By Kellie Abrahamson
Summer is right around the corner and many parents are already looking for ways to keep their children entertained during those long, hot months. For those of us who can’t afford to take a two month sabbatical from our cubicles, summer camp is definitely an option. EU has once again taken all the guesswork out of finding the perfect summer camp for your kids. We’ve tracked down the coolest camps in (and out of) town and compiled them into an easy-to-navigate guide. All you have to do is figure out the best fit for your kid. Whether their destined for the stage (think Camp Broadway), rock superstardom (Rock Camp) or even the moon (2008 Space Explorers Camp), there’s a summer program perfect for your child. Because all of these camps will fill up fast, we recommend registering as soon as possible to ensure your little camper gets a spot. Good luck and happy camping!
Location: UNF, 4567 St Johns Bluff
About: This program focuses on youth leadership and development and career planning. Students also participate in one-week overnight visits to college campuses. Activities include less classroom time and more team activities and trips.
Ages: Grades 7 to 12
Dates: June and July (8-week program)
Cost: $155/week
Contact/More Info: (904) 328-2168 or www.teenleadersofamerica.com
Location: Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, 370 Zoo Parkway
About: Activities include meeting zookeepers, animal encounters, lessons on wildlife and conservation, games, crafts and more. Campers must bring lunch and snack. Optional Thursday night sleep-over for 3rd to 8th grade campers.
Ages: Grades Kindergarten to 8
Dates: One week sessions beginning June 9, June 16, June 23, July 7, July 14, July 21, July 28 or August 4
Cost: $150/week for members; $175/week for non-members. Overnight fee- $30/members and $35/non-members (includes dinner and breakfast).
Contact/More Info: (904) 757-4463 or www.jaxzoo.org
Location: UNF, 4567 St Johns Bluff
About: Activities at this outdoor camp include hiking, games, swimming, canoeing and exploring the natural habitats on UNF property. Field trips are taken each week to locations like Little Talbot Island, Metro Park, Suns baseball game, bowling and more. Campers must bring lunch and a water bottle each day.
Ages: Grades 3 to 5
Dates: June 9 - August 1
Cost: $225/week or $210/week for UNF staff, students, military, or siblings (includes EcoCamp T-shirt, water bottle, field trip fees, before and aftercare, snacks, drinks, and most activity supplies)
Contact/More Info: (904) 620-1810 or www.unf.edu
Location: Kirby Smith Middle, 2034 Hubbard St.
About: Campers will discover the wonders of space aboard Challenger Learning Center's spacecraft and Mission Control simulators. Activities include hands-on experiences in rocketry, robotics and more.
Ages: Grades 4 to 6
Dates: June 16 - June 20 or June 23 - June 27 (registration deadline- April 25)
Cost: $200/week
Contact/More Info: (904) 630-6601 or www.duvalschools.org
Location: FCCJ Urban Resource Center, 601 W. State St.
About: A four-day program for students interested in learning about personal finance or considering a financial services career. Developed by the FCCJ Institute for Financial Studies and taught by financial professionals, the program covers financial planning concepts, budgeting, credit management, basic investment terminology, and investment strategies.
Ages: 14 to 18
Dates: June 23 - June 26
Cost: No charge ($100 value)
Contact/More Info: Email Melissa Chandler at machandl@fccj.edu or (904) 361-6261
Location: Avia Aero Services, 4601 E Hwy 100, Suite I-2, Palm Coast
About: Unique program designed to challenge teenagers through meaningful, hands-on aviation activities that both educate and entertain. Campers will learn to work together to plan and execute realistic flight missions in both a simulator and an actual aircraft. No prior flying experience needed. All sessions are conducted under the careful supervision of a FAA flight instructor.
Ages: 12 to 16
Dates: June 23 - June 27
Cost: $399 (includes all materials)
Contact/More Info: (904) 505-5185 or www.aviaaero.com
Location: JU, 2800 University Blvd. N
About: Designed to help girls understand the power of money and to be smart consumers. Activities include several field trips, daily swims and interactive games that will encourage math skills as well as aid campers in independent adult life.
