The school year is drawing to a close, and summer camps are gearing up for another season of education and excitement. From art and sailing to watersports, there are plenty of activities for children in the Upper Keys this year.
CAPT. SLATE’S KIDS SCUBA CAMP
Session 1: June 12-16. Session 2: July 10-14. Session 3: July 31-Aug. 4. Campers attending this camp, located at Capt. Slate’s Scuba Adventures in Tavernier, can enjoy the wonders of our beautiful underwater world, including a Friday “Creature Feature.” Camp runs from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. The camp is for kids ages 11 to 18. Camp fee is $420. Everything is included. All you need is a bathing suit and towel. There is a break for lunch each day and the kids can bring their lunches and munchies for the boat or classroom. Visit captainslate.com to sign up or to seek more information.
DOLPHIN KIDS FLORIDA KEYS SUMMER CAMP
Session 1: July 3-7. Session 2: July 10-14. Session 3: July 17-21. Those attending the weeklong camp at Dolphins Plus Bayside in Key Largo, MM 102, will learn about the local ecosystem, as well as dolphin communication and behavior. Best of all, the dolphin camp makes learning fun through hands-on science activities, marine mammal lessons and shows, behind the scenes tours and coastal exploration. Camp is for kids ages 6-10 and runs Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Camp fee is $375 per student, per week. Early and late care available for an extra fee. Call 305-451-1993 to book a spot. Visit dolphinsplus.com for more information.
FLORIDA KEYS SUMMER SAILING CAMP
Session 1: May 30-June 9. Session 2: June 12-23. Session 3: June 26-July 7. Session 4: July 10-21. Session 5: July 24-Aug. 4. Summer programs at the Upper Keys Sailing Club, MM 100, Key Largo, include Largo Conchs (ages 5-7), which introduce little ones to the world of wind and water; Learn to Sail (ages 8-12), which gets participants out kayaking, paddleboarding and sailing; Intro to Windsurfing (ages 8-18), which teaches the basics of handling, board balance and going on upwind and downwind runs; and Adventure & Club 420 Sailing (13-18), which helps participants learn basic sailboat handling aboard the two-person Club 420 sailboat. Admission cost varies based on the summer camp program. Visit upperkeyssailingclub.com/winter-&-summer-camps for more information.
ISLAMORADA DIVE CENTER’S ECO-SEA CAMP
Session 1: June 12-16. Session 2: July 10-14. Session 3: July 31-Aug. 4. This weeklong day camp at Islamorada Dive Center allows young explorers to immerse themselves into the underwater world. Every camper earns several certifications, which include junior open water scuba diver, shark awareness, coral restoration and dive against debris. The camp is for kids ages 10-13. Admission is $825. Visit islamoradadivecenter.com for more information.
ISLAMORADA SUMMER RECREATION CAMP
June 5-Aug. 4 (No camp July 3-7). Activities include arts and crafts, games and parties, sports, contests, movies, special guests, entertainment and swimming at the pool and beach. Camp is for kids ages 6-12. Camp runs Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m and is held at Founders Park. Admission is $125 per week or $100 per sibling. Islamorada residents receive priority access for registration, which is open through April 30. Enrollment for everyone else begins May 1. Contact the park office at 305-853-1685 to learn more.
JUNIOR DOLPHIN EXPLORERS
Session runs from July 24-28. The weeklong camp at Dolphins Plus Bayside in Key Largo, MM 102, will have campers investigating dolphin intelligence, flukes and flippers, and majestic manatees. Campers will also learn how to help stranded marine mammals. Each day will be filled with fun, hands-on learning activities, marine mammal lessons and demonstrations, behind the scenes tours and coastal exploration. Camp is for those ages 11-14. Camp runs Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Camp fee is $375 per student, per week. Early and late care is available for an additional fee. Call 305-451-1993 to book a spot. Visit dolphinsplus.com
JUNIOR SUMMER TENNIS CAMP
Session 1: June 5-9. Session 2: June 12-16. Session 3: June 19-23. Session 4: July 10-14. The camp will include tennis instruction, matches, some dodgeball, sports and swimming at the pool. There will also be free pizza on Fridays. Camp is for kids ages 6 and up. Camp runs Monday through Friday at Founders Park tennis courts. Those who wish to attend the full day, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., will pay $250 per week, while those who want to be there for a half-day, 9 a.m. to noon, will pay $150 per week. Contact U.S. Tennis Association pros Susie Jannach at 954-290-7502 or Greg Pearson at 517-285-5693 to learn more.
LEARN TO SWIM LESSONS
June 12-23 (two-week session). For infants to kids 4 years olds. $100 for the session. Private lessons are available by appointment. Contact Colleen Hammon at 305-393-2513 for more details.
MARINELAB SUMMER CAMP
Session 1: June 12-16. Session 2: June 26-30. Session 3: July 24-28. Campers attending this week-long camp at MarineLab, located at 51 Shoreland Dr., Key Largo, will obtain snorkeling instruction, daily snorkeling excursions, hands-on lab activities, ecology discussions and more. Lunch and snacks are included daily. Campers will have a safe, outdoor learning environment with small group sizes for individualized instruction. Camp is for students entering grades 4-8 in the fall (ages 8-14). Camp runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Cost is $425 per camper and $375 per sibling. Visit marinelab.org for more information.
SUMMER SWIM CAMP
Camp will be held June 26-30 and includes an introduction to the swim team and summer swim league, competitive swim technique development, water games and fun races. Camp is for kids 6 and up and runs Monday through Friday from 9-11 a.m at Founders Park pool. Camp is $200 per session. Contact Coach Jon Olsen at 305-393-5855 to learn more.
SWIM & DIVE COMBO CAMP
Session 1: July 10-14. Session 2: July 17-21. The swim clinic includes stroke techniques, starts, turns, water games and dry land activities. Springboard dive clinic includes basic introductory to springboard diving and dry land training. Camp is for kids ages 6 and up. Session runs Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to noon at Founders Park pool. Admission is $225 per session. Contact Jon Olsen at 305-393-5855 or Kelly Owens at 215-622-6841 to learn more.
SYNCHRO SPLASH
Session 1: June 19-23. Session 2: June 26-30. Session 3: July 10-14. Learn introductory synchronized swimming techniques and challenging water games. Participants will custom-design a swim suit for a final performance. Camp is for kids ages 6-14 and runs Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Founders Park pool. Participants must be able to swim in deep water. Contact Isla Crawford at 856-473-4752 to learn more.
UPPER KEYS SOCCER CAMP
Session 1: June 19-23. Session 2: July 31-Aug. 4. For kids ages 4-14. Camp is sponsored by the Florida Keys Soccer Club and runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Register online at www.uksoccer.com.
YMCA SUMMER CAMP Session dates are May 29-June 2 (Nature Unleashed); June 5-9 (Under the Sea); June 12-16 (Around the World); June 19-23 (Water Wars); June 26-30 (Myth Busters); July 3-7 (Party in the USA); July 10-14 (Sports Extravaganza); July 17-21 (Super Heroes); July 24-28 (Color Wars); and July 31-Aug. 4 (Y’s Got Talent). Daily camp activities at the Upper Keys YMCA Program Center, located at Key Largo Community Park, include 45-minute activity blocks of indoor and outdoor games, sports, physical activities, crafts, teambuilding, character development, leadership development and swimming. Camp is for kids ages 5-12. Admission is $100. Teen Leadership in Training Camp is also offered for 13-17 year olds Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, call 305-453-3422 or email awatkins@ymcasouthflorida.org.
