summer camps 2013

by Liza Mitchell
Summer means different things once you make the leap from childhood to parenthood. For kids, it means no school, sleeping in, long beach days, no school, playing outside until dark, lemonade stands, no school, ice cream trucks and did we mention no school? Parents, on the other hand, tend to approach summer like a circus performer. It is the ultimate balancing act to keep the kids entertained and maintain some degree of sanity without breaking the bank. Fortunately, summer also brings an abundance of camp opportunities tailored to fit a child’s particular interests or abilities, from watersports to performing arts and everything in between. Whether your kid likes to hit the football field or would prefer just to paint one, there are programs that feature something for kids of all ages.

ART

art camp at MOCA MOCA Jacksonville offers nine weekly sessions of creative art-making for ages 4-17 in the museum as well as on campus at the University of North Florida. Experienced art educators provide a variety of activities while having fun being creative. Children will learn about contemporary art and grow their visual vocabulary. June 10-August 16 (no session July 1-5). Week 1: June 10-14. Week 2: June 17-21. Week 3: June 24-28. Week 4: July 8-12. Week 5: July 15-19. Week 6: July 22-26. Week 7: July 29-August 2. Week 8: August 5-9. Week 9: August 12-16. Space is limited. Register now at www.mocajacksonville.org. MOCA Jacksonville is located at 333 N. Laura St. Call 366-6911 x 212 for information.
Drama Kids International and Young Rembrandts Camp This one-week camp caters to young artists ages 6-11 at Ponte Vedra Presbyterian Church. This is an intensive, full-day performing and fine arts summer camp with Drama Kids International in the morning and Young Rembrandts in the afternoon. Activities include improvisation, speech, movement, story-building, playwriting, backdrop creation, drawing, illustration and much more. Campers should bring snacks and lunch. Sessions are divided between 9 am and 4 pm. Call 257-5752 or 230-4714 for registration or visit www.dramakids.com/fl3.
Camp Cummer Get ready to immerse your child in fine art for one week of learning and adventure! Children entering 1st through 6th grade will print, draw, paint, create with clay, and learn new ways to think and talk about art in the galleries and Cummer Gardens. Additional time in Art Connections to play and socialize is included. Projects are age-specific, built for students with a variety of art experience, and designed to help young artists grow as creative, unique individuals. A total of six, week-long sessions are offered from 9 am to 3:30 pm. You may sign your child up for two sessions only: one red and one blue week. Week 1 (Red): June 10-14. Week 2 (Blue): June 17-21. Week 3 (Red): June 24-29. Week 4 (Blue): July 8-12. Week 5 (Red): July 15-19. Week 6 (Blue): July 22-26. Call 356-6857 or go to www.cummer.org for further info and registration.
Middle School Camp Cummer Looking for a fun, creative experience for the summer while advancing your art skills? Camp Cummer is available for children entering grades 6 through 9. Participants will learn printmaking, drawing, painting, and clay techniques while being inspired by masterworks in the galleries and the historic Cummer Gardens. Camp is held from 9 am to 3:30 pm, July 29-August 2. Additional time in Art Connections to explore and socialize is included. Projects are for the intermediate to advanced middle school art student looking to advance their skills outside of school. This is an opportunity to build a portfolio. Cost for members is $180 per child and $200 per child for non-members. Extended care is available. Inquire when registering at 355-0630. 829 Riverside Ave, www.cummer.org
Children’s Art Classes & Summer Workshops A variety of classes are available for children ages 3 and up from June 24 through July 26. Students may participate in a variety of weekly art workshops. Each workshop will meet each day, Monday through Friday, for each selected week. Students may participate in as many as four different workshops each week, for a four-week period over the summer. Each workshop will meet for five sessions for 75 minutes each day. Class size is limited to 8-15. Cost: $74 per five-day workshop and includes all supplies. Call 612-7557 or go to www.childrensartclasses.com to register. 8411 Baymeadows Way, Suite 2.