Ages: 12 to 14
Dates: June 30 - July 2
Cost: $75
Contact/More Info: (904) 731-9933 or www.girlsincjax.org
Location: University of North Florida Campus
About: In this special 2-week workshop students will learn physics words, concepts, principles, and how to gain skill in solving physics problems. The mornings will focus on problem solving in these areas with the students working in teams to solve a good number of the problems in the book with coaching from the instructor, while the afternoons will be laboratory experiments that reinforce learning. Believe it or not, this is someone's idea of fun.
Ages: High School
Dates: June 16-27
Cost: $599
Contact/More Info: 620-4200 or unfce@unf.edu or www.ce.unf.edu/testprep.html
Location: EcoEd Resources Science Center, 10584 Old St. Augustine Rd.
About: Campers will experiment with and experience food science, magic science, superhero science and more.
Ages: 6 to 12
Dates: July 30 - August 3 and August 13 - August 17
Cost: $19/session (includes all materials, instructor, lunch, drinks and take-home activity)
Contact/More Info: (904) 268-0610 or www.ecoedresources.com
Location: JU, 2800 University Blvd. N
About: Campers will have classes in art, music and theater. In addition to singing, dancing and acting, participants will be offered a variety of activities, including swimming and playing games. Campers will also take part in live performances and art exhibitions at the end of each week.
Ages: 6 to16
Dates: July 7- July 11 ("Circus, Circus" theme), July 14 - July18 ("Jungle Fever” theme)
Cost: Day camp- $260/one week, $494/two weeks (includes a t-shirt, lunch, classes and activities). Overnight camp- $425/one week, $810/two weeks (includes classes, a dorm room on JU's campus with double occupancy and full-time supervision, three meals a day, access to all JU's facilities and weekend and evening outings and activities)
Contact/More Info: (904) 256-7398 or http://arts.ju.edu
Location: The Florida Ballet, 300 East State St., Suite E
About: This 6-week comprehensive course is for the dedicated dance student- entrance is by audition only. The curriculum features ballet technique classes, beginning with twice a week for the elementary level, gradually increasing to the daily study of the advanced level.
Ages: 8 and up
Dates: June 23 - August 2
Contact/More Info: (904) 353-7518
Location: Jacksonville University Campus, 2800 University Blvd North
About: Two Weeks of training for the professional and pre-pProfessional of intermediate/advanced students ages 10 and up. Classes will be taught by an outstanding faculty in all forms of dance. Planned weekend activities include a visit to Cummer Art Museum and Hannah Park in Atlantic Beach for a beach cookout.
Ages: 10 and up
Dates: July 21 - August 1, 2008
Cost: $550.00 for two weeks, 300.00 for one week, Residential Tuition: $1,550.00 for two weeks, $825.00 for single weeks
Contact/More Info: Web: 904.256.7398 or www.ju.edu or ccoble@ju.edu
Location: Cummer Museum, 801 Riverside Ave.
About: Activities include drawing, painting, working with clay, and exploring the galleries and gardens. You may sign your child up for one week-long session only. Space is limited for each session.
Ages: Entering 1 to 6 grades
Dates: June 9 - July 25
Cost: $175/members, $200/non-members
Contact/More Info: (904) 355-0630
Location: Museum of Contemporary Art, 333 Laura St. N
About: Activities include creative art-making, exploration of art history, tours of the Museum's collection, literacy, and creative movement. Museum educators and certified local art educators provide quality instruction in a wide variety of subjects and media. Space is limited.
Ages: 6 to 12
Dates: June 16 - August 8 (Independence Day week off).
Cost: $175/session for members, $200/session for non-members
Contact/More Info: Email Kelly Eason at keason@mocajacksonville.org, (904) 366-6911 ext. 207, or www.mocajacksonville.org
Location: Mandarin Middle School, 5100 Hood Rd.
