Like peanut butter and jelly or chocolate and marshmallows summertime and camps are a natural pairing. When the nights get longer, the weather gets warmer, and kids are home from school for the summer, finding activities to keep them active and engaged can be tough. Luckily, the First Coast has a variety of summer camps to keep your little ones busy or even help them hone their talents or focus their studies.
Whatever your child’s interest or needs, there is sure to be a camp that fits the bill. This is just a small sampling of the many camps our area has to offer. Registration for most camps is now open, so make plans to make this summer your child or children’s best summer yet!
Episcopal School of Jacksonville Summer Camps
Episcopal School of Jacksonville offers sports, activities, arts and academics programs every summer for grades K through 12. Summer programs at Episcopal School of Jacksonville are all about fun and self-improvement. The classes give students the opportunity to enjoy the subject matter at a relaxed pace, with fewer students and greater teacher attention. The camps stress the love of the game, whether it be pole vaulting or dancing. The safe, secure environment at Episcopal allows students and parents to focus on what is important: improving academics, athletics and fine arts skills. The school prides itself on being a small, close-knit community that welcomes anyone to join us.
Camps run all season from May 22 to July 31. Subjects cover everything from theology and study skills to paintball, fishing, fencing and public speaking. Camps offered also include two football camps with former Jaguars quarterback Mark Brunell. Visit www.esj.org for more information.
Montgomery Presbyterian Center
Summer is a wonderful part of childhood, a time to play outdoors, to explore, to learn and make new friends. Montgomery has over 50 years of experience in making summer a magical time for children, rich with opportunities for children to discover themselves in a supportive, Christian community.
Montgomery Presbyterian Camp, Conference and Retreat Center was established in 1957 on 167 wooded acres on three spring-fed lakes. Owned by the Presbytery of St. Augustine, Montgomery exists to provide unique programs in a setting which gives youth and adults the opportunity to experience the love of God through Jesus Christ in ways that deepen faith and increase the appreciation of and service to each other. The camping ministry at Montgomery is an extension of the Christian education programs of the Presbytery of St. Augustine and of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
Overnight camps up to two weeks begin June 19 and run through July 29. Camps are available for all ages starting with first graders, and including a “You and Me” camp for parents and kids and a family camp. On site camps begin June 26.
Montgomery is located at 88 SE 75th St., in Starke, Fla. Call (352) 473-4516 or visit montgomerycenter.org for more information.
The Village Academy and The Village Academy North
Village Academy and Village Academy North are offering specialty summer camps for children ages 4-13 with either full or partial day camps. Summer day camps begin June 8.
Camp Have-a-Blast includes daily swimming, field trips, overnight adventures, art, cooking, and science experiments during 10 themed weeks of fun at The Village Academy. This summer themes include: Hawaii, Hollywood, Pirates, Stars and Stripes, Christmas in July, Olympics, Sports, Wacky Tacky, and End of summer celebration. The academy also boasts two swimming pools, an indoor air-conditioned gym, arcade room, and arts and crafts room. A two-week minimum commitment for the camp is required. A version of the camp geared toward ages 4 and 5 called Junior Camp is available for younger campers.
Village Academy North is offering Boom Science, STEM, and Curiosity camps.
The Village Academy and Village Academy North are located in St. Augustine at 145 Lewis Point Rd. and 5970 US 1 N. respectively. For more information about The Village Academy, call (904) 797-5909 or visit www.village-academy.com. For more information about Village Academy North, call (904) 824-7997 or visit www.village-academynorth.com.
Nocatee Summer Camps
Nocatee is offering weekly themed summer camps for Nocatee residents beginning the week of June 6 through the week of Aug. 1. The camps feature a range of activities from unique art and craft projects to team building, nature walks on Nocatee’s Greenway Trails, sports, swimming and water games.
Camps are for children ages 5-12. The weekly camps are scheduled Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The camp fee is $175 per child, per week. A discount applies for siblings; the additional sibling fee is $150 per sibling, per week.