SPORTS
Mark Brunell Episcopal School of Jacksonville Football Camps The camps are led by Mark Brunell, Episcopal School of Jacksonville Head Football Coach and former NFL player. Every player will be instructed in all skills and positions of football. These camps are non-contact football fundamentals and skills camps. Players will be well-supervised and a certified athletic trainer will be present daily. Cost: $260 which includes camp t-shirt. Session 1 is held from 9 am to 3 pm, June 17-21 for campers entering grades 1-5. Session two is held from 9 am to 3 pm, June 24-28 for campers entering grades 6-8, at 4455 Atlantic Blvd. Call 396-5751 or go to www.brunellfootballcamps.com to register.
Episcopal School of Jacksonville Cheer Camp During this weekly cheerleading session held from 9 am to noon, July 8-12, campers will learn the basics of cheerleading including stunting, motions, jumps, dances and cheers. Campers do not need to have cheer experience. Open to kids from kindergarten-4th grades. Just wear athletic attire, and bring a water bottle and a snack. At the end of the week parents are invited to come and watch what the children have learned throughout the week. Cost is $140 and camp is held at 4455 Atlantic Blvd. Contact Danielle St. Onge at christinakurzstongedm@gmail.com with any questions. To register call 396-575, or go to www.esj.org.
Team 23 Baseball Camps Five week-long sessions are designed to introduce participants ages 6-14 to the necessary fundamentals to successfully play the game of baseball. Schedule is 9 am to noon daily for each weekly session. Focus is on teaching young baseball players how to have fun while improving their skill level. Campers will participate in specific drills that will help baseball players of any age develop their game. Contact Dennis Robinson at (914) 837-3393 or send an email to dennisrobinson23@gmail.comto enroll. Cost is $100 per week. The camp is held at Rondette Park, 7967 Fort Caroline Rd. Session 1: June 17-June 21. Session 2: June 24-June 28. Session 3: July 8-July 12. Session 4: July 15-July 19. Session 5: July 22-July 26
Tommy Hulihan’s Basketball Camp Session one is held from 8-11 am, June 10-14 for boys entering 3rd-5th grades. Extended day is offered from 11 am-6 pm. Session 2 is held from noon-3 pm, August 5-9 for boys entering 6th-8th grades. Session 3 is available from 4:30 pm-6:30 pm for girls entering 3rd-8th grades. For information and to register, visit www.TommyHulihanBasketball.com, or contact Tommy Hulihan at 349-2611. Camp is held in the St. Paul’s Gym at 212 5th Street North in Jacksonville Beach.
Karate Arts Summer Camps June 7-August 16, 9 am-3 pm. Extended day 6:45 am-6 pm. Ages 5 and up. Karate Arts Summer Camps offer 10 weekly themes including Black Light, Make A Movie and Survivor Style Camps. Arts & crafts, field trips and swimming are also available. Register before May 18 and pay $89 for first week of regular camp. Cost is $99 per week, and extended day is available for an additional $25 per week. Call 722-0110. 7801 Lone Star Rd. www.karateartsflorida.com
First Coast Gymnastics Camp Gymnastics, games, art and crafts, tumbling, trampoline and fun available for campers ages 5-12. Campers need to bring lunch and snack. Water is provided. Weekly, daily, and half-day camps are available from June 10-August 16. Regular camp hours are 9 am-3 pm. Cost for full-day camp is $160 per week, $90 for a half-day weekly. Single-day cost is $40 or $25 for a single half-day at 11502 Columbia Park Drive W #1. Call 260-1983 or go to www.firstcoastgymnastics.com to register.

