The Force behind Campo Summer Camp

from March 2023

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by Hannah Geaumont

Summer camp is more than splash pads and sing-alongs. While there are many options for parents today, the Tampa Y summer day camps provide parents with peace of mind while their children enjoy fun, friends and adventure.

At the Tampa YMCA, our American Camp Association (ACA)-Accredited summer day camps provide options that meet the needs of every child’s personality, physical ability and interests.

Being an ACA-Accredited camp means the Tampa Y camps undergo a thorough review of our operations, from staff qualifications and training to emergency management, while aligning the Y curriculum with the highest standard in the industry.

Michelle Leahy, associate program director at Campo Family YMCA, is entering her second summer as camp director for the Campo Family YMCA, but began her Y journey five years ago when she accepted her first role as a camp counselor at YMCA Camp Cristina.

“Child and youth development is the backbone of our planning here at the Campo Family YMCA,” Leahy says. “Building a safe yet fun and creative environment that fosters an effective week for children of all ages pushes me to be the best I can be. My main goal is to make a difference in people’s lives and help others. If I can effectively accomplish that by running an outstanding summer camp program, I have done my job.”

Along with an additional 11 summer camp directors, Leahy is dedicated to ensuring each child has the opportunity to try something new while building character and friendships based on the Y Core Values: caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.

“My favorite part of camp is engaging with all the kids,” she says. “There is nothing better than walking into the courtyard and having all the campers rush to have me play a game of gaga with them.”

Gaga ball, a variant of dodgeball played in a gaga pit, is a Y summer camp favorite. The game combines dodging, striking, running and jumping with the objective of being the last person standing.

Each Tampa Y summer day camp offers a variety of fun activities for campers to engage in each day, including:

• Arts and crafts

• Indoor and outdoor games

• Nature education

• Science experiments

• Swimming

Additionally, each camp offers specialized “adventure camps” for campers to opt into. Adventure camp activities vary by price and location and include:

• Adaptive camps

• Archery

• Arts and crafts

• Dance

• Drama

• Gymnastics

• High Adventure/ Outpost

• Horse camp

• Swimming

• Strength and conditioning

• Sports camp

Leahy plans to incorporate Kona Ice Thursdays into the summer camp schedule at Campo summer day camp as she did last year. She also hopes to include two special guest demonstrations and safety lessons from the fire and police departments.

“We are proud to offer a safe and supportive space for your child to learn, grow and thrive,” Leahy says. “The Y has many great camps that allow your child to have a blast while learning critical skills and values. What else could you ask for?”

EARTH IMMERSION SCUBA SUMMER CAMP

180th St., Live Oak 32060 352-641-0350; earthimmersion.com/scuba-diving-summer-camp.html

Earth Immersion is a scuba, adventure and outdoor education camp for teens (13-17 yrs) looking for an unmatched experience exploring North Florida’s crystal-clear springs. Activities include earning SCUBA certifications, snorkeling, canoeing, hiking, fishing, tubing, community service hours and learning about freshwater/marine biology. We offer 7- or 13-day overnight coed programs.

ECKERD COLLEGE SUMMER WATERSPORTS CAMP

4200 54th Ave. S., St. Petersburg 33711 727-864-8288; eckerd.edu/waterfront/camp

The Eckerd College Summer Watersports Camp offers classes in Exploring Watersports, sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, wakeboarding, saltwater fishing, Little Mariners, and Exploring Marine Life and more for students ages 5-17. This camp is taught in the perfect environment for learning watersports and gives campers exciting and unforgettable experiences!

History Adventure Camps

801 Water St., Tampa 33602 813-228-0097; tampabayhistorycenter.org/camps

Campers (ages 7-11) get hands-on with history through games, crafts, activities, gallery time and guest speakers. Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Extended care available.

Cost: $2,250-$4,100

Dates/Times: June 11Aug. 4, 7- or 13-day overnight programs

Ages: 13-17, Coed

Cost: $180-$295/week

*10% off of each class for multiple classes

Dates/Times: June 5July 28, 9 a.m. to noon and 1-4 p.m.