Before and after care is available for an additional fee in the morning from 8 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and in the afternoon from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. The fee is $50 per week for before and after camp care.
June 6-10 - Artful Antics
June 13-17 – The Great Outdoors
June 20-24 – Science Adventures
June 27-July 1 – Fun and Fitness
July 5-8 – Water Works
July 11-15 – All Star Sports
July 18-22 – Carnival
July 25-29 – Camp’s Got Talent
August 1-5 – Summer Camp Olympics
For more information or to register online, visit www.nocateesummercamp.com/summer-camps.cfm. Please note: the camps are for Nocatee residents only; residency will be verified.
Keystone Behavioral Pediatrics Summer Programming
Keystone Behavioral Pediatrics in Jacksonville offers summer programming for special needs and typically developing children.
There are two programs for preschoolers: KCDC Summer Camp, an inclusion camp for typically developing kids and high-functioning kids with special needs from 18 months through kindergarten and KCDC Summer VPK, a free voluntary pre-kindergarten program for kids who reside in Florida and turned four by Sept. 1, 2015.
For more information about KCDC summer programs, call (904) 619-6071, ext. 139 or email norton@keystonebehavioral.com.
There are also two different programs for ages 5 to 22 years old, including Keystone Success through Change Champs for typically developing and high-functioning kids with special needs. Five camps are offered that focus on specific mental health needs.
Keystone Summer Program is a newly redesigned program for children who have a range of special needs with fun and educational activities and learning goals. Personalized treatment goals can be developed for each child as well.
For more information about Keystone Success Through Change Camps and the Keystone Summer Program, call (904) 619-6071 or email summercamps@keystonebehavioral.com.
Crosswater Community Church
For the second year in a row, Crosswater Community Church will bring the WinShape Camp for Communities program to Ponte Vedra. Camp will take place July 25-29 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is for children who have completed first grade through eighth grade.
WinShape Camp offers 21 different activities for campers, including crafts, archery, flag football, dance, science, gymnastics and more.
Crosswater Community Church is located at 211 Davis Park Road, Ponte Vedra. For more information, call (904) 824-9800 or visitwww.crosswaterchurch.net.
Alhambra Theatre and Dining Summer Theater Camp
Is your child a tad dramatic? Help them hone their flair for theatrics with a two-week summer theater camp presented by The Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra Beach and Alhambra Theatre and Dining.
There are two separate camps, one for children ages 9-12 and one for children ages 13 and up. Experienced actors or newbies are welcome to attend camp. Camp with culminate in a three-course dinner and final performance from campers. A dinner ticket for the camper plus one family member is included with registration.
Ages 9-12: June 20-July 1, performance on July 5
Ages 13 and up: July 11-July 22, performance on July 25
Camp takes place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Alhambra Theatre & Dining, 12000 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville.
To register for the camp, call the Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra Beach at (904) 280-0614. Visit www.alhambrajax.com/events/summer-theater-camp for more information.
Jacksonville Beach Junior Lifeguard Camp
The Junior Lifeguard program is a one-week, full-day camp for kids ages 9 to 15, and is sponsored by the City of Jacksonville Beach and the American Red Cross Volunteer Life Saving Corp.
Because the camp is held at the lifeguard station, the students can view how professional lifeguards handle beach emergencies and day-to-day operations. Camp runs all summer from June to August in six different sessions.
The Junior Lifeguard camp is an overview of the Ocean Rescue Lifeguard procedures which are in place to ensure the public’s safety while visiting our beaches. The camp includes instruction in ocean rescue, first aid, CPR, weather patterns and environmental awareness. Campers will learn how to use lifeguard equipment such as the rescue tube and paddleboards. Campers must be good swimmers and comfortable in the ocean.
