There is something about the summer that most of us look forward to. Those hot and humid days make us slow down. Maybe it’s being able to kick back and forget a little bit about the hectic schedules we seem to maintain all of the time. Before you know it, summer 2015 will be here. What does summer mean to you and your family?
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 has collected the top recommendations for local summer camps and created this special pull out section.
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, there is plenty to do.
Kids can look forward to tons of field trips at Camp Primrose Summer Camp with explorations and fun including two field trips every week.
Maybe your kids would like to spend the summer “horsing around.” R&R Ranch offers just that opportunity, and not just to learn to horseback ride, but also about the care of the horses.
Travel around the U.S. and learn about the different parts of our country on a virtual road trip with Kids ‘R’ Kids in either the Valrico or Lithia locations.
At Music Showcase, music, theatre and possible starring roles in popular musicals and more will be offered from the Florida Academy of Performing Arts for children ages 5 and up and, beginning musicians in guitar, violin, singing and song writing are welcome.
The Campo Y offers many types of camps which mix fun along with great learning experiences. With choices of half or full day camps, there is something for everyone.
For dates, prices and registration information on these and more, turn the page and enjoy this special section and have a great summer.
Did we miss one? Let us know by e-mailing subject line “Summer” to michelle@ospreyobserver.com and we will be sure to add our full listing online.
Primrose School
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, “cooking” with Future Chefs of America, a picnic at the Florida Botanical Gardens, an adventure at the Mote Marine in Sarasota, along with trips to the Glazer Museum, Great Explorations, Heritage Village, and Old McMickey’s Farm.
Even with all the fun, there are many learning opportunities planned through creative, hands-on curriculum, emphasizing literacy, science, and mathematics, while keeping young minds sharp this summer. Experienced teachers are trained in education and safety.
Camp Primrose is now accepting registration for children ages 5 to 10. Visit the school at 1280 Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico or call 438-5980 for more information.
R&R Ranch
R & R Ranch summer camp begins on Tuesday, June 9, and will run for nine weeks during the summer through Friday, August 7. The Ranch specializes in horse experiences for young children and beginning riders. There will be daily trail rides and hay rides and education about horses.
The cost for camp is only $195 per week for Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
R&R Ranch is located at 9805 Bryant Rd. in Lithia. Field trips, pony parties, trails rides, play groups and more are offered at R&R Ranch.
For more information, call 653-3819 or visit www.rrranchlithia.com.
YMCA
Trading stories and sharing a favorite book or song with a new friend; being greeted with smiles and high-fives from staff and teammates after scoring the winning point. You will always fit in, just for being who you are. This is what the Campo Family YMCA’s summer camp is all about—ensuring kids get more out of their summer break: more friendships, more accomplishments and feeling like they belong. For parents and caregivers who want to see their child accomplish new life skills, consider summer camp at the Y.
The Campo Y’s summer camp offers a mix of fun and learning activities aimed at improving kids’ well-being, such as traditional day camp, dance camp and sports camp. The Y focuses on three areas proven to impact kids’ development: friendship, accomplishment and belonging. To learn more about the Campo Y’s summer camp program, contact 684-1371 or visit www.tampaymca.org.
Kids ‘R’ Kids
Kids ‘R’ Kids Academies is now registering for summer camp. This year’s theme is “American Road Trip” and is available for those in Kindergarten through 12-years-old.
Pack your imaginary bags and plot a course for adventure during this jam-packed 10 week virtual tour of our nation making friends and memories along the way.
Getting From Here to There – Take a winding road up through the mountains of Virginia and Tennessee into the horse country of Kentucky before stopping off in Ohio, the birthplace of the first man to walk on the moon.
Heading Down South – Campers will enjoy a little Southern exposure as they travel to North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia where the tea is sweet and the hospitality is sweeter. Don’t be surprised if they come home with a bit of a Southern drawl when it’s all said and done.
Water, Water, Everywhere – Strap on those life vests as Kids R Kids go “off-road” for this two-week tour of the beaches of Florida, the mighty rivers that bear the same names as the great states of Mississippi and Illinois, and the many waterways of Missouri. While there explore the colorful cultures and delightful destinations that surround them.
