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Everyone Camps Galore!

With summer approaching fast, it’s time to begin planning for the kids’ fun. On the pages of our Summer Camp Guide, you’ll find information on choosing a camp, what (and what not) to pack and something we call Camp Prep 101 (valuable information about registering and budgets for these programs). And, of course, a lengthy and diverse listing of camps that cater to all interests.

The guide’s list of camps is a wonderful place to start when considering your options. From the expected (sports, dance and nature) to the unpredictable (wakeboarding, mermaids and empowerment), there really is something for everyone.

Make this the summer the kids come face-to-face with exotic animals. Or rock out by singing, playing drums or guitar.

You can take to the road and travel to one of several camps throughout the state. Orlando’s New York Film Academy teaches high schoolers acting and filmmaking, whereas STEMtastic Summer Camp in Lakeland teaches rocketry and robotics.

No matter where you go, make it a summer to remember!

Visit tampabay.com/summerfun for more summer camp ideas.

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| Friday, March 17, 2017 | Tampa Bay Times

By Virginia Pelley, Times correspondent

Finding the perfect, unforgettable summer camp experience for your child is exciting, but it can be daunting, as well. And the number of top-notch camps in the Tampa Bay area doesn’t make it any easier to choose. Should you pick a camp with an atmosphere dedicated to broad exploration, or one that helps kids sharpen skills in pursuits they’re already passionate about? Co-ed or girls or boys only? Sleepaway or day camp?

There’s a lot to consider, but don’t worry – our guide to area camps will help you navigate the myriad great choices and find the best match for your child to experience all the summer fun Tampa Bay has to offer.

We also created a packing guide and compiled tips for paying for the camp that will make it easier for you to foster summer camp memories and friendships that will inspire kids throughout their lives.

Following are more than 50 camp options, broken down by area of interest or focus.

(Note: This list is not meant to be comprehensive, and camp programs are co-ed unless otherwise noted.)

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FOR KIDS WHO LOVE SPORTS Bulls Soccer Camps help girls 4 to 18 years old hone their soccer skills while having a blast in halfday training sessions with professional coaches. The camps, held at the University of South Florida campus, accommodate all skill levels and offer separate programs for girls to learn goalkeeping and futsal (indoor soccer with five players per team). Early bird registration discounts available. bullssoccercamps.com Current and former college-level soccer coaches are the instructors at USF Soccer Camp’s five-day residential camps with separate programs for 9- to 12-year old boys and 13- to 18-year old boys. Campers will improve their speed, agility, technique and tactical awareness in resident or commuter programs.

(Full days; or half days for younger kids) usfsoccercamps.com Six- to 18-year olds of all skill levels are welcome at the First Tee Summer Golf Camp, which offers golfing guidance and instruction in core values and leadership. Sessions run in weeklong increments, and golf clubs are provided for campers who don’t have them. thefirstteetampabay.org In addition to three- or four-day sessions of pro instruction in baseball and softball skills, Tampa Bay Rays Baseball Camp campers get Rays T-shirts and hats, complimentary tickets to two select games and a visit from a current or former team player or coach.

Sessions are half days and serve girls and boys 6 to 13 years old. tampabay.rays.mlb.com/tb/community/ baseball-camps Wilson Tennis Camp University of South Tampa lets kids 8 to 18 hone their court skills during one-week sessions of half days, full days or overnight camp directed by head coaches at the university.

Campers are divided by skill level to ensure they get individual attention. wilsontenniscamps. com/univ-of-south-florida Kids 4 to 14 can carve up the ice at Tampa Bay Skating Academy (TBSA) Summer Skating Camps in Oldsmar and Clearwater during five-day camps offering instruction in skating, figure skating and hockey. tampabayice.com/camps/ summer-camps

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| Friday, March 17, 2017 | Tampa Bay Times

Feather Sound Country Club Tennis Camp in Clearwater provides instruction to junior members and nonmembers alike in weeklong summer sessions during which teens can sharpen their skills. fscc.club Kids 10 to 18 years old can immerse themselves during three-week or fiveweek intensive sessions in baseball, football, golf, soccer, tennis or lacrosse at IMG Academy Camps. Instructors are serious about sharpening kids’ offensive and defensive skills, finetuning their technique and helping them progress via mental and physical conditioning on IMG’s beautiful campus in Bradenton. imgacademy. com.

