JOY OF CAMPING: Why summer camps are

Summer Camps are Important, Especially this Year

by Angie Koebel, director of Strategic Growth & Initiatives and summer camp coordinator at Admiral Farragut Academy, photo provided by Admiral Farragut Academy

After a long year of lockdowns, quarantines, online learning and reduced activities, our children need something to look forward to. It has been shown that children are likely to have worries, fears, anxieties and other signs of stress since schools are operating in different ways. Many children have had fewer opportunities to be with their peers—something that is vital for maintaining good mental well-being. Sending your child to summer camp offers that opportunity to be with friends and get that social support.

Additionally, some students have experienced a learning slide because of a lack of consistent instruction. While summer camps are not purely academic, it takes the hands-on and experiential learning experience to the next level, helping children keep skills sharp so that upon return to the classroom, they are ready to go.

Summer camps also represent normalcy and allow children to be children. While Admiral Farragut Academy’s summer camps follow COVID-19 safety protocols necessary to protect campers and staff, they also focus on fun, friends and experiences that campers will remember for a lifetime.

HERE ARE SOME CAMPS THAT FARRAGUT WILL OFFER TO THE PUBLIC THIS SUMMER:

LITTLE CAPTAINS

● Each week, campers explore various themes through fun, creative and educational activities as well as boat rides, pool time and water slides on Farragut’s 40-acre waterfront campus. ● This year’s weekly themes are Save the

Planet, Super Heroes, Jurassic Park,

Abra-cadabra Magic, Bug World, Gross

Science, Rainforest Cafe, Treasure Hunters, Shark Week and Wacky Water. ● Camp is led by Farragut faculty and their staff of counselors, counselors-in-training (CIT), and junior counselors (JC). ● Camp is open to rising kindergarten through eleventh graders. Students sixth grade and above can gain experience as a JC or CIT. SPORTS CAMPS

● Basketball: Two-week camp for rising third through eighth graders, led by

Farragut Varsity Basketball Coach Julian Allen. ● Volleyball: Two separate evening clinics for grade 6-8 and 9-12 led by Farragut Varsity Volleyball Coach Kasey Reynolds.

SUMMER SIGNATURE SERIES (SSS)

● Boarding camp runs for five weeks and serves rising eighth through twelfth-grade students. ● The first four weeks of SSS will highlight and immerse the campers into one or two of Farragut’s signature programs including STEM, Leadership/

Sailing, Marine Science/Scuba and Aviation. During the fifth week, campers will explore the wonderful things that Florida has to offer, including our many springs, historic sites and local attractions. ● Campers will also complete a weekly team challenge based on a real-life issue. They will work with fellow team members to discover solutions while also developing a sense of community and skills associated with teamwork.

LEARN MORE AT WWW.FARRAGUT.ORG/SUMMER

your guide to Tampa BayArea Summer Camps

ACADEMY OF THE HOLY NAMES SUMMER ON BAYSHORE

3319 Bayshore Blvd., Tampa 33629 813-839-5371; holynamestpa.org/summer

Fun-loving kids ages 3 and up may choose from themed day camps, STEM, technology, sports and enrichment camps at the Academy of the Holy Names’ ever-popular Summer on Bayshore. From LEGO to lacrosse and cooking to cartooning, Summer on Bayshore has something for everyone. Complete session information and online registration are available at holynamestpa.org/summer. Full- and half-day weekly sessions run from June 7-July 30.

ALLIGATOR & WILDLIFE DISCOVERY CENTER (Summer Fun Activity)

12973 Village Blvd., Madeira Beach 33708 727-329-8751; kissagator.com

Our Center provides humane, professional care for pet surrenders that cannot be returned safely to the wild. The facility is home to a little over 200 animals including alligators, lizards, mammals, marine life and more. Our animal family comes to us from places such as the SPCA, wildlife rescues or individual owners who can no longer care for their pet.

ART CAMPS & WORKSHOPS AT THE MFA

255 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg 33701 727-896-2667; mfastpete.org

Unleash your inner artist at the MFA's art camps and workshops. This July, the MFA is hosting THREE summer camps: two week-long art and science camps for grades 1-5 and one week-long art and empowerment workshop for female students in grades 6-9. Join us as we explore the world through art!

BARRETT SCHOOL OF MUSIC SUMMER CAMPS

Various Locations 813-285-5091; musicschoolintampa.com

This summer, the Barrett School of Music is offering camps for anyone and everyone. Whether your child is a passionate string player, a musical theater fanatic, or a music tech enthusiast, we have the camp for them. And if they're just getting started, our Brandon Music Camp will make for the perfect start to their musical journey. No matter the age or interest, the Barrett School of Music is your one-stop for musical summer fun.

BAYSIDE SPORTS ACADEMY LIMITLESS SUMMER CAMP

4400 34th St. N., Suite E, St. Petersburg 33714 727-258-4981; baysidesportsacademy.org/camps

At Bayside's Limitless Summer Camp, we encourage children to love being active. Let your children enjoy a variety of camps this summer and have great experiences they will never forget! Early bird discount pricing is available. Attend eight full weeks, get all post-camp days FREE! Weekly and daily rates available.

THE BEAT MUSIC ACADEMY

5956 54th Ave. N., Kenneth City 33709 727-266-2852; thebeatmusicacademy.com

The Beat Music Academy is a unique learning experience that aims to provide students with the foundations needed to become a successful DJ. Courses are put together and taught by local professional instructors for students of all ages. Classes are offered one-on-one and in groups. Cost: $150 (half day) to $325 (full-day specialty camps) Dates: June 7-July 30, weekly Ages: PreK3-grade 8, Coed

Details: Adults $12, Seniors $10, Children $8 (2 and under free). Group rate of five or more all get in for $8 per guest. Open every day, all summer long!

*scholarships available. Cost: $190 for members; $250 for not-yet-members Dates/Times: July 12-16, July 19-23, July 26-30; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Ages: Grades 1-5, Coed; and 6-9, Female

Cost: $110-$200 Dates/Times: July 19-30, Times vary, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Ages: 4-17, Coed

*extended care available Cost: Starting at $45/half day up to $340/week Dates/Times: June 10- Aug. 10, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Ages: 5-13 on or before Sept. 1, 2021, Coed

Cost: $99-$699 Dates/Times: Enrollment by request Ages: All ages welcome