Rodeos, Barbecues & Boots – They don’t call it the Wild West for nothing. Campers will take a wild and wonderful two week tour of Texas, Kansas and Colorado. From the streets of San Antonio to the highest peaks on the Rocky Mountains, there’s never a dull moment on this leg of the tour.
Lights, Camera, Action – The westward leg of the tour take campers from the hot desert sands of Nevada to the Hollywood Hills of California. Cool off with a virtual ocean cruise up the Pacific Coast to the icy shores of Alaska.
Kids ‘R’ Kids is also enrolling for Summer VPK. If the child is 4-years-old on or before September 1, 2014 and has not yet completed a VPK program, they are eligible.
Kids ‘R’ Kids Valrico location is at 4321 Lynx Paw Trail (across from Lithia Springs Elementary School). Call 657-6200 or visit www.krkvalrico.com for more information.
Kids ‘R’ Kids FishHawk location is located at 5815 Kids Crossing Dr. (between Stowers Elementary and Mosaic). For more information on this location, call 526-7000 or visit krkcirca.com.
Brandon Sports & Aquatic Center
Visit Brandon Sports & Aquatic Center (BSAC) on Saturday, April 18 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. for its Open House and Water Safety Fair. You will be able to sign up for Summer Camp, receive tours of the facility and register for other programs, including swim lessons. Saladino baseball camp, tennis lessons and more will be available to campers this summer. For this one day only, summer camp registration fee will be waived.
At BSAC your child will get the old-fashioned camp experience you remember as a child, along with some modern technology thrown in.
For ages 3-14, BSAC offers the most comprehensive summer camp in the greater Brandon area with weekly themes such as Safari Week, Circus Week, Secret Agent Week, and Ocean Adventure Week. Age specific activities and field trips make this summer camp unique. This all comes along with the opportunity to learn swimming, tennis, diving and martial arts.
Full day program runs from 7 a.m.-6:30 p.m. for $145 per week. Half days run from 1 a.m.-1 p.m. or 1-6:30 p.m. for $85 per week. Drop-ins available for $35 per day (requested 72 hour advance notice).
BSAC is located at 40 Beverly Blvd. in Brandon. If you have any further questions, contact Youth Development Director Ally Ledenham at aledenham@mybsac.org.
Patel Conservatory
Patel Conservatory offers Dance, Theater and Music camps and classes for all ages, which will take place from Monday, June 8 through Friday, August 14.
All Patel Conservatory students interested in theater will have performing opportunities through open classrooms, showcases or performances on stage in one of the theaters at the Straz Center.
Conservatory, Straz Center for the Performing Arts will hold Campapalooza on Saturday, March 21 at 1 p.m. This free event features a smorgasbord sampling of summer camps and classes. Patel Conservatory instructors will be on hand to meet parents and potential students, who may take tours throughout the classrooms, theater and facilities. This fun event will also feature detailed information about summer classes and camps. Currently celebrating its 10th anniversary, the Patel Conservatory offers camps and classes in dance, music and theater for students of all ages and experience levels. Registration and more information are available at www.patelconservatory.org and by calling 222-1002.
Shows include Shrek The Musical, Showstoppers, Jr., Summer Fantasy, Jazz Intensive Concert, Showstoppers and End-of-Summer Music Blowout.
From Summer Intensive Ballet Training to Hip Hop, there are many dance camps to choose from.
Patel Conservatory allows students to experience singing in a choir, forming a rock band and playing in a chamber ensemble. Instrumentalists and vocalists of all ages can have fun while developing their talents.
An Open House will take place on Tuesday, June 2 from 6-8 p.m. and Saturday, June 6 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. To RSVP, call 222-1002 or e-mail patelconservatory@strazcenter.org.
Patel Conservatory is located at the David A. Straz, Jr., Center for the Performing Arts, 1010 N. W.C. MacInnes Place in Tampa.
Prices and times vary depending upon the classes. For information on the many summer camps and classes offered, visit www.patelconservatory.org/pdfs/Calendars/2015_Patel_Summer_Catalog.aspx.
Florida Academy of the Performing Arts
Check out the scene this summer at the Florida Academy of the Performing Arts, which is located at Music Showcase, 402 Oakfield Dr. in Brandon.