Ages: 5-17, Coed

Cost: $250/week

*extended care available

Dates/Times: June 12-16 and 26-30, July 10-14 and 24-28, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Ages: 7-11, Coed

LITTLE RED WAGON KIDS' NATURE CAMP

4111-A Henderson Blvd., Tampa 33629

813-551-2359 (BFLY); butterflytampa.com

Explore the life of bugs, butterflies and more at our fun-filled nature camps. Learn about Florida’s native pollinators and their importance. From time traveling to prehistoric times to learning about bugs through Pokémon, have a blast during summer and other school breaks. Enjoy animal encounters, release a butterfly and more!

MARY JO'S PERFORMING ARTS ACADEMY SUMMER CAMPS

15906 Mapledale Blvd., Tampa 33624 813-969-0240; mjpaa.com

The arts are a perfect avenue to allow your child to explore their creativity, tap into their imagination and discover their potential. Students will develop self-expression, build confidence, learn to work with peers, foster problem solving skills and stimulate curiosity. From classics to pop culture, your children will unfold the wonderful world of the performing arts.

MUSIC AND MORE

402 Oakfield Drive, Brandon 33511

813-490-ARTS (2787); faopa.org

Music and More is a full and half-day week-long camp. We offer daily drop-ins along with early drop-off and late pick-up. Students will explore instruments, acting, singing and art. Musical Theatre camps are two-week intensive production camps. Students work on acting, blocking, singing –dynamics and harmonies, along with how to put together a full production at the end. We offer scholarships and sibling discounts.

PARADISE SUMMER CAMP / PRESCHOOL SUMMER CARE

7777 62nd Ave. N., St. Petersburg 33709; 727-647-0349

K-6 Camp: nscparadisesummercamp.campbrainregistration.com

Preschool Summer Care: ncsparadisepreschool.campbrainregistration.com

A great opportunity for your child to experience a wide range of educational, recreational and spiritual activities, all in an exciting, hands-on and creative environment! Your child will enjoy the chance to make new friends, create happy memories and grow and improve their skills in a variety of areas!

Cost: $275/week, Day

Pass: $75

Dates/Times: May 30Aug. 4, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Ages: Kindergartengrade 5, Coed

Cost: $125 and up

Dates/Times: June-Aug., M-F, 9 a.m. to noon, 3 or 4 p.m.

Ages: 3 and up, Coed

Cost: $30 Registration

Fee, Music and More is $230/week, Musical Theatre is $275 for 2 weeks

Dates/Times: Weekly, May 30-Aug. 4, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Ages: 5-12, Coed, All Abilities

Cost: Preschool $250, K-6 $275

Dates/Times: June 5-30 and July 10-28, Preschool M-Th, 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Camp M-F, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Ages: Preschool: ages 3-4, Camp: rising K-6, Coed

PATEL CONSERVATORY

1010 N. W.C. MacInnes Place, Tampa 33602 813-222-1040; patelconservatory.org

The Patel Conservatory gives all of its students the opportunity to reach their creative potential, with instruction in dance, music and theater. Students attend camps and classes appropriate for their age and skill level. Classes require active learning participation from students and conclude with a performance.

SOUTH TAMPA MUSIC SUMMER CAMPS

3822 S. Himes Ave., Tampa 33611 813-999-2829; musicschoolintampa.com/music-summer-camps-in-tampa

Join us this summer with four different camp options, ranging from half-day to full-day. Our school offers unique camp themes like musical theater, music production, string chamber ensemble and rock band. Plus, we still have our Elementary Introductory Camp! Explore music dialed in on your child’s exact interest.

SUMMER AT CDS

1515 W. Bearss Ave., Tampa 33613 & 12606 Casey Road, Tampa 33618 813-920-2288; cdspatriots.org/summer-camp

The Summer at CDS staff are excited to spend the summer with your little camper for what we know is going to be a summer they’ll never forget! Our camps will allow your children to explore, discover and challenge themselves. Campers will continuously explore new adventures that will allow them to grow and push themselves to new levels.

SUMMER AT THE LAKES

2331 Collier Parkway, Land O’ Lakes 34639 813-948-7600; summeratthelakes.com

Summer at the Lakes provides your child the opportunity to make lasting friendships while exploring nature and learning new skills! Children have fun all day by participating in a variety of activities from canoeing and fishing to building rockets or robots, acting, cooking, community service and a variety of sports.

