- March 28, 2024
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As school winds down and the weather heats up, summer camp sessions start in full-swing.
For those still looking for the perfect place for their kids to kick back and have some fun this summer, here are a few local summer camps specializing in everything from karate to theatre.
Each camp may have a different theme, but each one aims to provide a safe, entertaining environment for Central Florida kids this summer:
Crealde ArtCamp
Offering art-development classes taught by professional artists, the Crealde ArtCamp gives children the opportunity to discover their inner-artist with activities including ceramics, painting and drawing, print-making, photography and sculpture.
Regarded as Central Florida's original arts camp, the Crealde School of Art in Winter Park offers one, two, or six-week sessions throughout the summer for children and teens ages 5-17 beginning June 14. The camp also hosts Summer Saturdays with classes available in a variety of subjects open to all ages.
At the end of the summer, ArtCamp graduates get to showcase their work at the Showalter Hughes Community Gallery.
"It's wonderful to be part of a gallery show — it's something a lot of kids will always remember," Marketing Director Robin Berrie said.
Visit www.crealde.org for more information.
JCC camps
Can't find that perfect camp to meet your child's needs? The JCC of Greater Orlando in Maitland gives campers the opportunity to customize their experience.
Campers decide which classes to attend throughout the summer. Options include everything from robotics to cake decorating.
"Explorer" campers can attend fieldtrips twice a week to places such as Blizzard Beach and the Daytona 500 Experience for $230 per week, or opt for "lite" camp, in which students participate in all activities on-site for $260 per week. Sessions begin June 14 and are open to all ages from infants to teenagers.
For a full list of options and more information, visit www.orlandojcc.org.
Youth rowing camp
The 30-time State Champion Winter Park Crew team is offering a "learn to row" summer camp for those ages 12-18.
The camp is instructed by the woman's crew coach and colligate alumni of the Winter Park team.
"It can be for anyone who wants to learn to row — they can be novice or they can have experience, they can all come out and learn," Meggen Wilson said.
The camp offers a session from July 19-Aug. 13. The camp is held at the Winter Park Crew boathouse on Lake Howell Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8 a.m. to noon. Each session is $250. For more information, visit www.winterparkcrew.com.
Dojo karate camp
The Dojo of Maitland, ranked one of the top-10 karate programs in the state, offers a summer camp that combines the teaching of martial arts and the fieldtrips and playtime of a typical summer camp.
Camp Director Jonathon Luque said the camp offers not only a fun, safe environment for kids, but also the discipline, fitness, self-esteem and confidence that can come from practicing martial arts.
The camp begins June 11. The weekly price for attending is $117, or $39 daily with all field trips included. Campers can look forward to kicking off the summer session with a trip to see the new "Karate Kid" movie.
Visit www.maitlanddojo.com for more information.
Summer Drama Camp
Lights! Camera! Action! The Summer Drama Camp held at the Calvary Assembly of God in Winter Park gives kids the opportunity to be a star.
Dedicated to teaching students how to thrive in a creative environment, Camp Director Lynda Stein said her camp gives children an artistic outlet they might not have during the school year.
During each session the campers prepare for a full-theatre production presented at the conclusion of the camp. This year's productions include "Fiddler on the Roof", Disney's "The Jungle Book" and "A Year with Frog and Toad". The first session begins June 7. For more information and pricing, visit www.summerdramacamp09.com.
Mini Sports Camp
Have a child who loves sports? The Mini Sports Camps offered by the city of Maitland may hit you a homerun.
The camp gives participants experience in many different sports in four-day "mini" sessions. There is a one-time registration fee of $25 and each session, starting June 14 and continuing throughout the summer, costs $60.
The city of Maitland also sponsors a specialized Youth Tennis Camp. Also offered in four-day sessions, the camp is open to children of all skill levels. The cost per session is $90 for Maitland residents and $100 for non-residents.
For more information on both these camps, visit www.itsmymaitland.com or call 407-539-0042.