Stryker Kid Fit Martial Arts Summer Camp in St. Pete provides a solid introduction to martial arts, including muay thai kicks, breaking boards and hapkido in full-day or part-time programs. Aftercare is available for an additional fee, and camp includes field trips to parks, movies, a water park, an aquarium and Domino’s for pizza-making demonstrations. strykerzkidfit.com/ martial-arts-summer-camp-in-st-petersburg

FOR KIDS WITH SEA LEGS Four- to 10-year olds stoked to be in the water will love Seal Swim School Day Camp in Lutz. In addition to swimming lessons, other water-related fun includes water slides, water balloon fights and relay races.

Campers also enjoy arts and crafts and archery, and can work on counselor-aided experiments with bottle rockets, airplanes and boats.

Early drop-off and late pickup are available. sealswimschool.com Campers receive safe expert instruction in wakeboarding and archery at McCormick’s Waterski Wakeboard Cablepark Kids Camp in Thonotosassa. Four- to 10-year olds are divided by age and skill level (beginners welcome!) for half-day sessions Monday through Thursday. skimccormick.com.

Few camp experiences are as quintessential as learning to sail. Junior sailors 8 to 17 get topnotch instruction during weeklong, full-day

summer camp sessions divided by age and skill level at Clearwater Community Sailing Center.

Half-day programs are available for Little Puffs (5- to 7-year-olds). Kids can also kayak and try stand-up paddleboarding (SUP); those who meet weight requirements can try windsurfing, as well. Also available is Camp Awesome, a program specifically for 9- to 16-year-olds with high-functioning Asperger’s and autism. clearwatercommunitysailing. org/summer-camp-program If your child wants to kayak, sail, windsurf, wakeboard, water ski or saltwater fish this summer, Eckerd College Summer Watersports Camp in St. Pete has you covered. At the end of weeklong programs for kids 5 to 17, campers receive a certification of completion at this camp, which has been serving kids for 45 years. Families can choose from morning or afternoon sessions. eckerd.edu/waterfront/camp Kids 7 to 14 years old who are comfortable in the water can learn the fundamentals of water ballet and receive a “mermaid makeover” at the two-day Weeki Watchee Springs State Park Adventure Under the Springs Mermaid Camp. Parents can view kids’ new moves in the underwater theater on the last day of this fun and unusual camp. The park also offers a separate junior ranger program, where kids 8 to 12 will learn canoeing, map, and compass-reading skills, and junior lifeguard camps for kids 8 to 14. weekiwachee.com

FOR YOUNG WILDLIFE ENTHUSIASTS Pro fishermen teach kids 9 to 16 fly casting, shore fishing, beach camping, marine biology, boating safety, and canoeing and kayaking at Florida Fantasy Fishing Camp, held at the University of South Florida St. Petersburg campus. Choose from overnight sessions spanning one to three weeks. Scuba day-camp programs are also available. fantasyfishing.com

Kids who have finished first through eighth grades can examine artifacts and engage in hikes, themed activities, and arts and crafts projects related to animal education during weeklong sessions at Lowry Park Zoo School Camp. Fees include extended care from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and lunch in the Safari Lodge daily. lowryparkzoo.org.

keeping. Campers donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to choose just one park, either: combination programs at Busch Gardens Tampa and SeaWorld Orlando are available. seaworldparks.com/en/ buschgardens-tampa/educational-programs2/ resident-camps-new

Sarasota Jungle Gardens Zoo Camp instills in kids 6 to 13 a lifelong appreciation for wildlife and Florida flora during full-day weekly camps that are great learning experiences as well as being a blast. sarasotajunglegardens.com/ camps/school-break-camp/

Kids are immersed in the natural world during sessions of the Boyd Hill Nature-Based Day Camps offered by the St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation Department. Kindergartners through ninth graders enjoy age-appropriate indoor and outdoor games, crafts and activities while learning about plants and wildlife, including all about amphibians and reptiles. stpeteparksrec.org At Busch Gardens Tampa Zoo School and SeaWorld Orlando Camps, kids in fifth

Clearwater Marine Aquarium Summer Camps offers kids in pre-K (at least 4 years old and potty trained at the start of camp) through 10th grade age-appropriate education about sea animals, such as rescue dolphins Winter and Hope, sharks, stingrays and manatees, as well as plant life and environmental conservation. Little campers will enjoy crafts and games, and older kids can kayak, snorkel, scuba dive and learn about careers in marine biology and veterinary science. seewinter.com

FOR KIDS INTERESTED IN LAW ENFORCEMENT OR LEADERSHIP During five- and six-day residential sessions at Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches, campers 10 to 15 years old develop environmental awareness and strengthen their problemsolving, teamwork and communication skills while enjoying therapeutic outdoor activities, such as canoeing, archery, swimming and sports. The two camps are located in Inglis in Levy County and Pierson in Volusia County. youthranches.org/our-services/summer-camps

