Photo by Michele AnneLouise Cohen
Michele AnneLouise Cohen / Staff Zachary Raddani, 6, Naples, Fla., sucks up water at the City of Naples Summer Camp at Cambier Park in Naples, Fla., on July 25, 2011.
Photo by DAVID ALBERS
David Albers/Staff Nine-year-old Charlie Foden, of Naples, chases a pass while performing flag football receiving drills at the Sports Club after-school program at Vineyards Elementary School on April, 23, 2012, in Naples. The after-school program and summer camp provide a variety of athletic activities for its enrolled youth.
File Madeline Burt shows her style during a training session at the Greater Marco YMCA pool.
"I'm bored" need not be the mantra of summer. From sports to theater to super science, Lee and Collier counties boast plenty of summer camp options.
Whether parents are looking for day-long activities for the entire school break or want an enriching experience to break up the lazy days of summer, local kids are in for some summertime fun.
The Greater Marco Family YMCA offers 10 weeks of themed day camps, while the Greater Naples YMCA is hosting several enrichment camps throughout the summer. Those include basketball, volleyball, dance/cheer and the very popular Junior Lifeguard.
Aspiring lifeguards and water lovers also would have fun with the Ocean Kids camp offered at Lowdermilk Beach. Along with learning first aid and CPR, campers will enjoy surfing, snorkeling, boating and stand up paddle boarding.
Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium presents another opportunity for kids to explore the outdoor world. Some of the center's most popular camp themes are "Space Explorers," "Animal Grossology" and "Survivor," where campers learn what to do if they are bitten by a snake or need to build an emergency shelter.
A three-week Junior Naturalist camp will be offered for kids 12-16. After completing the course, they are certified to volunteer and work with animals at Calusa.
"We give them a camp option where they are going to be outside and learning to enjoy and appreciate nature while learning about wildlife here in Florida," said Education Coordinator Chris Kielmeyer.
Numerous sports camps offer kids a chance to stay active this summer. Basketball clinics will help young athletes improve their game, while other kids might prefer to set sail on local waterways. Marco Island Parks and Recreation offers Intro to Sailing and Intermediate Sailing, as well as the popular Camp Mackle day camp.
For a variety of sports, the Sports CLUB offers a full day camp at several Collier County schools, as well as the Bonita Recreation Center. Kids in kindergarten through eighth grade stay active with 45-minute rotations in each sport, said director Josh Giha.
To find camps themed for nearly every interest, check out the listings from your local parks and recreation department. The extensive offerings in Collier and Lee counties feature day camps and specialty camps with themes including extreme sports, beach camp, water skiing, painting, cooking, math and science.
Computer Explorers is offering its TechStars STEM camps in both Collier and Lee counties, at North Collier Regional Park and Florida Gulf Coast University. Young engineers will try their hand at green engineering with "Castles and Catapults" or design their own robots during the "Lego NXT Robotics" camp.
With all the options, parents need not worry about finding something for the kids to do this summer. The new mantra just might be: "Too busy to be bored."
Creative kids will love the variety of camps offered at Center for the Arts of Bonita Springs, which runs about 150 different camps throughout the summer.
"Every week we have at least six or seven offered every morning and every afternoon, and they are just the coolest classes in the entire world," said Patrice Shields, the center's director of marketing. "We have everything. You can make movies; you can make rockets we actually launch off at camp. We even have a two-week rock and roll camp."
The week of July 16-20 is especially exciting because it's "Steamroller Week." Campers learn to build print plates for dazzling works of art created as a real steamroller is brought in to apply the pressure.
Other popular camps include "Cookonomics," "Duct Tape Everything!" and "Trashing Fashion."
"Kids get to create these really cool outfits out of all recycled materials and model them at a fashion show at the end of the week," said Shields, noting she's seen dresses made from playing cards, drink pouches and paint swatches.
Although most camps cost $136.50 for the week, Shields encourages parents to apply for financial assistance. The Art Center holds fundraisers all year long to enable kids to enjoy summer enrichment programs. Last year, the center granted about $90,000 in scholarships, Shields said.
The Art Center also is holding auditions for its free youth theater summer production of "Stuart Little." Tryouts will be June 6 and 7 for the six-week program.
