30A Mamas, this one’s for you! School will be out before we know it with a calendar full of blank summer days, glorious with possibility. Looking to fill those with fun camps, activities and education for your kids or grandkids? I’m rounding up a list of 30A’s best summer camps, categorized by theme.
Adventure
Camp Skyway
When: Week 1: June 11-15, Week 2: June 18-22, Week 3: June 25-29
Where: Camp Helen State Park
Details: For ages 5-12 with a “Counselor in Training” program for ages 13-15. Enjoy a full day of activities (8-9am for early dropoff and 4-5pm for extended care) from a pre-selected list that includes outdoor living skills, crafts and even a slimy science lab. Campers work together on a “give back” project and even play team tournaments to compete in a variety of camp challenges. $400 for full day or $200 for half day.
Registration: (210) 878-9241 or campskyway.com
Sweet Bay Montessori Camp
When: June 11-July 27
Where: Sweet Bay Montessori (Bay Grove Rd, Freeport)
Details: For ages 5-9 (as of Sept. 1). The program includes weekly themes with full and part day options for school-aged children. 8:30 – 3:30, $200 per week. 7:30 – 3:30, $215 per week. 8:30 – 5:30, $255 per week. 7:30 – 5:30 $265 per week.
June 11 – June 15 – The Natural World: Come discover the wonders of nature. Children will explore the natural environment and engage in activities in the sciences and arts to further their understanding and appreciation of the great outdoors.
June 18 – June 22 – To Infinity and Beyond: The sky is the limit. Or is it? Children will “travel” through space learning about our solar system, the Milky Way and mysteries of the universe.
June 25 – June 29 – Under the Sea: Life is better down where it’s wetter. Become acquainted with ocean life through nature, crafts and games, including some wet, wild, and wacky water games.
July 9 – July 13 – All Sorts of Sports: Experience traditional sports with some fun twists. Students will participate in assorted activities to improve balance and focus while building strength and motor skills and, of course, having a BALL.
July 16 – July 20 – Science Discovery: Science Rules! The children will be getting messy this week as they engage in hands-on science experiments and activities.
July 23 – July 27 – Jurassic Journey: Imagine traveling back to the land of the dinosaurs. Children will learn about the different species of dinosaurs, create their own dinosaur and even dig for dinosaur bones.
Registration: sweetbaymontessori.org
4-H Marine Camp
When: June 25-29
Where: Camp Timpoochee 4-H Center Niceville
Details: For ages 8-13, learn about marine life, going fishing, and exploring the underwater world with a mask and snorkel. $275 fee provides cabin lodging, 3 meals, snack and camp t-shirt. Senior Camp for ages 14-17 also available.
Registration: Marine Camp
Art & Nature Adventures
When: Wednesdays June 6 – August 1
Where: E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center, Freeport
Details: For ages 5-12. 9am – 2pm. Fun comes naturally at the Biophilia Center, with plenty of opportunities to learn and explore the nature of science! $45 per session.
June 6 – Totally Turtles
June 13 – Forest Friends
June 20 – Pond Pals
June 27 – Radical Reptiles
July 11 – All About Owls
July 18 – Let’s Wing It! Birds
July 25 – Buggin’ Out
August 1 – Mad Science Experiments!
Registration: http://www.eowilsoncenter.org/copy-of-summer-activities
Nature ROCKS!
When: First Session: July 16th-20th, Second Session: July 23-27th
Where: E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center, Freeport
Details: For 1st grade – 8th grade. 9am – 2pm. Music, nature and theater arts combine with a showcase for parents Friday at 1pm. $165 per session
Registration: http://www.eowilsoncenter.org/copy-of-summer-activities
South Walton Academy Summer Program
When: weekdays June 4 – July 27
Where: South Walton Academy (Mack Bayou)
Details: For ages 3-12. Various fun themes from arts & crafts to science experiments plus a weekly water day. 9am – 2pm. $35/day or $170/week plus $20 supply fee.
Registration: 850-213-4595 or southwaltonacademy.com
Art
Liza Snyder Art Camp
SOLD OUT! Join the wait list here!
When: June 18-21 and July 9-12
Where: Liza’s studio, Point Washington
Details: Four sessions available. Morning session: 9-11:30, Afternoon session: 12:30-3. Ages 5-12. $200 per session Monday – Thursday with supplies and snacks provided.
Registration: https://www.lizasnyderart.com/summerartcamp/
Dance
30A Ballet
When: June and July (see below)
Where: 30A Ballet
Details:
*Tutu’s & Tea Parties (Ages 3-5): June 11-14th, 9-11:00, $145.
