The school year is winding down and summer looms on the horizon. From art to sailing to sports, activities are bountiful through August. Here is information to help parents and kids come up with a summer plan.
KEY WEST
COAST CAMP
Five one-week camps from June 11 through July 20. For ages 6-12. COAST Camps offer children the ability to explore and experience Key West through a series of outdoor adventures and lessons integrated into games and guided tours. The programs are completely analog and offer children the chance to do everything from climb trees and wade in tide pools to skateboard and learn about boating safety and survival. Two recently updated and different programs are offered and take place in Old Town. Cost $295/week. coastprojects.com.
FKCC 2018 SUMMER CAMPS AND DATES:
FKCC Summer Adventure Camps run Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Costs and dates for each camp vary. For more info, fkcc.edu/summer-camps or 305-296-9081.
- Art Camp: Stories of the Reef- $175, Ages 7-11, July 2 – 6. Discover your artistic capabilities while creating paintings, stories, and sculptures! Campers will also learn about the local coral reef and the sea creatures that call it home.
- Art Camp: Teen Studio- $175 Ages 12 – 17, July 9 – 13. Put your artistic abilities to the test and perfect your drawing and painting skills. Campers will learn about scale, perspective, and more by using a variety of media.
- Boating Safety –$200, Ages 12 – 17, July 16 – 20.Calling all future Captains! Campers will learn the basics of boating safety in addition to basic engine maintenance in this camp. Geared towards teens, this camp will cover knot tying, safety equipment, navigation, and charting in the classroom and during excursions.
- Code Breakers- $225, Ages 7-11, July 2 – 6. Discover the basics of computer programming, coding, and design using a Raspberry Pi2. Campers will build and take home their own tiny computer capable of internet surfing, playing games, and more.
- Cooking and Creating- $225, Ages 7 – 11 on June 11 – 15 and ages 12 – 17 on August 6 – 10. Discover your creative and culinary sides while making “green” crafts and simple, yummy recipes. Campers will also learn about dining etiquette, hospitality, and healthy nutrition. A tour on the trolley rounds out this hands-on experience.
- Eco Adventures -$175, Ages 7-11 on July 9 – 13, July 16 – 20, and August 6 – 10 and ages 12- 17 on June 4 – 8.Campers will learn about conservation, sustainability, and restoration through hands-on interactions with the environment. Campers will try scuba diving, go snorkeling and kayaking and learn how to catch and identify common fish of the Florida Keys.
- Future Heroes -$175, Ages 7-11, June 11-15 and July 23–27. Explore a variety of public safety careers like EMT, firefighter, nurse, and police officer. Campers will participate in a simulated investigation, learn CPR, and take tours and organizations that serve and protect us.
- Jr. Lifeguard- $175, Ages 12 – 17, June 18–22. Learn water safety and gain practical swimming, water rescue, and lifesaving skills. Future lifeguards will learn first aid, how to use an AED, and prepare for American Red Cross CPR certification.This program does not lead to a lifeguard certification.
- Jr. Tropical Fish Hobbyist- Campers will learn about raising marine ornamental fish. They will investigate live feeds, water quality, and basic tank maintenance. Campers will get to build and take home their own aquarium! $225, Ages 7-11 on June 18 – 22 and ages 12-17 on June 11–15.
- Scuba Adventures- $450, Ages 12-17, July 2-6. Safely study the techniques of scuba diving under the guidance of professional dive instructors. Campers may earn their own PADI scuba certification.
- Advanced Scuba Adventures -$475, Ages 12-17, July 23 – 27. Safely study the techniques of advanced scuba diving under the guidance of professional dive instructors. Campers may earn their own PADI Jr. Adventure Diver certification.
- More than Money– $175, Ages 7-11, June 25 – 29. Calling all future tycoons. Campers will use their imagination to explore possible business ventures and identify personal skills and interests to help them become the business leaders of tomorrow.
- School’s Out!- $175, Ages 7-11, June 4 – 8, July 16 – 20, and July 30 – Aug. 3. Get ready for a week of non-stop action and fun at FKCC! Campers will participate in a variety of activities including swimming, snorkeling, field day games, and arts and crafts! Local field trips round out this adventure.
- Young Writers Institute – $175, Ages 12-17, July 30 – Aug. 3.Put your mind and imagination to work. Campers willlearn the craft of writing fiction, poetry, drama, and short stories.