For ages 5 and up, there is music and more all-day camp that runs from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. every week starting Monday, June 8 and running through to the week of August 17. The only week that camp is not offered is during the week of June 29. Campers will experience a variety of activities that include learning how to play the violin, guitar, and drums, sing in show choir, acting classes, play games, field trips, and more. There is free early drop off at 8 a.m. and late pick-up until 6 p.m.
There are also musical theatre camps that run from 9 a.m.-12 Noon Monday through Friday for two week intervals. Students sing, act, make costumes and sets, and perform live on stage at the camp’s conclusion. Those campers can them opt to stay the whole day and join the Music and More camp for all-day musical experience. For ages 5-9, campers can take part in Annie Kids starting the week of July 6 and Cinderella Kids staring the week of August 3. Children 9 and up can participate in Shrek Junior starting the week of June 15 and Little Mermaid Junior starting the week of July 20.
Middle and high school students can join the three-week production starting the week of July 6, meeting from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
The Academy offers an intensive camp for students who are interested in learning how to break into show business. Children ages 7 and up can sign up for the Rising Star Camp the week of June 29.
Learn about preparing for auditions, monologues, about agents, stage presence, commercials, making singing demos, public speaking, and more.
Register at faopa.org or call 490-ARTS (2787) for more information.
Florida Museum of Photographic Arts
The Florida Museum of Photographic Arts will offer a Visual Storytelling Summer Camp from Monday, June 1 to Friday, June 5 for ages 7-10 years and Monday, June 8 to Friday, June 12 or ages 11-15 years.
The beginning of the week students will learn how to use and set up the camera for an interesting composition. This will cover going over compositional strategies, creative designs, and what settings to use to capture an image. Lastly, they will learn how to photograph and display images to best showcase them as they are: stories. Throughout this week students will be capturing and writing about the work so they will walk away confidently with creative, interesting tactics to continue with their photography.
The cost is $160 (member price $140) and will take place from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Supplies needed include digital camera (FMoPA can supply if students do not have), sketchbook (without lines), pen/pencil, lunch and snacks.
Florida Museum of Photograph Arts is located at 400 N. Ashley Dr., Cube 200 in Tampa. For more information, visit fmopa.org/class-details/104/ or call 221-2222.
It’s Fun To Learn At Kids And Teen College Camps At HCC
Hillsborough Community College (HCC) offers a variety of summer specialty camps for kids and teens, ages 6-16. Get your campers ready to embark on a journey of fun and exciting learning experiences with over 45 topics for 2015. Attending HCC summer programs is a fantastic way to pursue new interests, improve existing skills, and make new friends. The teen programs focus on specific pursuits like medical career explorations, environmental science, sports camps, life preparation and more.
Regular camp hours are Monday Through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Extended child care is also available. Half day camps are available from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. or 1-4 p.m. too.
Local campuses where camps will take place are: HCC at The Regent * 6437 Watson Rd. in Riverview, HCC Plant City Campus, 1206 North Park Rd. in Plant City, HCC SouthShore Campus, 551 24th St. NE in Ruskin.
There is no application fee. The weekly cost for a full day camp varies depending on chosen classes and is between $149 and $225 per week and $99 to $175 per week for half day camps.
To register or to check out all the many classes that are offered at each campus throughout the county, visitwww.tampatraining.com/kidscollege/. You can also register in person at Hillsborough Community College Corporate Training Center, 39 Columbia Dr., in Tampa.
TLCS Gypsy Haven
TLC’s Gypsy Haven will offer weekly summer camps through the end of the summer for ages 6-18. Camp will run from Monday, June 15 through Friday, August 14.
Camp includes learning to ride, groom, clean, and bond with a horse. Kids will also get to finger-paint, learn horse body parts and colors of breeds. Each week will have a different theme, including Veterinary Care, Western Dressage and Monopoly Week, where kids get monopoly money at the beginning of the week, and throughout camp, they will need to purchase supplies for the care of their horses. At the end of the week, they can see how their money was spent and how much they have left.
There are full bathroom facilities and a classroom with air conditioning and a lunch area. A field trip every Friday will be included.