FOR KIDS WHO WANT TO ROCK through 12th grades learn how to feed, care for and interact with many of the 12,000 animals in the parks in a variety of sleepaway summer camp programs that combine learning with thrill rides and adventure. Junior high schoolers can zip line and enjoy the parksâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; thrill rides, and high school students, in addition, can learn about careers in veterinary science and zoo

Now in its second year, the dedicated allfemale-identifying staff of Girls Rock Camp in St. Pete provides music lessons, self-defense classes, zine workshops, lyric and creative writing workshops, and yoga and meditation instruction for girls 7 to 17 years old in one weeklong program in July. No music experience is necessary, fees are sliding scale and full scholarships are available. girlsrockstpete.org

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Rockatar Academy Summer Music Camps let kids 4 to 17 years old rock out with their instrument of choice 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in South Tampa or in Westchase.

Kids practice singing, playing keyboards, piano, drums, guitar or bass in weeklong, half-day sessions. rockataracademy. com/summer-camp Beginner and intermediate vocalists and musicians are welcome at School of Rock Tampa’s weeklong, full-day camps taught by seasoned musicians.

Friends and family are treated to an end-of-camp performance the final Friday evening of each session. tampa-sor.frontdeskhq.com

FOR KIDS WHO ARE INTO VISUAL ARTS Through most of the summer, Creative Clay in St. Pete teaches kids of all abilities who are 6 to 12 years old about art around the world in full-day sessions, with special focuses on Ireland, Greece, Tanzania and Japan. creativeclay.org.

Kids as young as 3 and as old as 17 receive expert instruction in musical theater or can enroll in dance-

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| Friday, March 17, 2017 | Tampa Bay Times

intensive camps at Patel Conservatory in downtown Tampa. Littler campers attend half days only, and camps run from one week to five weeks, with the longer sessions culminating in stage performances by campers. patelconservatory.org Creative learning possibilities abound in downtown Tampa at Glazer Children’s Museum Camp Imagination, an innovative full-day, summer-long program during which kids 5 to 10 years old play in the museum and collaborate to solve puzzles, create stories and create digital paintings in the SMALLab. Museum members get a 15 percent discount. glazermuseum.org Color Me Mine Tampa Summer Art Adventure Camps let kids 6 and older work on art projects in a variety of media – including clay, wood, beading, painting and decoupage – according to weekly themes, such as “lions, tigers and bears,” “pirates and princesses” and “sun, moon and stars.” Camp takes place Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. tampa.colormemine.com.

Experimentation is the name of the game at Totally Art! Tampa, which lets kids 6 and up explore acrylic painting, sculpture, watercolors and drawing with chalk during weeklong sessions.

Camp begins at 8:30 a.m., and kids can be picked up at 1 p.m., 3 p.m. or 5:30 p.m. at additional costs.

Members of the Prep of South Tampa receive 10 percent off at registration. totallyarttampa.com/ art-camps/ Campers 4½ to 16 years of age can immerse themselves in art according to weekly themes such as steampunk, carnivals and mural art for up to 10 weeks at the Dunedin Fine Art Center Summer Camp. dfac.org/ kids-corner/summer-camp

FOR KIDS WHO LOVE THE STAGE The Florida Academy of Performing Arts’ Music and More Camp in Brandon offers kids 5 and up a variety of theater arts opportunities for exploration, including instruction in singing, acting and playing musical instruments, at this camp offered by a local arts nonprofit. faopa.org/camps Tiny dancers (3- to 5-year-olds) can learn the art of dance in one- to three-week sessions, where they’ll learn routines from Moana, Beauty and the Beast and Tangled 8:30 a.m. to noon, five days a week at Dance Box Tampa. Creative movement, storytelling, and arts and crafts are also part of the curriculum. danceboxtampa.com/summer-program In addition to dance instruction, kids will enjoy tumbling, arts and crafts, preparing snacks according to fun themes and Friday performance recitals during weeklong day camp at Ms. Lisa’s Dance Studio in Tampa. Parents also receive photos via email of their children, who are broken up into groups of 3- to 6-year-olds and 6- to 13-year-olds, throughout the week. Aftercare is available until 3 p.m. for an extra fee. mslisasdancestudio.com Young thespians get to experience the thrill of a professional stage in productions of Hairspray Jr. (12- to 18-year-olds) and The Lion King Jr. (9- to 13-year-olds) at Largo Theater Camp. Campers more interested in learning the ropes behind the scenes can sign up for a technical camp supporting the productions. Camp sessions are open to residents and nonresidents (at slightly higher rates) and scholarships are available, as is aftercare for additional fees. largoarts.com Counselors lead kids 4 to 12 years old in music and art projects and dance and theater exercises related to rotating themes including “under the sea,” “wonders of the world” and “superheroes” at Carrollwood Cultural Center Summer Camp. Campers can attend full days all summer long, and early drop-off and late pick up are available. See website for early bird discounts, discounts for multi-child families and tuition assistance. carrollwoodcenter.org