The program trains students to get a job as a lifeguard when they turn 16 years old. Many of its lifeguards have pursued careers as firefighters, police officers, military personnel, doctors and nurses. For further information, contact Coach Paugh (904) 241-0806 or (904) 860-2175.
Marineland S.E.A. Camp Dolphin Adventure
Marineland’s S.E.A. Camp is a week-long camp for kids ages 7 through 12 and teens ages 13 through 16. The program is filled with science, activities, exploration, beach combing and dolphins. Sessions run Monday through Friday from June through August. Space is limited.
Marineland is located at 9600 Oceanshore Blvd., St. Augustine. For more information, call (904) 471-1111 or visit www.marineland.net.
Ponte Vedra Ballet & Dance Company and Fusion Performing Arts Academy dance camps
Special themed weekly dance camps run Monday through Friday from 8:45 a.m. to 1 p.m., June through August. Camps are for children ages 4 through teens for beginners, intermediate and advanced students.
2016 Dance Camp:
June 6-10 - Dance it All Camp
June 13-17 - Acro Blast Camp
June 20-24 - Ballerina Princess Camp
June 27-July 1 - Broadway Annie Camp
July 11-15 - Ballerina Princess Camp
July 18-22 - Dance it All Camp
July 25-29 - Hip Hop Acro Blast
Aug. 1-5 - Ballerina Princess Camp
Register online; space is limited. For more information or to register, call (904) 859-2223 or visit www.pvballet.com or www.fusionperformingartsacademy.com.
Ancient City Explorers Summer Camp
The St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum presents Ancient City Explorers Summer Camp, a weekly kids’ camp for children in grades kindergarten through fifth grade. From folk art to shipwreck archaeology, campers will interact with history through science experiments, craft projects, filed trips and more.
May 31-June 3 – Folksom & Jetsam
June 6-June 10 – Shipwreck Archaeology
June 13-June 17 – Shipwreck Survival
June 20-June 24 – Wickie Science
June 27-July 1 – Pre-Mouse Tourism
Camps are $125 per week for non-members. Museum members receive 10 percent off. Cost includes a t-shirt, backpack, water bottle, field trips and lunch on Friday. To register for camp, call (904) 829-0745 or visit www.staugustinelighthouse.org/camp.
Summer arts camps and workshops at the Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra Beach
The Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra Beach presents Summer Arts Camps and Workshops for young artists of all skill levels. Children ages 4 to 16 are encouraged to express their imagination using quality artist's materials with guidance from creative and talented art instructors. Supplies and snack included. Campers must bring a brown bag lunch and dress for mess. To register, visit www.ccpvb.org or call (904)-280-0614 ext 204. Early registration discount ends May 16, 2016. The Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra Beach is located at 50 Executive Way, Ponte Vedra Beach.
Sylvan Learning Center
Sylvan Learning Center is offering educational summer camps for kids featuring robotics, coding, Math Edge and more. Registration is now open; sign up by May 15 and save $25. Sylvan Learning Center Ponte Vedra is located at 2 Fairfield Blvd., Suite 5. For more information, call (904) 280-8410 or visit www.sylvanlearning.com.
Surf Into Summer Surf Camp
All children can learn to surf with help from the Ponte Vedra and Jacksonville Beach Surf Camps. Even kids who spent all season indoors will learn to hang 10 with ease. All sessions begin with introductory instruction on general water, ocean safety and surfing etiquette. Most of the time is spent in the water with instructors, learning to surf. The camp is open to ages six and older. Camps run all summer long beginning June 13 and running through Aug. 5. Camps run from 8:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
The price is $210 per camp and includes a money-back guarantee. The instructor to camper ratio is 1 to 3. The camp always has a lifeguard on duty, and instructors are some of the top surfers in North Florida.
The Jacksonville Beach camp is located at Seagate Avenue, across from Fletcher Middle School. The Ponte Vedra camp is located at Mickler’s Landing. All necessary equipment is provided, including both hard boards and soft boards, wetsuits, leashes, wax and more. Instructors and campers will be identified with same color rash guards. Visit www.surfintosummer.com for more information.