About: Campers will explore general digital photography, specialized Ultra Violet photography, and will learn to use popular digital editing software including Adobe Photoshop. Enough digital cameras will be provided so that students may work in small groups. Purchase of a digital camera is NOT required for this camp. Students bringing their own camera do so at their own risk. Campers need to bring a lunch Monday-Thursday.
Ages: 11 to 14
Dates: June 23 - 27 and July 21 - 25
Cost: $125/session
Contact/More Info: (904) 292-0555
Location: Cummer Museum, 801 Riverside Ave.
About: This unique camp will explore the artistic role in the world of medicine and the medicinal components of the world of art. Includes a field trip to the Mayo Clinic.
Ages: Grades 8 to 12
Dates: July 7 - July 11
Cost: $175/members, $200/non-members
Contact/More Info: (904) 355-0630
Location: Limelight Theatre, 11 Old Mission Ave., uptown St. Augustine
About: The Limelight will offer Spring Break Drama Camp, ages 8-12, Summer Production Camp, grades 5-8 which will perform "Once on This Island Jr." on July 10, 11 and 12 and Let's Pretend Mini Camp for grades K-2nd, limited to 12 students.
Ages: Age 8 through grade 8.
Dates: Spring Break Camp April 21-25, Summer Production Camp June 16-July 11 and Lets Pretend July 21-25.
Contact/More Info: 825-1164 or limelight-theatre.org
Location: Fletcher High School, 700 Seagate Ave., Neptune Beach
About: Students will learn about acting, music, and dance while putting together a family-friendly production of “Suessical the Musical.” In addition to daily theater training the students will have opportunities to learn about stage production, make-up, and costuming. Every child auditioning gets a part.
Ages: 9 to 18
Dates: Auditions- June 7, rehearsals- June 16 to July 24, performances- July 25 and 26
Cost: $50 application fee, costume fee and program ad sales
Contact/More Info: Marina Alley (904) 608-4196 or morgan4141@comcast.net
Location: FCCJ South Campus, 11901 Beach Blvd.
About: Workshops in singing, dancing and acting. Campers work together to perform ensemble pieces at the finale on Friday. Camp taught by Broadway theater professionals from New York.
Ages: 10 to 17
Dates: June 16 - June 20
Cost: $475 (lunch provided)
Contact/More Info: (904) 632-3015 or www.artistseries.fccj.org
Location: Bartram Trail High School, 7399 Longleaf Pine Parkway, St. Johns
About: Camp activities include dance, musical theater, acting, storytelling, art, scenery design, hip-hop, Shakespeare, yoga, a talent show, theater games and much more.
Ages: 6 to 14
Dates: July 7 - July 11 and July 14 - July 18. Performance Showcase- July 18
Contact/More Info: Email beatpaccamp@yahoo.com or (904) 287-6767, ext.22574
Location: The Music Studio, 5150 Palm Valley Rd., Ponte Vedra Beach
About: Musicians of similar age, interests and abilities will be matched and taught how to play as a band. The bands receive one week of intensive group and individual lessons. At the end of the week, campers will professionally record two songs.
Ages: 10 and up (no beginners)
Dates: June 23 through July
Cost: $350/week
Contact/More Info: (904) 280-3278 or www.themusicstudio.org
Location: Multiple locations
About: Activities include wakeboarding, wake skating, tubing, wake surfing, water skiing, knee boarding, and Thursday family nights. Lunch is included for full day program.
Ages: 6 and up
Dates: May 10 - Aug 25
Cost: $310/week for half-day program, $565/week for full-day program
Contact/More Info: (904) 254-0443 or www.epicsessionscamp.com
Location: 705 2nd Ave. N, Jacksonville Beach
About: Surfers of any experience level are welcome. Soft-top surfboards are provided for those who need them.