PERFORMING ARTS
ABET Children’s Creative Drama Summer Camps Campers will have the opportunity to explore their dramatic side through the use of age-appropriate theatre games, music, dance, improvisation and storytelling, as well as having lots of fun using their imaginations to create characters and stories using costumes and props. Drama activities can help children learn about emotions and will help build their self-confidence, improve their communication, teamwork, and stage skills. Each camp will culminate with a showcase. Admission is limited to 14 children and camp is led by Aine Healy-Richardson, founder of The First Act. All camps run from 9 am-1 pm, Monday-Friday, at the Adele Grage Cultural Center, 716 Ocean Blvd at 7th Street in Atlantic Beach. June 3-7: grades 1-2 (one week). June 10-21: grades 3-7 (two week). June 24-28: grades 1-2 (one week). July 8-19: grades 3-7 (two week). July 22-26: grades 1-2 (one week). July 29-Aug 9: grades 3-7 (two week). Cost is $160 per child per week. Tuition for two-week camp is $320. www.abettheatre.com. 249-7177.
Let’s Make a Movie Summer Camp The Performers Academy is hosting a one-of-a-kind camp that harkens back to the days when Jacksonville was known as “Hollywood of the East.” The four-week camp is led by local film producer and actor Dwight Cenac from 9 am-4 pm, June 10-July 12. Cost: $500. Students 15 and up. Interviews will be conducted to consider those under 15. Campers will learn all facets of making a movie by developing and writing a script, then acting and shooting a 25-minute short film that will be screened for family and friends. The finished product will also be submitted to area film festivals. The Performers Academy, 3674 Beach Blvd. Enrollment is available at www.theperformersacademy.com or by calling 322-7672.
Camp Broadway Young performers ages 10-17 will have the opportunity to work with Broadway directors, choreographers and musical directors during this week-long theatre extravaganza. Camp Broadway is held from 8:30 am-5 pm, June 17-21 at the Wilson Center for the Performing Arts, 11901 Beach Blvd. Participants will receive instruction and training in voice, dance, movement and ensemble singing. They will rehearse dialogue, musical numbers and dance routines for the Broadway musical they will stage at the end of the week. The week will also include a tour of the Times-Union Center and the annual Salute to Singin’ & Dancin’ Kids, a special luncheon where campers meet and learn about working in the theatre from real industry professionals. Cost is $550 and includes fully-prepared, healthy lunches and snacks daily and a camp t-shirt. Register at www.fscj.edu or call 632-3015.
Theatre Jacksonville Camps Theatre Jacksonville is offering two camps this year. Schoolhouse Rocks LIVE Jr. turns the Emmy Award-winning educational cartoon series into one of the most fun, energetic, musical camps ever. History, grammar, math, science and even politics through clever, tuneful songs will be lighting up Theatre Jacksonville June 17-July 12 with performances: July 10 at 7 pm, July 11 at 1 pm and 7 pm. The first three weeks of each session will take place at San Marco’s Trotter Activities Center (1435 Atlantic Blvd.). The final week of camp all performances will be at Theatre Jacksonville. Broadway at the Movies includes four weeks of singing, acting, dancing and improv that ends in a unique, exciting, written-just-for-campers production that explores just why everyone loves a big movie musical. July 15-August 9 with performances: August 7 at 7 pm, August 8 at 1 pm and 7 pm on the Theatre Jacksonville stage. Cost/session: $500. Both appropriate for campers ages 7-13. www.theatrejax.com.
Players by the Sea Camps Players by the Sea will host five camps this summer. Let’s Put On A Play! (June 10-June 29 and July 15-August 2, 9 am-1 pm) is a unique, fun, three-week program for rising 5th-12th graders incorporating improvisation, theater games and scene work that teaches students how to rehearse a play in a professional manner. Camp culminates with a fully realized production with set, costumes and lights. Limited to 24 students. Performance dates: June 28 and June 29 at 8 pm and August 2 at 6 pm on Main Stage. Tuition: $445. Let’s Put On A Musical ~ Play! (June 10-June 29, 9 am-1 pm) Does your rising 5th – 12th grader love to act, sing or dance? Incorporating theater games, improvisation, character development with movement and rhythm, campers will explore how to bring an ensemble piece together weaving musical numbers throughout. Performance dates: June 28 and June 29 at 8 pm on Main Stage. Tuition: $455. Improv-A-Thon (July 15-July 26, 9 am to 3 pm) This two-week acting & play-building workshop is for creative teenagers and young adults from 8th-12th grade and combines improvisation techniques, writing, visual art, storytelling, and community engagement to create an original piece. A strong knowledge of and experience with improvisational techniques is required. Limited to 15 participants. Performance date: July 26 at 6pm. Tuition: $400. Camp-A-Go-Go (Go-Go 1: June 10-June 14, Go-Go-A-BOOM-BOOM: July 1-July 5, Go-Go 2: July 8-July 12; 9 am to 1 pm) These one-week, creative, dramatic camps, geared for 1st-4rd graders, encompass theater games, storytelling, dress-up, pantomime, singing and dancing. Non-stop fun and learning as students learn self-control and ignite their creativity within a group setting. Tuition: $175. Get in the Character Zone (Zone X: June 10-June 14, Zone-A-BOOM-BOOM: July 1-July 5, Zone Y: July 8-July 12; 9 am to 1 pm) Rising 5th-10th graders will get creative at this one week acting camp which employs improvisation, theater games and pantomime. Highly recommended for both the beginner and returning students.
Tuition: $175.