Ponte Vedra YMCA Summer Camps
Campers ages 5 through 12 can travel around the world, visiting a different country each week. Summer camp begins May 31 and runs through Aug. 5. Activities range from arts and humanities to math, science and literacy. Camps also include outdoor recreation play, reading activities and weekly field trips.
There are three Ponte Vedra area locations for camps: Ponte Vedra YMCA, 170 Landrum Lane; Ponte Vedra Presbyterian Church, 4510 Palm Valley Road; The Bolles School, 200 ATP Blvd.
Week 1 – South Africa
Week 2 – Australia
Week 3 – France
Week 4 – Greece
Week 5 – India
Week 6 – United States
Week 7 – Egypt
Week 8 – Thailand
Week 9 – Peru
Week 10 – Brazil
Week 11 – South Africa
For more information, call (904) 543-9622 or visit www.firstcoastymca.org/programs/camp/summer-camp.
Apex Theatre Studio camp and music theatre intensives
Camp Apex for ages 10 through 14 begins May 31 and runs through Aug. 5. Themed camps cover an array of stage genres including improv, comedy, Broadway to writing and publishing camps for screenwriting, storytelling, poetry, comic books, graphic novels and cartoons.
Music Theatre Intensives for ages 12 through 21: Camp options include The Boot, a 14-day intensive designed to challenge the intermediate to advanced level artist; or The Standard, a four-week experience for artists in the early stage of their craft.
Class sizes are limited. Apex Theatre is located at 5105 Palm Valley Road, Ponte Vedra Beach. For more information, visit www.apextheatrejax.com.
Dansations
Dansations provides quality and technically challenging dance in a fun, creative environment. The studio has comprehensive curriculum for ages 3 to adult and summer programs are available for children and adults.
14965 Old St. Augustine Road, suite 132, St. Augustine. For more information, call (904) 880-0403 or visit www.dansationsjax.com.
Bud Beech
Bud Beech Summer Camp has been running for nearly 30 years. A variety of activities are offered, including sports fitness, dance, basketball and more. The camp is open to boys and girls ages 6 through 13 and takes place Monday through Thursday from May 31 – July 30. All activities are indoors at Ponte Vedra High School.
Parent drop off is in the gym after 8:15 a.m. Monday through Thursday for full day and/or morning session campers. Afternoon campers drop off is at 11:45 p.m. Both full day and half-day camp options are available. Full-day camps are offered from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and half day camps are from 9 a.m. to noon or 1 to 4 p.m.
For more information, call (904) 686-4075 or visit www.budbeech.com.
Polly B Dance Academy
For more than 43 years, Polly B Dance Academy has been teaching aspiring dancers the art of dance. Styles include ballet, lyrical, hip hop, jazz and more. The studio is located at 240 23rd Ave. S., Jacksonville Beach. For more information, call (904) 246-6662 or visit ww.pollybdance.com.
Tommy Hulihan’s Basketball Camp and Sports Camp
Tommy Hulihan’s summertime activities are designed to get campers moving this summer while learning sports and basketball fundamentals. The camps take place at St. Paul’s Gym, located at 212 Fifth St. N., Jacksonville Beach. There are three camp options to choose from:
Summer Sports Camp is open to girls and boys ages five through rising sixth graders. Camp runs May 31 – Aug. 5. Campers will participate in team sports and age appropriate activities.
Summer Beaches Basketball League is open to girls and boys ages 3 through rising sixth graders. The deadline to register is May 20. The league runs June 4 – Aug. 6.
Tommy Hulihan’s Basketball Camp is open to girls and boys from third grade through eighth grade. Camps are divided into sessions. The basketball camp runs from June 13-17.
For more information or to register, call (904) 349-2611 or visit www.tommyhulihanbasketball.com.