Another free theatrical experience is offered at Lamb of God Church in Estero. Instead of doing a traditional Vacation Bible School this summer, the church decided to let the kids star in a production of "Oh, Jonah!" -- a lighthearted musical about the biblical story of Jonah and the whale.
"They'll be learning about the story while learning the musical scores as well as making their own instruments," said Kathleen Busbee, director of youth programs at the church.
The musical camp will be led by Trent Brown, director of choirs at Bowen School of Music at Florida Gulf Coast University. Campers will make costumes and props and learn choreography, with the production scheduled for June 15.
For more traditional day camps, parents have long relied on the YMCA. The Bonita location will reopen just in time for summer activities. Now operated by South County YMCA, the Bonita YMCA, at 27200 Kent Road, will celebrate its grand reopening with a free community day May 26.
Summer programs begin May 29 and run through Aug. 3. The Bonita and Fort Myers YMCAs will offer traditional day camp with activities including sports, swimming, arts and crafts, as well as a Sports Camp featuring volleyball, football, soccer, basketball and swimming.
IF YOU GO
MARCO ISLAND
GREATER MARCO FAMILY YMCA SUMMER CAMPWHO: Ages 5-13
WHAT: Day Camp with weekly themes
WHEN: June 11-Aug. 17
WHERE: Greater Marco Family YMCA,
COST: $700 for full summer or $80-$90/week
INFO: www.marcoislandymca.org or (239)394-3144
MARCO ISLAND PARKS & REC ENRICHMENT CAMPS
WHO: Ages 6-15
WHAT: Themes include aquatics, martial arts, theater, Jr. Chef, jewelry making, beach soccer and other sports.
WHEN: Various weeks from June 11-Aug. 17
WHERE: Various Marco Island locations
COST: varies per camp
INFO: www.cityofmarcoisland.com or (239)642-0575
CAMP MACKLE
WHO: Ages 6-11
WHAT: Dive into a Sea of Fun with Marco Island Parks & Rec
WHEN: June 7-Aug. 17
WHERE: Mackle Park
COST: $700 full summer; $80/week or $20/day
INFO: www.cityofmarcoisland.com or (239)642-0575
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
WHO: elementary children
WHAT: Themes include SonRise, Arts Camp, Amazing Desert Journey, Babylon: Daniel's Courage, PRAISE and National Park.
WHEN: June 10-13, June 11-15, June 18-24, June 25-29 or July 9-13
WHERE: Marco Lutheran Church, Wesley Methodist Church, St. Marks Episcopal Church, Marco Presbyterian Church, Family Church and San Marco Catholic Church.
COST: Free
INFO: www.marcolutheran.org, www.wesleymarco.org, www.stmarksmarco.org, www.marcochurch.com, www.fbcmarco.com, www.sanmarcochurch.com
NAPLESYOUTH SAILING CAMPS
WHO: Young sailors
WHAT: Learn to Sail, Intermediate Sailing and Intro to Racing
WHEN: Various weeks starting June 11-Aug. 13
WHERE: Naples Community Sailing Center, 1100 9th St. S, Naples
COST: $300
INFO: www.ncscnaples.blogspot.com or (239)403-7193
GOT CAMP? COLLIER COUNTY PARKS & REC SUMMER CAMPS
WHO: Preschool, elementary school, middle school, high school and special needs campers
WHAT: Numerous camps including sports/fitness, arts/theater, music, dance, animal, cooking, web design, robotics.
