DESIGN THE PERFECT SUMMER CAMP FOR

DESIGN THE PERFECT SUMMER AT CAMP: 5 Questions to Ask

by Courtney Cairns Pastor, communications coordinator, photos provided by Corbett Preparatory School of IDS

Think about the perfect summer for your kids. Are they fishing and canoeing on a sparkling lake or busy in the kitchen, baking delicious baked treats to share at the end of the day? Maybe they are building giant sculptures, learning Spanish or playing lacrosse for the first time. This should be the summer they unleash their imaginations drawing comic books, composing songs, filming LEGO movies or designing video games. They could hit a bullseye in archery, sing a solo on stage or splash around at the beach. Or maybe they’ll do all of the above. But how do you decide?

The laid back, fun-first attitude of summer camp gives students a chance to enjoy favorite activities, test out new hobbies, play games and tackle projects. Consider these five questions when planning your summer to narrow your options and find the camp program that suits your family the best.

WHAT’S YOUR SUMMER PLAN?

Are you looking for outdoor activities or do you have academic goals in mind? Do you want a specialty camp where your kids can immerse themselves in their favorite interests or a general camp with a little bit of everything? Overnight or day? Do you want a camp that cultivates your child’s talent in sports or performing arts? Identify your priorities and see what local camps align. Some camps offer open houses or tours where you can meet directors, see the facility and ask questions.

DO YOU AND YOUR KIDS LIKE THE SAME CAMPS?

Your child may want to game all day. You think they need to run and play. Meet in the middle with half-day camps that allow you to schedule two different kinds of camp each day. How about Minecraft camp in the morning and retro summer camp games in the afternoon? Or combine halfday academic and sports camps for the week to exercise their mind and body.

IS YOUR CHILD PREPARING TO START SCHOOL?

Camp can be a wonderful experience for 3- and 4-year-olds to help ease the transition to fulltime school in the fall. Camps spark curiosity and introduce academic concepts, with plenty of time to play and explore. The prekindergarten camps at CAMP IDS include sessions that emphasize reading and math basics. Children sing songs connecting letters and sounds, make crafts and engage in activities to help with counting and number recognition. A prekindergarten camp also helps children practice social skills as they make new friends and learn to work alongside other children their age. ARE YOUR KIDS TELLING YOU THEY’RE TOO OLD FOR CAMP?

If your children attend camp every summer, you may encounter pushback when it’s time to register. Appeal to their personal passions or sense of adventure. At CAMP IDS, pre-teens and teens love the full-day recreational and “Wilderness Extreme” camps, which take them off campus to fun locations and activities every day. It’s even better if you sign them up with a friend. Technology-minded students may enjoy 3D printing or advanced programming, while sports-focused teens jump on the opportunity to train like pro athletes. Middle and high school students who love drama return for two-week full-day musical theatre camps at CAMP IDS, which culminates in the production of a Broadway show. This year, students are presenting “Shrek” and “Les Miserables!”

DOES YOUR CHILD GET BORED EASILY?

Counter cries of boredom with an assortment of camp choices. You can pick different themed camps every week or even two camps a day where half-day camps are available – with six weeks of sessions at CAMP IDS, that could mean as many as 12 different camps. And if your child prefers even more variety, try a field trip camp that takes them to a new place or on an exciting adventure each day.

It might take a little work to figure out how to fit in all the fun, but there is something for every student at summer camp. With so many different types of opportunities, you may find yourself wishing you could attend camp as well when summer arrives.

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.

ADMIRAL FARRAGUT ACADEMY

501 Park St. N., St. Petersburg 33710 727-384-4555; farragut.org/summer

Whether you’re looking for fun weekly-themed activities or sports camps, Farragut’s day camps will entertain and educate your rising kindergartener to 12th grader. Our boarding Summer Signature Series is available to rising 8th-12th graders. Each week offers campers the opportunity to explore one or two of our signature programs. Cost: $150 (half day) to $325 (full-day specialty camps) Dates: June 7-July 30, weekly Ages: PreK3-grade 8, Coed

Cost: varies per camp Dates/Times: June 1 – Aug. 14, dates and times vary per camp Ages: grades K-12, Coed

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. 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!

