Rain or Shine, Pines Day 2023 Was a Hit!

Rain didn’t keep spirits down at the Pines Day 63rd Birthday Bonanza! It might have been a little bit wet, but spirits were high on April 22 as thousands came out to celebrate at the Charles F. Dodge City Center. The Pines Day celebration is an annual event that brings the community together for a day of festivities and entertainment. It is a day dedicated to celebrating the city and its residents, showcasing the vibrant spirit and rich culture of Pembroke Pines.

“What a wonderful event. It’s unfortunate that it rained for a bit, but great overall,” said Sophia Tiu on Instagram, “I love my City!”

Highlights of the celebration included a four-hour-long Kids Konnection Business Expo that feature a petting zoo, free rides, food trucks, giveaways, games, and arts & crafts. Musical performances graced the stage followed by the crowning of Pembroke Pines’ Royal Court! Mayor Frank Ortis, then brought the sweet celebration to a climax with endless cupcakes for all on hand. Country music singer Tim Charron ended the night singing country-rock hits while the crowd cheered and danced.

“The concert was great!” said Pembroke Pines resident John Brodie, “we need more artists like Tim in Pembroke Pines.”

Overall, despite being a bit wet, this year’s Pines Day Celebration was a joyous occasion that celebrated the city, its residents, and the sense of community. It offered a range of activities and entertainment, fostering a sense of togetherness and pride among the attendees.

The City of Pembroke Pines offers a variety of summer camps for children and teenagers. These camps provide opportunities for learning, recreation, and socialization during the summer break. Parents and kids have a number of great options to choose from, including:

Soccer Camp

2023 Soccer Summer Camp is held at the West Pines Soccer Park, located at 350 SW 196th Avenue.

Camp runs for 8 one-week sessions, for full-day and/or half-day campers, beginning on June 12th and ending on August 4th. Space is limited. Experienced Soccer Trainers teach each camp, which is open to everyone, including non-residents. Campers must provide their own snacks and lunch each day.

Soccer instruction includes Warm-ups & stretching, Soccer skills training, including dribbling, passing, trapping, receiving, finishing, tackling & learning fake volleys. During snack and lunch breaks, campers will learn the importance of proper nutrition and conditioning.

Soccer Camp

The 2023 City of Pembroke Pines Recreation and Cultural Arts Department's Tennis Summer Camp will be held at the Pembroke Lakes Tennis Center, located at 10500 Taft Street. The Camp is held in nine one-week sessions for full-day and half-day campers, beginning on Monday, June 12th and ending on Friday, August 11th. Space is limited. U.S.T.A. Certified Instructors teach camp. Campers opting for lunch provided by Club 19 may order from the pre-set lunch menu.

Swimming pool fun time is available for campers who have passed the American Red Cross Level II Swim Test (present card at registration) or who wear a swim jacket. Campers are required to bring tennis shoes, a tennis racket, a swimsuit, sunscreen, water, snacks, and lunch.

Tennis instruction includes warm-up, races, and stretching; drilling on basic strokes; volley and serve; competitive drills and games; and match play. For more information, please visit www. ppines.com and click on Summer Camps or call the Camp Office at 954-431-4146.

Summer Art & Drama Camps

Children will enjoy a fun-filled summer of Art or Drama Instruction, field trips, swimming, games, art shows, performances and so much more! Camp will be held at Pembroke Pines Art Center, 901 NW 129th Avenue.

Art Camp is available for kids ages 6-1, with five one-week sessions available. Drama Camp is open to students ages 8-12 with two sessions during the summer. Session 1 will be June 12–July 7 and Session 2 is July 10–August 4. Call 954-743-1799 or email Aleyah Alli at aalli@ppines.com with questions.

Golf Camp

Pembroke Lakes Golf Club is proud to present the finest Junior Golf Camp in Broward County. Quality golf instruction will be provided by PGA Certified Instructors and professionals. Campers will also be provided lunch and snacks each day. There are nine one-week sessions during the summer, beginning on June 12.

▸ Scan the QR code to learn more about Pembroke Pines' Summer Camps & to register.

Student journalists at Panther Run Elementary School have brand new equipment to film and edit their productions, thanks to the Panther Run Elementary PTA. The new equipment will enable students to produce professional videos to publish on the school’s youtube channel.

The new equipment included video editing software and hardware, computers, monitors, and camera equipment. The equipment was installed in its new home last month and is already being used by the students.

“We are thrilled to announce that your PTA has been able to purchase brand new equipment for Panther Run’s WPRE News Room,” said the PTA in a Facebook announcement, “This could not be accomplished without your continued support of our organization and the school. Thank you, from PTA!”

Panther Run’s broadcast program is part of a larger trend among Elementary Schools, encouraging students to be active in journalism and video production. Many elementary schools have their own student-run news programs or broadcasts. Students are involved in creating news segments, conducting interviews, and reporting on school events. These programs allow students to develop journalism skills, such as researching, writing, and presenting information. Some schools also offer media clubs or electives specifically focused on journalism and video production. These extracurricular activities provide students with hands-on experience in writing articles, creating videos, and editing content. Students learn about the basics of journalism, storytelling, filming techniques, and video editing software. The student WPRE News crew even had the chance to visit a production at Univision last month.