SCIENCE

Just because it’s summer doesn’t mean your child has to put their love of science on the back Bunsen burner. Break out the lab coats and get ready to experience the thrill of invention, exploration and investigation.

MOSH Summer Adventure Camp The Museum of Science and History offers its weekly summer adventure camp for children completing kindergarten through fifth grade. Camp is held from 9 am-3 pm, June 17-August 9. Before and after care is available beginning at 7 am-5 pm. Campers will explore science, history and astronomy as they conduct experiments, journey to the edge of the universe in the Bryan-Gooding Planetarium and explore museum exhibits at 1025 Museum Circle. Call 396-7062 or visit www.themosh.org to register. Weekly fees vary for MOSH members and non-members. Friday field trips are included in the cost. Registration closes May 31.
Week 1: June 17-21 – Dino-Tastic
Week 2: June 24-28 – Loco LEGO Mania
Week 3: July 1-5 – Beyond Bridges
Week 4: July 8-12 Salty Sea Science
Week 5: July 15-19 – Viva Florida!
Week 6: July 22-26 – Loco LEGO Mania II
Week 7: July 29-August 2 – MOSH Jams!
Week 8: August 5-10 – Space Masters

Jacksonville Zoo Camp
Don’t miss the excitement! It’s a roaring good time this summer at the Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens with eleven new camps for ages 5-15. Each day’s adventure will include up-close and hands-on encounters with Education Animal Ambassadors, zoo tours, animal crafts and hands-on activities. Class size is limited to the first 24 children to register per age group. June 10-August 9, 9 am-3 pm. Extended care available for additional fee; 8 am-5 pm. Cost: $175/week/student- member; $200/week/student- non-member; $50/week for extended care registration. Visit www.jacksonvillezoo.org for a complete look at the fun and educational camps available this year.
JU Marine Science Research Institute Summer Camp Students ages 13-18 will gain hands-on experience with standard marine science collection and monitoring equipment, plankton nets, seine nets, trawls and box cores, as well as laboratory analysis methods in two weekly sessions from 8:30 am-4:30 pm at Jacksonville University, 2800 University Blvd. N. Week one is held June 17-21 and will focus on the St. Johns River. Week two is held June 24-28 and will focus on Northeast Florida coastal habitats. The camps are independent and students can attend one or both camps. Camp sessions will be led by the Jacksonville University Marine Science faculty along with Duval County Public Schools and the St. Johns Riverkeeper staff. JU undergraduate marine science majors will also be available to assist the faculty. Possible field trips include outings to the St. Johns River in downtown Jacksonville, Little Talbot Island, Ft. George Inlet, Matanzas Bay, Huguenot Park, Hanna Park and Mayport. Daily activities will include lunch in the JU Café and recreational time at the pool. Cost is $225 per week, with before and after care available from 7:30 am to 6 pm for an additional $50 fee. Scholarships are also available. For information or to register email mscsummercamp@ju.edu or call 256-7766.
Adventures in the Estuary Adventures in the Estuary Camp is a fun and educational way for children to learn more about the importance of the estuary, learn more about the adaptations of animals that call the ocean and estuary home, explore the many habitats found at the GTM Research Reserve and participate in research projects just like the biologists who work at the GTM Research Reserve. All the learning sessions will be balanced with traditional camp games and crafts that support the learning themes. Camps for kids age 10-12 include a kayak trip led by Ripple Effects Ecotours guides. Cost is $106 per for campers age 7-10 and $140 per week for those 10-12. Call 823-4500 or go to www.gtmnerr.org. 505 Guana River Rd, Ponte Vedra Beach. June 10-14: 9 am-3 pm. Ages 7-10, June 24-28: 9 am-3 pm. Ages 10-12, July 8-12: 9 am – 3 pm. Ages 7-10, July 22-26: 9 am-3 pm. Ages 10-12
Kirby Smith’s Space Explorers Camp Students entering 4th-7th grades will race a wind sail car through a model of the solar system, navigate on a planet in the future with laser technology, build and fly a rocket, build a volcano, and train and fly two missions aboard a spacecraft and mission control simulator in two weekly sessions. The first session is held from 8 am-4 pm, Monday-Thursday from June 17-21, and the second session is available June 24-28. The program curriculum is the same for both weeks, so choose the one that fits your schedule. Camp graduates will earn astronaut wings. Hours are extended to 6 am-6:30 pm on Fridays to accommodate a field trip to Kennedy Space Center. Cost is $235 per week. Campers must bring their own bagged lunch and drink. 2034 Hubbard Street. Call 630-6601, or visit www.kirbysmithclubs.com to register.

