Summer Camps 2014 for Tampa Bay!

It’s time to start getting your kids registered for summer camps in Tampa Bay now! (No, it’s really not too early. I have learned the hard way that waiting until the last minute can lead to frustration and lack of choices!)

Tampa

NEW! Two Hillsborough County teachers are offering Music and Clogging summer camps! Guitar, vocals, song writing, piano, and musical theater camps are being offered by Ernesta.  Hip Hop Clogging and Rock Star Clogging classes are being offered by Clay. Call 813-610-1309 for availability. See flyer for more details.

Lowry Park Zoo
1101 W. Sligh Ave., Tampa
June 9-August 15
Camp Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Extended Hours available.

Lowry Park Zoo’s Summer Camp program offers 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.

Good to Know: Deepest discounts on March 22-23, Annual Zoo Pass holders receive discount pricing on most Zoo School offerings. The 7 Days of Savings Sale is in addition to this! Children must have completed Kindergarten to attend Zoo summer camps.

Busch Gardens
3000 E. Busch Blvd., Tampa
June 9-August 15
Camp Hours: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Busch Gardens Day Camp is a time to make new friends, try new things, come face-to-face with a giraffe or challenge a dive coaster. For more than 25 years, Busch Gardens has provided children with inspiring, exciting and educational experiences. There are a variety of Day Camps to fit your kid’s grade level and interest. Camps available for grades K-12.

Good to Know: Most of the week long day camps run Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (Some hours vary.) Camps are fully chaperoned day programs that include the following amenities:

• Daily lunches, snacks & drinks
• A Camp T-shirt and a water bottle
• A complimentary photo with a Busch Gardens animal ambassador
• Complimentary admission to Busch Gardens following camp each day for campers

MOSI
4801 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa
June 9-August 15
Camp Hours: 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. (full day) or 9:00 a.m.-noon/1:00-4:00 (half day)
Extended care in the morning from 7 – 9 a.m. and in the afternoon from 4 – 6:30 p.m.

MOSI’s Summer Science Camp brings 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 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 you discover the innovator within.

Good to Know: MOSI members save 25% off camp registration. Camps available for ages 2-17.

HCC’s Kids’ College and Teen Camp
Four locations:
. HCC Collaboration Studio  1602 N. 15th Street, Tampa, FL  33605
. HCC at The Regent  6437 Watson Road, Riverview, FL  33578
. HCC Plant City Campus 1206 North Park Road, Plant City, FL  33563
. HCC South Shore Campus  551 24th Street North East, Ruskin, FL  33570
June 9-August 15
Regular camp hours: 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Drop-off and pick-up times are 8:30am and 4:30pm.
Extended care (no additional costs) 7:30am-8.30am and 4:30pm-5:30pm.

A variety of camps are offered:

Kids’ Camps: Good Eats!, Computer Wizard, Photofun, Biz Kid$, Medical Explorer, S.T.E.M., Fossil Hunter, Interior Design, Fashion Design, Fun & Fitness, Police & Firefighting, Broadcasting, Mystery Monsters, and Chess Camp
Teen Tech Camps: Game Design Adventures, Biz Kid$ for Teens, and Broadcasting Bootcamp for Teens

Good to Know: A 15% discount will be provided for all registrations received on or before April 30, 2014.

Robotics Camp
10414 East Columbus Drive, Tampa: Hillsborough Community College, Brandon Campus, Student Services Building, BSSB 218
June 16-August 1
Camp hours: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm

Grades 6-12. FLATE summer camps are designed to introduce middle and high school students to the world of robotics and automation so they can explore the applications in both the industrial and personal use fields. The camp facilitators are from SDHC, HCC and local industry, all selected based on their experience and training. The programs are coordinated by the National Science Foundation funded Florida Advanced Technological Education Center located at the Hillsborough Community College, Brandon Campus.

Tampa Parks and Recreation
Various Locations
June 9-August 8
Camp hours: 7:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.

The City of Tampa’s Summer Camp programs offer a little bit of everything that you can think of when you think ‘CAMP.’  This summer we will be playing it forward by providing a camp experience filled with games, arts and crafts, sports, swimming, field trips, and more.  We offer quality programs, experienced staff, and an atmosphere of good sportsmanship, teamwork, safety, and FUN!  Themes influence the activities of camp each week.
Our day camps are designed for youth entering grades 1-8.  Camps will be broken down by age groups, with middle school kids participating in our Leaders In Training Program (L.I.T.) where they will take an active role with our staff in running activities.

Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA
Multiple Locations
June 9-August 15
Camp Hours: 9am-4pm All summer camps include early and late care from 7am-9am and 4pm-6pm at no additional charge.

