What do you have planned this summer?
For kids, summer spells time to sleep in, no homework and maybe an upcoming family vacation. But, these days, it can also mean learning a new skill, trying something adventurous, learning to swim, a new language or travelling afar.
The staff at the Osprey Observer have collected the top recommendations for local summer camps and created this special pull out section. Did we miss one? Let us know by emailing Subject line “Summer” to michelle@ospreyobserver.com and we will be sure to add to upcoming editions and to our full listing online!
Whether kids want to take a trip back to basics with Kids ‘R’ Kids Nature Kids Summer camp, or maybe learn to swim at the iconic Brandon Sports & Aquatic Center, home to Olympic swimmers and divers, or learn to cook at the gourmet Viking demonstration kitchen with award-winning chefs at Rolling Pin Kitchen Emporium, there is plenty to do.
Kids can look forward to tons of field trips at Camp Primrose Summer Camp with explorations and fun including a trip to MOSI and more.
Maybe the scientists will want to take a MOSI Summer Science Camp and learn through hands-on experiments and technology and maybe even design a video game.
At Music Showcase, music, theatre and possible starring roles in popular musicals and more will be offered for children ages 5 and up and beginning musicians in guitar, violin, singing and song writing are welcome.
At The Pottery Patch, projects and creation are on schedule including clay building, glass fusing, canvas painting and other techniques. Teen camps are also offered.
At HCC, children can go to college at Kids’ College. Children ages 7-12 years old have a chance to spend time on campus learning in the college environment. Computers, Games & Apps, Healthcare, STEM, Culinary, Photography and Fashion Design are a few of the classes offered.
Athletes will enjoy Summer Sports Camps throughout the community and math enthusiasts will love Mathnasium’s Power Math Workout, a recommended choice between our Summer Master Series or our Jump Start Series, with daily math game time.
Summer camp programs can take a field trip to Adventures Archery for a great indoor and outdoor archery lesson and activity to add to any summer curriculum.
Chick-Fil-A’s summer fun flicks offer family friendly movies every Tuesday with proceeds going to a good cause.
Camps at A Child’s Haven are social and intellectual offering a variety sure to spark the interest of most children.
Animal lovers can choose from camps at the Lowry Park Zoo, Red Fox Stables or R&R Ranch including horse riding and giraffe feeding.
For dates, prices and registration information on these and more, turn the page and enjoy this special section and have a great summer!
HCC Institute For Corporate & Continuing Education Offers Kids’ College
This year, Kids’ College will offer chess, mystery monsters, fashion design, fossil hunter, money boss, broadcasting, fit & fun, good eats, computer wizard, STEM, tech camp, photo fun, interior design and medical exploration.
Camp is for ages 7-12 years old, and will take place Monday-Thursday from June 9 through August 15. The times are 9 a.m.-4 p.m. with early drop-off at 7:30 a.m. and late pick-up through 5:30 p.m. at no additional cost.
Camp will be held at four HCC locations (Collaboration Studio in Ybor City; Plant City Campus, SouthShore Campus in Ruskin, and The Regent in Brandon).
For more information, contact Ronkel Williams at 259-6549; rwilliams92@hccfl.edu or Jeff Benjamin at 259-6528; rbenjamin8 @hccfl.edu or visit Tampatraining.com/kidscollege.
Kids ‘R’ Kids Offer Nature Camps
Camp Nature Kids is an unforgettable ten-week odyssey that transforms campers from Kindergarten-12 years old into miniature scientists, explorers and adventurers as they investigate the wide and wonderful world beyond their back door.
Nature Rocks – During these first two weeks, campers are introduced to many of the topics covered in more detail in later weeks. They utilize their five senses to investigate dirt and mud, insects, plants, and animals.
Digging in the Dirt (weeks 3 and 4) – It’s all about playing in the dirt. Campers squish and squelch in the mud, investigating not only what is in dirt, but who as well. Wallowing pigs and wiggly worms are just the beginning of what campers find while digging in the dirt.