FOR KIDS WHO LOVE SCIENCE AND TECH Bricks 4 Kidz in Wesley Chapel brings math, science and digital arts alive in day camps serving kids 3 to 13. Younger campers focus on ninjas, superheroes and princesses, while older kids learn about robotics, stop animation using LEGO bricks, mining and crafting, and basic STEM principles. bricks4kidz.com Science comes alive as kids work on experiments and building projects that teach them about – for just two examples - extracting DNA and launching rockets at the Tampa Bay Times | Friday, March 17, 2017 |

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Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI) Camps. MOSI offers half-day programs for littler kids and full-day camps for older children

held at St. Pete College, as well. fl-ate.org/ programs/summer-camps With only eight students per camp counselor, kids and teens receive personalized instruction in STEM skill development (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) at ID Tech University of South Florida Summer Tech Camps. They’ll learn how to engineer a robot, mod Minecraft, produce YouTube videos and program computers in a stimulating and fun setting. idtech.com

FOR GIRLS WHO WANT AN EMPOWERMENT FOCUS up to 13 years old that offer instruction in Java programming, design, Minecraft, 3D modeling and coding technology. Multi-week discounts are available, and new MOSI members get a 25 percent discount on camp fees. mosi.org/ camps Junior high and high school students can build robots and learn about engineering technology at the Florida Advanced Technology Education Center (FLATE) Robotics Camp offered at Hillsborough Community College’s Brandon campus. FLATE also offers a girls-only camp, and camps are

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| Friday, March 17, 2017 | Tampa Bay Times

Local STEM specialists introduce girls 5 to 17 to architecture and design as part of this well-rounded 10week, full-day camp offered by Girls, Inc.’s Operation Smart Summer Camp. Girls are taken on culturally enriching field trips, get plenty of pool time and can compete in an end-of-camp talent show and science fair. girlsinc-pinellas.org/s-c/

First- through fifth-grade girls boost their selfesteem at Tampa’s Girls with Confidence day camps, learning about healthy body image, how to deal with bullies and what makes a good role model while playing games and working on creative art projects. girlswithconfidence.com

FOR YOUNG FILM BUFFS Students heading into grades three through 12 get an overview of the filmmaking process, from story conception, storyboarding and scriptwriting to lighting, cinematography and editing at Tampa Theatre Summer Film Camp in downtown Tampa. Kids can focus on either live-action filmmaking or stop-motion animation in one-week, half-day sessions during these camps, offered in collaboration

with the Florida Center for Instructional Technology at the USF College of Education.

Campers leave with a finished three- to fiveminute film. tampatheatre.org/ education-programs/ After choosing a focus – screenwriting, acting or directing – kids 12 to 18 will work on a collaborative project in one to three weeks of Sunscreen Film Camp in downtown St. Pete. Completed films will be screened at the end of camp and also during the Sunscreen Film Festival. Film equipment is provided for campers, but lunch is not. sunscreenfilmfestival. com/film-camp-summer-2017

FOR KIDS WHO LOVE HISTORY The camp experience is infused with history during weeklong sessions in which 7- to 11-yearolds enjoy games, arts and crafts, the splash park, streetcar field trips and interactive exhibits and projects at the Tampa Bay History Center Themed Camps. tampabayhistorycenter.org During this full-day (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) weeklong program in June, 10- to 13-year-olds study a different aspect of building a city each day

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during St. Petersburg Museum of History City Builders Summer Camp, taking field trips around St. Pete to study architecture and city planning. The kids elect a mayor and conceptualize and build their perfect city. spmoh.com/education/camp/

FOR KIDS WANTING A FAITHBASED EXPERIENCE Since the 1980s, Camp Bayshore of Bayshore Christian School in Tampa has provided kids in kindergarten through sixth grade with a camp experience that includes faith-based service projects and field trips (Glazer Children’s Museum, Chuck E. Cheese and Lowry Park Zoo) in addition to exploratory activities in art, music and science. bayshorechristianschool.org Scholarships are available for elementary and high school students wishing to attend Jewish Community Center Summer Camp in Largo. jewishpinellas.org