WHEN: Nine weeks starting June 11-Aug. 10
WHERE: Various locations in Collier County
COST: Camp Collier, $66 per week; or individual pricing for other camps
INFO: www.collierparks.com or (239)566-2367
GULFSHORE PLAYHOUSE STAR SUMMER CAMPS
WHO: Ages 6-12; 13-18
WHAT: Star in a play ("Beauty and the Beast") or Acting Intensive for Teens
WHEN: June 11-30 for STAR; July 9-27 for Teens
WHERE: Gulfshore Playhouse, Naples
COST: $450
INFO: www.gulfshoreplayhouse.org or (239)213-3058
AMERICAN SPORTS KARATE
WHO: Children of all ages
WHAT: Karate and martial arts plus field trips
WHEN: 10 weeks starting June 11
WHERE: American Sports Karate, 9950 Business Circle, Ste. 1, Naples
COST: $175-$250 per week or $60/day
INFO: www.americansportskarate.com or (239)643-2275GREATER NAPLES YMCA SUMMER CAMPS
WHO: Children entering kindergarten to age 13
WHAT: Fun Day at the Y! or specialty camps (lifeguard, basketball, volleyball, dance/cheer)
WHEN: Various weeks starting June 11-Aug. 13
WHERE: Greater Naples YMCA, 5450 YMCA Road, Naples
COST: $129-$159 a week or $25-$35 a day
INFO: www.ymcapalms.org or (239)598-5161
SUPER SCIENCE & AMAZING ART CAMPS
WHO: Ages 6-12
WHAT: Engineering, kitchen chemistry, art, physics, animation, super solar.
WHEN: June 11-Aug. 17
WHERE: Norris Center, 755 8th Ave. S., Naples
COST: Call for pricing
INFO: www.supersciencefl.com or (239)213-3058
VANDERBILT PRESBYTERIAN SUMMER CAMPS
WHO: Ages 4-Grade 12
WHAT: "SKY" VBS, Explorer Camp, Summer Music Camp (two weeks), Orchestra Camps, Adventure Camp or Youth on the Move
WHEN: Various weeks starting June 7-Aug. 13
WHERE: Vanderbilt Presbyterian Church, 1225 Piper Blvd., Naples
COST: varies per camp
INFO: www.vpcnaples.org or (239)597-5410
SUMMER DANCE CAMPS
WHO: Ages 3-12
WHAT: Various themes including Princess, Pop Stars, Suess Dance, Jump Into Dance
WHEN: Various weeks starting June 11-Aug. 6
WHERE: Backstage Dance Academy, 5400 Jaeger Rd., Naples
COST: $129-278
INFO: www.naplessummercamp.com or (239)566-3535CITY OF NAPLES SUMMER CAMPS
WHO: Kids ages 3-15
WHAT: Various camps include Day Camp, sports camps, nature camps, engineering/science, art.
WHEN: 10 weeks starting June 11-Aug. 13
WHERE: Various locations in Naples
COST: varies per camp
INFO: www.naplesgov.com or (239)213-7120
SALVATION ARMY DAY CAMP
WHO: Kids ages 6-12 or 13-16
WHAT: Summer Day Camp or TLC for Teens
WHEN: June 11-Aug. 10
WHERE: The Salvation Army of Naples
COST: varies per camp
INFO: www.uss.salvationarmy.org/naples or (239)775-9447
OCEAN KIDS JUNIOR LIFEGUARD BEACH CAMP
WHO: Ages 6-14
WHAT: Surf, snorkel, SUP, boat, marine life, safety, first aid
WHEN: Nine weeks starting June 11-Aug. 10
WHERE: Lowdermilk Park, 1301 Gulf Shore Blvd. N., Naples
COST: $200/week or $50/day
INFO: www.oceankids-online.com or (239)250-6508
BILL KRAMER CHAMPIONS FOOTBALL CAMP
WHO: Kids entering grades 1-8
WHAT: Football skills and training
WHEN: June 11-15 or June 18-22
WHERE: Naples High School
COST: $135 for one week or $240 for two weeks
INFO: (239)213-3020NAPLES YOUTH BASKETBALL LEAGUE CAMPS
WHO: Ages 5-14
WHAT: Weekly basketball skills camps
WHEN: June 4-Aug. 10
WHERE: Seacrest Country Day School/ New Hope Ministries
COST: $99/week for half day; $149, full day.
INFO: www.playnybl.com or (239)330-4947
SCOTT STEWART BASKETBALL CAMP
WHO: Kids ages 7-15
WHAT: Fundamentals, games, awards
WHEN: Various weeks from June 11-Aug. 3
WHERE: First Baptist Church Family Life Center, 3000 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples
COST: $125-$200
INFO: (239)269-7473
MITCH WOODS BASKETBALL SKILLS CAMP
WHO: All grades
WHAT: Games, competitions, skills development
WHEN: June 11-15 or June 18-22
WHERE: Community School of Naples
COST: $150
INFO: (239)825-2899
LADY SHARK BASKETBALL SUMMER CLINIC
WHO: Ages 7-14
WHAT: skills development, games
WHEN: June 11-14, 6-8 p.m.