ARTCAMP! 2018
One-week camps starting June 4 through Aug. 3, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., ages 5-14. Teen Camp, ages 12-16. Camp themes include claymation, mind crafts, pirate camp, sand sculpting, wreckers camp, mask-making, beats camp, theater camp, medieval camp, cinema camp, and Picasso camp. Campers will also have the experience of exploring Fort East Martello. Each week will have auxiliary activities and excursions pertaining to the specific sessions, including field trips to local museums, nearby beaches and gardens. $200 members/week $225 non-members/week includes lunch. kwahs.org/education/artcamp2018
PARADISE TENNIS
June 4-July 18 on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. 8 to 10 a.m. for 11 and older, 10 a.m. to noon or 5-10 year olds. Tennis drills, fun games, fitness and match play. $150 for six classes or $30 per class. paradisetennisflkeys@gmail.com or 305-395-1035.
BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB
Key West and Big Pine Key
One-week camps June 5 through Aug. 14, (closed on July 4, and week of July 16-20), 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, ages 5 and older. Activities include sports, swimming, movies, pool, beaches, bowling, dance, theater and music. $95/week (siblings are half price), children 13 and over are free. Fee includes breakfast, snack, lunch and field trips. 305-296-2258.
LOWER KEYS GOLF ASSOCIATION
One Week, June 4-8 Group 1 ages 6-10, 8:30 -9:30 a.m.; Group 2 ages 11- 15, 10 – 11 a.m. Kids learn golf swings and putting on a real course. $70/single/$120 family of 2/$155 family of 3, includes membership after completing the course. Sign up at Key West Golf Club Pro Shop or 305-294-5232.
KEY WEST SAILING CAMP
Ten one-week camps June 11 through Aug. 17, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for 6-17 year olds. All different skill levels learn sailing and racing on a variety of boats including Opti prams, Hobie Waves, Sunfish, Lasers and 420s depending on age group. $250/week. Register at keywestsailingcenter.org.
REEF RELIEF’S CORAL CAMP
Nine one-week camps, June 4 through Aug. 10, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m, ages 6-12. Activities include science and art projects in addition to exciting field trips around Key West. Campers also experience four days of snorkeling: one day practicing their snorkeling skills at the beach, one day in the seagrass beds and sponge gardens, and two days snorkeling at the reef. $225 per week or $200 per week for multiple weeks or registering with siblings, limited scholarships available. Call Reef Relief at 305-294-3100 or email reefrelief@gmail.com.
CAMP BRAVO
June 11 through July 7. Weekdays, noon to 5 p.m. Robin Kaplan’s Camp Bravo activities include stagecraft, theater skills, drama and singing. The program will culminate in live performances of Suessical, Jr. July 6 and July 7 at The Waterfront Playhouse. $1,000 per camper, offering partial scholarships based on need. keyscommunityschoolofthearts.org or 305-393-3001.
- MARY’S BASILICA SCHOOL
Eight one-week camps, June 12 through Aug. 3, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., ages PK3-grade 6. Activities include weekly themes, field trips, activities and loads of fun $30/per day includes lunch, shirts, field trips. Two athletic camps: soccer and baseball from 8 to 11:30 a.m. $100 per week, dates will be posted on website: basilicaschoolkeywest.com.
ISLAND GROOVE DANCE CAMPS
in BIG PINE KEY
- Kick off Camp – June 6-8 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for ages 5 – 18. Dance, tumble, crafts, music, movies and more. No prior dance experience needed. $225 per week.
- Descendants Dance Camp – July 9 though July 13 from 9 a.m. for 4 p.m. for ages 5 -18. $225 per week.
- Back to School Groove Camp – Aug. 6 – 10, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Explore the basics of hip hop, tumbling, and musical theater for kindergarten through 8th grade. $225 per week.
- Fantasy Dance Camp – June 11-15, 9 a.m. to noon. Ages 3-6. $130/week.
- Tumble Circus – July 30 – Aug. 3 from 9 a.m. to noon. Ages 3-6. Daily activities include acrobatics tumbling, dance, games, music and crafts. A short performance will conclude on the last day. $130/week. info@islandgrovedance.com or 305-509-3115.