*Ballet Fairy Camp (Ages 4-6): July 23-26, 9-11:00, $145.
*Ballet to Broadway Camp (Ages 6-8): July 9-13, 9-1:00, $185.
*Ballet to Broadway (Ages 8-10): June 4-8th, 9-1:00, $185.
*Dance Camp (Ages 10-12): July 16-20th, 9-1:00, $185.
*Dance Intensive (Ages 13-18): June 18-22 & 25-29, 9-2:00, $450.
***Limit 10 students per camp!
Registration: For more info. or to sign up, email allysonraymond22@gmail.com or call 850-399-0514 Allyson Raymond
Rise Dance Pre-School Camps
When: June and July (see below)
Where: Rise Dance Center, Destin
Details: For ages 3 – 5 (Preschool through Kindergarten) from 9am – Noon, Monday – Friday. $165 includes daily snacks and crafts. Campers should bring a refillable water bottle. (Multi-camp or sibling 10% discount applied when tuition is billed.)
take the leap! / june 18 – 22: Chassé, jeté and plié into the beautiful city of Paris. Ballet-themed games and très chic crafts will make this an oh la la exciting week.
island dreams / june 25 – 29: Say Aloha to summer with this Moana-inspired camp! Hulu your way into fun with tropical-style jazz moves, seashell art and ocean-themed props.
jedi training camp / july 9 – 13: Learn the ways of the Force in this hip hop and acro-themed dance camp. End the week with a galactic dance battle and performance.
pliés & princesses / july 16 – 20: Tiaras, tutus and twirls will keep dancers on their toes at this ballet-themed camp. Dress as your favorite character and party like a princess all week long.
the greatest showman / july 23 – 27: Come one, come all to the greatest show on earth! Our annual Cirque de Rise camp will transform into a big top of dance, magic, fantastic feats and more! This is sure to be our best camp yet!
Registration: Register online at https://www.risedancedestin.com/classesschedule
Rise Dance Elementary Camps
When: June and July (see below)
Where:Rise Dance Center, Destin
Details: For ages ages 6 – 11 (incoming 1st grade through 4th) from 9am – 3pm, Monday – Friday. $195 includes daily snacks and crafts. Campers should bring a bag lunch and refillable water bottle. (Multi-camp or sibling 10% discount applied when tuition is billed.)
camp REMIX / june 11 – 15: Our most popular camp of 2017 is back … inspired by the Musical.ly app, dancers will create their own music videos with choreography, costumes, props and more!
camp la la land / june 18 – 22: Broadway and movie musicals will set the stage for this camp where aspiring stars will DANCE, SING and ACT all week long.
#squad goals / june 25 – 29: Get your game day gear on and make the moves that set the sidelines on fire! Dance team technique and choreography is the goal.
world of hip hop / july 9 – 13: From music video-style moves and performances to street dance and battles, dancers will explore the world of hip hop dance in this week long camp.
rise got talent / july 16 – 20: Show us your talent! Campers will create (with the help of instructors and assistants) a showcase featuring their unique talents and dance moves learned during the week.
the greatest showman / july 23 – 27: Come one, come all to the greatest show on earth! Our annual Cirque de Rise camp will transform into a big top of dance, magic, fantastic feats and more! This is sure to be our best camp yet!
Registration: Register online at https://www.risedancedestin.com/classesschedule
Theater
Little Rascals at ECTC
When: May 29-June 1, June 11-14, July 23-27, July 30-August 3
Where: Emerald Coast Theatre Company, Grand Boulevard and more
Details: For ages 4-6. Designed specifically for young players, with a focus on activities that allow students to explore acting, singing, and movement in an energetic, nurturing environment that fosters creativity and collaboration. M/T-Th/F from 9am – 12pm with a final performance on the last day of camp. Tuition $130. Bring snack and water for half day camps. $25 registration fee.
Registration: https://www.emeraldcoasttheatre.org/summercamps
Camp Showtime at ECTC
When: June 11-14, July 16-20, July 23-27
Where: Emerald Coast Theatre Company, Grand Boulevard and more
Details: For grades 2-8. Let the rhythm get you! Come act, sing and dance your heart out to popular Broadway tunes. Learn songs and simple choreography to some of the most popular musical numbers in show business. Performance for parents the last day of camp! M-Th/F. Tuition $150.
