and keep those math skills sharp heading into the fall.

Summer at Mathnasium is a fun and engaging way for your child to

By Libby Hopkins

and virtually. Mathnasium has a proven teaching method that results in true understanding and increased confidence, along with reward opportunities and so much more.

“Our hope for summer learning is that each child who walks in our door has a better understanding of math and

With summer fast approaching, parents may be scrambling to figure out fun-filled and educational plans for their children over the break. There are many opportunities for children to have all kinds of experiences. One place that ofers a variety of musical/performing arts classes is the Straz Center’s Patel Conservatory.

By Ashley Abene

camps are ofered during the summer season.

The cost of the summer camp depends on whether a child is signed up for an intensive program, a production, classes/workshops or cross-disciplinary camps. There are also private lessons, pre-camps and post-camps ofered. Financial aid is available in the form of need or merit-based

A performance of Te Little Mermaid in 2023.

SUMMER CAMPS PROVIDE KIDS ENRICHMENT, EDUCATION AND ENTERTAINMENT ALL

LONG

Compiled

High 5 Inc.

Brandon’s High 5 Inc. is inviting students to embark on an exciting and adventurous journey where your child will experience the thrill of Olympic-style games, kicking o f on Tuesday, May 28, and running through Friday, August 9.

Camp is o f ered Monday through Friday from 7 a.m.-6 p.m. at High 5 Inc., located at 405 Beverly Blvd. in Brandon. Campers can sign up for individual weeks or throughout the entire summer. To register, visit www.high5inc.org/camp-3.

and drinks and are encouraged to wear light pants or leggings, but boots are a must. The camp boasts one teacher, one aide and at least one volunteer per 10 students.

For more information, visit www. tlcsfarms.com, call Tammi at 813-8424236 or email tlcs2867@aol.com.

night being $795. Meals are provided, and snacks can be purchased in the camp canteen.

COSMO (Camp Osprey

Smoky Mountain Outdoor) adventures are available as well for groups of 12 campers ages 13-16 years old.

The camp is located at 18050 U.S. 301 S. in Wimauma and can be reached at 941928-6860. For more information, visit www.camposprey.com.

Camp costs $175 a week per child for nonmembers, and High 5 members can register for $160. To learn more, visit www.high5inc.org or call 813689-0908.

TLC’s Gypsy Haven

Located at 4325 Keysville Rd. in Lithia, TLC’s Gypsy Haven o f ers weekly themed riding camps, for ages 8-99, focused on riding and grooming. The camps take place from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. from Monday, June 3, to Friday, August 2.

Students pack their own lunch, snacks

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, zip lining, horseback riding and much more.

Camps take place every week starting in June, 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 over-

Cedarkirk Camp & Conference Center

Cedarkirk Camp & Conference Center is located on 170 acres of woodland alongside the Alafia River in Lithia. Camps take place weekly from Sunday to Friday starting on Sunday, June 9, and finishing on Friday, August 2; campers can sign up for a week or the whole summer. Cedarkirk o f ers overnight camps for older students, and younger campers in grades one through three can attend

a shorter three-day camp. Camps range in price from $465-$510 a week and include all meals plus two daily snacks. Day camp is available for campers who have completed first grade up to those who have completed fifth grade and is priced at $220 per week. Day campers must bring their own lunch. Cedarkirk Camp & Conference Center is located at 1920 Streetman Dr. in Lithia and can be reached at 813-6854224. For more information and to register, visit https://cedarkirk.org/.

i9 Sports Experience i9 Sports with coaches and instructors that provide age-appropriate, quality instruction that’s both fun for kids and convenient for busy families. Register for spring break camps now, with more details about summer camp to come. Your child can participate in either a half or full-day multisport camp with soccer and flag football, or a morning volleyball camp, conveniently located at Heroes Paradise in Brandon. Register at www.i9sports.com/ venues/brandon-heroes-paradise-clinics-youth-sports-programs/6603.

i9 Sports provides a youth sports experience unlike any other, teaching the importance of good sportsmanship on the field and in life. Call 813805-8742 or email leagueoffice29@ i9sports.com for more information.

Kids ‘R’ Kids

to register.

The Patel Conservatory

Kids ‘R’ Kids Circa FishHawk is thrilled to announce the Galactic Quest Summer Camp, showcasing unique weekly themes. Featuring a junior camp for kindergarten to second grade and senior camp for third to fifth grade, each week of camp involves a new theme designed to empower and enlighten campers through amusing activities, fascinating field trips, timely lessons in teamwork and so much more. Meals and field trips are included in the weekly cost. Camps are full day and students can sign up on a weekly basis or for the whole summer.