Full day camps are jam packed with fun for all ages. Enjoy youth wellness activities, hands-on learning, swimming, character development activities, arts and crafts, sports, games, weekly field trips and more! Summer camps at the Y focus on nurturing the potential of children and helping them grow in spirit, mind and body. The YMCA programs encourage fun and friendship and provide the opportunity for young people to build self-esteem, develop interpersonal skills and make lasting memories. Summer camp also provides kids with the things they need to succeed in school by providing engaging, hands-on education-based activities that help kids avoid summer learning loss. Plus, our highly qualified staff receive over 40 hours of preparation prior to interacting with campers and are CPR certified.

Florida Aquarium
701 Channelside Drive, Tampa
Camp Hours: 9 AM–4 PM Free extended care: Earliest drop off is 7:30 AM. Latest pick up is 5:30 PM.

Camp are for ages 3-18 and are centered on animals and their natural environments.  The goal is to provide every camper with an amazing camp experience by incorporating themes that focus on environmental science topics and feature up close animal encounters and plenty of hands-on learning.  AquaCamps are not only about science, they also allow children to build character and improve social skills. Camps can fill quickly and are registered on a first serve basis. If your child is looking to make new friends, learn about marine animals and have a great time, then our splashy, slippery, cool AquaCamp is the place to be!

Good to Know: Annual Pass Members receive additional discounts. Become an annual pass member and receive up to a 25% discount on AquaCamps! Receive a discount for booking multiple camps (including sibling registrations)!

Tampa Museum of Art
120 W Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa
June 16 – August 1
Weeks 1–2: Ages 6–8 Weeks 3–4: Ages 9–11 Week 5–6: Ages 12–14
Camp hours: Morning Drop Off: 8–8:30 a.m. AM Session: 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Lunch: 12:30–1 p.m. PM Session: 1–5 p.m. Afternoon Pick Up: 5–5:30 p.m.

Students will explore classical art traditions and contemporary art concepts while experimenting with a variety of art media to create original works of art. Inspired by gallery visits, the museum landscape, and layers of art history, students will enjoy a summer filled with art.

Good to Know: Due to the popularity of the Museum’s Summer Art Camp program, all classes require advance registration and payment. Class sizes are limited to 20 students per session.

Camp Connect at The Children’s Glazer Museum
110 W Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa
June 9 – August 15
Camp hours: AM 9am-12pm, PM 1-4pm, (AM Drop off: 8:30-9am | Pick up: 12-12:30pm) (PM Drop off: 12:30-1pm | Pick up: 4-4:30pm)

Let’s go on an adventure with Summer Break Camp Connect and the YMCA! Exploration is endless when you can take a trip to the Serengeti, investigate the weather, and meet animals without bones. Summer break is the perfect time to make learning fun with hands-on investigation. Week-long camps (Mon-Fri) are available for children ages 5-9. One teacher and one assistant will be with every class (Maximum 20 students per class). Camp programs might include but are not limited to science explorations, arts & crafts, games, walking field trips, guest presenters and play time throughout the museum.

• ADVENTURERS Ages 5-6 Must have experience in an organized classroom. Must be 5yrs of age by June 9, 2014.
• EXPLORERS Ages 6-7 Completed Grades K-1
• INVESTIGATORS Ages 7-9 Completed Grades 2-3

Good to Know: Premium & Deluxe Museum members receive a 15% discount on all summer camp sessions.  Camp pricing includes museum entry, AM/PM snacks, Camp T-shirt (1 per week), and all activity supplies.

Color Me Mine-Summer Art Adventures Camps
1609 W. Snow Circle, Tampa
July 7-August 5
Monday through Friday from 12:30 – 5:00

Berkeley Prep
4811 Kelly Road, Tampa
June 2-July 25
Camp hours vary

With over 100 unique camps and classes for students grades PreK-12, Berkeley Summer Programs has something for everyone, and we can cater to a child’s diverse interests or singular passion. We offer full-day sessions in a variety of areas such as sports, academics, and fine arts, or you can opt for our one, two, and three-hour à la carte selections. Perhaps your child would love to try Rock Climbing one week and Engineering Design the next, or Chess in June followed by Baseball in July. We also offer a unique and dynamic Spanish immersion camp for children, Juguemos en Español, as well as such exciting hands-on programs as Science Magic, iPad Coding and 3D, Just Art!, and LEGO® Minecraft.  June and July are also ideal for older students to take a credit course in history, for example, or an SAT review.

Camp Frontier
18050 US Hwy 301 South, Wimauma
June 16-August 8
Camp hours: 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Campers may arrive as early as 8:00 a.m.

