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Summer Camp SurveyBy Cody Dulaney

27 ParentGuide®

Let’s face it, as a parent you have enough on your plate as it is, and sometimes it may be a little overwhelming. You may often find yourself making sure the kids stick to their daily routine, getting them to school on time, checking to see if their homework is done, and sometimes the most challenging

question of all, what the heck are they going to eat for dinner? This is all before you are able to slow down and take care of your own priorities.

Take a minute to relax and review the many different options facing you and your child this upcoming summer. Now granted, it is only February, but take this as an opportunity to jump ahead of the curve, or at the very least, knock one more thing off your ever-growing to-do list.

Summer camps are a great way to ensure your child is occupied during their time away from school. Keeping their mind exercised and focused during the summer break is crucial to early success the following year. It also keeps your mind at ease to know exactly where they are, and who they are with. Even if you just want them out of the house so you can enjoy some alone time – summer camps are a great alternative to high school babysitters.

Take this as an opportunity to plan ahead, so that when the time comes an overbooked summer camp is the least of your worries. Give yourself a fighting chance in the chaotic world of parenthood, and make this a summer your child will never forget!

Sports CampsPinellas Indoor Soccer AcademyIs your child the next David Beckham or Mia Hamm? Well at the Pinellas Indoor Soccer Academy, each child will spend the summer honing their skills on the soccer field. Kids between the ages of 5 to 16 years old will practice the fundamentals of the sport with each other, while forming friendships in the process. The campers will practice drills that focus on dribbling, passing, and shooting, as well as participate in small games and shootouts. Even if your child isn’t the next big star in soccer, get them out of the house for exercise, fun, and friendship!

Contact Information: 727-585-4625611 Commerce Drive, Largo, FL 33770info@pinellasindoorsoccerclub.comLunch: OfferedSchedule: Beginning June 10,Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.Pricing: $76-$200 per week

BOSTOCK’S Martial ArtsGive your child the opportunity to learn about life skills, respect, and self-control through the practice of martial arts. At Jack Bostock’s martial arts summer camp, learning how to fight is not the primary goal. The practice of martial arts has been used to teach self-defense and discipline for thousands of years. However, Bostock seeks to give his campers more than the typical martial arts lesson.

“It’s not so much about fighting enemies or bullies that we are concerned with,” Bostock said, “it’s about fighting everyday things like negative environments or child obesity.”

Bostock has spent years teaching children the values of respect, boundaries, and discipline. Each camper will participate in team building activities as well as physical challenges. They will not be cooped up inside all day, as they will spend their lunch eating at the local park. Every week the campers will tag along to a different field trip location (most commonly Bounce U, swimming pools, bowling or skating rinks). This is a chance for your children to learn life-long values, build strong friendships, and learn the value of nutrition.

“It’s all about fighting the things we have control over,” Bostock said.

Contact Information:941-749-5400 West Manatee941-750-0600 East ManateeSchedule: Beginning June 10Monday-Friday: 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.Pricing: As low as $109 per weekLunch: Not offered

Clearwater Hitting AcademyIntroduce your child to America’s pastime this summer at the Clearwater Hitting Academy. Whether he or she is a seasoned baseball player or new to the sport, they will focus on the fundamentals of swinging the bat and making contact. Campers between the ages of 7 and 12 years old will have the opportunity to practice their swing with instructors who have made it to the college level or higher. Shane Casey, an instructor at the Hitting Academy, is an outfielder at Southeastern University, and broke a hitting record last season with five runs batted in.

“This will not only make the kids a better baseball player,” Casey said, “but they will have a lot of fun in the process.”

Ignite a new passion in your child’s life with the game of baseball.

Contact Information: (727) 723-225524323 US Highway 19 N., Clearwater, FL 33763Schedule: Call ahead for Beginning DatesMonday-Friday: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.Lunch: Offered

Art CampsTap into your child’s creative side through a multitude of different art camps going on in the Bay Area this summer. From the young painter, sketch artist, or craftsman, to the preforming artist or dancer, there are many different places for kids to express their creativity. Each child will have the opportunity to learn about fine art in history, as well as practice hands-on activities with their peers. A summer surrounded by the arts is sure to bring out the Picasso or Shakespeare in your little one.

Morean Arts Center(727) 822-7872

Dunedin Fine Arts(727) 298-3322

Straz Center(813) 222-1002

“Acting Up” Preforming Arts(941) 730-8301

Arts Center Manatee(941) 746-2862

Outdoor CampsCircle F Dude RanchAn experience of a lifetime is waiting for your child at this overnight camp. The Dude Ranch rests on more than 500 acres of lush forests, rolling hills, and wide open fields, with a 42 acre lake for swimming and other activities. With all this room for the exploration of nature, your child is sure to come home with lasting memories. If that doesn’t keep them occupied the entire summer, the 30 different activities that the camp has to offer will surely do the trick. Campers will have the opportunity to ride one of the 65 different horses, climb a rock wall, zip line, paint ball, sail or kayak, and even play sports like football or soccer. Chris Canchon, a camp counselor, has been at the Dude Ranch for a few years now.