FOR KIDS WHO WANT TO MIX IT UP Counselors keep 3- to 14-year-old campers engaged all summer long with activities such as swimming, diving, tennis and Wii competitions, plus weekly themes including mystery sleuths, aloha, Summer Olympics and snowmen in July at Brandon Sports & Aquatic Center. Pick up kids after full (7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.) or half days. mybsac.org/index.php/programs/ summer-camp St. Petersburg Parks & Recreation offers fun, stimulating and affordable day camps throughout the city that are dedicated to exploring nature, technology, wildlife and raptors for kids 3 to 15 years old. stpeteparksrec.org Kids make friends that last a lifetime while having fun in the sun at the pool and lake at YMCA Camp Cristina in Riverview. Buses pick up and drop off campers at several locations in Tampa and Brandon for full days of camp activities. ymcacampcristina.org In addition to offering an introduction in tae kwon do, the World Championship Center Summer Camps in Tampa and Land O’Lakes stress the importance of good manners and citizenship while campers enjoy swimming, golfing, movies and special trips to SeaWorld, parks, Chuck E. Cheese and Lowry Park Zoo. worldchampioncenter.com/seasonal-camp

Five Crucial Camp Questions

Campers 7 to 13 get the classic day-camp experience at YMCA of the Suncoast’s Camp Muskogee in Clearwater, which offers 53 beautiful acres bursting with possibilities for outdoor fun and skill development, including a pool, a lake and instruction in canoeing, fishing, archery and camping skills. apm.activecommunities.com/ymcaofthesuncoast The Suncoast Waldorf Summer Camp in Palm Harbor encourages artistic growth in kids 3 to 11 years old through games, arts and crafts, stories and fun outdoor activities during its half-day camp program (late pickup option available). Counselors help kids explore circus arts, science and woodworking, and there are also separate programs focusing on filmmaking and math. suncoastwaldorf. org/programs/summer-programs.

Save this camp question cheat sheet and make sure to probe camp directors with these queries before you register:

Q.“How would you describe the camp

culture?”

It might sound likely to generate a canned marketing response, but how directors describe their camps in a couple of sentences tells you a lot about its philosophy, focus and atmosphere.

Does he or she emphasize free expression or discipline or excellence in sports performance?

Consider whether the response suggests your child will feel at home there, because that’s ultimately more important than a camp’s curriculum and facilities. It’s the counselors and campers who will shape a child’s experience at camp most.

Q. “What is the camper-to-counselor ratio, and what is your staff retention rate?”

Camps should have more adults than counselors in training (CITs) running the show, President and CEO of the American Camp Association (ACA), Tom Rosenberg says. He recommends that at least 80 percent of camp staff be over 18. A good counselor return rate is generally 40 to 60

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| Friday, March 17, 2017 | Tampa Bay Times

percent, he says, and another good sign is when a good portion of the staff grew up attending the camp; alumni wanting to work there is a big camp compliment.

Q. “What are your emergency procedures, and what kind of safety training does your staff get?”

Ask whether there are nurses or doctors on staff, how often they’re on site and what procedures are in place if a camper needs to be taken to emergency facilities. You should also inquire about what kind of safety training counselors and counselors-in-training receive. Campers are usually not allowed to hold onto their own medications, so organized and responsible health care procedures regarding camper meds are crucial.

Q. “Is your camp accredited?”

There are numerous high-quality camps that have not gone through the ACA accreditation process, but knowing that a camp is

accredited can offer parents peace of mind in a number of important areas. The ACA requires camps to run criminal background checks on staff and uphold 300 standards for safety, hiring practices and facilities maintenance. Visit acacamps.org to learn more.

Q. “What discounts or scholarships do you

offer, and what is your cancellation policy?”

Many camps offer early-bird registration discounts, discounts if you’re sending more than one kid in a family, and scholarships in cases of financial hardship, so be sure to ask. Also, make sure you familiarize yourself with a camp cancellation-fee policy before signing up a kid for a pricey camp on a whim.

