When school lets out, it’s time for camp in the Middle Keys. Marathon and Big Pine Key have plenty of opportunities for youngsters from the heart of the island chain, whether they’re young scientists-in-training, thespians waiting for their shot on stage, or sailors ready to hit the water.
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ST. COLUMBA JUST FOR FUN CAMP
What is it? Just for Fun Camp offers fun activities, arts and crafts, science, games, field trips, healthy snacks, breakfast and lunch.
Where is it? St. Columba Episcopal Church, 451 West 52nd St., Marathon
When is it? July 8 through August 2, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Age requirement: Ages 5 and up.
How does it work? To sign up, email stcolumbamarathon.secretary@gmail.com or visit stcolumbamarathon.org.
Cost: FREE
Contact: Cathy Walters (305-743-6412) or email stcolumbamarathon.secretary@gmail.com
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PIGEON KEY MARINE SCIENCE SUMMER CAMP
What is it? Campers will learn all about different marine biology topics with a fun, hands-on approach. Activities include reef fish identification, invertebrate collection, snorkeling at Sombrero Reef and around Pigeon Key, participating in dissections, fishing, playing field games and relay races, and enjoying their own private island.
Where is it? Pigeon Key
When is it? Day camps run Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on June 24 – 28, July 8 – 12, and July 29- Aug. 2. Overnight camps run from 9 a.m. Monday through 5 p.m. Friday on July 1-5, July 15 – 19, and July 22 – 26.
Age requirement: Day camps are for ages 8-16. Overnight camps are for ages 10-16.
How does it work? Find more information and registration at www.pigeonkey.net.
Cost: $500 per child for day camps, $1,550 per child for overnight camps
Contact: Email sarah@pigeonkey.net
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LOCALS’ DOLPHIN DAY CAMP
What is it? Locals’ Dolphin Day Camp is a fun-filled, active five-day program that introduces children ages 8-10, who are full-time year-round Florida Keys residents, to the amazing world of dolphins. Campers will get to know and respect each DRC dolphin as a unique individual, go up close and observe them in action, learn more about each dolphin’s unique behaviors and physical characteristics, and participate in hands-on activities (including dolphin interactive programs), group discussions, games, crafts and more.
Where is it? Dolphin Research Center
When is it? Camp runs from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday on one of the following weeks: June 10-14, June 17-21, July 1-5.
Age requirement: Children ages 8-10, who are full-time year-round Florida Keys residents.
How does it work? To receive an application link and begin the enrollment process, email education@dolphins.org with the camper’s full name, birthdate and home location. Please do not share the application link with others – applications submitted without a prior request via email will be discarded. After submitting the online application, you will receive an email from education@dolphins.org within 3-5 business days.
Cost: $200 per child per week. Payment must be completed within three days of receiving the link in order to reserve your camper’s space in the program. Tuition does not include meals or snacks.
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CAMP CRANE
What is it? Fun activities and games including swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, fishing
Where is it? Crane Point Museum & Nature Center
When is it? Camp begins at the end of the school year on May 28 and lasts until the start of the new school year on Aug. 10.
Age requirement: 5-11
How does it work? For questions and registration, contact Crane Point CEO Charlotte Quinn (cranepointmuseum@gmail.com) or call 305-393-9501.
Cost: $100 per week per child
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MARATHON COMMUNITY THEATRE CHILDREN’S SUMMER THEATER PROGRAM
What is it? A six-week evening program with activities that touch on theater basics including auditioning, theater terminology, stage direction, the production process and more. Camp concludes with stage show performances in July.
Where is it? Marathon Community Theatre
When is it? June 3 through July 14 on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6 to 8 p.m.
Age requirement: Ages 6-18
How does it work? Enrollment is by application. Applications are available online at www.marathontheater.org, or can be picked up at the box office at 5101 Overseas Highway in Marathon, Mondays through Fridays from noon to 4 p.m. For further information, contact info@marathontheater.org, or call 305-743-0994.
Cost: $150 per child. Assistance is available based on need.
Contact: Karen Witte, interim General Manager at gm@marathontheater.org
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CITY OF MARATHON PARKS AND RECREATION SUMMER CAMP
What is it? This eight-week summer camp is field-trip based. Trips include Jacobs Aquatic Center, Miami Marlins games, Marine Camp and many more between Miami and Key West. Camp also includes once-a-week beach days.
Where is it? Each day will begin at Marathon Community Park.
When is it? Camp begins June 10 and runs through August 2. Drop-off begins daily at 8 a.m. with pickup beginning at 4 p.m. Campers may register weekly, per month, or for the entire camp.
Age requirement: Ages 5-13
How does it work? To register, go to clubs.bluesombrero.com/cityofmarathonparksandrec.
Email Jennifer Ward (wardj@ci.marathon.fl.us) with any camp questions.
Cost: Full summer camp: $720 for 8 weeks per camper. Monthly: $400 per camper. Weekly: $120 per camper. Sibling discounts are available: $20 for a first sibling, $20 for a second sibling, and $10 for a third sibling.
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MIDDLE KEYS SAILING YOUTH CAMP
What is it? Local youth learn to sail and hone their skills on the clear water that surrounds our island home with Middle Keys Sailing and Science Camps.
Where is it? 33rd Street Gulf, Marathon, at the point under the yellow shade.
When is it? A new schedule for 2024, offering (2) two-week beginner/refresher sessions and several one-week intermediate/advanced sessions, some with racing or fun science themes. Session times are divided by age: Mondays through Thursdays, ages 7-9 in mornings, ages 10-16 in afternoons. All ages meet together on Fridays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Class sessions run from June 3 through August 8, with a regatta and end-of-season party TBD.
Age requirement: Ages 7-16
How does it work? Open to all local youth. For more information and sign-up, visit www.mycef.education.
Cost: Tuition is $170 per sailor per week. Sign up before May 20 to register a student for two consecutive weeks for $300. Financial assistance is available for those in need.
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DAYCAMP AT SEACAMP
What is it? Daycamp is a Seacamp program offered to children ages 10-13 who live in the Middle and Lower Keys. Located in Big Pine Key, the Daycamp science program educates campers about the distinct marine environment by exploring our surrounding areas. Campers will explore these unique locations through snorkeling, wading and kayaking excursions. In addition to the science program, campers spend their week participating in activities such as fisheries science, games, arts and crafts and swimming. Family and friends of Daycampers are invited to join in the fun by attending a campfire on Thursday evening during the week. The campers will perform skits, sing songs and make s’mores.
Where is it? Seacamp Association Inc., 1300 Big Pine Ave., Big Pine Key
When is it? Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Drop-off begins at 8:30 a.m., and pick-up ends at 5:30 p.m. Sessions include July 1-5, July 8-12, July 15-19, July 22-26, July 29- August 2, and August 5-9.
Age requirement: Ages 10-13.
How does it work? Email info@seacamp.org for application, information and enrollment forms. Visit www.seacamp.org for more program information.
Cost: $350 per camper per week, $50 registration fee due to secure spot as part of full camp fee. Tuition includes all activities, boat trips, lab experiments and kayak trips. Lunch is provided.Contact: Call 305-872-2331 or email info@seacamp for questions and information.