Key West Sports Academy
Ten one-week camps June 4-Aug. 17 Monday-Friday 8 a.m. -4 p.m. Ages 5-12yrs Weekly Themes with Obstacle Courses, Games, Arts & Crafts, and more. Themes vary from ninja camp, Frozen dance camp, Moana camp, princess camp, rock and roll summer camp, and more. Prices vary. Half-day camps also available for morning and afternoon sessions. For more information, keywestsportsacademy.com
SUMMER ART SCHOOL THE STUDIOS OF KEY WEST
Five one-week sessions include June 11-15 (Drama Club), June 18-22 (Art School), June 25-29 (Mixed Media Experimentation), July 9-13 (Pirate Adventures), July 16-20 (Nature Explorers), July 23-27 (Old Masters, New Masters). 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. ages 10-14. Enthusiastic teachers and fun activities make for a fantastic hands-on week of learning. $265/$240 mbrs/week. Daily healthy lunch included. Contact www.tskw.org
MIDDLE KEYS
BOOT KEY SAILING CAMP
Five two-week sailing sessions in Marathon. June 4-15; June 18-29, July 2-13, July 16-27, July 30-Aug. 10. Each session will be split into two groups by age, mornings ages 5-7 (8:30 -11:15 a.m.) and afternoons ages 8-17 (12:30-5:30 p.m.). On Fridays, all students in the session are invited for the full days to explore new opportunities (examples may include: snorkel; explore tiny sea critters; name-that-fossil; beach combing; mini harbor clean-up; July 4th parade; lunch & learn with local marine professionals.) $100/session • Each student must bring a fitted Coast Guard-approved lifejacket and pass a swim test. • For details, email chair@MYCEF.education.
MARATHON COMMUNITY PARK CAMP
One-week sessions starting June 4 • 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. • Ages 5-13 • $80/week, sibling discounts available • Tuesday/Thursday field trip only days $25 per camper • Camp headquarters will be the Marathon Community Park’s main pavilion and activities include fun and games, plus out-of-town field trips • Campers need two snacks, lunch, water bottle and sunscreen • Call 305-743-6598 or email adamsa@ci.marathon.fl.us. Applications available at city website.
ART STUDIO CAMPS
Weeklong art and guitar camps • Art camp is 9 a.m. to noon and guitar camp is 1 to 3 p.m. July 9-13 for ages 5-7, July 16-20 for ages 8 & up, July 23-27 for ages 5-7, and July 30-Aug. 3 for ages 8 and up. Campers will explore glass fusing, clay building, papier maché, tie dye, painting, jewelry making & more • Daily snack is provided • Art Camp $175 per week, guitar camp $125 per week. Call 305-289-9013
PIGEON KEY MARINE SCIENCE SUMMER CAMP
Marine Science Summer Camp; July 9 through 13 (Day Camp), July 16 through 20 (Day and Overnight Camp), July 23 through 27 (Overnight Camp), and July 30 through August 3 (Day Camp) • Day Camp runs Monday – Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., costs $350, and is open to anyone between the ages of 8-16 years old • Overnight camp runs 9 a.m. Monday to 5 p.m. Friday, costs $950, and is open to campers 10-16 years old • Campers will learn reef fish identification, invertebrate collection, snorkel at Sombrero Reef, compete in underwater obstacle course, dissections, fishing, and SCUBA certifications for campers 12 years and older • Junior counselor positions are available for individuals age 17 and older • More information and registration forms at pigeonkey.net, or email casey@pigeonkey.net.
FLORIDA KEYS AQUARIUM ENCOUNTERS
Diver Certification Summer Camp • All summer for three consecutive days from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. • NAUI Junior Open Water Certification for ages 10-14 • NAUI Open Water Certification for ages 15-18 • $700 • Includes water skills, lunches, reef fish identification, shark encounter, open water tank dives, and stingray encounters. • Call 305-407-3262, ext. 2 or email info@floridakeysaquariumencounters.com.
MARATHON REC CENTER CAMP
June 4 through July 20 • 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. • Ages 7-13 • $60/week • Kids bring their own lunch and snacks and participate in arts and crafts, different projects, sports activities, hiking and two field trips per week (usually one water-related and the other out-of-town). • marathonreccenter@comcast.net or 305-743-4164.
CRANE POINT DAY CAMP
Crane Point will be offering workshop camps throughout the summer. Flyers will be advertised as well as posted on the museum’s social media with specifics.
DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER
DolphinCamps are seven-day overnight programs that introduce children to the amazing world of dolphins. The week includes a blend of hands-on activities, observation time, classroom discussions, and games. In addition to experiencing the DRC dolphin family, campers learn about dolphin biology, training, conservation, coral reefs and more. Campers also go in the water three times during the week to share interactive experiences with the dolphins. Campers stay in DRC’s dormitory, supervised by the DRC DolphinCamp chaperone. Class sizes average 12 to 14 students to ensure individualized instruction. Ages 10-12 and 13-14. Dates, costs, and more details are available at dolphins.org/dolphin_camp or email education@dolphins.org.