“This camp will help kids mature into young adults,” Canchon said, “we teach them about responsibility and self-respect.” Even if you have other arrangements to work around, the various schedules are flexible, as the camp offers five different sessions ranging from one week to three weeks. It is a little pricey, but you have to take into account the fact that it is an overnight camp, food is taken care of, and your child will have a summer to remember. After all, it’s hard to put a price on childhood memories.

“It’s an experience they will never forget, with friends they will never forget,” Canchon said.

Contact Information: (863) 676-41135301 Dude Ranch Rd, Lake Wales FL 33853

Scheduling1st Session (2 weeks)

Sunday June 9th - Saturday June 22nd, 2013$2,695

2nd Session (3 weeks)Sunday June 23rd - Saturday July 13, 2013

$3,2953rd Session (3 weeks)

Sunday July 14th - Saturday August 3rd, 2013$3,295

4th Session (10 days)Sunday August 4th - Tuesday August 13th

$1,695Ask about the week long session

SUMMER CAMP SURVEY

SUMMER CAMP SURVEYSaddle-Up Riding ClubA little bit of everything is offered to campers between the ages of 6 to 10 years old at the Saddle-Up Riding Club. This isn’t the typical “horse camp,” as counselor Kellie Sipos calls it. The little ones have the opportunity to be around therapy horses, which are great with kids, experience nature firsthand, and express their creativity through arts and crafts with their peers. Between learning how to ride these majestic animals, the kids will have some fun by making picture frames and scrap books, painting ceramic horses, and even bejeweling their own horseshoes. At the end of each week, the campers will have the chance to ride their horses on a trail, under the supervision of certified instructors.

“We will also email videos of each child’s progress on every Friday,” Sipos said, “that way moms, dads, and grandparents can see their child’s week at horse camp.”

Contact Information: (727) 520-31326080 94th Ave, Pinellas Park, FL 33782Schedule: Beginning June 10Monday-Friday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.Some half days will be offered as well.Pricing: $250 per week

Ocala Outdoor AdventureBeyond the Xbox and TV set there is an entire world waiting for your child this summer. Allow them to experience the great outdoors and form lifelong friendships in this overnight summer camp. Campers between the ages of 9 and 15 years old will focus on wildlife conservation, outdoor skills, and gun safety. At a six week camp, on 57 acres of property, your little one is sure to go wild participating in the fun activities and exploring the Floridian wildlife. Boys and girls will have a chance to experience fishing, canoeing, swimming, hiking, archery and many other interactive outdoor activities. Many different programs are at the kids’ disposal as well.

The camp is held at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) Ocala Conservation Center, which has the capability of offering safety courses and certifications. If your child is interested, the hunter safety group offers a course where he or she can get certified. They are taught to become safe and ethical in the outdoors, to become aware

of wildlife and their habitats, and then apply what they learned in the forest. Once certified, your little outdoorsmen or women are on their way to having their very own hunting license.

Bring out the Buffalo Bill Cody in your child, and give them an outdoor experience they will never forget!

Contact Information: Greg Workman (352) 625-2804Scheduling: Beginning June 16 until July 28Pricing: Contact Greg Workman

Special Needs CampTampa Day CampWhile your son or daughter is away from school this summer, keep their minds stimulated with Tampa Day Camp’s weekly activities. It’s easy for a child to become complacent during the summer, and wind up spending the first few months of school playing catch-up. Tampa Day offers a structured environment where children have the opportunity to continue their growth and development. With a different field trip every week, as well as activities in academics, art, technology, and sports, the campers at Tampa Day will surely give themselves the advantage academically, plus have a blast in the process. All camp leaders are certified teachers, and specialize in teaching and supervising kids with dyslexia, ADD or ADHD. Give your child the opportunity to continue his or her development over the summer, and sign up for Tampa Day.

Contact Information: (813) 269-210012606 Henderson Road, Tampa, FL 33625Schedule: June 10 until the first week of AugustMonday-Friday: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.Lunch: Not Offered

Pricing

Grades K-5 $225 per week

Grades 6-8$250 per week

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Foundation for DreamsThe exploration of nature, friendship, and excitement is at your child’s fingertips this summer at the Foundation for Dreams in Bradenton. This camp offers a wide variety of activities for children between the ages of 7 and 17 years old, who have mental or physical disabilities, chronic illnesses, or those considered “at risk.” Campers will experience the power and grace of a 1,000 pound horse straddled between their legs, cover themselves head to toe in arts and crafts material, as well as enjoy outdoor activities like camping, hiking, or canoeing. In this overnight camp, the children will be housed in fully-furnished cabins with four bedrooms and two baths, including any necessary accessibility to meet special needs. Many different nature programs are available during your child’s stay, with plenty of sports and games to keep them busy until the sun goes down.