Ages: 7 to 17 for day camps and 11 to 18 for overnight camp
Dates: Day camps- June 9 - June 13, June 23 - June 27, July 7 - July 11, July 14 - July 18 and July 28 - August 1. Overnight camps- June 16 - June 20 and July 21- July 25
Cost: $160/week for day camp, $340/ week for overnight camp. Afternoon wakeboarding option is additional $299/camper
Contact/More Info: (904) 249-1201 or www.epicssurfministries.com
Location: Hanna Park, 500 Wonderwood Dr., Atlantic Beach
About: Campers will learn oceanography and ocean rescue techniques. Activities include paddle boarding, kayaking, beach flags, mind teasers and volleyball. All participants must swim 100 yards in under three minutes; go under water for approximately 10 yards and tread water (no hands) for two minutes.
Ages: 12 to 15
Dates: June 16 - June 27, June 30 - July 11 (no camp on July 4), and July 14 - July 25
Cost: $150/2-week session. Extended day is $25.
Contact/More Info: (904) 270-1560 or www.coj.net
Location: Skatelab, 16 West 3rd St., Atlantic Beach
About: Activities include personal instruction from experienced skaters and a waterslide every Wednesday. Campers should bring bathing suit and towel on Wednesday and money for extra drinks and snacks. Lunch is included. Every camper will receive a Skatelab t-shirt and camp pack with group photo. Skatelab is closed to the public during exclusive camp hours.
Ages: 8 and up
Dates: June 9 - Aug 15
Cost: $200/week for members, $235/ week for non-members. Skatelab offers multiple camp rates of $150 for 4 or more weeks and $125 for 8 or more weeks.
Contact/More Info: (904) 249-2529 or www.skatelab.com
Location: Jacksonville University, 2800 University Blvd. N
About: Demonstrations and lectures with Reggie or another Jaguar. Activities include drill, full practice, autograph session and more. Instruction is given by current and former NFL player and coaches. Overnight and commuter options are available. Enrollment is limited.
Ages: 7 to 18
Dates: June 13 - June 17
Cost: $729/overnight camp, $619/commuter camper (sign up early for payment plans)
Contact/More Info: (904) 256-8000
Location: FCCJ Gym, South Campus Sports Center, 11901 Beach Blvd.
About: The FCCJ Summer Volleyball Camps with Head Coach Mary Andrew have been in operation since 1989 and have provided top quality instruction to more than 3,000 players. The emphasis at FCCJ is on quality instruction and playing enjoyment. The camps are designed to meet the needs of many age groups and skill levels. Pick the one best for your camper. All campers receive a free t-shirt.
Ages: From Pee Wee beginning at age 5 to Varsity players up to age 18.
Dates: Various sessions beginning July 10 and ending July 25
Cost: $35 - $125 for various sessions
Contact/More Info: 646-2202 or 646-2203 or fccj.edu/athletics/camp_vball-w
Locations: Providence High School, Jacksonville Indoor Sports, Eagles View High School and FCCJ South Campus
About: Jacksonville Junior Volleyball Association will offer general as well as specialized volleyball skills camps this summer. The JJVA staff consists of specialists in training youth, junior high, high school and elite level athletes.
Ages: 10-18
Dates: 1 hour clinics, 3 and 5 day sessions throughout June and July
Cost: $20/1 hour clinics, $95-$165 for various sessions
Contact/More Info: 625-2511 or jjva.com or email info@jjva.com
Location: Losco Park, 10851 Hood Rd.
About: Camp highlights include a professional British coaching staff, individual skill development, and daily World Cup style tournaments. Campers should bring shin guards, sunscreen and plenty of water. Campers receive a free ball, free t-shirt, and a bonus end-of-camp gift. Early online sign-ups also receive free $30 jersey.
Ages: 4 and up
Dates: June 23 - June 27
Cost: $78/ages 4 to 5, $105/ages 6 to 18
Contact/More Info: Email spappa@bellsouth.net, (904) 465-3492 or www.challengersports.com
Location: University of Florida, University Blvd, Gainesville
About: Florida Elite Lacrosse camp is for advanced high school players who are looking for a challenging and intense camp experience and great exposure to Division 1 college coaches. Enrollment is limited to the first 138 field players and 12 goalkeepers.