Kids ‘R’ Kids Circa FishHawk is located at 5815 Kids Crossing Dr. in Lithia and can be reached at 813-797-5497. Visit www. krkcirca.com for more information and

The Straz Center’s Patel Conservatory offers arts education courses and programs in dance, theater and music with 50-plus camps and classes available. Starting on Tuesday, May 28, and ending on Friday, August 2, full and half-day camps are available weekly for ages 4-18. The cost varies depending on the camp; financial aid is available in the form of need or is merit-based. For more information, visit www.patelconservatory.org or call 813-222-1029.

Music Showcase And The Florida Academy Of Performing Arts

Music Showcase and the Florida Academy of Performing Arts’ annual summer camps offer a fun, interactive way for students to make friends, learn about music and hone their theater skills. The camp runs weekly from Tuesday, May 28, through Friday, August 2, and students can enjoy a full day from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., with early drop-off starting at 8 a.m. and late pickup

ending at 6 p.m. The Music and More Camp costs $230 per week and the Musical Theatre Camp costs $275 per week; scholarships and multicamp discounts are available. For more information and to register, visit https://faopa.org/.

Skill Samurai

Located in Brandon, Skill Samurai’s coding, robotics, YouTube, Roblox and Minecraft camps welcome everyone from seasoned players to first-timers. Skill and experience levels don’t matter, Skill Samurai makes it fun for all. Camps will run from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and begin at $240; discounts for siblings and multi camps are available. Campers need to bring lunch and wear closedtoed shoes. For more information and to register, visit https://skillsamurai.com/ fl-brandon.

Buckhorn Springs Racquet Club

Do you have a budding tennis player? Sign them up

for summer camp at Buckhorn Springs Racquet Club, located in Buckhorn Springs Golf & Country Club in Valrico. Camps will run all summer Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m.12 Noon and will cost $185. Advanced/tournament players have a full-day option, including match play and video analysis. Tennis shoes are required. Visit www.buckhornracquet.com for more information.

Fellowship

Church

Fellowship Church, located at 15326 FishHawk Blvd. in Lithia, will be hosting half-day sports summer camps each week over the summer starting on Monday, June 3. Drop-off is available from 8:15 a.m., and campers must be collected promptly at 12:30 p.m. Sports will include soccer, flag football and basketball. Please visit the website for the weekly sport and age range. The cost is $115 per week. To register, visit www.fellowship.church.

Sidekicks Family Martial Arts Centers

be found on its website at https://ilovesidekicks.com/ fishhawk-camp.

YMCA

Easterseals

School For Limitless Learning

At the YMCA, “campers are given a safe space to discover who they are and what they want to become while building character through activities based on the Y core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility,” said Hannah Geaumont, communications and social media manager of the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA.

Sidekicks Family Martial Arts Centers’ summer camp will run Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., with early drop-o f available at 7 a.m. and late pickup until 6:30 p.m. Martial arts classes are fun and exciting while packing fitness and self-defense into each session. Your child will also develop more confidence, focus and discipline. Campers are advised to wear activewear bottoms and closed-toe shoes with the camp T-shirt, as well as bring two snacks and a packed lunch. Sidekicks is located at 16132 Churchview Dr., Ste. 210 in Lithia. More information can

Local YMCAs, including the Campo Family YMCA, Spurlino Family YMCA and North Brandon YMCA, will o f er everything from sports and drama to art and coding, in addition to swimming and playing. Camp Cristina in Riverview will have a wide range of activities, such as traditional day camp favorites and unique options like Horse Camp, Counselors in Training and Waterfront Camp. To learn more about the YMCA summer camps, visit www.tampaymca.org.

Get ready for an exciting and inclusive adventure designed specifically for neurodiverse young learners at Easterseals School for Limitless Learning, located at 2460 Bloomingdale Ave., Ste. 170 in Valrico. Its summer camp aims to create a supportive and engaging environment where every child can thrive. The camp is available throughout July, with morning, afternoon and all-day sessions available. Sessions are $250 per week, with all-day camp being $450 per week. For more information, visit its website at www.easterseals.com/florida/programs-and-services/.