Day Camps for ages 6-14. Not just a summer camp: Camp Frontier is a Summer Adventure! We provide an outstanding traditional American summer camp experience to boys and girls age six through high school. We strive to meet each camper’s individual needs in a safe, supportive environment with a child-centered program. Campers select their own schedule from over 30 activities as well as team events, cabin programs, beach and theme park trips. Overnight camps also available for ages 8-15.

Critter Camp/The Humane Society of Tampa Bay
3607 North Armenia Ave, Tampa
June 16-August 8
Camp Hours: 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Critter Camp is a one week summer camp for children between the ages of 8 to 12.  We have guest speakers, make crafts, learn about careers with animals and play with lots of dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens.

Big Cat Rescue
12802 East St., Tampa
8-11 year olds: June 16-20, June 23-27, July 14-18, July 21-25, July 28-Aug. 1, Aug. 4-8
12-15 year olds: June 16-20, June 23-27, July 14-18, July 28-Aug. 1
Camp hours: 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. No extended hours offered.

Children 8 to 15 years old are invited to explore the great outdoors with 100+ big cats of every size, color and purrsonality. While participating in educational activities, campers enjoy meeting lions, tigers, leopards and many other felines. Campers will explore outdoors on the 55 acre campus while learning about animal habitats, diets, adaptations and conservation. Interactive learning opportunities include diet preparation, scavenger hunts and keeper demonstrations of feedings and behavioral training with the cats.

Good to Know: Discounted rate offered before June 1; 10% discount on tuition for registering multiple children and multiple sessions!

Tampa Creative Camps Studio
3401 Henderson Boulevard Suite H, Tampa
June 2-August 8 (1 and 2 week sessions available)

Our youth programs aim to increase self-confidence, strengthen communication and teamwork, stimulate creative thought, and foster a lifelong appreciation for the arts as essential to community life in addition to improving acting skills. Our programs are diverse, fun, high-energy programs that allow young people to fully engage their imaginations as they experience the thrill of creating live theatre. From learning the basic techniques of acting for the stage, to developing improvisation and physical comedy skills, to putting it all together in a public performance, it’s an experience your child will never forget. Tampa Creative Camps CAST are a great way to discover the joys of drama, explore the creative self, and make wonderful new friends. Tampa Creative Camps’ goal is to bring out the best in each child by mixing fun, encouragement and real world tools techniques used by industry professionals.

Tampa Theatre Film Camp (brochure)
711 N. Franklin Street, Tampa
June 16-July 25
Morning session: 9:00am to noon for students entering grades 3-6
Afternoon session: 1:00-4:00pm for students entering grades 7-12
Each summer, Tampa Theatre’s historic auditorium lights up with young filmmakers working together to produce their visions on-screen. This year, both the popular live-action and stop-motion animation camps will once again be offered. NEW IN 2014, the Theatre will also add three Saturday sessions and a week-long model building camp that is the perfect companion to stop-motion animation filmmaking camp the following week.

Good to Know: Registration for all of the summer camp programs and Saturday sessions opens Monday, March 17 for the general public. Space is limited (20 campers per session), and sessions fill up quickly.

Clearwater/St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation
Various locations

• Playcamp Children entering grades 1 – 6
• Teen Camp Teens entering grades 7 – 9
• Technology Camp Teens entering grades 7 – 10
• Camp Redbird Age 6 to adult – for persons with differing physical or mental abilities
• Jungle Boogie Camp Children ages 3 & 4
• Young Naturalist Camp Children entering Kindergarten – age 6
• Nature Adventure Camp Children ages 7 – 13
• Pioneer Camp Children ages 7 – 13
• Herpetology Camp Children ages 7 – 11
• Wildlife Ecology Children entering Kindergarten – age 6

St. Petersburg College/College for Kids K-5 Camp
9 Locations
June 9-Aug. 1, 2014
Camp Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Classes begin at 8:30 a.m. Extended care (additional costs) 2:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Looking for 2014 summer camps and programs that are educational, motivational and fun? St. Petersburg College and community partners are hosting more than a dozen affordable summer camps and programs for elementary, middle and high school students. Weekly schedules are posted online for each program. Campers are grouped by grade and age level and switch classes throughout the day. New topics may be introduced or a repeated topic may be taught but with the introduction of new materials. This way, children who attend every week will stay challenged and interested, and children who miss weeks will not fall behind.

Good to Know: A 10% early payment discount is applied to regular camp fees only that are received (not postmarked) in our office by 4 p.m. on June 6. This does not include the non-refundable $50 application fee that is due at the time of registration or aftercare fees. Siblings get $10 off each week when first child pays the regular fee.