Ages: Girls with '08, '09, '10, '11 high school graduation years only
Dates: July 9 - July 12
Cost: $550 (includes instruction, meals, room, reversible jersey, water bottle and lanyard)
Contact/More Info: (352) 375-4683 or www.gatorzone.com
Location: Lake Wales, Florida (90 minutes south of Orlando)
About: This private, 500+ acre facility is home to 65 horses campers can learn to ride. Campers design their own program from over 25 different activities including horsemanship, soccer, tennis, flag football, arts and crafts, swimming, canoeing, nature lore, cheerleading and much more.
Ages: 6 to 16
Dates: 10-day, 2-week and 3-week sessions are available beginning June 8
Cost: $1495-$2495 depending upon session chosen
Contact/More Info: www.circle-f-duderanch.com
Location: Episcopal High School, 4455 Atlantic Blvd.
About: Episcopal High School offers an extensive selection of academic classes including subjects like Ceramics, Electronic Publishing, Photography, Theology and Speech as well as Math and English. They also offer a wide selection of sport and art camps as well as bridge camps that help students prepare for the upcoming school year with skills like time management, test-taking and writing.
Ages: grades 1-12
Dates: Various sessions beginning June 9 through Aug. 8.
Cost: $120 - $500
Contact/More Info: 396-5751 or episcopalhigh.org or email summer@episcopalhigh.org
Location: 3100 Doctors Lake Drive, Orange Park
About: St. Johns Country Day School sponsors two and one week sessions of Day Camp. In addition, students may participate in a variety of adventure camps, including “Science Sampler,” “Out to Launch” (rocketry), “Creative Art,” soccer, basketball, volleyball, tennis, fishing, gymnastics, karate, theater, and Jazz Band, to name a few. St. Johns also offers academic programs to help prepare students for the coming year. Frequent excursions to nearby “fun spots” add still more fun.
Ages: 5-13
Dates: two week sessions beginning June 8 through Aug 1.
Cost: $150 - $240 per session
Contact/More Info: Before June 16 - 264-9572, After June 15 - 264-2619 or sjcds.net
Location: Neptune Beach Elementary, 1515 Florida Blvd., Neptune Beach
About: Activities include swimming at Fletcher High School, science and explorations, reading, group sports, arts & crafts, music, movement and rhythmic activities, a camp carnival, magic show, movie day and more.
Ages: Age 5 (by May 1st, 2008) to Grade 3
Dates: June 16 – August 1 (no camp on July 4)
Cost: $840 (includes t-shirt, swimming, field trips, camp cook out, camp carnival, and any other enrichment programs at camp)
Contact/More Info: (904) 247-5957 or www.dreamsbeginhere.org/nbe
Location: The Little Gym, 4479 US Hwy 17, Suite 4
About: Children will learn about the duties and importance of those heroic men and women who keep us safe, save us from fires, and speed us off to the hospital when we are hurt. Through creative adventures, games, activities, and theme-related gymnastics obstacle courses, children pretend to put out fires and rescue people in need while getting a workout at the same time. They may even be paid a visit by real police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and a Red Cross first aid/safety specialist.
Ages: 3 to 8
Dates: July 7 - July 11
Cost: $34-$140
Contact/More Info: (904) 264-4845 or www.thelittlegym.com
Location: 501 N Davis St.
About: Lavilla will offer regular summer camp with art, dance, theare, historical re-inactment, piano/percussion and science. They will also offer intensives in theatre, visual arts, sewing crafts and creative writing as well as new programs this year in Making a Music Video, Fashion Illustration and Comic/Cartooning. There will also be a Storytellers Camp for ages 4-6 and a Jr. Counselors Camp for students who have completed the 8th grade who will be able to return after 9th grade to earn community service hours.
Ages: 4 to 13
Dates: June 16 - July 25
Cost: $100 for summer camp, $200 for intensives, $300 for Make your Own Music Video
Contact/More Info: (904) 633-6068 ext. 108 or dreamsbeginhere.org/LAVILLA
Article Published in the April 2008 Issue of EU Jacksonville
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