AMERICAN STAGE SUMMER THEATRE PROGRAMS

Admiral Farragut Academy: 501 Park St. N., St. Petersburg 33710 727-823-1600 x 212; americanstage.org/summer

American Stage provides a quality performing arts education in a positive and empowering environment, giving young people the tools to be fearless, focused and flexible on stage and in life. All experience levels are welcome! We believe in fostering an accessible environment that encourages a sense of belonging, curiosity and collaboration. Cost: $225/week *financial aid available Dates/Times: June 21 - Aug 6., 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Ages: grades K-12, Coed

ANTS CAMP AT THE VILLAGE ELC

3741 Canoga Park Dr., Brandon 33511 813-651-0779; villageelc.com/programs/summer-program

Arts, nature, technology and Spanish are key areas of investigation at ANTS Camp. Students in kindergarten through fifth grade are invited to this hands-on experience where they can explore STEAM/STEM topics, practice cooperation and develop friendships. A nutritious lunch and snacks are provided at no extra cost. Field trips are offered with a coach-to-student ratio of 1:10 (additional fee applies). Drop off between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. and pick up your student by 6 p.m.

ART AROUND THE WORLD

1846 1st Ave. S., St. Petersburg 33712 727-825-0515; creativeclay.org

Creative Clay’s 2021 inclusive Art Around the World camp focuses on four cultures—Scotland, Zimbabwe, Laos and New Zealand--and will incorporate art history lessons into each class. The camp classroom environment has a 6:1 camper/teacher ratio and is designed to provide individually-paced learning, freedom of expression and sensitivity to learning differences. All children will have one painting per week on exhibit at the St. Petersburg Museum of History located at the St. Pete Pier. Cost: $155/week Dates/Times: June 1 - Aug. 5, 7-9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Ages: grades K-5, Coed

Cost: $200/week Dates/Times: June 21 - July 30, M-F, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Ages: 6-12, Coed *Inclusive—accepts at least two children with disabilities each week

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/music-summer-camps-in-tampa

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.

BEST HORSE CAMP AT WEST COAST MORGANS

17126 Boy Scout Road, Odessa 33556 813-920-9870; westcoastmorgans.com

WCM has adjusted the 2021 BEST Horse Camp to include social distancing, more riding and outside time, lots of disinfection and camper separation protocols to protect everyone as best as possible! Spaces are limited due to logistical changes but the camp experience will be amazing! Offering half and full days, single weeks and bulk weeks over summer and winter breaks, and family discounts! Riders of all levels can enjoy weekly themes, tons of hands-on horse activities, guest speakers and MORE!

BRICKS 4 KIDZ LEGO® SUMMER CAMPS

3713 W. Dale Ave., Tampa 33609 813-545-4282; bricks4kidz.com/florida-tampa

Bricks 4 Kidz is back with a whole new summer of LEGO® camps. With over 50 different camps at several locations and brand new camp themes, we are sure to have an awesome camp your child will enjoy! Sign up today!

CAMP DOVEWOOD

23221 101st Road, O’Brien 32071 386-209-1908 or 386-935-0863; campdovewood.org

Camp Dovewood celebrates 44 years of dynamic Christian camping for girls 7-17 in North Florida. We have an outstanding equestrian program with certified instructors: huntseat, rodeo, dressage, grooming, vet care and trail rides. We also offer swimming instruction, tennis, cheerleading, art, drama, archery, Bible, volleyball, softball, cooking, gymnastics, music and baton. ACA and CHA accredited. *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

Cost: $80-$100/day, $400-$500/week Dates/Times: June 1 – Aug. 6, half and full day options, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Ages: 6+, Coed

Cost: $125-$285, half and full day camps Dates/Times: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Ages: 4.5-12, Coed

Cost: $725-$1,225 Dates/Times: June 6-July 17, 1-2 week sessions Ages: 7-17, Girls Only