SUMMER ON BAYSHORE

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

From cooking and crafting to drones and dancing, there is something for everyone at Summer on Bayshore! Fun-loving kids ages 3 and up may choose from our themed day camps (Camp Jaguar), academics, the arts, athletics, enrichment and STEM. With more than 100 camps to choose from, your Summer on Bayshore adventure awaits!

TAMPA MUSEUM OF ART – SUMMER ART CAMP

Cornelia Corbett Center, 120 W. Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa 33602 813-421-6636; tampamuseum.org/summerartcamp

Children and teens exercise their creativity and imagination with hands-on activities themed around the Tampa Museum of Art’s permanent collection of antiquities, modern and contemporary art. With a variety of 2D and 3D mediums to choose from, campers connect with the art on view and create unique works of art.

VALLEY VIEW RANCH EQUESTRIAN CAMP

606 Valley View Ranch Road, Cloudland, GA 30731 706-862-2231; valleyviewranch.com

Since 1954, this horse lovers’ paradise on top of Lookout Mountain offers 600 acres of scenic trails and panoramic views where all levels of riders will learn English and Western. Enrollment is limited to 50 girls and is open to ages 8-17. Spend up to six hours a day riding and caring for your OWN camp horse.

Cost: Varies *scholarships available

Dates: May 30-Aug. 4

Ages: 3 through adult, Coed

Cost: $150-$250/week

Dates/Times: June 5-9 and 12-16, July 10-14 and 17-21, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. plus half-day options

Ages: 4-17, Coed

Cost: $225-$330

Dates/Times: June 5July 28, Full and half-day options

Ages: Toddler-grade 12, Coed

Cost: $300-$400/week

Dates/Times: Weekly June 5-July 28, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. *aftercare available

Ages: Pre-K3 to grade 12, Coed

Cost: $175-$400

Dates/Times: June 5-9, 9 a.m. to noon, June 12-30 and July 10-21 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Ages: grades PK3-12, Coed, all-boy and all-girl camps available

Cost: $175-$440

Dates/Times: June 5Aug. 4, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or 1-5 p.m.

Ages: 6-17, Coed

Cost: $2,400-$4,200

Dates/Times: June 4July 29

Ages: 8-17, Female

SAILING, WINDSURFING, LITTLE MARINERS WATERSPORTS, SALTWATER FISHING, CHILDREN’S MARINE DISCOVERY, EXPLORING

MARINE LIFE, WAKEBOARDING, KAYAKING AND MORE!

VOSLER YOUNG ARTISTS' STUDIO

330 Pauls Drive, Brandon 33511

813-417-5867; vosleryoungartistsstudio.com

This is our 14th year of exceptional workshops. Our instructors will do frequent short demonstrations. Workshops vary in content from year to year so returning students can continue to build both skill and knowledge. Anatomy will be taught along with drawing from live clothed models at the end of the week. All workshops are extremely focused and artists can expect a certificate of completion on the final day.

YMCA OF GREATER ST. PETERSBURG SUMMER CAMP

Multiple Locations

727-895-9622; stpeteymca.org/camp

Children and teens make friends, have fun and build confidence. Day Camp integrates play, STEM-based activities, field trips and more. Children can explore favorite interests with specialty camps featuring sports, outdoor adventures, cooking, dance and more. Teen Camp offers field trips, guest speakers and enriching community service.

Young Chefs Academy Summer Culinary Camp

9690 Seminole Blvd., Seminole 33772 & 23606 State Road 54, Lutz 33559 727-350-4587; seminolefl.youngchefsacademy.com 813-574-2433; wesleychapelfl.youngchefsacademy.com

Our fully immersive culinary camps bring sizzling surprises and delights as we cook and bake our way through exciting tips and tricks with friendly cooking challenges to put your newfound skills to the test. Every week is a new curriculum (so no two camp weeks are alike).

Cost: $304-$410/week (supplies included)

Dates/Times: March 13-16, June 5-9 and June 12-16, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.