Cecil B. Keene Summer Enrichment Program
SPC Midtown Campus
June 16–July 24 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
For more information or to apply, call 727-341-4376.

The Cecil B. Keene Summer Enrichment Program (SEP) is a selective summer program at St. Petersburg College (SPC) Midtown that is designed to assist College Reach-Out Program, Center of Excellence, and community students to be successful in high school, college and beyond. Students that are selected for the six-week program will have the opportunity to earn three college credits, learn life management and critical thinking strategies, explore careers, visit colleges and expand their horizons. All current 11th grade students entering 12th grade in the fall are encouraged to apply. Submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance into the program. The program is free to students and includes lunch served daily. Transportation is not provided.
Qualifications & Requirements

• Applicants must be 11th grade students entering 12th grade in the fall
• Applicants must be working toward a standard high school diploma
• Students accepted into the program must attend every day
• Applicant and parent/guardian interviews required for consideration into the program

Clearwater Marine Aquarium
249 Windward Passage, Clearwater
June 2-August 15
Morning Half-Day Camps: 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.; Afternoon Half-Day Camps: 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Full Day Travel Camp: 8:30am – 4:00pm; 4.5 Hour Kayak Camp: 8:30am – 1:00pm

Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s award-winning Summer with Winter Camp Program! Get your camper ready to have fun in the sun as they embark on their own coastal learning experience with our all NEW camp selections for 2014. Enjoy our half-day or full-day week-long camps featuring Winter and her rescued dolphin, river otter, and sea turtle friends! Our camp options feature snorkeling and even SCUBA diving in sea grass beds and sand flats, kayaking through local estuaries, meeting greeting our rescued residents, and discovering fascinating marine creatures in their natural habitat. Your summer fun begins at Clearwater Marine Aquarium!
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cma camp snorkel loop 2011 from Clearwater Marine Aquarium on Vimeo.

Great Explorations
1925 4th St N
St Petersburg, FL 33704
June 9-August 15
Great Explorations summer camps are a fantastic way to have fun while school is out! Our camps stimulate learning and imagination with themes ranging from space exploration to sea life.  Days are filled with experiments, arts, movement activities and guest presentations from local experts in the fields we explore!  Our week-long camps are designed for students entering grades 1 through 5, a new and exciting theme starting each Monday.  While camp themes are the same for all ages, daily activities will vary to challenge students based on grade level. Come spend the summer at Great Explorations, where St. Petersburg comes to learn and play!

Clearwater Community Sailing Association
1001 Gulf Boulevard, Clearwater
June 2-August 11  (June 30th – July 4th NO Camp)
Camp hours: 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Little Puffs: Campers age 5-7 will be sailing with an instructor learning about the wind and the water. The main focus is to have fun and be safe.  There will be 2 sessions each day for Little Puffs:  AM: 9-12 or PM 12-3; Pram Camp 1: Pram Camp 1 is for first time sailors ages 8-12 or up to 120lbs. This camp offers a basic level of sailing, focusing on the fundamentals while having a great time on the water.; Pram Camp 2: Pram II is a great camp available to sailors who have already completed Pram Camp 1 or who are ready to advance their skills. Pram II is for sailors 8-12 or up to 120lbs.; 420 Camp: This camp is for those 12-17 years old. 420s are two person boats that are great for beginners and experienced sailors alike.; Water Adventure Camp: For campers ages 10 and up. Campers will be sailing primarily on Hobie Waves. Adventure camp also includes other fun activities like kayaking and stand up paddle boarding. All experience levels are welcome.; Windsurfing: Windsurfing is a more physical sport and requires balancing on the board while sailing at the same time. Campers should be at least 10 years old. All experience levels are welcome.; Camp Awesome: Camp Awesome is dedicated to teaching sailing to high functioning kids with special needs. Ages 9-16. Camp Awesome runs for two weeks at a time.

SPCA Tampa Bay
9099 130th Avenue North, Largo
June 9-August 1
Hours vary based on camp.

Children 5 to 7 years old
Kids & Kritters Summer Camp: June 9 – 13, 2014
Camp runs Monday through Friday from 9am to Noon.
Children 8 to 11 years old
Camille’s Pets ‘R Us Camp: June 16 – 20, 2014
Camille’s Where The Wild Things Are (in Florida) Camp: June 23 – 27, 2014
Camille’s Pets & Vets Camp: July 7 – 11, 2014
All camps run Monday through Friday from 10am to 2pm.
Teens 12 to 15 years old
Animal-Loving Professions Camps I: July 21 – 25, 2014
Animal-Loving Professions Camps II: July 28 – August 1, 2014
Both camps run Monday through Friday from 10am to 4pm.