Bugs and Slugs (weeks 5 and 6) – Chirp like a cricket? Hop like a grasshopper? Flitter and flutter like butterflies?
There are so many interesting insects for campers to investigate.
Wild About Wildlife (weeks 7 and 8) – Animals have many characteristics that make them perfectly suited to their habitats. By slithering like snakes, hopping like rabbits, and flying like owls, campers investigate reptiles, mammals, and birds representing unique habitats.
Off the Beaten Path (weeks 9 and 10) – Camping and hiking are adventures full of fun and exciting activities; pitching a tent and sleeping under the stars, using a compass, and cooking over a campfire. As campers travel, other amazing habitats are explored.
The rate of $140 (with ad coupon) includes all meals and field trips. Kids R Kids has two locations: 4321 Lynx Paw Tr. in Valrico and 5815 Kids Crossing Dr. in Lithia. For more information, call the Valrico location at 657-6200 or the Lithia location at 526-7000 or visit www.krkvalrico.com.
Have a Zoo-nique Zoo Experience at Lowry Park Zoo
Why just go to summer camp when you can go to Zoo Camp?
Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo offers exciting and enriching summer camps for kids of all ages. The expert staff provides the most fun and safe environment for animal adventures with friends that your children will always remember.
This summer, the Zoo School at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo is headquarters for more than 100 week-long camps for students who have completed K-8th grades. Kids and teens can learn about nature, science and the animal kingdom while hiking through the Zoo, exploring behind-the-scenes and cooling off in the Zoo’s water play areas. Adventure camps include animal encounters, keeper talks, educational shows, games, crafts and more.
A typical day at summer camp Includes: zoo hikes, classroom lessons with pictures and artifacts, daily animal encounter or animal enrichment, activities based on the weekly camp theme, arts and crafts projects, animal shows, animal feedings, keeper talks and Educational videos.
Camps begin promptly at 9 a.m. and ends at 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. If you need to drop your child off before 8:55 a.m. or pick them up after 4 p.m., you must sign up for extended care.
General summer camps cost $180 for zoo pass holders and $200 for non-zoo pass holders. The four day camp from Monday, June 30-Thursday, July 3 will cost $145 for a pass holder and $165 for a non-pass holder.
Shutterbug Camps are $200 for pass holders and $220 for non-pass holders.
Animal Handling/Animal Trainer Camps are $215 for pass holders and $235 for non-pass holders.
Morning Extended Care (7-9 a.m.) costs $25/week and afternoon extended care (4-6 p.m.) is also $25/ week.
Lowry Park Zoo is located at 1101 W. Sligh Ave. in Tampa.
Visit www.lowryparkzoo.com/_education/ register.html to register for camps or call 935-8552 (ext. 268) for more information.
The Florida Academy of Performing Arts at Music Showcase Summer Camps Provide a Variety of Choices
Summer Scene 2014 Musical Theater for ages 5-9. Rehearsals take place for Disney’s The AristoCats Kids from Monday-Friday, July 7-July 18 from 9 a.m.-12 Noon. The performances will take place on Friday-Sunday, July 18-20.
Rehearsals take place for Dinosaurs Before Dark Kids from Monday-Friday, August 4-15 from 9 a.m.-12 Noon. Performances will take place on Friday-Sunday, August 15-17. The cost for each two week camp is $175. Stay for the Music & More afternoon camp for an additional $75 per week. Daily drop-in fee is $25 per day. Free early drop off at 8 .m. and late pick-up until 6 p.m.
Jr. Showcase Players – Summer Scene 2014 Musical Theater for ages 9-12. Rehearsals for Seussical the Musical will
take place Monday to Friday from June 16-27 from 9 a.m.-12 Noon. The performances will take place Friday-Sunday, June 27-29. Rehearsals for Hairspray will take place from Monday-Friday, July 21 – August 1 from 9 a.m.-12 Noon. The performances will take place Friday-Sunday, August 1-3.