Camp will run from Monday to Friday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. The cost is $180 per week (sibling and multi-week discounts are available).
TLCS Gypsy Haven is located at 4325 Keysville Rd., in Lithia. For more information, call 842-4236 or visit www.tlcsfarms.com.
A Child’s Haven
A Child’s Haven is celebrating its 19th Camp SuperKids. It includes two great field trips a week, fun planned themed activities, arcade rec room, character counts topics, film making, cooking, sports tournaments and much more. To keep the minds moving and learning it offers fun academic games and activities each day to include creative writing, classics reading and preparation for our annual spelling bee. Camp SuperKids is accredited and a Florida Gold Seal program. It employs excellent camp leaders who know how to have fun and be safe. Camp costs $115 and includes all activities and field trip fees. No hidden costs. Register today, limited spots available. A Child’s Haven is located at 1520 Brentwood Hills Blvd. in Valrico. Call 684-1622.
MOSI
Registration for the Museum of Science & Industry’s (MOSI) 2015 Summer Science Camps is now open. MOSI’s Summer Science Camps begin Monday, June 8, and registration is available at MOSI.org.
MOSI’s Summer Science Camp brings science, technology, engineering, art and math (S.T.E.A.M.) alive through hands-on experiments and building projects. From building robots and launching rockets to making movies and snorkeling in natural springs, MOSI is all about creating the experiences that expand interests and make dreams a reality. Doing real science with the tools and technology used by professionals is just one of the ways MOSI Summer Science Camp inspires campers with a “can do” attitude that can last a lifetime. Real science coupled with exciting experiments, simulations, explorations and inventions will help campers discover the innovator within.
Designing video games, creating art with lasers, searching for fossils, using DNA to solve crimes and mixing up edible slime are just some of the thousands of Summer Science Camp experiences waiting for you.
For teens, MOSI’s S.T.E.A.M. Career Camps provide students the opportunity to explore careers that utilize S.T.E.A.M. skills through active, project-based experiences with the support of field experts and scientists. Through real-world experiences in a fun, thought-provoking environment, students will make discoveries about S.T.E.A.M. careers in addition to discoveries about their own interests. Attendees receive a S.T.E.A.M. Certificate of Achievement for successful completion of each of these camps.
Summer camp sessions are available to children in preschool through high school. Multiple week and multiple child discounts are available. Extended care and hot lunches are offered for an additional fee. For more information, class descriptions and prices, visit www.mosi.org.
Ostingers Baseball Academy
Ostingers Baseball Academy instructors have 30 years combined professional playing and coaching experience. It offers three separate summer camp sessions for children ages 7 through 15-years-old. Session 1 runs from June 15-19, Session 2 runs from July 20-24, and Session 3 runs from August 3-7 with each day starting at 8:30 a.m. Ostingers Baseball Academy is hosted at FishHawk Sports Complex located at 16120 Fishhawk Blvd. in Lithia. Camp costs $175 per camper with the second child costing $120 as well as multi week discounts available. Camps include daily instruction, games, pitching and catching practice, fundamentals, drills and more. Register early as space is limited. For more information, call 737-3000 or visit www.ostingbaseball.com.
Julestarz Academy for the Performing Arts
Julestarz Academy for the Performing Arts is dedicated to educating both children and adults in the fields of dance, music, and theatre. They will provide a warm and friendly environment where students can explore their creative potential. Students will learn self-confidence, self-respect, discipline, self-expression, imagination, and an instilled appreciation for the performing arts. Julestarz is currently registering for summer camps and fall classes. If offers private lessons in drums, guitar, piano, violin and voice for ages 2 and up. Summer classes include dance, musical theatre, cheer, kiddie combo and princess tea party.
As a 10 year anniversary special it is offering a discount of buy one camp, get a second at 50 percent of if registered by Monday, June 15. It is also offering $5 off fall registration fee If registered by Wednesday, July 15. Julestarz has two locations at 16132 Churchview Dr. St. 202 in FishHawk Ranch, and 10657 Big Bend Rd. in Riverview. Call 661-9037 ext. 1 or visit www.julestarzacademy.com.
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