Contact Information: (941) 746-565916110 Dream Oaks Place, Bradenton, FL 34212Schedule: June 10th to August 2nd Specific dates and times as of now have not yet been decided. For a better idea of scheduling and pricing information contact the Executive Director, Jodi Franke, with the number listed above.Camper application: visit http://www.foundationfordreams.org/?Page=Camper Application

Camp COASTWelcome your child to a nurturing environment that is safe and fun this summer. At Camp COAST in Clearwater, the instructors specialize in teaching children with Asperger’s Syndrome, Autism, and other developmental disabilities. Each camper will be able to develop their skills academically over the summer, as well as have the opportunity to advance their social skills. To keep campers on their toes, each week the children are introduced to a different theme. Kids 5 to 9 years old are welcome to join in the fun, as they will participate in outdoor activities like horseback riding, swimming, and sailing. They will also have sessions of sensory games, arts and crafts, singing and dancing. Field trips will also be part of the camp experience. If this safe, nurturing, and fun environment sounds like a good fit for you and your child, be sure to register with Vickie Shire starting March 1.

Contact Information: (727) 461-96221005 South Highland Avenue, Clearwater, FL 33756Scheduling: June 21 to August 5 , 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Pricing: $120 or $150 for Facility Members

General CampInanimate Reason Robotics Day Camp

The expanding industry of science and technology influences your child every day. Whether they are at school or at home, new and exciting electronics are constantly introduced to them. Wouldn’t it be great if they knew exactly how it all worked? At Inanimate Reason, campers between the ages 6 and 14 years old will delve into art science and technology, and walk away with a grasp of the design of technology. They will be split up in groups depending on age and level of experience. Campers will then build Lego robotics to complete challenges and missions, while sometimes in a competitive atmosphere. Each camper will gain a wealth of knowledge in engineering, programming, critical thinking, and teamwork, all while having a blast in the process. They have the freedom to explore at their own pace an entire world that is sure to fascinate them, while clueless of its educational content. Sign your child up for this day camp, and you will have an earful of stories waiting for you when they finish each day.

Contact Information: Bill Shaw (813) 249-5522The camp is now supporting locations in Lutz, Riverview, South and North Tampa – Contact Bill for specific locations.

Sessions Weekly Prices

Morning 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

$165

Afternoon 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

$165

All Day 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

$310

Lunch: Not Offered

SUMMER CAMP SURVEY

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Planet Jump!Space Cadets wanted! This summer, your child is able to have “an out of this world” play experience at Planet Jump’s very first summer camp. With seven inflatable slides (ranging from Spongebob Squarepants to Superman), campers are able to experience the feeling of weightlessness on trampoline-like surfaces. Whether they participate in dodge ball, basketball, or just enjoy the various slides, they are all having the time of their life, while exercising at the same time; who would have thought of that? There will also be time throughout the day for board games, arts and crafts, and movies. Casey Woodruff, manager of Planet Jump, co-founded the company in 2007, and is hosting its very first summer camp.

“The kids in this camp will have more physical activity compared to anywhere else,” Woodruff said.Registering for this summer gives children the chance to be part of the first graduating class of Space Cadets. With an indoor facility that is completely air-conditioned, and a staff that is constantly keeping watch, the cadets will have a safe and fun summer amongst their peers.

Contact Information: (727) 535-232312640 62nd St N., Suite 100, Largo, FL 33773www.planetjump.netAges: Grades 1-5Schedule: Beginning June 67:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Pricing: $99 per week or $25 per day (if space is available) – Registrations are required in advance – Call the number above for further informationLunch: Offered at $3.50 per day or the child can bring their own

History Adventure CampsOk parents get ready for your kids for one of the most exciting summer camps in the Tampa Bay region where they not only have fun but actuallylearn with our ...Dig , craft and build your way through the past at the Tampa Bay History Center!Camps are open to ages 7-11 !

This year includes arts & crafts, games music literature, and splash parks too. Your kids will actually have interactions with real historians and other experts who are lead by our experienced educators dedicated to providing unique and engaging experiences that they will not soon forget but can only find here at Tampa Bay History Center !

Contact information:813.675.8960801 OLD WATERS STREET TAMPA FL. 33602VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE INFO TampaBayHistoryCenter.org

Camp Schedules:Go Green June - 17-21American Girls - July 8-12Build It! - July 22-26Archeology Adventure - Aug. 5-9

MOSI Summer Science CampInspiration and wonder is waiting for your child at the Museum of Science and Industry this summer. This camp aims to provide kids with an interactive learning experience where science comes to life, launching rockets becomes second nature, and exploration of the wild is merely based upon desire. Each child will develop their skills in science and math during their time away from teachers and classrooms, while having a summer to remember. The hands-on educational content is sure to enrich their experience, while learning the connections between everything around us. Give your child something that will amaze them every day, and make them want to return for more. Register your spot today and your child will thank you for it later.

Contact Information: (813) 987-6000 or www.mosi.org4801 E. Fowler Avenue, Tampa, FL 33617Contact MOSI for specifics on pricing, schedules, and age groups welcomed.

Regardless of which corner in the Bay Area you call home, there is always a camp out there for you and your child this summer. As a mom or dad, things never slow down and there is often not enough hours in the day. Take this as a blessing and plan ahead, not only to avoid future headaches, but make this summer one your child can’t wait to tell their friends about.