First Coast Cultural Center summer camp schedules announced

First Coast Cultural Center is launching its summer camp season and new programs to support the nonprofit, including youth and adult classes for novice and professional students to enhance their creative processes.

The arts organization has served the community for more than 27 years as a gathering place to learn, experience and appreciate the arts and culture in its many forms. The nonprofit provides opportunities for adults, children and families through classes, exhibits, programs, services, activities and memberships open to the local community, and beyond.

According to Donna Guzzo, First Coast Cultural Center’s president and executive director, the nonprofit is pleased to present updated summer classes and programs featuring renowned fine artists, musicians and speakers, and a summer art camp program to include the theme “Explore Your First Coast: The History and Culture.”

Camp students will learn more about the First Coast region while creating art and projects to honor what makes our area unique, from native cultures to historic architecture to modern tourism.

Classes and programs are held at 3972 3rd St. South in Jacksonville Beach, at Nocatee Health Village Care Connect+, 351 Town Plaza Ave. in Nocatee, and at PVPV/Rawlings Elementary, 610 A1A North in Ponte Vedra Beach.

For more summer camp information, locations, pricing, registration, go to firstcoastculturalcenter.org/arts-programs/summer-art-camps.

First Coast Cultural Center is offering weekly camps now for children ages 4 to 9 at the Cultural Center location in Jacksonville Beach until Aug. 12, and at PVPV/Rawlings Elementary from until July 22.

Children will learn more about the First Coast region while creating art and other projects and what makes the region unique.

Themed around native cultures, historic architecture, modern tourism and more,  the camp is held for youth to learn a myriad of art skills, including hands-on art and mixed media projects, including Spanish tiles, mermaids, rollercoasters and more, depending on the week’s unique theme.

Campers can expect to learn different painting and drawing techniques, make 3D creations and have fun with music and games.

Here’s a look at upcoming camps:

• “Ocean Legends Camp” is sold out at the Cultural Center, but spaces are still available at PVPV/Rawlings Elementary for the week of June 20-24.
• “Ready, Set, Go! Hot Air Balloons, Planes, & More” camp classes are available at the Cultural Center and PVPV/Rawlings Elementary from June 27 until July 1.
• “Creating Our Own World’s Fair with Rollercoasters and Optical Illusions” camp classes are available at the Cultural Center, and “Happy Birthday, USA” classes are available at PVPV/Rawlings Elementary on July 5-8.
• “The Art of Science” classes are available at the Cultural Center and PVPV/Rawlings Elementary on July 11-15.
• “Natural Science” camp is available at Cultural Center and PVPV/Rawlings Elementary on July 18-22.
• “Take a Stay-Cation, Enjoy Florida Like a Tourist” camp classes are available at the Cultural Center only, July 25-29.
• “First Coast Culinary Treasures” cooking class is available at the Cultural Center only, Aug. 1-5.
• “First Coast Art Today” camp classes are available at the Cultural Center only, Aug. 8-12.
• “Nocatee Drama Camp” classes with Sheri Lahris are held on Mondays and Fridays in June and July with registration available on a weekly or monthly basis, with monthly bundles providing discounts per class. Camp classes are held at Care Connect+ in Nocatee to feature the methods of acting through improvisation, monologues, scene work and more.

In addition to camp, the Cultural Center offers individual courses and workshops during summertime for children and adults. Experienced artists, novices and professionals are offered programs to enhance the creative process and artwork.

Pre-Registration is required for all programs. All supplies are included, unless otherwise noted. A review of the nonprofit’s program policies is suggested before registration, and family membership discounts are available.

Guzzo added that, due to the popularity of many camp classes which are sold out, there are waiting list opportunities.

For more information about programs, workshops, costs, registration, policies, dates, and times, call programs manager Toni Thomas at 904-280-0614 ext. 1206 or email tthomas@firstcoastculturalcenter.org.

Or go to firstcoastculturalcenter.org.