The Perfect Match:

Choosing the Best Camp for Your Child

By Virginia Pelley, Times correspondent Picking a camp for your child is a lot like choosing a school. You want him or her to be safe and to feel comfortable, stimulated and enriched – all while having a blast. It can be a tall order, but you can make all that happen with some solid preparation, says Tom Rosenberg, president and CEO of the American Camp Association (ACA), an organization that educates parents and camp professionals about best practices and also offers a comprehensive camp accreditation program.

child might be much happier solving math problems or playing lacrosse. So it’s essential that you be brutally realistic when considering whether or not a camp meshes with your child’s personality, Rosenberg says. Will she be a quieter camper – or a behavioral handful – who might do better with a smaller kid-tocounselor ratio? Would he be happier with a number of activity options to choose from daily, or would a camp with more focus and structure be a better fit?

Does she seem terrified at the idea of a three-week sleepaway camp or act like she can’t wait to go?

“Every child is different and needs different things in a camp,” Rosenberg says.

Connect With The Camp

Online research is a good initial tool but is just a start

“The government doesn’t regulate camps like it regulates schools, and in many jurisdictions, there’s little oversight,” Rosenberg says.

To BFF or Not To BFF

So it’s up to parents to vet camps on their own. Here’s how to whittle down your choices and help your child have his or her best summer ever.

S

Keep Logistics Realistic

In parents’ zeal to select the perfect camp for their children, they might be tempted to choose one that just won’t fit with their schedules due to time or distance. But if your child’s dream camp isn’t convenient to get him or her to before you need to be at work, it needs to be kicked off your list of potential camps. Many camps offer early drop-offs and late pickup times, however, so make sure you discuss your scheduling needs with camp directors.

Consider Who Your Child Is

While you may have loved theater camp as a kid, your

See MATCH on pg. 13

ome kids might try to refuse to go to camp unless they can go with their best friends, which many experts say is a bad idea. But if it comes down to going to camp with a friend versus not going at all, toting the BFF along might be preferable, Rosenberg says.

“The whole idea of going to camp should be to meet new people and develop new friendships,” Rosenberg says, adding, “Part of what we’re doing when we go to camp is practicing independence from our parents.”

But if kids are really skittish and might miss out on the experience of camp altogether otherwise, it’s not the worst thing in the world if he or she has a friend along, he says.

Tampa Bay Times | Friday, March 17, 2017 |

11

The Perfect Match:

Choosing the Best Camp for Your Child

By Virginia Pelley, Times correspondent Picking a camp for your child is a lot like choosing a school. You want him or her to be safe and to feel comfortable, stimulated and enriched – all while having a blast. It can be a tall order, but you can make all that happen with some solid preparation, says Tom Rosenberg, president and CEO of the American Camp Association (ACA), an organization that educates parents and camp professionals about best practices and also offers a comprehensive camp accreditation program.

child might be much happier solving math problems or playing lacrosse. So it’s essential that you be brutally realistic when considering whether or not a camp meshes with your child’s personality, Rosenberg says. Will she be a quieter camper – or a behavioral handful – who might do better with a smaller kid-tocounselor ratio? Would he be happier with a number of activity options to choose from daily, or would a camp with more focus and structure be a better fit?

Does she seem terrified at the idea of a three-week sleepaway camp or act like she can’t wait to go?

“Every child is different and needs different things in a camp,” Rosenberg says.

Connect With The Camp

Online research is a good initial tool but is just a start

“The government doesn’t regulate camps like it regulates schools, and in many jurisdictions, there’s little oversight,” Rosenberg says.

To BFF or Not To BFF

So it’s up to parents to vet camps on their own. Here’s how to whittle down your choices and help your child have his or her best summer ever.

S

Keep Logistics Realistic

In parents’ zeal to select the perfect camp for their children, they might be tempted to choose one that just won’t fit with their schedules due to time or distance. But if your child’s dream camp isn’t convenient to get him or her to before you need to be at work, it needs to be kicked off your list of potential camps. Many camps offer early drop-offs and late pickup times, however, so make sure you discuss your scheduling needs with camp directors.

Consider Who Your Child Is

While you may have loved theater camp as a kid, your

See MATCH on pg. 13

ome kids might try to refuse to go to camp unless they can go with their best friends, which many experts say is a bad idea. But if it comes down to going to camp with a friend versus not going at all, toting the BFF along might be preferable, Rosenberg says.

“The whole idea of going to camp should be to meet new people and develop new friendships,” Rosenberg says, adding, “Part of what we’re doing when we go to camp is practicing independence from our parents.”

But if kids are really skittish and might miss out on the experience of camp altogether otherwise, it’s not the worst thing in the world if he or she has a friend along, he says.

Tampa Bay Times | Friday, March 17, 2017 |

11

Camps Afar Families might find these specialized programs worth the extra travel time for their little campers.

