Marathon may be a small island, but there’s plenty to do for kids this summer. Regardless of your children’s interests and your family’s budget, Marathon’s nonprofits and community organizations stand ready to welcome the town’s younglings to camps throughout the hottest months of the year – whether that means splashing in the water with a dolphin, cruising on its surface in a sailboat, adventuring throughout the islands or exploring a creative outlet on stage. Please note that as most organizations are finalizing their camps and openings fill quickly, details are subject to change. For a complete list of camps, including those in the Upper and Lower Keys, visit keysweekly.com
PIGEON KEY MARINE SCIENCE SUMMER CAMP
What is it? Campers will learn 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. July 3-7, July 24-28, and July 31- Aug. 4. Overnight camps run from 9 a.m. Monday through 5 p.m. Friday on June 26-30 (this date is tentative based on how many campers sign up), July 10-14, and July 17-21.
What’s the 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, $1,200 per child for overnight camps.
Contact: Email callie@pigeonkey.net.
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 new yellow shade.
When is it? A new schedule for 2023. Beginners and intermediate sailors meet from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Mondays through Thursdays, while advanced sailors learn to race from 2 to 5:15 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays. All ages and skill levels have fun learning together on Fridays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Class sessions run from June 5 through Aug. 4, with a regatta and end-of-season party TBD.
What’s the 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.
DOLPHIN DAY CAMP
What is it? 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 meet DRC’s resident dolphin family, getting to know and respect each dolphin as an individual. DRC puts them up close to observe the dolphins in action so they can learn more about each dolphin’s unique behaviors and physical characteristics. With hands-on activities, group discussions, games, crafts and more, their days will prove that learning is fun.
Where is it? Dolphin Research Center, MM 59, Grassy Key.
When is it? 8:30 a.m.- 4 p.m., Monday-Friday; June 12-16; July 3-7; July 10-14 (full-standby only).
What’s the age requirement? Ages 8-10.
How does it work? For more information and to enroll, please go to www.dolphins.org/dolphinday_camp, and follow the enrollment instructions.
Cost: $200 per child per week for Florida Keys residents. Tuition includes all activities, demonstrations, interactive programs and digital photographs. Does not include meals or snacks.
Contact: Email education@dolphins.org with questions.
CAMP CRANE
What is it? Crane Point Hammock’s Camp Crane, now in its fourth year, will include hiking, kayaking, swimming and fishing as well as fun activities like arts and crafts, kiting, treasure hunting, water balloons and more.
Where is it? Crane Point Hammock Museum & Nature Center in Marathon.
When is it? June 5 until school starts in August, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (early drop-off available).
What’s the age requirement? Ages 5-11 (special arrangements can be made, some activities will be separated by age groups).
How does it work? Register with Charlotte Quinn by contacting cranepointmuseum@gmail.com.
Cost: $100 per week per child.
Contact: Charlotte Quinn.
THE HAMMOCK HOUSE-JUST FOR FUN SUMMER CAMP
What is it? Join the Hammock House @ St. Columba Episcopal Church for a day camp featuring field trips, new adventures, and learning exciting new skills, arts, crafts, games, and fun with friends. Snacks and lunch are included. We provide parents peace of mind knowing their kids are in a safe, loving place during the long hot days of summer. The kids leave with awesome memories, growing both emotionally and socially and developing new skills and interests that last for years.
Where is it? St. Columba Episcopal Church, Marathon www.stcolumbamarathon.org.
When is it? July 5 through July 28 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with aftercare available from 3 to 5 p.m.
What’s the age requirement? Ages 5 and up. Teens are welcome to join as junior counselors.
How does it work? Registration will open in May. Call 305-743-6412 or email stcolumbamarathon.office@gmail.com.
Cost: Camp is free but space is limited. Aftercare is offered for $5 per day per family.
CITY OF MARATHON PARKS & RECREATION SUMMER CAMP
What is it? CMPR Summer Camp strives to provide campers with a safe and clean environment to enjoy a variety of activities throughout the summer. It offers a quality camp experience which includes a balance of activities (songs, crafts, games and field trips), while emphasizing fun and enjoyment. Included is an opportunity for each camper to acquire new skills and abilities, as well as to improve existing skills. This camp offers an outlet for all children to socialize with each other and provides a constructive outlet for energy and self-expression.
Where is it? Marathon Community Park.
When is it? 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday from June 5 to July 28.
What’s the age requirement? Ages 5-11.
Cost: $100 per child per week, sibling discounts available.
Contact: Jen Ward at wardj@ci.marathon.fl.us or 305-743-6598.
MCT’S ANNUAL CHILDREN’S SUMMER THEATRE PROGRAM
What is it? MCT’s Children’s Summer Theatre Program activities touch on theater basics, including stage direction, terminology, auditioning, the production process and much more. Programming is designed for the beginner as well as the experienced student actor. All activities are designed to develop imagination, concentration, character, professionalism and technique and to strengthen the student’s command of his or her body and voice. All participants will be placed in the cast or crew of the 2023 Children’s Summer Theatre production.
Where is it? Marathon Community Theatre.
When is it? This is a seven-week evening program that will meet on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6 to 8 p.m. and will run June 5 through July 19, with the participant’s final main stage production dates of July 21 and 22 at 7 p.m.
What’s the age requirement? Ages 6-18
How does it work? Visit www.marathontheater.org to download an application packet, or contact gm@marathontheater.org with questions. Application deadline is May 31, 2023.
Cost: $150 per child. Fee includes two complimentary show tickets for a parent/guardian to use at the final production. Financial assistance available – more information from gm@marathontheater.org.Program directors: Kara Pascucci (781-910-7339) or Stephanie Zajac (631-456-0638).