MCT THEATER CAMP
Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 to 8 p.m. June 12 through July 21 • Final performance on July 20 and 21 at 7 p.m. • Ages 6-18 • $30 • Activities include instruction on acting, stage direction,
auditioning, production and more. • Email gm@marathontheater.org or call 305-743-0994.
- COLUMBA CAMP
Free • June 11 through 15 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for vacation bible school • July 9-20 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. just for fun camp • July 23-27 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for music camp • Ages 5 and up • Register by calling 305-743-6412 or find the forms at stcolumbamarathon.org.
UPPER KEYS
FOUNDERS PARK SUMMER REC CAMP
June 4 through July 27, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Ages 6 -12. Activities include games, arts and crafts, sports, movies, beach, pool and more. $85 per week, $65 for siblings, or $30 per day. 305-853-1685.
PADDLE CAMP
June 4 – 8 (Ages 8 -12), June 11 – 15 (Ages 13 – 18), June 18 – 22 (ages 8-12); June 25-29 (ages 8-18) 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Learn paddling skills and Keys history along the way. $295/session. Call 305-451-3018 or stop by Florida Bay Outfitters at MM 104, bayside.
JACOBS AQUATICS CENTER
June 4 – Aug. 3, 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Ages 5 -12. Camp activities include supervised swimming, organized games and activities, daily movies, and arts and crafts. Campers should bring towels, sunscreen, and bagged lunch Monday – Thursday, pizza party on Friday. $110/week or $35/day. jacobsaquaticcenter.org or 305-453-SWIM.
REEF OCEAN EXPLORERS DAY CAMP
June 25-29, July 9-13, and July 16-20 in Key Largo, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Ages 7 – 13. Camp tuition includes state park entry fees, activity fees, photo package, and keepsake water bottle and T-shirt. Scheduled activities include snorkel trips to reef, kayaking, marine science lessons, glass bottom boat ride, lionfish arts and crafts, and more. $300/week. REEF.org/explorers/camp or 305-852-0030.
DOLPHIN PLUS SUMMER CAMP
July 9 – 13, July 16 – 20, July 23 – 27, Aug. 6 – 10; Ages 6 – 10. 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday. Ages 6-10. Kids learn about local ecosystems, dolphin behavior and communication, conservation, the Everglades, coral reefs, and various marine mammals. $300/week. $125/student for Shallow Water Dolphin Interaction Program. Bring towel, sunscreen, bug spray, hat, sunglasses, water shoes, camera. dolphinsplus.com, 877-365-2683, email marylou@dolphinsplus.com.
KEY LARGO SAILING CAMP
June 11 to July 23
For kids ages 8-13, the Learn to Sail Program, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., will let kids master the basics of sailing, boat handling and seamanship and include near-shore kayaking, snorkeling and beach swimming. $450 for a two-week session, for locals.
For kids ages 5-7, “Largo Conchs” program runs from 9 a.m. to noon, where younger children can discover the joys of sailing through on land fun and games and by cruising around the bay on a larger sailboat with an instructor. $300 for a two-week session, for locals.
For ages 13-18, the Intro to Club 420 Sailing, 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., course will teach the basics of sailing with a mainsail, jib and spinnaker. The cost is $545 for two-week session, for locals. For more info, msysp.org, info@msysp.org, or call 305-747-2600.
OTHERSIDE ADVENTURE CAMP
June 11 (session 1), June 25 (session 2), July 2 (session 3), July 16 (session 4); 9:15 a.m. to 4 p.m. Ages 8 – 12. Five days of adventure. Day 1, wakeboarding. Day 2, sailing/kite boarding. Day 3, rock climbing. Day 4, paddleboarding. Day 5, skateboarding, mangrove cleanup, pizza party. Drop off and pick up at MM 82.7. $389/week tuition. See othersideboardsports.com for camper checklist or call 305-853-9728.
OUR PLACE ART CAMP
One week sessions from June 11 to June 29 from 9 a.m. to noon at Our Place Art Studio in Tavernier. Ages 7-10. Space limited to 10 students. Still life, landscapes and portraits and animal art camp. Supplies includes. $150/per week, sibling discount. ourplaceinparadise@outlook.com or call 305-916-5828.
SYNCHRONIZED SWIMMING
June 11 – 15, June 18 – 22; July 16 – 20, July 17 – 21. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Ages 6 – 14. Jump into introductory synchronized swimming classes at Ron Levy Aquatic Center, Founder’s Park, Islamorada. On finale day, swimmers wear their very own custom designed and decorated suit, and perform their routine for family and friends. Contact Coach Isla Turner at 856-473-4752 to pre-register. Islamorada.fl.us. $150/week.