Have a kid who wants to work in the entertainment industry someday? He or she will love New York Film Academy’s summer programs for high school students. Kids 14 to 17 years old can study acting or filmmaking in South Beach in Miami with likeminded peers from around the country. While the Miami program is a commuter one, campers in Orlando stay in the Celebration Hotel during their one-week or three-week programs in either acting or film production. nyfa.edu/summer-camps/locations/florida/ Sun ’n Fun Expo Campus at the Lakeland Linder Airport offers two camps sure to delight young aviation enthusiasts. At STEMtastic Summer Camp in Lakeland, campers learn about rockets, robotics, planes and nature from certified instructors in stimulating programs exploring mathematics, technology, engineering and science. And 11- to 18-year-olds can experience flight simulators and learn about cockpit instruments and how to pilot a Piper Cherokee during Destination Aviation residential or day programs. flysnf.org Campers can explore a variety of athletic and artistic pursuits on the 5,000 acres

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| Friday, March 17, 2017 | Tampa Bay Times

of gorgeous grounds and trails in Monticello at Camp Warrior, a residential camp with a 50-year history. During one- to 10-week sessions, kids and teens can kayak, ride ATVs and horses, and receive instruction in creative writing, photography, yoga and more. campwarrior.com Seven - to 17-year-olds choose from programs including bowling, health and fitness, extreme sports, magic camp, culinary arts and theater arts at accredited Camp Frontier, a two- to three-week residential camp in Haines City in Polk County that also offers theme park field trips and swimming, archery, paintball, videography, basketball, waterskiing and more. See their website for discount info and additional programs, such as an Appalachian backpacking trip. campfrontier.com Kids learn about asteroids and Mars and meet kids from all over the world during Camp Kennedy Space Center’s weeklong program for second- through ninth-graders at NASA in Titusville near Cocoa Beach. kennedyspacecenter.com/camps-and-education

From MATCH on pg. 11

in choosing a camp, Rosenberg says. Internet marketing copy and slick promotional videos might not give you an accurate picture.

“We really encourage families to visit first and see what the facilities, program and daily schedule look like,” he says. Camp visits are also great for putting kids at ease and getting them excited about attending, he adds.

Schedule a tour or plan to attend orientation presentations that many camps offer, Rosenberg advises – and a year in advance, if possible. Some experts recommend scheduling a tour during the week, when staff is less busy with other visiting parents than they are on weekends. Watch for kids wandering about unsupervised and observe whether the staff notices and seems effective at keeping campers engaged as much as possible.

What Camps Should Be Asking You

Camp directors should want to know everything about their campers, says Rosenberg, who was a camp director for more than 25 years. Many ask parents to fill out personality profiles to help directors learn about the kids. They might ask what kids are afraid of, what they’re excited about and what they hope to gain from camp, as well as if they have learning or behavioral challenges.

Top-quality camps will often call parents after they receive these forms to follow up, as well, Rosenberg says: “Directors want to partner with parents, so if they dial in to that level, that’s a good sign.”

If an in-person visit isn’t feasible, call and talk to directors on the phone about whether your child would be successful at the camp. They should give you feedback about whether they think their camp is a good fit.

Tampa Bay Times | Friday, March 17, 2017 |

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Pack Attack!

What kids need to bring to camp

By Virginia Pelley, Times correspondent Good news! There’s a fast and easy way to figure out what your child needs for day or sleepaway camp: Ask the camp director.

been healthy and any special dietary needs, Rosenberg says. Many also want to see paperwork from your child’s last checkup and require that he or she got a physical within the last six months. But every camp is different, Rosenberg notes, so be sure to ask.

“They know what kids will need,” says Tom Rosenberg, president and CEO of the American Camp Association. “They’re experts on what’s required for their camps, and they also will often connect you with more experienced parents from past summers who can give you packing tips.”

Note also that most camps will not permit kids to keep medications with them, so camp health staff needs to be apprised of when they need to administer any drugs to campers. Send prescriptions to camp in original packaging that includes dosage and refill instructions.

There are, nevertheless, some common camp essentials your child will probably need, so keep the following in mind to avoid scrambling for things the night before camp starts.

Your Child’s Health History

Most camps ask parents to provide a health history for campers, which includes information about immunizations, allergies, medications they’re taking, whether kids have

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Clothing

Find out if a sleepaway camp has laundry facilities; camps only in session for one or two weeks might not have them, so kids will need to bring enough clothing to last the whole time. Ask about any special requirements, such as water shoes, which some water-related camps require.