The cost for each two week camp is $175. Stay for the Music & More afternoon camp for an additional $75 per week. Daily drop-in fee is $25 per day. Free early drop off at 8 .m. and late pick-up until 6 p.m.
Music & More Summer Camp takes place all day Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Learn about music and instruments, play guitar, violin, drums, singing and acting classes, games, crafts, activities, drawing, chess and more. The cost is $175 per week with $25 one-time registration fee. There is free early drop-off at 8 a.m. and late pick-up until 6 p.m.
Rising Stars! Performance Boot Camp is for ages 9 and up and takes place from Monday, June 9-Friday, June 13 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. with a performance on Friday, June 13. Included is songwriting, acting methods, music history, agents and casting calls, auditioning tips, monologues, public speaking, singing, performance critique and stage presence. The cost is $200 per student.
There is a $25 on-time registration fee for all camps. Classes are held at Music Showcase, located at 402 Oakfield Dr. in Brandon. For more information or to register, call 490-2787 or visit www. faopa.org.
R&R Ranch Summer Camp Specializes in Horse Experiences
Specializing in horse experiences for the young child and beginner riders, R&R Ranch is a wonderful place to introduce your young ones to horses. Campers range in age from 5-15. Young campers may elect to leave earlier than the older crowd as camp can be exhausting. Daily trail rides and hay rides will take place along with pony painting, lots of games, snowball fights, education on grooming and care of horses and farm animals, a bounce castle, sliding on the inflatable water slide, movies and popcorn in the air conditioned camp house, arts, crafts, and much more.
Advanced Campers will also enjoy three riding lessons and more emphasis is placed on equine education.
Sign up early for summer camp as space is limited. Summer camp begins on Monday, June 9. The cost is only $175 per week for Monday-Friday sessions from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (early drop-off and late pick-up can be arranged).
R&R Ranch is located at 9805 Bryant Rd., in Lithia. For more information, visit 653-3819 or visit www.rrranchlithia.com.
Red Fox Stables is Offering Summer Horse Camp
Camp is offered for ages 5 years old and up. Your child is assigned a buddy to share camp with at the beginning of the week and horses to be responsible for. This includes mucking stalls, feeding, grooming and care of the horse. They will enjoy daily riding in both the riding arena and on the riding trails, horse games, and a show event on Friday to show off what they’ve learned during the week. Also included are games on horseback, education on grooming, care of horse, equipment used, feedings, breeds, arts & crafts (related to horses) and much more. All taught in an air conditioned camp room.
Sign up early to secure your spot as class sizes are limited. There is one instructor per three children. There are discounts for siblings and multiple camp weeks.
Full day camp runs from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and costs $199. Half day camp is available from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. and costs $169.
Please contact Roxane at 601-9516, e-mail roxane@red foxstables.com to register or get further information or visitwww.redfoxstables.com.
Make it a Mathnasium Summer and Avoid the Summer Slide!
At Mathnasium, summer programs are all about preventing summer learning loss and helping students prepare for what lies ahead in a fun environment. For some students, that means a solid review of previous material. Others benefit from previewing upcoming concepts.
Most students will get some of both. We have programs available for students from first grade through 12th grade for one and a half hour sessions that will include a Power Math Workout, a recommended choice between our Summer Master Series or our Jump Start Series, and daily math game time.
You are welcome to choose from 12 or 18 session packages or regular year-round programs. Mathnasium is located at 1048 Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico.
Summer programs will begin Monday, June 2. Hours are 2-7:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. You will receive help choosing the program that works for you. For more information or to register, call 655-6284 or e-mail brandon@mathnasium .com. www.mathnasium .com/brandon Space is limited so enroll today.