Mathnasium

There’s no better time for kids to catch up and get ahead in math than during the summer break. Summer at Mathnasium is a fun and engaging way for your child to keep up their math skills and prepare for the year ahead. It has a proven teaching method that results in true understanding and increased confidence, along with reward opportu -

nities and more. For more information, call Mathnasium’s Brandon center, located at 1048 E. Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico, at 813655-MATH (6284).

You can also visit www.mathnasium.com/brandon. The Riverview center, located at 13388 S. U.S. 301 in Riverview, can be contacted on 813-565-1102 or visited at www. mathnasium.com/riverview.

Tampa Dynamo FC

Tampa Dynamo FC is offering a summer soccer camp for players of all levels and abilities. Camp will be held Monday to Friday, June 17-21, from 8:30 a.m.12 Noon for ages U7U14 (20182011).

Tryout registration is also now open, with tryouts beginning Wednesday, May 1, for the 2024-25 season. Tampa Dynamo FC is a player-centered club — go see what it’s about. Visit www.tampadynamofc.com or call 813-677-1133 for more information.

YMCA SUMMER CAMPS OFFER FUN AND ADVENTURE

It’s almost summer camp season, and more than 5,000 participants are expected at the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA’s 12 family centers.

“Our campers can expect a new spin on fun, friends and adventure this year,” said Hannah Geaumont, communications and social media manager of the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA. “Campers are given a safe space to discover who they are and what they want to become while building character through activities based on the Y core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.”

Te Tampa YMCA has locations throughout the county to provide your child with camp memories to last lifetime.

Locally, area centers, including the Campo Family YMCA, Spurlino Family YMCA and North Brandon YMCA, will ofer everything from sports and drama to art and coding, in addition to swimming and playing. Camp Cristina in Riverview will have a wide variety of activities for children and teens, such as traditional day camp favorites and unique options like Horse Camp, Counselors in Training and Waterfront Camp.

Tampa Y camps are geared toward ages 6-15. Participants will experience a fun summer filled with friendships, adventures and phenomenal memories. Dave Boyle,

By Libby Hopkins

executive director of Camp Cristina, oversees camps.

“This camp season, while we continue to cherish the timeless traditions that have always defined us, we are excited to introduce a modern twist to these classic elements,” Boyle said. “Central to our refreshed approach is a renewed emphasis on fostering meaningful connections. Our counselors bring a unique blend of diverse backgrounds and skills, allowing us to ofer a personalized experience that caters to the individual needs and interests of every camper. They serve as role models, demonstrating values and attitudes that leave a lasting impact on the campers, shaping not just their summer but their character and life outlook. Importantly, they create a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment where campers feel comfortable to be themselves, fostering respect and appreciation for others.”

Campers will have the opportunity to develop friendships and experience a sense of belonging.

Tampa Y Summer Camp registration is now open. If you’d like to learn more about the YMCA Summer Camps, visit www.tampaymca.org.

LOCAL GIRL STARTS PRINCESS BIRTHDAY PARTY BUSINESS: FISHHAWK FAIRYTALES

One local FishHawk teen has started her own birthday princess business this year. Abigail ‘Abby’ Giese, a 14-year-old freshman attending Newsome High School, recently decided to start a business for children’s birthday parties, entitled FishHawk Fairytales. Abby had the inspiration to start this small business when one of her dad’s colleagues was struggling to find a princess to hire to appear for his daughter’s birthday party.

FishHawk Fairytales is a locally owned small business that ofers a variety of princess options and activities for children’s birthday parties.

Stephanie Giese, Abby’s mother, stated that her daughter has “seven years of theater experience and previously attended Progress Village, the Hillsborough County magnet school for performing arts, to study theater and singing. She is now part of the Newsome Chorus group that will be traveling to New Orleans in April, as well as being a member of the cast of the spring musical.”

Abby incorporates her theater and vocal skills in her FishHawk Fairytale business. As a self-proclaimed “party princess,” this business ofers a few diferent options for party packages. Some of the options are ba-

By Ashley Abene

sic party princess, dance party package, crafty princess package, royal makeover package, ultimate princess party package and enchanted story time package. Each party theme ranges in price from $50-$100 and varies in the amount of time spent at the party as a particular princess. Every package includes a choice of princess theme, a photo session with the princess and a themed activity.

There is a lot included within every birthday package. For example, within a mermaid-themed crafty princess party, Abby will dress up as a mermaid princess, have a mermaid photo session, bring a variety of under-the-sea craft activities (like making tridents) and even provide face painting.