Sunscreen Film Festival Summer Camp
Studio620 Downtown St. Petersburg, 620 1st Ave. South St. Petersburg
July 14, 2014-July 25, 2014 (2 week camp)
Camp Hours: 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Kids ages 12-18. This summer, the Sunscreen Film Festival Film School will present a two-week summer camp. Participants will script, shoot and edit as many as four films, which they will present at their own festival at the end of the camp. The camp focuses in the beginning, as all good movies must, on storytelling. Kids will learn to craft the events of stories into compelling sequences that build tension and suspense and plant vital questions in the viewers’ minds. Then everyone will write a short script employing what they’ve learned. Concurrently, campers will get a good overview of cinematography, with industry experts using the same equipment the campers will be using. These experts will demonstrate shots and camera angles along with sound and lighting principles essential for good filmmaking. At the end of the first week, the faculty will choose up to four of the campers’ original films for actual production. It will then divide the campers into production teams in preparation for the next three days during which they will shoot the scripts. The last two days of camp will be devoted to post-production during which the movies will be edited, music added, credits appended and whatever other creative touches the campers devise.

Summer Camp at Tampa Bay Watch
3000 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde
Sea Monkeys: Full-Day (9 AM – 4 PM) Sessions: June 16-20 July 14-18, Half-Day (9-11:30 AM) Sessions: July 7-11 July 21-25
Tampa Bay Discovery Camp: Full-Day (9 AM – 4 PM) Sessions: June 9-13 June 23-27 July 7-11 July 21-25 August 4-8

Tampa Bay Watch offers two exciting, fun-filled summer camp options! Sea Monkeys is a camp is for kids ages 6-8 and offers an introduction to the marine environment. Tampa Bay Discovery camp is for kids ages 9-14 and offers an in depth look at what makes Tampa Bay one of the most incredible estuaries in the world! Both camps take place at our Marine and Education Center. This ideal location on the Shell Key Preserve, which boasts rich mangrove forests, grass flats and shallow waters teeming with marine life, provides a perfect setting for our summer campers to engage in hands-on opportunities to learn about marine ecology and participate in restoration projects. Our facility features an outdoor classroom complete with a fully equipped wet-lab and large aquarium tanks, while our indoor laboratory classroom houses lab equipment, interactive touch tanks, and interpretive murals.

Good to Know: General registration opens March 17, 2014.

Across Tampa Bay

Camp Seal
Camp Seal is located 1 block north of Seal Swim School at 19501 Holly Lane, Lutz, FL
June 9th-August 15th 2014
Camp hours: 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.; Extended Care Available-7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Seal Swim School now provides a fantastic aquatic camp program for children four years old to ten years old. Each camp week will center on a theme where your child will enjoy a variety of activities such as swim lessons, recreational swim, outdoor sports, indoor games, archery, arts and crafts and much, much more!

Each child will receive personal attention from our talented and dedicated professional camp staff that will encourage them to develop their imaginations and individual abilities while enhancing their self-esteem.

Good to Know: Ratio 15:2 Children need to bring a lunch. Snacks and water/Gatorade provided

YMCA of the Suncoast

This summer will be a World of Adventure for everyone in Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando and Citrus counties. Summer camp registration for the Y starts Saturday, March 15.  The YMCA of the Suncoast offers safe and caring summer camp programs that give kids a chance to get outdoors, learn new skills and make friends.

Summer Splash FREE Summer Camp Expo

Summer Splash, a FREE summer camp expo featuring live entertainment, interactive activities and plentiful information about all kinds of summer camps, will be held Sunday, April 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts.

Presented by the Straz Center’s Patel Conservatory and Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine, Summer Splash will feature a bounce house, giveaways, vendors, interactive games, health and wellness resources, safety demonstrations, tours of the Patel Conservatory and hands-on activities for children. At the Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine booth, drawings will be held every half hour for free gifts, including free weeks of summer camp.

More than 70 summer camp booths representing organizations from around the Tampa Bay area will offer information, with many giving discounts. Those registering on site for Patel Conservatory summer camps and classes will receive 10 percent off tuition for most camps and classes. (April 6 is the last day for the Early Bird discount.)

Two free Rock School Blowout concerts, in which Patel Conservatory Rock School students will jam out on classic and modern rock and roll songs they’ve learned in class, will be held at noon and 2:30 p.m. on the Riverwalk.

More information about Summer Splash is available online and by calling 813.949.4400.