Summer Camp Explorers At Camp Primrose
Primrose School of Bloomingdale is gearing up for a fantastic summer adventure for your child. Summer camp “Explorers” will be going on two field trips every week to enjoy what the local community has to offer, including a voyage aboard Captain Memo’s pirate ship, a trip to a Rays baseball game, a fairytale picnic at the Florida Botanical Gardens, an adventure at the Mote Marine in Sarasota, and trips to MOSI, Great Explorations, Solomon’s Castle, and Old McMickey’s Farm.
Many learning opportunities are also planned through a creative, hands-on curriculum, emphasizing literacy, science, and mathematics, while keeping young minds sharp over the summer. Its experienced teachers are trained in education and safety.
Camp Primrose is now accepting registration for children ages five to ten. Please visit the school at 1280 Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico or call 438-5980 for more information.
Creative Summer Fun at The Pottery Patch
Create and play all summer long. Kids can experience canvas painting, clay hand-building, glass fusing, and unique pottery painting techniques. Create & Play sessions are Tuesdays and Thursdays all summer long from 10:30 a.m.-Noon. Class sessions are just $20 per project. Classes are ideal for kids’ ages seven and up. Register online at www.potterypatchstudio.com “events” or stop by the studio at 2551 SR 60 E., Valrico, at the corner of Miller Rd. and S.R. 60. Spend a creative day or all summer long at The Pottery Patch.
A Kid’s Night Out is also held the first Friday of every month from 6-8:30 p.m. This special event is for kids’ ages six and up and the fee is $25. This super fun event includes a creative project (pottery, clay, canvas, or glass fusing), pizza, games, and fun. Registration is also available online www.potterypatchstudio. com “events”. Upcoming Dates: May 2nd (Mother’s Day theme!); June 6th (Summer Kick-off Celebration); July 11th (I scream, You Scream for Ice Cream!); August 1st (Summer Days Are Forever).
Adventures Archery Makes Great Field Trip for Summer Camp Programs
Adventures Archery does not offer an official summer camp, but they have already scheduled multiple “field trips” for local summer camp programs. These field trips usually run for one and one half hours. All ages are welcome. They consist of range and equipment rental, at least one certified instructor for the entire duration of the visit, shooting, and a fun activity. The range also offers plenty of extra seating and a space for the children to eat lunch. Large groups and/or special requests can be accommodated. These activities are available seven days a week, but must be booked in advance.
Please inquire about pricing at 664-8700. Progressive Discounts are available on additional events booked at the time of booking the first event.
Both indoor and outdoor shooting is available for any summer camp programs.
Adventures Archery is located at 2210 U.S. 301 #200 in Tampa. For more information, visit www. adventures archery.com.
Rolling Pin is Cooking Up Summer Fun
Your kids can have fun while learning to cook. Summer cooking camps for kids (ages 6-9) and tweens (ages 10-14) will take place at Rolling Pin Kitchen Emporium, located at 2080 Badlands Dr. in Brandon.
Kid’s camps will take place Tuesday-Friday, June 17-20, July 15-18 and Tuesday-Friday, July 29-August 1. Tween’s camp will take place Tuesday-Friday, June 24-27, July 22-25, August 5-8 and August 12-15. Space is limited. For more information, call 653-2418 (ext. 204) or visit www.rollingpinonline.com.
Y Camps For Summer
Campo YMCA’s summer camps focus on nurturing the potential of children and helping them grow in spirit, mind, and body. Fun and friendship and provide the opportunity for young people to build self-esteem, develop interpersonal skills and make lasting memories are encouraged. Campo has a variety of summer camps for you to choose for your kids.
Day Camp for ages 5-12 will be held off-site at South Brandon Worship Center, located at 4929 Bell Shoals Rd. in Valrico.
LIT Camp (Leaders In Training) for ages 11-15 will be held off-site at South Brandon Worship Center, located at 4929 Bell Shoals Rd. in Valrico.