Other birthday packages include group sing-alongs based on the theme chosen and even dance-alongs. For a dance-along, Abby will coordinate and teach a choreographed dance for the birthday party participants to learn. Additional options for birthday parties are tea parties and spa parties.

For more information, visit https://abigailrgiese.wixsite.com/my-site-3/, visit the business’ Instagram page @fishhawkfairytales or call 813-730-0553.

Abigail Giese dresses up as a princess and creates a princess-themed party.

FINANCIAL HELP

AVAILABLE FOR LOW-INCOME STUDENTS THROUGH HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY COMMUNITY ACTION BOARD SCHOLARSHIPS

Hillsborough County ofers scholarships to students who wish to pursue their postsecondary education.

Students must be between the ages 16-24, have a high school diploma or a GED equivalent, be Hillsborough County residents and have a household income either at or below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines of the Community Services Block Grant. If a student meets these criteria, they may apply for Hillsborough County’s Community Action Board Scholarship.

Applications are available now and may be accessed by visiting www.hcfl.gov/education.

The deadline to apply is Monday, March 18.

The scholarships are worth up to $2,500 for two years or $5,000 for up to four years. The scholarships can be used at trade schools, community colleges or four-year universities. The scholarships are awarded to students to help alleviate some of the financial burden of tuition so they can focus on furthering their education, not bills.

Students seeking a master’s degree or a second bachelor’s degree do not qualify. Eligibility guidelines are subject to change based on grant requirements.

Pat Simmons, founder of award-winning nonprofit Bikes For Christ and member of

By Kathy L. Collins

the Community Action Board, said, “For the past six years, I have served on the Community Action Board of Hillsborough County. Our scholarship program is by far what I enjoy the most. Several scholarship options are available to both technical schools and four-year universities. Students can also reapply each year for funding.”

The Community Action Board provides recommendations for the development, planning, implementation and evaluation of Community Services Block Grant funds and other programs that serve the low-income residents and communities of Hillsborough County.

It is highly recommended that applicants read through the full 2024 Community Action Board Scholarship Application Package before applying online to ensure all documents are complete and requirements are met. A full list of required documents can be found in the application package.

Students can apply online by visiting www.hcfl.gov/education. For questions about the online applications and to ensure that you have all of the appropriate documentation, please call 813-272-5220.

THREE SOUTH COUNTY HIGH SCHOOLS ACHIEVE 95 PERCENT OR HIGHER GRADUATION RATE

Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) is pleased to announce the high school graduation rates for the 2022-23 academic year.

While the HCPS graduation rate experienced a slight decrease of 1.7 percentage points to 86.2 percent from last year, it aligns with the prepandemic graduation rate in 2018-19. Notably, the 2022-23 graduation rate represents the second highest in the district’s history, following the exceptional years of 2019-20 and 2020-21, when classes were exempt from statewide standardized assessment requirements due to the pandemic. This demonstrates that there was no sustained learning loss for students in our district due to the pandemic.

Newsome High School achieved the highest graduation rate in the county.

“This year’s graduation cohort faced unique challenges, having entered ninth grade during the 2019-20 school year, which was significantly impacted by COVID-19 closures,” said Van Ayres, Hillsborough County Public Schools superintendent. “The resilience and perseverance of our students, supported by the unwavering dedication of our teachers, administrators and school and district support staf, have been instrumental in achieving these commendable results.”

Congratulations to the following local area schools for their remarkable achievements in increasing their graduation rates:

• Brandon High School: +1.1 percent.

• South County Career Acceleration Academy: +2.2 percent.

• Sumner High School: +2.7 percent.

• East Bay High School: +2.8 percent.

• Brandon Epic3: +6.2 percent.

Additionally, the following local schools maintained an impressive graduation rate above 95 percent, including Newsome High School with the highest graduation rate in the county.

• Riverview High School: 95 percent.

• Strawberry Crest High School: 95.1 percent.

• Newsome High School: 98.9 percent.

To view graduation rates data, visit https:// fldoe.org/accountability/accountability-reporting/school-grades/.

HCPS is the seventh-largest school district in the nation with more than 220,000 students in its public schools. There are more than 274 school sites, including 137 K-5 elementary schools, 45 middle schools, 28 high schools, nine K-8 schools, four career centers, four technical colleges and 54 charter schools.

It is also the largest employer in Hillsborough County with more than 24,000 employees. Many district programs provide students with unique learning opportunities, including magnet, International Baccalaureate, career and technical education and advanced academics, such as Advanced Placement, Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) and dual enrollment courses.