But generally, kids will need long pants in addition to shorts,

particularly if equestrian adventures are on the agenda; a raincoat; umbrella; bathing suit; sweatshirt; jacket; socks; sneakers and flip-flops.

Food

Food is another important item you need to ask about before camp starts. It is likely prohibited for kids to store food in their bunks at sleepaway camp. And some day camps provide lunch and snacks, but many don’t. Also, find out if glass containers are discouraged or whether a microwave is available for kids to heat up food. y Sun protection, such as sunscreen, lip balm with SPF, a hat and sunglasses y Insect repellent y Swim goggles – if your child will spend time in the water y Compass y Flashlight (a rechargeable one or extra batteries, if needed) y Writing paper y Water bottle y Insurance Camps typically require proof that campers have health insurance coverage, Rosenberg says, although he adds that additional accident insurance specifically for kids away at camp is something you might want to consider, but isn’t

a necessity. Another type of insurance you might want is trip cancellation insurance, which is similar to what airlines offer: If you’re concerned that you might have to cancel camp for your child, some camps offer cancellation insurance so you won’t lose your money.

What not to bring: Your Child’s Cellphone Most camps won’t let kids have their phones during their sessions, which might make them howl at first. But most kids end up loving the tech break, Rosenberg claims.

Large Amounts Of Cash And Valuables Most residential camps will have a canteen where kids can purchase incidentals; each camper has an account that you can put money into, a system that’s safer and less of a hassle than hiding money in their bunks. “Typically, if campers take trips out of camp, directors might suggest that kids have pocket money for souvenirs, but you should ask,” Rosenberg says.

“Tuition and fees will often cover expenses for field trips.” And leave any cherished, expensive items at home so the camp experience isn’t ruined by a theft or loss if an item is misplaced.

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Camp Prep 101

Registration and budget know-how

By Virginia Pelley, Times correspondent Nailing down the most perfect-sounding camp in the world for your child won’t do you much good if you don’t register in time or can’t afford it. So make sure you’ve covered those bases before you get your child’s hopes up about a particular camp.

But don’t panic, either, says Tom Rosenberg, president and CEO of the American Camp Association. “There’s a camp for every child and every price point,” he says.

“And a figure to keep in mind is that 93 percent of accredited camps offer financial aid. In addition, there are phenomenal not-for-profit camps that are very affordable; the YMCA, for example, offers great camps.”

Here are some things to keep in mind to keep the camp process as smooth and stress-free as possible for your family.

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Registering Popular camps often start filling up in the fall, so although it might sound like overkill, start checking out summer camp programs with the intention of sending your child the following year. This will give you plenty of time to research your options and ensures you won’t miss registration deadlines or early-bird discounts, which could be earlier than you might think.

If you need to send a child to camp this summer because there’s no one to care for him or her during the time he or she is out of school, don’t worry; many Parks

and Recreation day camps won’t even start the registration process for the summer until April. But generally, the earlier you start researching, the more options you’ll have to choose from.

Budget considerations Camp costs vary widely: A week of day camp with the local Parks Department could be less than $200, while some residential programs could top $2,000 to $3,000 in weekly fees. So check out your options before assuming you can’t afford to send your child to camp.

And as Rosenberg says, nearly all camps offer discounts and scholarships, so ask which ones you might qualify for. Common discounts include early-bird registration, discounts if parents are members of the organization offering the camp, discounts for multi-child families, discounts if your child is returning to the camp or alumni discounts if parents went to the camp as children.

You should also be careful about putting down any nonrefundable deposits if you’re not absolutely sure your child will want to

attend a particular camp. You stand to lose a few hundred bucks, depending on how much of a deposit a camp asks for and what their cancellation policies are, so be sure to find out before plunking down the cash.

Also, if you work during the day and your child goes to day camp, ask your tax preparer whether you qualify for the Child Care and Independent Tax Credit. (There’s information at IRS.gov.) You might be able to

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claim a tax credit of up to $6,000 if you have two or more dependents attending day camp. Residential camps do not qualify for this credit.

Worth the waiting list?

Many camps have a waiting list and move kids into registration from it when or if they receive cancellations. Whether it’s worth it really depends on how much you and your child are into a particular camp, but to keep kids from being disappointed if they can’t get in, have a backup camp in mind so he or she doesn’t have to go campless this summer.

Familiarize yourself with a camp’s waiting list requirements before opting to put your child on it. Some camps don’t ask for any money to wait-list kids, while others will ask for a deposit and some camps even ask that parents submit the full payment for camp just to get on the waiting list. Camps will refund this money if your child isn’t able to attend camp, however, unlike many registration deposits.

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