Sports Camp for ages 8-13 will be held at Campo Family YMCA, located at 3414 Culbreath Rd. in Valrico. Day, LIT and Sports Camp sessions begin Monday, June 9 and end Friday, August 15 and will all run from 7 a.m.-6 p.m. (drop off from 7-9 a.m., pick up from 4-6 p.m.) The cost is $140 Facility/$195 Program.
Half Day Specialty Camps
Various specialty camps range from basketball, triathlon, princess adventure, dance, volleyball, science, and much more.
Weekly Sessions begin Monday, June 9 and end Friday, August .Times: Half day camps are from either 8 a.m.-12 Noon or 12 Noon-4 p.m. depending on the camp. The cost is $115 Facility/$150 Program.
Specialty camps range in variety of age from 4-15 depending on the camp and curriculum, some week long specialty camps to choose from are: Basketball Camp, Volleyball Camp, Fairytale Adventure Camp, Dance Camp, Triathlon Camp, Drama Camp, Mad Science Camp, and Magical Princess Camp.
For more information, please call 684-1371 or contact Senior Program Director Dan Ribas at Dan.Ribas@tampa ymca.org.
MOSI
MOSI’s Summer Science Camps bring science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) alive through hands-on experiments and building projects. From finding rocks to launching rockets to making rock music, MOSI creates the experiences that expand campers’ interests and make dreams a reality. Designing video games, creating art with lasers, searching for fossils, using DNA to solve crimes and cooking up edible slime are just some of the thousands of Summer Science Camp experiences waiting for campers.
MOSI offers an extensive range of camp topics for ages 2 through high school with options for day camps, residential or travel camps, and STEAM career camps. For more information or to reserve a camp experience today, visit MOSI.org or call 813-987-6000.
2014 Camp BSAC – Bring it On!
Your child (ages 3-14 years old) can be part of the fun at Camp BSAC, which is now registering for summer camp. The cost to register is $35 per individual; maximum $70 per family. Registration fee includes a T-Shirt and backpack. Camp weeks begin Monday, June 9 and run through Friday, August 15. This year’s themes include The Amazing Race, Under The Sea, The Mighty Jungle, Discovery Week, Super Heroes and more.
The cost per week for full day of camp is $140 and $80 for half day. There is also a $35 per day drop-in fee. Kindergarten (ages 5 and below) the cost is $150 per week.
BSAC also hosts Saladino Baseball Camp for only $115 per week (9 a.m. – 2 p.m.), and both Saladino Baseball/BSAC Summer Camp (7 a.m.. – 6:30 p.m.) for $165 per week.
An Open House and Water Safety Fair will be held on Saturday, April 19 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m., which includes food, carnival games, water activities and sports demonstrations. Register for BSAC Summer Camp at the Open House and the registration fee will be waived.
Camp BSAC is located at 405 Beverly Blvd. in Brandon. For more information, call 689-0908 or visit www.mybsac.org.
SuperKids Summer Camp at a Child’s Haven
Reserve your spot at A Child’s Haven’s SuperKids Summer Camp for ages 1-10. Weekly sessions begin Monday, June 9 and run through Friday, August 15. Choose from Space Adventures Camp, Music Makers Camp, Blue Going Green Camp, Knights & Princesses Camp, What’s Cooking Camp and many more.
There will be two weekly field trips for ages K5-5th Grade. Some of the trips include Lowry Park Zoo, Gator Land, Clearwater Cruise, MOSI, Florida Aquarium and more.
Also enjoy summer reading challenge and spelling bee, jumbo face painting, ice cream social and pizza days, Popsicle snacks, summer camp scrapbooking, arts & crafts, preschool water play, computer lab and more.
Reserve your spot for $125 per week for K5-5th grade (this includes field trips and activity fees).
A Child’s Haven is located at 1520 Brentwood Hills Blvd. in Valrico. For more information, call 684-1622
You must be logged in to post a comment.