June 11-14 *9:00am-3:00pm ECTC @ Grand Boulevard, Miramar Beach
July 16-20 *9:00am-3:00pm Seaside Neighborhood School
July 23-27 *9:00am-3:00pm Gulf Coast State College, Panama City
*Extended drop off/pick up from 8:00am-4:00pm available
Registration: https://www.emeraldcoasttheatre.org/summercamps
The Adventures of Robin Hood at ECTC
When: June 4-8, June 18-22, July 30-August 3
Where: Emerald Coast Theatre Company, Grand Boulevard and more
Details: For grades 2-8. Calling all brave and virtuous knights and maidens for a NON musical version of “Robin Hood.” There’s sure to be lots of crazy antics in this classic story that’s got something for everyone to love. M-F with a final performance on the last day of camp. Donations accepted. Tuition $175.
June 4-8 *9:00am-3:00pm ECTC @ Grand Boulevard, Miramar Beach
June 18-22 *9:00am-3:00pm Gulf Coast State College, Panama City
July 30-Aug 3 *9:00am-3:00pm ECTC @ Grand Boulevard, Miramar Beach
*Extended drop off/pick up from 8:00am-4:00pm available
Registration: https://www.emeraldcoasttheatre.org/summercamps
Disney’s Alice in Wonderland Jr. at ECTC
When: June 18-29, July 9-20
Where: Emerald Coast Theatre Company, Grand Boulevard and more
Details: For grades 3-9. Two week musical theatre camp Week Musical Theatre Camp featuring updated songs from Disney’s thrilling animated motion picture. This camp gives ECTC instructors time with your young thespian to train them even more with stage presence, acting techniques, and theatre games! M-F for two weeks (skipping Saturday and Sunday) with a final performance the Friday evening and Saturday morning of the last week of camp. Performance tickets are $12. Tuition $375 (payments available)
June 18-29 *9:00am-3:00pm ECTC @ Grand Boulevard, Miramar Beach
July 9-20 *9:00am-3:00pm Gulf Coast State College, Panama City
*Extended drop off/pick up from 8:00am-4:00pm available
Registration: https://www.emeraldcoasttheatre.org/summercamps
Sports & Swim
Ryland Pole Vault
When: July 2nd – 6th, July 9th – 13th, July 23rd – 27th, July 30th – August 3rd
Where: Ryland Pole Vault, Point Washington
Details: Hone your pole vaulting skills with coach and experienced vaulter Daniel Ryland. $750 for 5 days
Registration: http://www.rylandpolevault.com/2-day-summer-camps-1/
British Soccer Camp
When: June 4-8
Where: Freeport Regional Sports Complex or Morgan Sports Complex Destin
Details: Mini Soccer is 4pm – 5:30 for ages 3-5 ($98) and Half Day Soccer is 5:30 – 8:30 for ages 6-14 ($128). In Mini Soccer, young players will be provided with a wide variety of individual and small group practices which will help develop the fundamental aspects of the game. In Half Day Soccer, players focus on individual skill development, core techniques, one on one skills, freestyle soccer, small sided games and the Camp World Cup. Additional camps will also be held July 9-13 in Niceville and Defuniak Springs.
Registration: Challenger Sports
Camp Whistle Worthy Swim Camp
When: May 28-31, June 4-7 and June 11-14
Where: WaterSound Origins Pool
Details: Whole Life Fitness teaches swim, safety and skills over a 4-day period with a focus on pool, lake and ocean safety plus fun aquatic activities. $200 per child.
Registration: http://www.wholelifefitnessfl.com/camps/
Camp SPF
When: June 18-21, June 25-28, July 2-6, July 9-12 and July 16-19
Where: WaterSound Origins Pool
Details: For ages 5-12. Aquatic adventures mixed with dry land activities including Coastal Dunes Exploration and knowledge, weekly themed scavenger hunts, crafts, water safety, games, and paddle board lessons.
Registration: http://www.wholelifefitnessfl.com/camps/
Vacation Bible Schools
Christ the King Episcopal Church
When: June 11-14
Where: Christ the King Episcopal Church
Details: Age 4 through upcoming 4th Grade. 9am – noon. $15 per child
Point Washington United Methodist Church
When: July 16-20
Where: PWUMC
Details: 3 sessions per day. Preschool Age Children: 9-11am. Elementary Children: 1-4:30, Club 56 (5th and 6th grade) students 5:30-7:30. Register by 7/1/18.
Registration: http://pwumc.org/connect/vacation-bible-school-p