WHERE: Gulf Coast High School
COST: $40
INFO: woodruma@collierschools.comBAREFOOT BEACH TENNIS-BEACH FUN
WHO: Ages 5-10 or ages 11-14
WHAT: Tennis, yoga, swimming, beach walks, games and more.
WHEN: Eight weeks June 11-Aug. 3
WHERE: The Club at Barefoot Beach, 105 Shell Dr., Barefoot Beach
COST: $275/week
INFO: www.stonewaterstudio.com or (239)821-2266
ARTSCOOL SUMMER ARTS PROGRAMS
WHO: Kids and teens
WHAT: Programs include tie dye, Photoshop, clay, jewelry making, illustration and more.
WHEN: Eight weeks starting June 11-Aug. 6
WHERE: The vonLiebig Art Center, 585 Park St., Naples
COST: $125 per 5-day class
INFO: www.naplesart.org or (239)262-6517
SPORTS C.L.U.B. SUMMER CAMP
WHO: Elementary and middle school students
WHAT: Sports Camps
WHEN: June 11-Aug. 3
WHERE: Pelican Marsh, Osceola, Vineyards, Laurel Oak or Veteran's Memorial Elementary schools; Bonita Springs Recreation Center.
COST: $20/day
INFO: www.sportsclubnaples.org or (239)784-7630
BONITA/ESTERO
SUMMER FUN WITH THE ARTS
WHO: Kids ages 4-16
WHAT: Dance, theater ("Stuart Little" performance), various art camps
WHEN: May 29-Aug. 10WHERE: Center for the Arts of Bonita Springs, 26100 Old 41
COST: varies per camp
INFO: www.artcenterbonita.org or (239)495-8989
'OH, JONAH!' SUMMER MUSICAL CAMP
WHO: Children entering grades 1-6
WHAT: A light-hearted musical about Jonah and the Whale (performed June 15)
WHEN: June 11-15, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. (extended care available)
WHERE: Lamb of God Church, 19691 Cypress View Dr., Ft. Myers
COST: $75 per camper (additional siblings $60)
INFO: www.lambofgodchurch.net or (239)267-3525
SUMMIT SPORTS CAMP
WHO: Kids entering grades K-6
WHAT: Soccer, basketball, field day, flag football, dance or cheer
WHEN: June 18-22, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
WHERE: Summit Church, 19601 Ben Hill Griffin Pkwy, Ft. Myers
COST: $30 before May 14; $40, May 15-31
INFO: www.summitlife.com/sportscamp or (239)947-7070
TECH-STARS STEM CAMPS
WHO: Campers entering grades 1-7
WHAT: Video Games with 3D Controllers; WeDo Robotics; Alternative Energy; Lego NXT Robotics; or Lego Green Engineering.
WHEN: Various weeks starting June 18-July 30
WHERE: Florida Gulf Coast University or North Collier Regional Park
COST: $165-$185 per week
INFO: www.computerexplorers.com/swfl or (239)948-7202
NIKE BASKETBALL CAMP
WHO: Boys ages 8-17
WHAT: US Sports Camp with Tom Kane
WHEN: June 11-15WHERE: Estero High School or Estero Recreation Center
COST: $239
INFO: www.ussportscamps.com or (800)645-3226
BONITA YMCA DAY CAMPS
WHO: 5 years to 8th grade
WHAT: Day camp or Sports camp
WHEN: May 29-Aug. 3
WHERE: Bonita Springs YMCA, 27200 Kent Road
COST: $55-$75 a week, plus $25 registration fee (free lunch)
INFO: www.southcountyfamilyymca.org or (239)275-9622
EXTREME AIR SPORTS CAMP
WHO: Ages 6-17
WHAT: Trampolines, tumbling, dance, music, reverse bungee and obstacle courses.
WHEN: May 27- Aug. 3
WHERE: Extreme Air Sports, 28790 Diesel Dr.
COST: $135
INFO: www.xtremeairsports.com or (239)676-7192
May After Five, Marco Island Chamber
Catch of the Day: May 23, 2013
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
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