For information, visit www.hillsboroughschools.org.

Staf Report

Cirque du Soleil has made its much-anticipated return to Florida’s St. Petersburg/ Tampa Bay region with the debut of BAZZAR, a high-energy spectacle of intrepid acrobatics, dynamic stunts and exhilarating performances that pays homage to the entertainment company’s legacy.

The fourth stop on its North American tour, the show is being presented at the Tropicana Field stadium under the iconic Big Top through Sunday, March 24.

Cirque du Soleil BAZZAR is an eclectic lab of infinite creativity where a joyful troupe of acrobats, dancers and musicians craft an awe-inspiring spectacle. Led by their maestro, they band together to invent a whimsical, one-of-a-kind universe. In a place where the unexpected is expected, the colorful group imagines, builds and invents vibrant scenes in an artistic and acrobatic game. This ‘bazaar’ awaits one and all to claim their spots in its marketplace of merriment and creative camaraderie. People might just find that the end of the story is really only the beginning. The high-energy excitement, collision of sounds and colors, and meeting place of diverse characters you’d find at a traditional bazaar inspired the name of the show. BAZZAR perfectly captures that spirit.

Originally created in 2018, BAZZAR

first toured in India and the Middle East. Then in September 2022, it relaunched, touring first in Brazil and then other parts of South America before coming to the U.S. The show features an international cast of 35 performers and musicians, including teeterboard, acrobatic bike, contortion, duo roller skate, duo trapeze, aerial rope, hair suspension, fire manipulation, slackline and, for the first time in Cirque du Soleil history, mallakhamb, a traditional Indian sport in which a gymnast performs aerial yoga postures and wrestling grips in concert with a vertical stationary or hanging wooden pole.

Follow #BAZZAR and #cirquedusoleil on TikTok, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. Visit www.cirquedusoleil. com/bazzar for ticket and show information.

Fans can also enjoy Cirque du Soleil year-round with Drawn to Life, the first-ever creative collaboration between Cirque du Soleil and Disney, performing exclusively at Disney Springs in Lake Buena Vista. Set your imagination in motion with Drawn to Life — a love letter to the art of Disney Animation interpreted through the acrobatic mastery of Cirque du Soleil. For more information, visit www.cirquedusoleil.com/ drawn-to-life.

Little Medical School (LMS) is deeply rooted in founder Dr. Mary Mason’s love of family, medicine and education. In 1998, Mason wrote her first lesson plan and enlisted her medical residents to teach local teenagers. This passion for encouraging careers in health care culminated in the creation of LMS in 2010. Today, it is a pioneer and leading developer of specialized curriculum and interactive resources for children ages 1-14.

LMS of Tampa Bay works with educators, healthcare leaders and community organizations to inspire healthy lifestyles in children as they learn about medical careers.

LMS-trained instructors are also community members ranging from aspiring world changers, practicing medical providers and accomplished educators. All programs were written and reviewed by board-certified and trained health care professionals.

Kristina Helton, owner of LMS of Tampa Bay, will be bringing the LMS Summer Camp to the Center Place Fine Arts & Civic Association.

“This summer, we are ofering our Little Doctor School program at Center Place Fine Arts & Civic Association from June 17-21. Students in grades K-5 will have the opportunity to assume the role of a doctor,” Helton said. “Camp participants will role-play

By Libby Hopkins

the key responsibilities of a doctor and learn about vital organs in the human body. These future doctors will learn how to use a stethoscope, blood pressure cuf and reflex hammer. They will practice administering first aid, learn how pharmacists play a role in administering medications and create models of parts of the body to learn how they work.”

Campers receive daily activities and products to keep and practice with at home. At the end of the week, families are invited to attend a ceremony where the campers will ‘graduate’ with their own student lab coat, a real working stethoscope and a diploma.

“We are super excited to have the Little Medical School Summer Camp at Center Place this summer,” said Center Place’s executive director, Libby Hopkins.

“We’ve had such a positive response to our programs,” Helton said. “They are unlike anything else ofered in our area.”

For more information, visit https://littlemedicalschool.com/tampabay/. To register your child for LMS Summer Camp, visit www.littlemedicalschool.com/tampabay/ center-place-fine-arts-camp/. The cost is $250.

The Center Place Fine Arts & Civic Association is located at 619 Vonderburg Dr., Ste. B, inside the Brandon Regional Library.

Cirque du Soleil returns to the region with the debut of BAZZAR, featuring an international cast of 35 performers and musicians.