Summer in an island chain means opportunities for youngsters that can’t be found anywhere else. When school lets out in the Florida Keys, it’s time for a host of unique camps, whether your children are young scientists-in-training, zoologists in the making, thespians waiting for their shot on stage, sailors ready to hit the water – or kids who just want to have a good old time and play.
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? June 23 through Aug. 1, 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 30-July 4, July 14-18, and July 28-Aug. 1. Overnight camps run from 9 a.m. Monday through 5 p.m. Friday on June 23-27, July 7-11, and July 21-25.
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 June 16-20.
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, birth date and home location (i.e. Marathon, Key West etc.). Applications submitted without a prior request via email will be discarded. The online application will include a link to pay tuition. You must submit the application and pay the tuition for your camper to be enrolled in camp.
Cost: $200 per child per week, paid when submitting an application. 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, hiking and exploring.
Where is it? Crane Point Museum & Nature Center
When is it? Camp begins on June 2 and lasts until the start of the new school year on Aug. 8.
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? Tentatively scheduled from June 2 through July 9 on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6 to 8 p.m., with performances on July 11, 12 and 13.
Age requirement: Ages 6-18
How does it work? Enrollment is by application, to be released soon. For further information, contact info@marathontheater.org or call 305-743-0994.
Cost: $150 per child. Assistance is available based on need.
Contact: Lisa Campanelli, 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 has many field trips, including Jacobs Aquatics Center, Pinfish Entertainment, Everglades Alligator Farm, Marine Lab and many more, all the way from Key West to Miami.
Where is it? Each day will begin at Marathon Community Park before departing for a field trip or staying in the park for activities.
When is it? Camp begins June 9 and runs through Aug. 1. Drop-off begins daily at 8 a.m. with pickup beginning at 4 p.m. Campers may register for the entire camp, for four-week sessions, or per week.
Age requirement: Ages 5-13
How does it work? To register, go to clubs.bluesombrero.com/cityofmarathonparksandrec.
Email Samantha Blyer (blyers@ci.marathon.fl.us) with any camp questions.
Cost: Full summer camp: $720 for 8 weeks per camper. First four-week session (June 9-July 3): $380 (no camp on July 4 or June 19). Weekly: $120 per camper per week except for Week 2 (beginning June 16) and Week 4 (June 30), which are $90 each.
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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 2025, 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 9 through Aug. 8, with a regatta and end-of-season party on July 19.
Age requirement: Ages 7-16
How does it work? Open to all local youth and visiting sailors. 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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MONROE COUNTY PARKS & BEACHES SUMMER CAMP
What is it? With locations moving throughout the Keys as the summer progresses, this camp offers fun activities, field trips, interactive games and more with the Monroe County Parks and Beaches staff.
Where is it? Big Pine Key Community Park for Weeks 1, 2 and 3 (June 2-6, June 9-13, June 16-20). Sugarloaf School for Weeks 4 and 5 (June 23-27, July 14-18). Bernstein Park on Stock Island for Weeks 6 and 7 (July 21-25, July 28-Aug. 1). Plantation Key Community Center in Tavernier for Weeks 8 and 9 (July 28-Aug. 1, Aug. 4-8).
When is it? Mondays through Fridays on the listed dates from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Age requirement: Ages 6-12
How does it work? Open to all local youth. For application requests and inquiries in the Lower Keys, contact Mike Piekenbrock (305-394-1173, pie-mike@monroecounty-fl.gov). For the Upper Keys, contact Naomi Pagidas (305-453-8726, pagidas-naomi@monroecounty-fl.gov).Cost: $150 per camper per week, including field trips (50% off for sibling discount). Campers must complete full registration 10 days prior to first camp date.