SURFING
Living in a coastal community means unlimited access to the region’s ultimate waterpark with a giant sandbox and the most realistic wave pool you’ll ever see. The Atlantic Ocean offers a wealth of summer fun and there are a number of camps staffed by trained and professional surfers at the ready to help your kid hang ten.
Endless Summer Surf Camp With over 50 years combined experience in surf events and activities, Endless Summer is a professional surf camp with attention to detail, personal instruction and safety, open to kids ages 6-18. Surf camp dates are 9 am-noon, June 12, 13, 14 (closed camp for special campers), June 17-21, June 24-28, July 8-12, July 15-19 and July 22-26. The instructors all have years of knowledge in working with students who wish to learn how to surf, and are also CPR certified and first-aid qualified. Surfboards are provided. Campers must bring a snack, sunscreen & towel. Call 383-0443 or register. Surfers of any experience level are welcome.
Epic Surf Ministries Every morning will begin with a devotional followed by surf instruction from June 17-21. Water safety and awareness, surf etiquette, wave selection and positioning, surfboard selection and surf forecasting are all topics covered during camp. Then it’s time to surf! Later, campers will break for a snack, have more instruction and then more surfing. Soft-top surfboards are provided for those who need them. Call Epic Surf Ministries at 249-1201 for registration information. See their website for their science camp at www.epicsurfministries.com
Surf Into Summer Surf Camp at Ponte Vedra Beach Surf Into Summer is open to girls and boys ages 7 and up. Learn to surf in a fun and safe environment with some of the best surfers in town. Camp is held from 8:45 am-11:45 am from June 3-August 16 at Micklers Landing in Ponte Vedra Beach. Camps average three students to each instructor and teach all the basics of surfing and water safety. All necessary equipment will be provided to the campers including hard and soft boards, wetsuits, leashes, etc. Campers must bring your towel, bathing suit and sunscren. If you aren’t satisfied with your surf camp experience, they have a money-back guarantee. All surfers of all experience levels are encouraged to attend. Cost is $205 per week. Call 962-SURF or go to www.surfintosummer.com to register.
Jacksonville Surf Training Summer Surf Camp This is a fun and safe way to advance a child’s surfing skills, ocean knowledge and comfort in the water. Open to all skill levels ages 6 and up with certified surf and paddleboard instructors at 7th and Beach Ave. in Atlantic Beach. Weekly sessions are available from 8:45-11:45 am, June 10-14, June 17-21, June 24-28, July 8-12, July 15-19 (all girls), July 22-26, August 5-9 and August 12-16. Cost is $200. Swim and standup paddleboarding lessons are also available. Call 435-7873 or visit www.jacksonvillesurftraining.com to register.

DANCE
Be The Light Music & Dance Company Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Tumbling and Cheer for campers ages 10-15 will be on Mondays from 6-8 pm, July 8-August 1 at 5618 Timuquana Rd, Ste 3. Ballet, Tap, Tumbling & Cheer for 3-6 year-olds will be on Tuesday & Thursdays from 6-7 pm beginning on July 9, and 7-8 pm for participants ages 7-9. Cost varies from $100-$160 depending on age. Call 307-5689 to register.
Studio 1014 Dance Camps Pretty Princess Dance Camp features Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Tumbling, arts & crafts and tea parties with a princess for little campers ages 3-4. Weekly camp sessions are available from 9 am-1 pm, June 24-July 26. Campers should bring lunch and dance shoes. Cost is $130. Shake It Up Camp is held from 9 am-4 pm, June 24-July 26 and features Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hiphop, Tumbling, arts & crafts, glow-light dance parties and a pillow performance at the end of the week. Campers need to bring a lunch. Cost is $5 per hour until 6 pm for ages 4 and up. Weekly fee is $165. Located at 1459 Atlantic Blvd in Neptune Beach. Call 249-6090 or go to www.studio1014.net to register.